It’s an exciting time to travel to the Philippines. Not just one, but three of its stunning islands have been named among the best five in Asia for 2019. Boracay and Palawan are the usual suspects for lists like these — but it was a pleasant surprise to find that Cebu was named second best after Boracay!
While the island receives nearly two million travellers a year, we think it’s still a pretty underrated destination — and one that deserves your attention. Amazing food, awe-inspiring sights, and a truly restful atmosphere await you. So, why not book yourself a stay at one of these Cebu Airbnb homes and get yourself acquainted with this breathtaking island? Browse through these listings, take your pick, and have the best time!
Also read: Fly to Cebu NOW — Here’s Why and Where You Should Go
Beautiful Cebu Airbnb homes for those who’d like to stay outside the city
1. This stylish villa overlooking Cebu City
Listing name: Luxury Villa Busay
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 4
When in Cebu, expect to spend a good amount of time in Busay — a beautiful town atop a mountain that overlooks Cebu City. If you’d like to stay away from the noise but still be close enough to the centre, this peaceful villa may be the perfect pick for you. Offering an experience that may even better than that of a private resort, this spacious Airbnb is ideal for a luxurious staycation with family or a group of friends.
Spacious bedrooms, hotel-quality amenities, and a sizeable swimming pool aren’t the only things you can expect when staying at this home. A daily cleaning and laundry service is offered with no additional fees, and the live-in staff is ready to accommodate your needs at any time — including having delicious dishes whipped up by the in-house chef! The best part? The villa also has access to an 80-foot luxury boat, which can be privately chartered for fun activities like sunset sailing, island hopping, and snorkelling! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
2. This rustic beach bungalow close to the famous Kawasan Falls
Listing name: Badian Beach House “Casa Toussaint”
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 15
No. of bedrooms: 4
If you’ve done your research, then you probably already know that the Kawasan Falls in Badian are among Cebu’s top must-see sights. You can either choose to take a day trip to the falls (which is really not much trouble if you’re alright with taking a few hours to get there and back), or you can opt to stay somewhere in pretty close proximity. This beach house in Badian is a great choice if you’re more inclined toward the latter option — and if you’d much rather stay outside the city!
With limited Wi-Fi and data coverage, this Cebu Airbnb offers the perfect excuse to take a break from your busy everyday routine. It’s just the place to relax, get back to nature, and experience the best of Filipino hospitality. The beach is practically at your doorstep, and the caretakers will make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive — they’ll happily help you settle in and organise your tours around Cebu, too! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
3. This guest house with private access to the beach
Listing name: Moalboal Turtle Haven @ La Concepcion Cove
Listing type: Private room in guest house
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
Up for an underwater adventure? The coastal town of Moalboal is one of Cebu’s famous diving spots! It also doubles as a tranquil place to take in gorgeous sights and get some rest and rejuvenation. This Airbnb is around three kilometres away from the town proper, with a private pathway to the beach. From here, Cebu’s breathtaking marine life is practically right at your doorstep!
If your love for animals goes way beyond sea creatures, then you have another reason to fall in love with this listing — their adorable resident dog will happily welcome you once you arrive. Plus, to complete your Moalboal experience, your Airbnb hosts will happily help you book your canyoneering, island hopping, and self-drive scooter tours! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
4. This tranquil hideaway in a tropical paradise
Listing name: Spacious Room in Santa Fe Bantayan near the Beach
Listing type: Private room in tiny house
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
Bantayan Island is another tropical paradise you may want to visit in Cebu. Located in the northwest part of the province, it’s known for its white sand beaches and pristine waters. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then you’ll definitely want to check out this listing!
You can expect to feel right at home at this Cebu Airbnb. It’s actually the host’s summer vacation home, so it’s peppered with a lot of thoughtful touches like cute interiors, smart speakers powered by Alexa (which allows you to control the lights and play music via their Spotify Premium account), and a cosy cabana where you’re more than welcome to chill! An ideal place for watching sunrises and sunsets and staring up at the stars, a stay at this home will surely make you fall in love with life outside the city. Learn more about this Airbnb here.
5. This spacious home with sea and mountain views
Listing name: Homestay California 1
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 3
Travelling to Moalboal with a bigger group? This three-bedroom homestay is a great pick. Perfect for an action-packed adventure, this Airbnb’s location makes it easy to go island hopping, snorkel, and even swim with the occasional turtle! Level up your Moalboal experience and head to the nearby market, then fire up the grill and whip up a delicious feast. You certainly won’t regret it!
