Travel + Leisure magazine has ranked Cebu the 6th best island in the world for 2015, joining two other beautiful Philippine islands, Boracay (2nd place) and Palawan, which reclaimed the top spot. While Boracay and Palawan remain the top choice island destinations in the Philippines, Cebu is a province the world couldn’t ignore, thanks to its powdery-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and unmatched beauty.

Dubbed the Queen City of the South, Cebu is one of the top cities outside Luzon that has enjoyed an economic boom in recent years. The proof is in the numerous high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects now underway in the city proper, plus its role as host to major international events like APEC. But beyond its sprawling urbanization, the province is also home to beautiful island beaches. Here are a few of the must-visit islands in Cebu — visit them before you die, or at the very least, before you grow too old to travel.

1. Bantayan Island

The island is Cebu’s version of the world-famous Boracay. It sits 150 kilometers north of Cebu City, reachable after about 4.5 hours of travel. To get there, head to the North Bus Terminal and take a bus bound for Hagnaya, then ride a ferry to Sta. Fe. On average, one-way transportation costs P250.00 to P300.00. For affordable resorts, consider Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort, Kota Beach Resort, Ogtong Cave Resort, and Saint Bernard Beach Resort.

Beach Montemar Resort offers a beautiful view of the sea while you lie peacefully on a hammock, while Sugar Beach Resort delivers tranquility under its many white umbrellas.

2. Malapascua Island

One of Cebu’s gems, Malapascua is gifted with long white shorelines and emerald green to turquoise blue seawater. It’s considered one of the best summer destinations in the country, but it doesn’t disappoint even on rainy days, since life here goes well beyond lying on the beach and sunbathing. There’s plenty to do, including wakeboarding, thresher shark watching, and scuba diving, among others.

Around 80 kilometers north of the capital, it’s reachable after about three hours of travel. Just take a bus bound for Maya at the North Bus Terminal, then a boat from Maya Port to Malapascua. Average one-way fare runs P250 to P300. Recommended resorts for practical travelers include Hideaway Resort, Bamboo Room, Mike & Diose’s Beach Cottage, and Blue Corals Beach Resort.

You can also consider Moonlight Resort and splurge in its crystal-clear waters, or lean into that very Pinoy vibe that Ocean Vida effortlessly delivers. You’ll enjoy the late afternoon into early evening hours here, with bright lights keeping the place alive.

3. Camotes Island

Another pride of the province, Camotes Island is a white-sand paradise where you can dive, snorkel, camp, kite surf, or island hop to your heart’s content. It’s 90 kilometers north of the city proper, reachable in an average travel time of 3.5 hours. As with the first two islands, you’ll need to take a bus and a boat to get there, with bus fare running P250 to P300 one-way.

The island has plenty of resorts too. If you’re after a secluded spot, Santiago Resort lets you enjoy its swimming pool with a picturesque ocean view whenever you’d rather not mingle with other tourists. But if you’re up for adventure, Vall Hall is the resort for you — be sure to slide down into the sea from the top of the hill there.

4. Moalboal

Feeling romantic? Or even if your favorite colors are neither white, blue, nor green, head to Moalboal and get swept up in its romantic sunsets. Then let your adventurous side loose in waters known for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Around 100 kilometers southwest of the capital, it’s about 2.5 hours away. Take a bus bound for Moalboal but get off at Basdaku, then take a habal-habal or tricycle to reach the island’s beaches. One-way bus fare runs P150 to P200.

Many resorts in Moalboal offer tour packages that include scuba diving. Don’t miss the famous sardine run under Moalboal’s waters, or you’ll regret it for life. Trust us.

5. Oslob

Cebu isn’t just about white sands and emerald blue waters. If you’re up for an exciting encounter with one of the biggest yet gentlest mammals on Earth, head to Oslob and swim alongside the whale sharks. Just please don’t touch them, or take precautions not to harm them — we love a great experience, but taking care of these creatures shouldn’t come second to it. Oslob is roughly 112 kilometers from Cebu City, or around 2.5 to 4 hours away.

If that sandbar photo above (our featured photo) amazed you, then Oslob is the place for you. The sandbar sits at Sumilon Island, part of Oslob.

If these islands don’t prove that Cebu is a place to visit before you die, what would? Go ahead, book your flights and head to this beautiful province, offering stunning island beaches and great water activities for the soul. Believe us, life gets a little more awesome after every trip.

Photos: travelandleisure.com, trekearth.com, cebu-bluewaters.com, provest.ph, ocean-vida.com, thephilippines.com, cebu-bluewaters.com, insights.looloo.com, happydive.net, orientwind.com.ph, and gettyimages.com.