For someone who is born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, an island endowed with azure waters, sugary white sand beaches, pristine coral gardens, to the fresh sea breeze sweeping gently on your face, our family never actually get to visit these places. Boo!
We don't travel for pleasure as a family because we cannot afford them. Now, that I have money on my own, I can finally go on exploring Cebu and it's surrounding islands.
One of the beautiful island beaches located a stone's throw away from Cebu City is Malapascua Island. It's hard to believe this gem is only a short trip away from where I live and we didn't get to go here as a family. Yeah, coz we can't afford it!
Anyway, here's a diary of the trip I took to Malapascua Island. I hope this will serve as your own travel guide visiting this gorgeous island. Check it out below!
Getting There
Malapascua Island is located at the northern tip of Cebu. To get there you need to go to Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride a bus to Maya.
From the Maya wharf, you will have to ride a bangka (small boat) to get to Malapascua Island. The bus fare cost Php90 one-way (non-aircon) and the bangka to the island cost Php50.
The weather was very good during my visit, cloudless blue skies with the sun shining brightly above our heads, but the bangka ride was an opposite experience.
It was rough and bumpy, I was scared of bangka flipping because it's a shark-infested area. Although thresher sharks are the friendly kind still, the fear never went away coz I can't swim. lol.
From the Maya wharf, you will have to ride a bangka (small boat) to get to Malapascua Island. The bus fare cost Php90 one-way (non-aircon) and the bangka to the island cost Php50.
The weather was very good during my visit, cloudless blue skies with the sun shining brightly above our heads, but the bangka ride was an opposite experience.
It was rough and bumpy, I was scared of bangka flipping because it's a shark-infested area. Although thresher sharks are the friendly kind still, the fear never went away coz I can't swim. lol.
Where to Stay
The bangka (small boat) docks on the southern tip of the island. Walk 3-5 minutes away from the docking area and you'll see lots of beach resorts along the gorgeous shores.
If you prefer a serene and peaceful stay, reserve rooms located in the northern part of the island. The motorbike ride (we call them habal-habal) cost Php15 one way.
Room ranges from Php1000 to Php4000 depending on your room type.
#Tip: I suggest you get a non-aircon room (electric fan only). This way you'll save money. The sea breeze is already cool anyway.
This is the view from my room.
Activities
Bring your snorkeling gears, you'll find lots of colorful fishes and coral reef gardens close to the shore. I can even see them fishes while frolicking at the beach.
Be careful of sea urchins though, else you'll get a not-so-nice souvenir on the way back to Cebu.
If diving is your thing, Malapascua Island is paradise. Lots of discoveries await you underwater from thresher sharks, shipwrecks, reefs, caves. Gosh, I wish I know how to dive! Yes, you can go for scuba diving lessons on the island too.
Or simply go swimming and enjoy the sugary white sands surrounding Malapascua Island.
Be careful of sea urchins though, else you'll get a not-so-nice souvenir on the way back to Cebu.
If diving is your thing, Malapascua Island is paradise. Lots of discoveries await you underwater from thresher sharks, shipwrecks, reefs, caves. Gosh, I wish I know how to dive! Yes, you can go for scuba diving lessons on the island too.
Or simply go swimming and enjoy the sugary white sands surrounding Malapascua Island.
Where to Eat
The restaurants on the island serve the freshest foods though some prices are high, tourists traps we'll call them. If you have a tight budget you may check out Ging Ging's Flower Garden. They serve the same variety with better prices.
Malapascua Island is one stunning island I’ve been to. And I'd highly recommend you guys to come and visit.
There you go, friend. I hope my Escape to Malapascua Island, Philippines: A Travel Guide is helpful. You have an awesome day then! Talk to you soon. ;)