by Lynna Syazuin on 26 January 2026
I travelled to Cebu at the end of November 2025, even though I had originally planned a solo birthday trip on 3 December — something meaningful and reflective, a small gift to myself. My journey began in late October, when I researched places to visit, transport options, travel times, and costs, even drafting my own itinerary. Everything sounded exciting at first, but I soon realised that many destinations were far from the city centre, some in remote areas, which made solo travel challenging and filled with “what ifs” as a female traveller.
Then one day, while scrolling through Threads, I came across a post by Mowgli Venture. Almost all the places I had shortlisted were included, the itinerary closely matched my plans, the logistics were sorted, and the price was reasonable. Even though the schedule did not fall on my actual birthday, I decided to go for it — choosing safety and experience over exact dates.
Experiencing Cebu’s adventures as a Muslim traveller
As the travel date approached, I carefully prepared everything I needed for the journey — and the most important part was food. From my research, I knew that halal food options were quite limited in Cebu, so I decided not to take any chances. 💡To be safe, I brought my own ready-to-eat (RTE) meals and instant food, enough for six days. I am also already used to eating once a day, so this felt manageable for me and helped reduce unnecessary worry about food during the trip. Thankfully, carrying my RTE meals in my hand luggage was a smooth experience.
Day 1 – The Arrival & Finding Halal Snacks
On our first day in Cebu, I met my fellow travellers for the first time at the airport. Strangers quickly became friends — they were incredibly friendly and welcoming, even though we had never met before. We then took a GrabCar to our hotel and had some free time for the rest of the day before heading to our next destination the following morning.
One thing that surprised me was how quickly daylight seemed to change. Even though the time was the same as in Malaysia, it became bright and dark about two hours earlier than I expected. 💡In the evening, we visited Ayala Mall, where I was able to find halal biscuits, bread, and a wide variety of fruits — perfect for topping up in case my own food was not enough. With my meals already prepared, I no longer had to worry and could fully enjoy the journey without stressing about what to eat.
💡Prayer times were also a little challenging, especially Subuh, which started around 4.00 a.m. Waking up that early was not easy, but it was part of adjusting to the rhythm of the place.
Day 2 – Doing the Sardine Run in Moalboal!
We went snorkelling in Moalboal to witness the incredible sardine run, surrounded by thousands of shimmering fish moving together in perfect synchrony beneath the clear blue waters. Exploring the underwater world and being so close to such vibrant marine life felt surreal.
We also enjoyed quiet moments by the beach, feeling the sea breeze and watching the sunset — peaceful evenings that provided a beautiful contrast to the excitement of the day. We ended the night with dinner at a bar-restaurant called Hungry Monkey. As most places served non-halal food, I brought my RTE meal with me, but still enjoyed sitting with my travel group — now friends — sharing the moment and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Travelling to Cebu as a Muslim still required awareness when eating out. I continued to differentiate what was halal and what was not, especially meat dishes, as you can never be certain how the meat was slaughtered. I truly appreciated how my friends always checked on me before choosing cafés or restaurants.
Day 3 – Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls + Side Waterfalls
We started the morning bright and early, heading to Cancanalog Falls to try cliff jumping before visiting the more famous Kawasan Falls. It was my very first time cliff jumping. I remember standing at the edge, feeling both nervous and excited. My heart was racing, but I took the leap anyway. The rush of adrenaline, the thrill of the jump, and the sense of accomplishment afterwards made it an unforgettable experience.
💡That day, I also tried Peso WiFi for the first time. It felt very old-school compared to what I am used to, but it worked well and made staying connected a little easier.
Next, we went to Kawasan Falls, where I had my first-ever experience riding the longest and fastest zipline in the Philippines. Flying above the lush forest below was exhilarating and unforgettable. We spent about four hours there, enjoying various activities — cliff jumping, sliding, and more — laughing and feeling thrilled the entire time. It was comforting to know that even if you could not swim, the guides were always there to watch over you and ensure your safety.
After a morning filled with adventure, it was finally lunchtime. Although food was served for everyone, as a Muslim, I preferred to eat my own RTE meal — this time, nasi goreng.