In addition, this home has some of the most awe-inspiring views of the sea and mountains, creating the perfect atmosphere for a truly restful experience. Guests swear that photos don’t even do this place justice! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: Top 20 Things to Do in Cebu for First-Time Visitors
Stunning Airbnb homes in Cebu that are perfect for a city staycation
6. This Japanese-inspired studio apartment in the heart of the city
Listing name: 5-Star Experience at the Heart of Cebu
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: Studio
Simple yet functional: If this sounds like your kind of thing, then this Japanese-inspired studio is just the place for you. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist aesthetic — this Cebu Airbnb actually comes highly recommended for its many amenities, providing its guests with both comfort and convenience. It’s a spacious option for solo travellers, and a cosy choice for two!
Located in central Cebu City, this home is within walking distance of lots of trendy restaurants and places to grab coffee or drinks. Popular beach resorts in Mactan, as well as attractions in Busay such as Sirao Flower Garden and Temple of Leah, are just an hour away as well! If you’re looking for a full-on staycation experience, then worry not — this studio comes with a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and access to a gym! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
7. This modern guest house in a quiet residential area
Listing name: BEAUTIFUL MODERN GUEST HOUSE
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
Tucked in a quiet neighbourhood, this rustic yet modern hideout is a cosy home away from home. At this Cebu Airbnb, you’re guaranteed a hotel-quality experience and more. This guest house comes with an ensuite bathroom complete with amenities, complimentary coffee and water, and your very own refrigerator. Guests are also welcome to lounge in the outdoor patio — it’s particularly beautiful place to hang out at night, right under the stars!
Its location places you just steps from public transportation, local bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. The city centre is just 10 minutes away, while you can get to several popular beaches are just 35 to 45 minutes. The neighbourhood is a pretty nice place to explore, too — the hosts encourage you to go on early morning or evening walks! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
8. This tropical-themed home across a popular foodie destination
Listing name: Rustic-Tropical 2 Bedroom Condo in Cebu I.T. Park
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 2
If you haven’t already heard, Cebu City is studded with amazing places to eat. Sugbo Mercado, a weekend food market packed with delicious eats, is something that should definitely be on your list! This Cebu Airbnb is located right across the popular foodie destination — and if that sounds perfect to you, you should make sure your stay falls on a weekend. You don’t want to miss out!
Clean, spacious, and beautifully decorated, this tropical-inspired home is perfect for getaways with friends. You won’t only love its stylish aesthetic — it’s got lots of functional amenities, too. Plus, you’ll also get access to the condominium’s pool, jogging path, and outdoor gym! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: 20 Restaurants in Cebu City That Will Keep You Coming Back for More
9. This dormitory-style apartment that’s great for uninterrupted bonding sessions
Listing name: Cozy Bunk-bed Style Home for 4 in Cebu I.T. Park
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 1
For a seamless bonding experience, go for a stay at this dormitory-style apartment. Stylishly arranged with four bunk beds, it’s an ideal choice for uninterrupted quality time with family or friends. Despite the setup, it’s actually quite a spacious option with a generous set of amenities: a bar counter, mini fridge, and a flat-screen TV. The stunning city views are a plus, too!
Location-wise, this Airbnb is a pretty good choice for those who want to explore the city. Major malls and restaurants are easily accessible, some of them just a few steps from here. What’s more, if you’re hoping to venture to attractions outside of Cebu City, they’re just an easy car ride away! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
10. This Instagram-worthy apartment that comes with free breakfasts
Listing name: Lysenina Lux
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 2
Affordable and Instagram-worthy? It almost sounds too good to be true! On top of that, this beautifully curated apartment is located in a quiet, gated community, where public transportation is easily accessible. Historical sights, major malls, restaurants, and Cebu’s nightlife are all just a quick car ride away!
A cosy home with enough space for six adults, this apartment comes with Wi-Fi, a smart TV, complimentary water and coffee, plus bathroom essentials. In addition to this, a stay at this apartment also comes with free breakfast for two at a nearby (and equally Instagrammable) cafe! While it’s certainly a budget-friendly option, you definitely won’t have to sacrifice any comforts by choosing this listing. Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs in the Philippines That Will Make You Fall in Love
Whether you’re in the mood for an island escape or are undeniably drawn to life in the city, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect Cebu Airbnb on this list. Our advice? Keep this list bookmarked — you’ll definitely want to come back!
