Liloan is a very popular beachside getaway for the residents of bustling Cebu City due to its proximity to Cebu’s largest city. The town offers an excellent mix of Spanish heritage, outdoor adventure, and lovely beaches.
Every weekend the public beaches around Liloan swarm with locals who come to relax on the beautiful sand and enjoy the water sports on offer. This is where northern Cebu’s first public beach was created, and its popularity has yet to wane.
Hiding behind the towering mountains at Liloan is the amazing Mulao River, a focal point for eco-tourism adventures. Compostela, the neighboring town next to the river, is a great place to begin an excursion into the lush interior of Cebu Island.
But the town of Liloan has plenty to offer visitors as well. The American-built Bagacay Point Lighthouse is one of the area’s main landmarks, as well as a Philippine National Heritage structure. Another structure worth checking out is the old Bantayan sa Hari, a watchtower built during the Spanish era overlooking the Mactan Channel.
Liloan’s Church of Saint Ferdinand is one of the oldest buildings on Cebu, built centuries ago by the Spanish to honor their king. Today it remains the site of Liloan’s main festival, which is celebrated every year in late May.
Travel to Liloan - getting there
Liloan’s location just an hour north of Mactan-Cebu International Airport ensures that the town gets plenty of domestic tourism. The flight from Manila is only an hour and there are several every day. Buses, private taxis and minivans make the run straight to Liloan from the airport several times each day.
In brief
What to do: hang out on the public beaches with plenty of local Filipinos, enjoy the striking views from old Bantayan sa Hari and the Bagacay Point Lighthouse, and catch the colorful religious festival each May at the town’s central church.
Best time to go: December to April offers great all-around weather.
How long? A few days would be enough to experience Liloan.
Liloan attractions
- 2 - Bantayan sa Hari: this old Spanish watchtower is perched on a cliff overlooking the Mactan Channel, offering truly dramatic views.
- 2 - Bagacay Point Lighthouse: this National Heritage structure is a real beauty, and also makes a great spot for views over the sea.
- 2 - Church of Saint Ferdinand: Liloan’s oldest church is a Spanish-era gem, and always a hub of local activity.
Events
- Rosquillos Festival: named for the locally-made cookie, this fun festival presents the culture of Liloan every August.
- Liloan Festival: Liloan’s main religious festival takes place at the Church of Saint Ferdinand in late May.