Things To Do
in Consolacion
Consolacion is a coastal municipality on the northeastern edge of Metro Cebu, Philippines, known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, small-scale industry, and coastal communities. It serves as a convenient gateway between Cebu City to the south and northern towns on Cebu Island, offering quick access to beaches, island-hopping launches, and Cebu’s urban amenities. The town features low-key seaside vistas, busy public markets, and a growing food scene that blends traditional Cebuano flavors with casual modern dining.
Visitors often use Consolacion as a relaxed base for day trips to Mactan’s dive sites, Olango Island, and hiking destinations farther inland.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and take a scenic drive to Consolacion. Settle into your accommodation, taking a moment to unwind and appreciate the local ambiance. Explore nearby areas and enjoy a delicious brunch at a local café.
Visit the Consolacion Eco-Tourism Park to immerse yourself in nature with lush greenery and serene walking trails. Engage with friendly locals as you learn about the flora and fauna native to the area. Capture beautiful photographs of the scenic vistas around the park.
Savor a delightful Filipino dinner at a nearby restaurant, indulging in local specialties. Stroll around the town to experience the vibrant nightlife and perhaps catch a local cultural performance. Wind down your first night in Consolacion with a refreshing drink while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore historical landmarks. Visit the San Narciso Parish Church, an architectural gem that showcases the rich history of Consolacion. Take your time to admire its stunning details and take photos.
Head over to the Consolacion Heritage Center to learn about the town's cultural evolution and significant events. Engage with exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of the town's past. Grab a light lunch at a nearby eatery featuring local cuisine.
Experience the flavors of Consolacion with a food crawl through local street vendors. Taste various delicacies, from lechon to halo-halo, and share these experiences with fellow travelers or new friends. Conclude the evening with a leisurely walk at the park to enjoy the night breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi/Grab ride (within town) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🚌Local transport (jeepney/short bus) | $0.20-0.70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Cebu City and Mactan (easy access to airport, diving, and city attractions).
- Laid-back coastal atmosphere with fresh seafood and local markets.
- Good base for island hopping and outdoor day trips to hiking spots.
- Lower prices than central Cebu City for food and accommodations.
- Limited upscale amenities and nightlife within Consolacion itself—many options require travel to Cebu City or Mactan.
- Traffic congestion on the main thoroughfares during peak hours.
- Vulnerability to heavy rain and occasional flooding during the typhoon season.
- Public transport can be crowded and less convenient for door-to-door travel.
- "Kumusta? / Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please
- "Magkano kini?" - How much is this?
- "Asa ang CR?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Pwede nato i-diskwento?" - Can we get a discount?
Places to Visit in Consolacion
Visit one of these nice places.
Low cliffs, shoreline fishing activity, and sunset vistas make this stretch ideal for golden-hour coastal shots and candid scenes of local life.
Colorful stalls, fresh seafood displays, and busy vendors create vibrant market photography opportunities—best in the morning.
Views across the channel toward Cebu City and Mactan bridges, with night lights and maritime traffic providing dramatic compositions.
White-sand beaches and clear snorkeling waters on nearby islets offer underwater and seascape photography—great for wide-angle and action shots.
Bright flower farms and landscaped terraces near Busay provide colorful floral backdrops and panoramic views of the city and sea.
Food in Consolacion
Consolacion Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cebu-style roast pig with crisp skin and flavorful meat; find it at local lechon stalls and specialty shops in Consolacion and nearby Cebu City.
Must-Try!
A trio of seafood preparations—sugba (grill), tuwa (soup), and kilaw (ceviche); common at seaside restaurants and markets along Mactan and Consolacion’s coast.
Small woven rice parcels paired with grilled tuna or parrotfish; typical street-side meal in coastal barangays and markets.
Noodle dishes popular for casual dining and celebrations; available in local eateries and family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling local market with fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat snacks like fried fish, kwek-kwek (battered quail eggs), and grilled skewers—perfect for morning photo ops and cheap local eats.
