Bisaya Travel Phrases: Essential Cebuano for Your Philippine Adventure

Introduction: Why Learn Bisaya for Travel?

Picture this: You're standing at a bustling market in Cebu City, surrounded by colorful fruits, fresh seafood, and the melodic chatter of vendors. A friendly seller approaches and asks you something in rapid Bisaya. Instead of awkwardly pointing and gesturing, you confidently respond, "Pila ni?" (How much is this?)—and watch their face light up with surprised delight.

This is the magic of knowing Bisaya travel phrases. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas of the Philippines, venturing beyond the beaten path rewards those who can communicate in the local language. The Bisaya-speaking regions—Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte, and most of Mindanao—are home to some of the Philippines' most stunning destinations.

This guide equips you with essential Cebuano for tourists, covering everything from airport arrivals to beach adventures. Let's make your Philippine adventure unforgettable!

Getting There: Airport and Transportation Phrases

At the Airport

Asa ang immigration? - Where is immigration?

Asa ang baggage claim? - Where is baggage claim?

Asa ang exit? - Where is the exit?

Naa bay money changer diri? - Is there a money changer here?

Asa ko makasakay ug taxi? - Where can I get a taxi?

Taking a Taxi

Taxis are common in Cebu City and other urban areas. Here's what you need:

Taxi! - Taxi! (same in any language!)

Pwede ko makasakay? - Can I ride?

Dad-a ko sa [destination]. - Take me to [destination].

Pila ang pamasahe? - How much is the fare?

Gamit ang metro, palihog. - Use the meter, please.

Para diri. - Stop here.

Diri lang ko. - I'll get off here.

Tagaan tika ug tip. - I'll give you a tip.

Naa kay sukli? - Do you have change?

Riding Jeepneys

Jeepneys are the iconic Filipino public transport. They're cheap and everywhere!

Bayad! - Paying! (announce when passing your fare forward)

Palihog ipasa ang bayad. - Please pass the payment.

Lugar! - There's space! (telling someone there's room)

Para! (pah-RAH) - Stop! (when you want to get off)

Asa ni paingon? - Where is this going?

Moagi ba ni sa [place]? - Does this pass by [place]?

Unsa orasa ang last trip? - What time is the last trip?

Habal-Habal (Motorcycle Taxi)

In smaller towns and islands, motorcycle taxis are common:

Pila ang habal-habal padung [destination]? - How much is a motorcycle taxi to [destination]?

Hinay-hinay lang, palihog. - Go slowly, please.

Pwede mag-helmet? - Can I have a helmet?

Boats and Ferries

Island hopping? You'll need these:

Asa ang pantalan? - Where is the port?

Pila ang ticket paingon sa [island]? - How much is a ticket to [island]?

Unsang orasa ang biyahe? - What time is the trip?

Kapila magbiyahe kada adlaw? - How many trips per day?

Pila ka oras ang biyahe? - How many hours is the trip?

Finding Accommodation: Hotel and Hostel Phrases

Booking a Room

Naa bay bakante nga kwarto? - Do you have a vacant room?

Pila ang usa ka gabii? - How much per night?

Pwede ko makita ang kwarto? - Can I see the room?

Naglakip ba ang breakfast? - Is breakfast included?

Naa bay aircon? - Is there air conditioning?

Naa bay hot water? - Is there hot water?

Naa bay WiFi? - Is there WiFi?

Unsa ang password sa WiFi? - What's the WiFi password?

Mopuyo ko ug [number] ka gabii. - I'll stay for [number] nights.

During Your Stay

Asa ang akong kwarto? - Where is my room?

Dili mugana ang aircon. - The aircon isn't working.

Pwede mangayo ug extra nga tuwalya? - Can I request extra towels?

Unsang orasa ang check-out? - What time is check-out?

Pwede mag-late check-out? - Can I have late check-out?

Pwede ko ibutang ang bag diri? - Can I leave my bag here?

Checking Out

Mag-check-out na ko. - I'm checking out now.

Pila ang total? - What's the total?

Dawaton ba ninyo ang credit card? - Do you accept credit cards?

Pwede ko makuha ang resibo? - Can I get a receipt?

Eating Out: Restaurant and Food Phrases

Finding Food

Asa ang maayong kan-anan diri? - Where's a good restaurant here?

Naa bay restoran nga duol? - Is there a restaurant nearby?

Unsa ang specialty diri? - What's the specialty here?

Asa makapalit ug pagkaon? - Where can I buy food?

Ordering Food

Menu, palihog. - Menu, please.

