Many travelers have been asking: Is it safe to visit Cebu after the September 30, 2025 North Cebu earthquake?
The earthquake shook not just the ground but also everyone’s sense of safety, especially among tourists who’ve been planning to explore the island.
I’ve seen firsthand how strong the tremors were in the north, and how quickly locals responded to each other’s needs. Despite the damage, what stood out most was the resilience of Cebuanos. Relief efforts came in nonstop and life is slowly returning to normal.
Today, Cebu remains open to visitors. Whether you’re landing at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, driving to Moalboal, or catching a ferry to Bantayan Island, most routes are fully operational and tourist activities continue as usual.
Cebu’s beauty and kindness haven’t changed. If anything, they’ve only grown stronger. In this guide, I’ll share the latest updates on which parts of the island were affected, how recovery is going, and what tourists need to know about traveling safely across North, Central, and South Cebu after the earthquake.
What Actually Happened in Cebu’s Earthquake
In late September 2025, a strong earthquake struck Northern Cebu, with tremors felt all around the entire Cebu island and even nearby Visayas islands. The epicenter was around Bogo City, where many homes, schools, and churches were damaged. Over 8,000 aftershocks were recorded within a week, though most were mild, but nevertheless still nerve-wracking for residents.
Despite the intensity, Cebu’s main infrastructure — including the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, major highways, bridges, and seaports — remained stable and safe. Power and communication lines were temporarily disrupted in some northern towns but are now restored.
Provincial rescue teams, volunteers, and private groups immediately mobilized to bring food, water, and temporary shelter to the affected communities. Our own Cebu Tourist Transfers drivers volunteered to deliver supplies and help families relocate to safer areas.
Today, while rebuilding continues in many barangays in the north, the rest of Cebu is functioning normally. Public transportation, tours, and flights have all resumed. For travelers wondering if it’s safe to visit Cebu after the earthquake, the overall situation has stabilized and tourism is steadily bouncing back.
Is it Safe to visit North Cebu now?
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s safe to visit North Cebu after the earthquake, the answer is yes — with awareness and realistic expectations. The northern towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Bogo City were among those hit hardest.
The good news is that recovery has been swift. Main highways connecting Bogo to Daanbantayan are now clear and fully passable. The ports leading to Bantayan Island (via Hagnaya Port) and Malapascua Island (via Maya Port) reopened shortly after safety inspections.
For tourists, this means travel to the north is possible again. You can still visit Bantayan’s white-sand beaches and Malapascua’s diving spots, though you might notice some communities still repairing homes and local facilities. Resorts and accommodations in these islands are mostly open, as their structures were less affected.
If you’re heading north, it helps to travel with a trusted local transport provider. Our Cebu Tourist Transfers drivers regularly pass through these routes and are updated on any temporary roadwork or detours. This ensures you’ll reach your destination safely and on time.
Another thing to appreciate is how warm and welcoming people remain despite everything they’ve been through. So while North Cebu is still healing, it’s safe to visit, and your presence helps communities rebuild faster. Every stay, meal, or tricycle ride you take contributes to families who depend on tourism for their livelihood.
What About Central Cebu? Is It safe to visit now?
When it comes to safety, Central Cebu — which includes Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu (Mactan Island) — remains fully operational and largely unaffected by the earthquake. While people in the metro felt the tremors, there was no major structural damage or long-term disruption to tourism or transportation.
In fact, life in the city bounced back almost immediately. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport continued its regular flights just hours after the quake. Public transport, ferries, and inter-island trips resumed as usual, and all 3 bridges connecting Mactan to Cebu City were declared structurally sound after inspection.
The local government and private building owners were quick to conduct safety checks, especially in high-rise offices and hotels. So for anyone asking if it’s safe to visit Cebu after the earthquake, the metro area remains one of the most stable and secure parts of the island.
Even the mountains surrounding the city — Busay, Sirao Garden, and Tops Lookout — are safe to visit. Roads going up to these popular sightseeing spots are open, and the views are as stunning as ever. You can enjoy a quick city escape, sample Cebu’s famous lechon, or go café-hopping without worry.
Central Cebu has always been the island’s beating heart, and the earthquake didn’t slow it down. If you’re flying into Cebu soon, consider spending your first or last day exploring the metro area before heading north or south.
And if you need a reliable ride from the airport to your hotel, or onward to your next destination, Cebu Tourist Transfers can take care of it for you — safely and comfortably.
Is south cebu okay to visit after the earthquake?
If you’re planning to explore South Cebu, you’ll be happy to know that it remains completely safe and open for tourism. The southern municipalities — Moalboal, Badian, Oslob, Dalaguete, Argao, and Ginatilan — were far from the earthquake’s epicenter and reported minimal to no structural damage.
Transportation to the south has continued without interruption. The Cebu South Road is in good condition, with buses, vans, and private transfers running smoothly. Travelers heading to Moalboal for the sardine run, to Badian for canyoneering, or to Oslob for whale shark encounters can proceed as planned.
Hotels, dive shops, and tour operators are all operating normally. In fact, many southern communities organized donation drives for their neighbors in the north — a reminder of how deeply connected the island is. While they were spared from direct damage, locals here felt the tremors and immediately offered help, proving again how united Cebuanos are in times of crisis.
For adventure seekers, South Cebu remains one of the safest and most exciting parts of the island. You can still hike Osmeña Peak, swim in Kawasan Falls, or relax in Argao’s seaside resorts without any safety concerns. These areas also make great day trips if you’re staying in the city and want to see a more natural side of Cebu.
To make the most of your trip, it’s best to book a private transfer service for your journey to the south, especially if traveling with family or a group. With Cebu Tourist Transfers, you’ll have the comfort of a dedicated vehicle and a local driver who knows the routes well — no transfers, no waiting, and no worries about missed connections.
Even after the earthquake, South Cebu continues to thrive. The region’s natural attractions are untouched, and its people are as welcoming as ever. Visiting now not only guarantees a memorable experience but also helps keep the island’s tourism industry strong as the north continues to recover.
Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting Cebu After the Earthquake
- Check travel updates before heading north. Most roads are open, but some barangays are still under repair. Of course, our drivers are updated on local road conditions.
- Book trusted private transfers. Our Cebu Tourist Transfers team can safely bring you anywhere in mainland Cebu.
- Support local businesses. Eat at small restaurants, buy local goods, and hire local guides.
- Be respectful when passing through affected communities.
- Pack extra patience. Some areas may still be recovering, but Cebuanos are always ready to lend a hand.
Final Thoughts
So, is it safe to visit Cebu after the earthquake? Yes, it is. Cebu is open, welcoming, and ready for visitors again. The earthquake may have shaken the island’s soil, but it didn’t break its spirit.
Cebuanos continue to rebuild with quiet strength, and tourism helps fuel that recovery. By visiting now, you’re not only creating memories — you’re helping an island rise again, one trip at a time.
