Malapascua Island Hotels

At A Glance

Malapascua is an island off the province of Cebu. The island has gained popularity due to its numerous diving sites and sandy white beach. While there are tourists who frequent Malapascua, many consider it to be fresh or unspoiled by commercial establishments.

How to Go

By plane

There are no direct flights going to Malapascua Island. From Manila, book a flight to Cebu. Then, catch a bus going to Maya Port where you’ll ride a boat going to the island.

By boat/ferry

From Maya Port, a bangka will take you to the island for a small fee (around PHP100). The last trip is at 6PM. If it’s low tide, a small boat will take you to shore for PHP 20.

Other boatmen might offer you with a private boat that can take you immediately to Malapascua, but be sure to haggle down to PHP1,000 in case they charge you anything more than that.

By land transportation

There are no bus routes going to Malapascua, but from Cebu City, you can take a northern bus to Maya Port.

Getting Around

Because Malapascua Island is a small island, motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation.

Tourist Attractions

If you’re not into diving just yet, take a motorcycle tour around Malapascua Island. You can either pay the driver and the motorcycle for a fee or rent the motorcycle and take the tour yourself. You get to visit the island’s popular beaches such as Los Bamboos, Langob Beach, and the Lighthouse.

Another place worth going to is Kalanggaman Island. This day tour costs around PHP800 per person and includes your lunch, but does not include the PHP150 entrance fee if you’re a Filipino citizen or PHP500 for foreigners. People go here visit the popular white sandbar and turquoise waters.

Of course, a visit to Malapascua Island will not be complete without diving or snorkeling. Lighthouse beach is perfect to do some underwater adventure, as you can discover a shipwreck of a Japanese warship.

Top Things to Do

Malapascua is a thrill seeker’s paradise because of the different extraordinary activities to do on this little island. Diving and snorkeling is the number one agenda of most travelers, but others opt to jump from the Lapus Lapus Island cliffs. Others just prefer to laze about in Langob Beach, especially if they want to avoid the crowds of Bounty Beach.

Where to Eat

While Filipino food reigns supreme, Malapascua is no stranger to international cuisine. If you want to grab some continental breakfast or some omelets, you might want to head over to Guana’s Place and Resto Bar.

Oscar’s Bar and Restaurant is also a favorite choice among locals and tourists alike. It’s al fresco semi-formal dining, but you don’t have to dress all fancy. They accept credit cards, and they don’t have a real best seller as the chef changes the menu daily. But it’s worth snacking on an island favorite: Paratha Chicken Curry Roll.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Malapascua Island can be found in Bounty Beach. It’s a long stretch of white sand filled with bars and restaurants. This area becomes even livelier at night with colorful lights, live music, and merriment about. There’s always for hungry tourists out for some local chow. Beer flows throughout the night.

Where to Stay

There are different resorts scattered throughout the island, mostly on Bounty Beach. Budget travelers can stay in Celtis and Moonlight, both complete with WiFi connection and air con. Others check in at Cocobana Beach Resort, Malapascua’s first resort. But those who prefer to spend more on their accommodations may stay at Ocean Vida and Malapascua Garden Resort.

Travel Tips

• Best time to go is between December and June.

• There are no ATMs on the island, so be sure to bring a lot of cash and spend wisely.

• Phone signal on the island is sporadic, so if you want to contact your hotel, it’s better to do so by email or by their Facebook page.