Among all of the cities in the Philippines, Cebu has the charm and balance of everything a digital nomad needs. In fact, before Metro Manila, Cebu was the original capital of the Philippines. Today, it continues to be the second most progressive city with its fascinating history and culture, along with the fantastic surrounding islands.
Expect a lot from Cebu, from spectacular dive sites, relaxing beaches, the hustle and bustle of city life, and thankfully, fast Internet connections! These are just some of the reasons why you find many digital nomads and startup businesses heading to Cebu for their long-term stays. Let’s also not forget the delicious food and tropical weather!
Cebu and its surrounding islands are very accommodating towards remote workers and digital nomads. More and more coworking spaces are opening, and there are wide range of choices for vacation rentals.
But where should you stay? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best vacation rentals for remote work in Cebu and nearby islands!
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10 Recommended Vacation Rentals in Cebu and Nearby Islands
If there’s one thing we love about Cebu, it’s the accessibility. Not only can you quickly go around the city and the beaches, but you can head to the nearby islands for peace! With islands like Bohol and Negros Oriental just a ferry ride away from Cebu, you won’t have to hassle yourself exploring the many different paradises the Philippines offers.
The best part is that there are so many different vacation rentals in the Philippines to choose from. Whether you want the city or beach life in Cebu or to be surrounded by nothing but greens or sand in Bohol or Negros Oriental, there’s a vacation rental for you. Plus, they all fit within various budgets, from luxury resorts to hostels, co-living accommodation to private villas.
Here are our top ten picks on where to stay when in Cebu and nearby islands:
1. Blanco Beach Resort, Cebu
If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Cebu’s city life, you can head to Malapascua Island near Cebu and stay in Blanco Beach Resort. It’s a mere 4-minute walk from Logan Beach, offering different facilities and amenities to truly make you feel like you’re on vacation.
You may be a bit far from “civilization,” but you’ve got luxury features, including a restaurant, bar, and garden, a private beach area, lovely staff to serve your needs, and free WiFi. Digital nomads won’t have a difficult time in terms of cash as there is a currency exchange and ATM readily available, too.
We love the hotel-style rooms featuring their own patio, deck, and soft bed linen, perfect for work and rest after a day out under the sun. While outdoors, you can join many water activities, such as fishing and snorkeling.
Blanco Beach Resort Official Website
2. Alicia Apartelle, Cebu
Alicia Apartelle is a simply designed serviced apartment that makes you feel at home. It’s not a luxury hotel but is a notch above the typical bed and bath accommodation coming at an affordable price. You’ve got a gym, swimming pool, and a conveniently located in the city, minutes away from the local mall and bus stations.
You can choose between a studio, 1-bedroom, or 2-bedroom apartment, all of which have their own full kitchen. The 2-bedroom units offer a full living room and balcony! Watch out for some of their promos, which include tour packages so you can have fun-filled days when you aren’t working.
Alicia Apartelle Official Website
3. Bonita Oasis, Cebu
As the name suggests, you’re truly in an oasis when in Bonita Oasis. It’s a wonderful beach resort located in Moalboal, so you’ve got a fantastic view of the waters with a private beach area to enjoy peace and quiet. You can also ask the concierge if you want to take a tour or have fun with water activities, like kayaking, island hopping, canyoning, or whale-shark watching.
Besides that, you will love their in-house restaurant, where you can order various international dishes! Other services include motorbike rental, massage, laundry, and shuttle services. And, of course, expect consistent WiFi, much to any digital nomad’s delight!
Bonita Oasis Cebu Official Website
4. Citadines, Cebu
If you love city life and want to be nestled in the center of everything, then we recommend checking into Citadines, Cebu. Managed under Discovery ASR, they offer hotel-like amenities in their serviced apartments, offering various room types ranging from studios to 2-bedroom options. The rooms are fully equipped with comfy beds, a television, a designated desk for work, and fast WiFi.
Furthermore, all the apartments feature a full-service kitchen, with some apartments having a built-in washer and dryer, so you get to feel at home and do your chores without hassle. As for amenities, expect a fitness center, swimming pool, sun deck, lounge and business corner, and in-house dining.
5. Amalfi Oasis City Di Mare, Cebu
Another home away from home is in Amalfi Oasis Seaside Cebu. You can rent an apartment here, which features two bedrooms, one bathroom, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private patio with pool views. The apartment has its own swimming pool, garden, and shared lounge, so you can choose to work in your vacation rental or outdoors to soak up the sun.
You won’t have to worry about the airport shuttle, as the property offers free services. Furthermore, digital nomads will like the homey ambiance of the apartment, which is complete with its own living room with a flat-screen television. You can also enjoy and take advantage of the apartment’s free WiFi!
Amalfi Oasis City Di Mare Official Facebook Page
6. Mactan Newtown, Cebu
Mactan Newtown Ocean View is a fantastic apartment to stay in if you want the mix of the city and beach vices. As the booking name suggests, you have a 360-degree view of the ocean. You’ll be situated on a private beach for lots of fun, with the luxury of hotel-like amenities, including an outdoor pool, garden, bike rental service, hot tub, fitness center, and children’s playground.
The room itself is a studio apartment with a sofa bed and a large double bed, including free WiFi so you can get work done in your room. However, you’re also within walking distance to local cafes and grocery centers for your convenience.
