After seeing the amazing islands around Malapascua I decided that it would be my second destination in the Philippines. Unfortunately it is known for diving and thus most activities cater towards divers. However I had a great time on the island so thought this article would be helpful if you want to visit but do not dive, or want to have non-diving days.
I would also add that it is a very authentically Filipino island so therefore if you want to visit somewhere that isn’t plagued by tourism then this is a great place to visit. There aren’t many roads, no street lamps and you feel very far from the fancy resorts of Borocay and Palawan. It was definitely an interesting experience.
Things to do:
Kalanggaman island
This was the main reason why I chose to go to Malapascua and it did not disappoint. It is a sandbar island and is absolutely stunning. The water was so blue and calm and the island itself was beautiful. It did not disappoint and the pictures speak for themselves.
For 900 pesos we got a boat to and from the island plus a great meal. There is also an island entrance fee of 500 pesos so it made the trip 1400 but it was worth it!
It takes 1 and a half hours to two hours depending on the sea.
After an hour boat ride we arrived at the island at 10 and left at 2:30 so had plenty of time to enjoy the island.
An island hopping trip of Carnaza island and Lamanok island
I was sat on Langob beach and a man approached me about an island hopping trip running the following day to two islands. After a quick google of the islands I decided to join and I am glad I did.
It was 1500 pesos for transport, lunch and unlimited rum and coke (it was 50:50 rum and coke and every time your cup was nearing empty they happily refilled it) plus a massive speaker which was used throughout the day and lovely guides which made for an incredible atmosphere. It was a fun day out and both islands were beautiful, the weather wasn’t amazing but I would still recommend.
The guy who I spoke to owns Neverland hostel but if you message me on Instagram here I can give you his number if you are interested in doing the trip!
Snorkelling trip of Malapascua island
My hostel owner ran a trip of the island which included snorkelling in some incredible coral reefs, cliff diving and much more. Unfortunately I didn’t participate as the weather wasn’t good but it sounded a lot of fun. If you go to Be one and ask for Rebecca I am sure she would be happy to assist you and take you around every Saturday.
It was priced at 500 pesos without food or 800 with a bbq lunch.
Where to stay:
Be one Guest House
We stayed at Be one which was very affordable at around 300 pesos a night and Rebecca, the owner, made my stay so special. She was so kind, hospitable and helpful and cares deeply about all her guests. It was basic but has air conditioning, breakfast for 100 pesos and the rooms are good sizes. I would definitely recommend.
Neverland
A new hostel to the island which consists of a dorm room plus some lovely ‘glamping’ style tents with beds (which start at 1000 pesos a night). It is close to North beach which is really nice and offers a large array of Vegetarian and Vegan food. I ate there one night and has a lovely pasta which was only 240 pesos. The owner is lovely and the place has an amazing atmosphere.
There are also many dive resorts on the beach which are handy if you are diving or if you want a bit more luxury than a hostel.
Where to eat:
Craic house
I ate here twice, for breakfast and pasta (when I wanted a change from noodles and rice) and was amazing both times. It overlooks the water which is lovely and is handy if you are staying in the dive resorts as there are many close by.
Neverland
As mentioned I had an amazing meal there plus also tried the spring rolls and peanut curry (which were both delicious and good value)
I would also add that there is a market in the centre of the island but I have heard mixed reviews of their food as they have poor food hygiene and a guy from my hostel did get food poisoning from there. Therefore be careful if you want to eat there.
Other things to know:
- Navigating the island is hard are there are no roads/street lamps/ signs so asking the locals was usually how I got around and a vague look at google maps
- There is one ATM which was newly installed (as many articles do say there is none) and many dive centres do take card
- It is not as cheap as some areas of the Philippines as the food has to be imported from Maya
- There are no cars and the main way of transport is motorbikes, be careful when walking around as they appear everywhere
- There are a lot of cockerels/roosters so be prepared to be woken up a lot by them
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| The streets of Malapascua |
How to get there:
We got a bus from Cebu North bus terminal to Maya which costs 230 pesos and takes 5 hours. We then got a boat which costs 100 pesos (it can cost 200 if there are not a minimum of 15 people) plus 20 pesos for the smaller boat and this takes 45 minutes. Do make sure to wear suitable footwear as you will be stepping in the water a lot to get in and off the boat.
The last boat is 5/5:30 so make sure you leave Cebu with plenty of time. We left at 10:30 and our bus broke down which delayed us for an hour and when we arrived at Maya we got the last boat so make sure to start your journey early.
If you have any more questions just let me know!
- Jess xx
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