Things To Do
in Compostela

Fresh fish or squid simply seasoned and grilled over charcoal — widely available at roadside stalls and eateries along the coast.

Must-Try!

A Cebuano trio: Sugba (grill), Tuwa (soup/stew) and Kilaw (ceviche). Look for small restaurants offering a daily catch prepared in these styles.

Rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves, a staple with grilled dishes and perfect for eating on the go at markets and barbecue stands.

Cebu-style roast pig is famed throughout the Philippines; whole roasted lechon is common during fiestas and can be sampled at local celebrations or specialty stalls.

The market is the best place to see and taste local produce: fresh fish, dried seafood, tropical fruits, and small vendors selling snacks like banana cue, turon and grilled seafood.

Along coastal barangays you'll find simple stalls grilling fresh catch; great for casual meals and sunset views.

Polite greetings are appreciated: a friendly 'Maayong adlaw' (Good day) or 'Kumusta' (How are you?) goes a long way in small communities.

Show deference to elders; dress modestly in churches and during religious events. Remove hats and speak quietly during services.

If attending a town fiesta, be respectful of rituals and local customs, ask before photographing people during private ceremonies, and accept offers of food as a gesture of hospitality.

Public displays of anger or loud confrontation are frowned upon — remain calm and civil in disputes and address issues politely.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — round up small bills for tricycle drivers, leave loose change at eateries, and tip service staff 50–100 PHP (about $1–2) for notable service. In restaurants, check whether a service charge is already included.

Cash (Philippine pesos) is the primary payment method in Compostela; ATMs are limited—bring enough cash for multi-day stays. Larger establishments in Cebu City accept cards, but in-town shops, markets and tricycle drivers expect cash. Mobile payment options are growing but not universally accepted.

Short, family-friendly hikes near Compostela offer panoramic views over rice paddies and the Camotes Sea; trails are usually informal and maintained by barangay communities.

Nearby Danao (short drive) has adventure parks and trails for ziplining and ridge walks — good for adrenaline-seekers and photographers.

Cebu's highest accessible peak located in Dalaguete — a longer day trip from Compostela (2–3 hours by car) but rewarding for dramatic limestone formations and coastal views.

If you take a ferry to the Camotes Islands, there are easy island hikes such as the trail to Lake Danao and short coastal walks that showcase secluded beaches and landscapes.

The main gateway to Cebu province; about a 1–2 hour drive from Compostela depending on traffic. From the airport you can take bus or taxi to Cebu City and then provincial buses/jeepneys north to Compostela.

There are no major commercial airports in Compostela itself. For sea access to nearby islands like Camotes, check departures from nearby ports such as Danao or Bogo; schedules vary seasonally.

The majority of residents are Cebuano speakers (Bisaya) and Roman Catholic; family and community ties are strong and local culture centers around parish life and barangay activities.

There may be small groups of indigenous peoples and migrants from other parts of the Philippines involved in farming and local trade; diversity increases closer to larger towns.

Vegetarian options are limited but manageable: ask for vegetable stews, fried vegetables, mango and rice; communicate clearly in Cebuano or Tagalog using 'walay karne' (no meat).

Vegan choices require care—many dishes use fish sauce or shrimp paste. Request plain rice, grilled vegetables and fruits, and verify ingredients at eateries.

Rice is the staple so many meals are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for soy sauce and marinades that contain wheat—ask cooks to use alternatives if possible.

Halal-specific restaurants are rare in small towns. Seafood and vegetable dishes are safe choices, but for certified Halal meat consider eating in Cebu City where options are more available.