Evening food stalls along coastal barangays offering seafood grills, fruit shakes, and street desserts—great for sunset bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Filipinos are friendly and polite—greet people with a smile, use 'Kumusta' (How are you) and thank people with 'Salamat'.
Show deference to older people—use polite forms of address and offer seats when appropriate; traditional gestures like mano (asking for a blessing by touching an elder’s hand to the forehead) may still be observed.
Dress modestly in churches and religious sites; remove hats and avoid revealing clothing when entering places of worship.
Wait to be invited to start a meal in some households; it’s polite to try a bit of everything offered. Avoid criticizing local food or customs directly.
Filipinos are generally expressive, but public displays of anger or loud arguments are frowned upon—keep composure and resolve disputes quietly.
Safety
Tipping in Consolacion
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always required; restaurants may include a service charge (10%)—if not, a 5–10% tip is common for good service. For small transactions at markets/tricycle rides, tipping is not expected but rounding up is polite.
Cash (Philippine peso) is widely used—carry small bills for markets and tricycles. Credit/debit cards are accepted at malls, hotels, and many restaurants; mobile e-wallets (GCash, PayMaya) are increasingly common for locals and some merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny weather with lower rainfall—best time for beach activities, island hopping, and outdoor photography; expect higher tourist numbers around December–January and Holy Week.
Frequent rains and occasional heavy downpours, with hotter, more humid days between storms—plan flexible schedules and pack rain gear; some boat trips may be canceled during rough conditions.
While Consolacion is sheltered compared with northern Philippines, strong typhoons can disrupt travel, produce flooding, and close airports—monitor weather advisories during these months.
Consolacion at Night
Hiking in Consolacion
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive from Consolacion toward Busay—famous for flower terraces, colorful gardens, and city/sea viewpoints; accessible for half-day visits and easy hikes.
Located in Balamban, about an hour-plus drive away—offers moderate trails, forested paths, and historical sites; rewarding for day hikers seeking cooler mountain air.
The highest peak in southern Cebu near Dalaguete, roughly 2–3 hours’ drive—known for dramatic jagged ridgelines and panoramic views of the island; popular for sunrise hikes and photography trips.
A famous waterfall and natural attraction near Badian—offers swimming, guided canyoneering experiences, and forested trails; best visited on calm-weather days.
Airports
How to reach Consolacion by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway to Cebu located on Mactan Island; about 25–45 minutes from Consolacion by car depending on traffic. Offers flights across Asia and domestic routes nationwide.
Not an airport but important transport hubs—Cebu’s ferry terminals (Cebu Pier, Pier 1–3) provide sea connections to nearby islands and are accessible from Consolacion for island-hopping departures; travel times vary by destination.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population are Cebuano (Visayan) speakers—warm, family-oriented communities with strong local traditions.
Many residents commute to jobs in Mandaue, Cebu City, or industrial areas; growing residential subdivisions attract young families.
A number of households have family members working abroad (Overseas Filipino Workers), influencing local incomes and community ties.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport in Consolacion and across the Philippines—community courts, barangay leagues, and pick-up games are common.
Widely played in schools and communities, with casual beach volleyball also popular along sandy stretches.
Marine sports are popular thanks to nearby Mactan dive sites and coral reefs; many residents and visitors participate in diving, snorkeling, and freediving.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Consolacion.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less prominent—look for vegetable stir-fries, salads, fruit shakes, and noodle dishes. Ask restaurants to omit fish sauce or shrimp paste (bagoong) and request egg-free or dairy-free preparations when needed.
Vegan choices can be limited outside major malls and tourist areas—prepare to rely on vegetable dishes, rice, and fresh fruit; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.
Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free, but check sauces and fried items for soy sauce or flour-based batters. Communicate needs clearly; language-friendly phrases below can help.
Halal options are available but not ubiquitous—seek out Muslim-owned eateries or halal-certified restaurants in Cebu City for guaranteed compliance.