7. Panglao Moravian, Bohol
Bohol is a nearby island, which you can head to from Cebu via ferry ride. It’s about two kilometers away from Momo Beach and Doljio Beach, and the apartments give off Bali vibes as gardens and an outdoor swimming pool surround you. Each apartment has its own patio and free WiFi, a flat-screen television, a private bathroom, and comfortable beds.
There is no full serviced kitchen or desk, but they offer excellent customer service and housekeeping. While it’s far from the city center, you can speak with the staff to rent a car, or they can take care of your transportation needs.
Panglao Moravian, Bohol Official Facebook Page
8. Casa Cataleya, Bohol
Casa Cataleya is an excellent serviced apartment that has you feel right at home with its warming ambiance. Each apartment features its own living area, bathroom work desk, comfortable bedding, and a balcony with pool views. You can also head out to the pool, where there is adequate seating to relax or finish your projects.
The apartments also have a full kitchen, fridge, fiber Internet connection, air conditioning, and HD television with Netflix access! As for the location, it’s smackdab in the middle of Panglao, Daius, about 8 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach. However, Bikini Beach is within walking distance, and you can find a nearby convenience store and resto-bar.
Casa Cateleya Official Website
9. Marpas Apartments, Negros Oriental
MARPAS Apartments is an escape from the city, located in Negros Oriental, where you can have a peaceful environment. However, you’re still near many tourist spots and Dumaguete City. You’re a quick drive from beautiful places like Pulangbato Falls, Valencia Park, and Casaroro Falls. You’re 15 minutes away from the nearby grocery store, but staff also offer grocery services for your convenience.
You won’t need to worry about your transportation, as the property offers shuttle services, car and bike rentals, currency exchange services, housekeeping, and laundry.
Your apartment won’t only have a view of their pool, but the lush greeneries, where you can live and breathe fresh air all day long. If you want to explore, there’s a tour desk for staff to take care of your activities for the day.
Marpas Apartments Negros Oriental
10. Vida Homes, Negros Oriental
Vida Homes is a wonderful and luxurious place in Negros Oriental, offering luxury apartments and spacious villas for more privacy. All the units are designed with a modern touch with wooden and natural elements to have you feeling warm and at home. Moreover, you have a refreshing outdoor pool, infinity pool, and private beach access, so you’ve got everything all to yourself!
Other amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, pool bar, restaurant, and a tour desk to have fun and explore the wonders of Negros Oriental and other islands. You’ll be surrounded by the vast waters, lush green gardens, fresh air, and fast WiFi throughout the property!
Visa to Stay in Cebu and Nearby Islands as a Remote Worker
The majority of foreign nationals are allowed to stay in the Philippines without acquiring a visa for up to 30 days. Israel and Brazil citizens can stay in the Philippines without a visa for 59 days. You can check with the Philippine embassy and your local embassy to learn how long you can stay in the country without a visa or if you will need one.
These are the requirements to stay in the Philippines without a visa:
- Valid passport for at least six months
- Entry and exit flight tickets
- Identification cards and travel documents
- Hotel reservation, itinerary, or letter from the host
Suppose you would like to stay for even longer than your allotted period. In that case, you can easily apply for a Philippine tourist visa at the consulate or the Philippine Embassy. Here are the requirements:
- Valid passport for at least six months
- Duly accomplished visa application form
- Two copies of passport photos
- Confirmed exit flight tickets
- Proof of your status as a businessman or tourist
- Visa fee payment
People from certain countries can obtain a visa upon arrival in the Philippines if needed. When you obtain a tourist visa, you can extend your stay 30 days at a time for up to two years in immigration offices.
Transportation in Cebu and Nearby Islands
You won’t have any problem when traveling around the metropolis regarding transportation. It’s easy to find metered taxis wherever you are, or you can book through the country’s ride-sharing app, Grab (cars) or Angkas (motorcycles). The rates are about $3-5, though it depends on the distance.
If you don’t want to deal with traffic, you can always go for motorcycle taxis, also called habal-habal. These are located in virtually every street corner, costing less than $1 to $4! There are also other modes of public transportation, such as buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. The tickets are less than $1, with jeepneys having fares starting at $0.20.
If you plan on visiting other islands or going island hopping, we recommend asking your hotel concierge for help or booking a trip from a tour service company. You may need to ride a tour van and take a small ferry!
Internet Connection in Cebu
As for Internet connection, it is important to check and choose vacation rentals with fast and stable internet connection. While it may not be as fast as you’re used to in certain areas, the Internet speeds can range from 5 to 50 Mbps in coworking spaces and hotels. You can set up your own Internet connection through broadband or mobile data, with packages starting at less than $20 a month.
Wrapping It Up
If you want to get the best of both worlds, aka the city life and beach bum life surrounded by greens and nature, then Cebu is your next destination. Digital nomads will appreciate the myriad of coworking spaces and coliving accommodations, along with the vacation rentals and fast WiFi located conveniently within the city or in front of the beach.
Sure, the Internet may not be crazy fast, but it will get you by and have you finish heavy tasks with no problem. And right after you’re done with the workday, you can jump right into the seas or enjoy a lovely hike. Or heck, you can have a food trip and go clubbing with their crazy nightlife! The choice is all up to you, fellow digital nomad. The only question is: When are you going to Cebu?
Make sure you keep these vacation rentals in mind and begin booking your trip and creating your itinerary now!