the ultimate guide to malapascua
The ultimate guide to Malapascua
Scrolled through enough of everyone else’s photos of them in Philippines? Finally decided it is your bloody turn?
Add Malapascua to your Phillipines trip and you will not be disappointed. Known for being able to dive with the amazing Thresher sharks all year round, it is a must visit for scuba divers but there is much more to the island than just diving.
I stayed here for a week just diving and soaking up that slow island life, and i explored every bit of the island and have got everything that you need to know.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Cebu city
Cheap way:
Public bus from Cebu to New Maya Port runs hourly from North Point Terminal. Cost 230 pesos and about 4-5 hours. Ask for the bus with air-con.
From New Maya Port you then get a outrigger boat to Malapascua. It takes about 30minutes and the price of 1500 pesos is split between the number of people on the boat. I had to wait for it to fill up before departure.
Pricey way:
Get a private transfer from the Airport to the port. If you are staying in a hotel on Malapascua they can probably organise this for you. I was quoted $100USD! Although it is much shorter and more comfortable.
For the boat you could just pay the 1500 and it would leave right away.
Boat times: 7 days week 6:30am to 4:30pm
MALAPASCUA HIGHLIGHTS
I spent a week on the island exploring all of it, here are the best bits.
Kallanggaman Island day trip – I did this through my dive company Evolution diving as i dived there. But you can just do a day trip. This place is paradise although it does get a little crowded. The trip out there is about 2 hours and on the way back it was a wee bit choppy! I did this through my dive company Evolution diving as i dived there. But you can just do a day trip. This place is paradise although it does get a little crowded. The trip out there is about 2 hours and on the way back it was a wee bit choppy! If you take a tour without diving it will be about 800 pesos including a bbq and 500 entrance fee. You can also camp here by bringing your own tent or renting one for about 400 pesos and paying the 750 pesos overnight fee. I REALLY wish i have done this!
Gato Island – Another great day trip from the island, and not as far as Kallanggaman Island. Scuba divers swim in the short cave to see sleeping snarks, was my favourite dive after the Thresher shark dive.
Scuba Diving – Obviously. I went with Evolution diving as my friend used to work there and I would recommend them. They have a lovely bit of beach that you can chill at all day and pretend that you are staying at the fancy resort (when really i was staying at a $8 / night hut). The Thresher shark dive starts at 4:30am – I promise it is worth it!
Bounty beach – Great beach to live your beach bum life. Swim, hammock, suntanGreat beach to live your beach bum life, swim, hammock, suntan. Ocean Vida Bar is a great for a sundowner.
Lagob Beach – aka North Beach – I was told by all of the locals that this was the best beach on the island. Perhaps it was due to the time of year (March) but it was windy and the waves were too choppy to swim in. Apparently there is some good snorkelling right off the beach. It is a highlight for me for the walk through the island to get to it.
Hidden beach – Not hidden at all but nice for a swim and snorkel. Is at the far east end of Langob beach. Over the concrete stairs there is an abandoned resort that was destroyed in the 2013 typhoon.
Logon Beach – Southeastern part of the island. My favourite sunset spot.
Gugma Beach – There is a dirt trail connection Hidden beach to Gugma Watch out for the sea urchins in the shallows, there are some nicer swim spots on the southern part of the beach.
Cliff jumping at Lapus Lapus – On the northwestern tip of the island. Jumps start at 5metres up to 15 metres depending how brave / mental you are. Make sure it is high tide when you jump! Going at low tide means you are able to check out the beaches and caves at the cliff base instead. Preferable for me the scaredy cat.
Lighthouse beach – Sunset spot, has a beach bar with a lovely terrace.
WHERE TO EAT / DRINK
Reggae bar – This veggie and vegan place is right on the beach and has the best vibe at night. Live music, delicious food – it is full everynight and a great place to meet other travellers.
Hippocampus beach resort – Happy hour at sunset. Always full of travellers.
Craic bar – Owned by the Evolution dive company, this is on a lovely bit of beach.
Saturday night disco – Held at the community church basketball court in the north of the island, starts about 11pm. I didnt go but i felt like the only person the island that didn’t!
WHERE TO STAY
What to stay near the restaurants and ferry? I stayed near the ferry (10 minute walk) and loved being near the beach to eat at night. The island is quiet so i would not worry about anywhere being noisy. I cannot give any good recommendations as I booked last minute for whatever was cheapest as I wanted to spend all of my money on diving.
Want to stay further into the island? Stay nearer North beach. Neverland Hostel is well recommended and very socialable.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GOING
- There is only 1 ATM on the island. Best to bring enough cash to cover your trip incase it is emptied.
- When making large purchases (scuba diving, accomadation) most places accept the WISE app so it would be helpful to set this up beforehand. Credit cards charges were almost 4%! I used cash as much as I could.
- Getting around the island is done via bicycle, motorbike or walking. I walked everywhere, you can walk from one side of the island to the other in an hour.
- Don’t want to rent a motorbike or walk? Locals are always offering rides for about 30 pesos.
- The internet connection was surprisingly good!
LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STOP FROM MALAPASCUA?
The more populated and larger Bantayan Islands are just 800-900 pesos per person and 2-3 hours away. Alternatively, just reverse the directions above to get back to city and explore Cebu!