Once we were full and recharged, we headed to Lugsangan Casino Peak, also known as the Chocolate Mountains of southern Cebu. We had to hike a little to reach the top, but the effort was worth it. The view was breathtaking, with golden light spilling over rolling hills, giving the mountains their “chocolate” hue — a perfect way to end an adventurous day.
After watching the sunset, we moved on to our next stop in preparation for the following activity — snorkelling to see the whale sharks. After returning to the hotel, we freshened up, had dinner, performed jamak prayers, and rested.
💡In Islam, travellers are permitted to perform jamak, which allows certain prayers to be combined, such as Zohor with Asar or Maghrib with Isyak, as long as the travel and activities are for permissible purposes. This was especially helpful on days with tight schedules or early departures, making it easier to manage prayers while travelling.
Day 4 – Whaleshark Watching (add-on) & Kabutongan Falls Canyoneering
We started the day very early, around 3.45 a.m., before Subuh, as we needed to queue to buy tickets for the whale shark snorkelling experience. 💡I decided to perform wudhuk at the hotel beforehand, and praying at the site while wearing modest clothing was sufficient. I am grateful to my friend who stood by me while I prayed. Praying in an open space can feel uncomfortable, especially when people look on curiously, wondering what you are doing. Having my friend there made it much easier.
Once we got our tickets, we boarded the boat and spent about 20 minutes observing the whale sharks. It was my first time seeing them up close — right before my eyes — and it was truly unforgettable.
After the activity, we returned to the hotel, freshened up, and had breakfast before heading to our next destination, Kabutongan Falls. We packed our belongings, as we would be staying in Cebu City afterwards.
At Kabutongan Falls, we received a briefing on the activities and safety guidelines. To reach the site, we rode motorcycles for about ten minutes through the lush countryside. Kabutongan Falls is a hidden gem, known for its serene atmosphere, clear waters, and natural pools surrounded by forest. It is less crowded than many popular waterfalls, making it an ideal place to relax, enjoy nature, and take part in light adventure activities.
Afterwards, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant. As usual, I ate my own prepared meal while the others enjoyed the food served there.
Our next destination was Binalayan Falls, known for its stunning natural beauty, lush greenery, and tropical surroundings. Like Kabutongan, it is less crowded than other waterfalls in Cebu, making it a peaceful spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
The following drive took about three hours. Along the way, we witnessed a beautiful sunset and asked the driver to stop briefly so we could take some photos.
Day 5 – Cebu City Walking Tour: Heritage, Culture & History of Cebu
Before starting the city tour, we had breakfast at a nearby coffee shop. During the tour, we visited several key landmarks, including churches that reflected Cebu’s strong Catholic heritage. Entering these spaces was not about worship, but about understanding local culture and history. I observed the architecture, the calm atmosphere, and how faith shaped daily life for the people there. This experience helped me appreciate how religion — regardless of belief — influences identity and community.
Beyond the churches, we wandered through a local market and explored a museum. The market was lively, filled with conversations and the rhythm of daily life. The museum brought Cebu’s history to life through exhibits, artefacts, and photographs that traced its journey from colonial times to the present.
Experiencing these places together reminded me that city tours are not just about sightseeing; they are about observing how people live, work, and celebrate their culture.
Each stop added another layer of understanding and deepened my appreciation for Cebu’s traditions and heritage, while also reinforcing the importance of respect, openness, and learning how others live and practise their faith.
On our final night before returning to Malaysia, we visited Ayala Mall once more to buy souvenirs and gifts. 💡We used Move It, a public motorbike transport service in the Philippines — affordable and a great time-saver.
Day 6 – The end of our Cebu adventure.
Our Cebu adventure came to an end, and it felt surreal. Six days filled with first-time experiences, challenges, laughter, and moments of awe. I am grateful to my friends for sharing this journey, and to Cebu for memories that will last a lifetime. Until we meet again.
💡Cebu may not appear to be the most Muslim-friendly destination on paper, but with proper research, awareness, and adaptability, it is absolutely doable and well worth experiencing. This trip reminded me that travelling as a Muslim — especially as a woman — is not about limitations, but about learning how to adapt while staying true to your faith, wherever you go.
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