Unsa ang imong ma-recommend? - What do you recommend?

Gusto ko ug [dish]. - I want [dish].

Usa ka order sa [dish]. - One order of [dish].

Pila ka serving ni? - How many servings is this?

Dili ko mokaon ug [ingredient]. - I don't eat [ingredient].

Allergic ko sa [food]. - I'm allergic to [food].

Dili kaayo spicy, palihog. - Not too spicy, please.

Extra rice, palihog. - Extra rice, please.

Popular Bisaya Food Terms

Lechon - Roasted pig (Cebu's famous dish!)

Sutukil - Sugba (grill), Tuwa (soup), Kilaw (ceviche)

Kinilaw - Filipino ceviche

Sinugba - Grilled

Tinola - Soup with ginger

Pungko-pungko - Street food eaten while squatting

Lami! - Delicious!

Lami kaayo! - Very delicious!

Paying the Bill

Bill, palihog. - Bill, please.

Pila tanan? - How much total?

Sama-sama na ni? - Is this all together?

Separate ang bayad, palihog. - Separate bills, please.

Naa bay service charge? - Is there a service charge?

Shopping: Market and Store Phrases

At the Market

Pila ni? - How much is this?

Mahal kaayo! - Too expensive!

Pwede pa-tawad? - Can you give a discount?

Pwede [amount] na lang? - Can it be just [amount]?

Last price na? - Is that the last price?

Sige, kuhaon nako. - Okay, I'll take it.

Naa bay mas gamay? - Do you have a smaller one?

Naa bay lain nga color? - Do you have another color?

Common Shopping Vocabulary

Barato - Cheap

Mahal - Expensive

Husto - Exact/correct amount

Sukli - Change (money)

Plastik - Plastic bag

Libre - Free

Sightseeing and Activities

At Tourist Spots

Pila ang entrance fee? - How much is the entrance fee?

Naa bay discount para sa turista? - Is there a tourist discount?

Naa bay discount para sa estudyante? - Is there a student discount?

Pwede ba mag-picture diri? - Can I take pictures here?

Asa ang pinakanindot nga view? - Where is the best view?

Pila ka oras ang tour? - How many hours is the tour?

Beach and Water Activities

Asa ang beach? - Where is the beach?

Pila ang snorkeling? - How much for snorkeling?

Pila ang island hopping? - How much for island hopping?

Naa bay life jacket? - Are there life jackets?

Limpyo ba ang tubig? - Is the water clean?

Nindot kaayo diri! - It's very beautiful here!

Emergency Phrases: Stay Safe

Getting Help

Tabang! - Help!

Emergency! - Emergency!

Tawag ug pulis! - Call the police!

Tawag ug ambulansya! - Call an ambulance!

Asa ang hospital? - Where is the hospital?

Asa ang pharmacy? - Where is the pharmacy?

Health Issues

Dili ko okay. - I'm not okay.

Masakit ang akong [body part]. - My [body part] hurts.

Nagsakit ang akong tiyan. - My stomach hurts.

Naa koy hilanat. - I have a fever.

Allergic ko sa [substance]. - I'm allergic to [substance].

Kinahanglan ko ug doktor. - I need a doctor.

Lost or Stolen Items

Nawala ang akong [item]. - I lost my [item].

Gikawat ang akong [item]. - My [item] was stolen.

Asa ang police station? - Where is the police station?

Asa ang embassy? - Where is the embassy?

Cultural Tips for Travelers

Be Respectful

Always smile and be polite. Filipinos are incredibly hospitable and will go out of their way to help friendly visitors.

Learn to Laugh

If you mispronounce something or make a mistake, laugh it off! Bisaya people have a great sense of humor and will appreciate your effort.

Try the Food

Don't be afraid to try local dishes. Saying "Lami!" (Delicious!) after tasting something will make any cook happy.

Haggle Respectfully

Bargaining is expected at markets but do it with a smile. The goal is a fair price for both parties.

Conclusion: Speak Bisaya, Travel Better

Armed with these Bisaya travel phrases, you're ready to explore the stunning Visayas and Mindanao regions like a local. Remember, even attempting to speak the local language transforms your travel experience and opens doors to genuine connections.

The Philippines—especially the Bisaya-speaking regions—offers incredible beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and unforgettable adventures. Now you have the language tools to make the most of it!

Maayong pagbiyahe! (Have a good trip!)

Planning your Philippine adventure? Visit TalkBisaya.com for more phrases, grammar lessons, and cultural guides. Learn Cebuano before you go and travel with confidence!