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Guide to Malapascua, Philippines
Off the coast of northern Cebu there is the tiny island of Malapascua. This island is famous for the diving as it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see the Thresher sharks up close. Besides diving, you can soak up the slow-paced island vibes and relax on the beautiful beaches. The remote location makes it a long journey, but getting there is not too difficult. A few busses and a ferry will get you to paradise and ready to find the elusive Thresher shark on your dives. Here’s my little guide to Malapascua with all you need to know.
To do in Malapascua
Dive with the Thresher Sharks at Monad Shoal
The main reason for visiting Malapascua is diving with the Thresher sharks. Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can see Thresher Sharks all year round. All encounters are natural with no feeding, cages or baiting. This is their natural habitat and we observe from a distance and never approach, but they may approach you. The sharks live and hunt deeper down, but around sunrise they rise to shallower water to be cleaned.
Catch the sunset from Tepanee Beach Resort
This resort has a tiny beach with the perfect view for sunset! We ordered a drink and enjoyed the sunset with the other travelers.
Logon Beach
A beach known for clam waters and some really nice beachfront hotels and restaurants. Great for a relaxing beach day or a dinner at Angelina Italian restaurant.
Grab a Cocktail on the Bounty Beachfront
The bounty beachfront is the most lively part of Malapascua. It’s basically the first beach that you’ll see upon arriving on the island. It is the Island’s main beach and is therefore probably the most commercialized with a lot of hotels, restaurants, and dive shops.
Also visiting Moalbaol? Go here for my guide
How to get to Malapascua
From Moalboal to Maya Port:
Taxi: Price: P4,000/€63, Travel time: 5 hours
Bus: Take the Yellow CERES Line Bus from Moalboal to Cebu City (it stops at South Terminal), transfer to North Terminal and take the Yellow Ceres Line Bus to MAYA PORT. Cost ~250 PHP/€4 per bus. Total: 500PHP/€4, Travel time: 9 hours.
From Cebu City to Maya Port:
Taxi: Price: P2000 to P3000 /€48-€32, Travel time: 2-3 hours
Bus: Take the Yellow CERES LINE BUS from North Terminal to Maya Port, Price: 250PHP/€4, Travel time is 4 to 5 hours.
The buses from Cebu to Maya run 24 hours a day. Non-AC buses run every 30 minutes while Aircon buses run every hour.
From Maya Port To Malapascua
At Maya Pier you can purchase a ticket for the ferry Malapascua. Price: 200PHP/ €3,2o, Travel Time: 30 -60 minutes depending on the wind. The ferry runs from 07:00 am to 17:00 pm.
Restaurants
Angelina Beach resort & Italian restaurant: This was my favorite restaurant on the island. Located on the beautiful Logan Beach and serves a good pasta or pizza!
VillaPotenciana Restaurant: As a vegetarian Im always happy to find restaurants catering specifically to vegetarians or vegans. They often have live music which supplies good vibes and the food is very decent. One of the best options in town for sure.
Where to stay on Malapascua
It’s only a tiny island, but if you plan on going diving it’s nice to stay close to your dive school. Especially since you have to get up early for the thresher sharks. A good budget option is Malapascua budget inn. Don’t expect anything special, as it’s called the budget in, but great for backpackers.
Right on Logan beach there is Angelina Beach resort. Friendly staff, comfy rooms and great location!
If your budget allows you a little more luxury then have a look at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort. Beautiful rooms, right on the beach and a dive shop right there.
