This idyllic island off the north coast of Cebu is famous for its world-class diving, above all the chance to dive with thresher sharks, which are present year-round. But even if you’ve no interest in reefs and marine life, Malapascua makes a beautiful beach destination, the southern part of the island is fringed with gorgeous sandy bays and there’s an excellent choice of hotels and guesthouses. Malapascua is justifiably a very popular escape for travellers and Cebuanos.
Malapascua is a Philippine island situated in the Visayan Sea, 6.8 kilometres (4.2 mi) across a shallow strait from the northernmost tip of Cebu Island. Administratively, it is part of the peninsular barangay of Logon, Daanbantayan, Cebu. Malapascua is a small island, only about 2.5 by 1 kilometre (1.55 by 0.62 mi), and has eight hamlets.
Malapascua became famous fairly recently, only in the early 1990s as a dive destination. Prior to this, the island was known for its wide white sand beach, known as Bounty Beach; it has also become known for its beautiful coral gardens, coral walls and excellent local dive spots, as well as further-out sites including Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal. Monad Shoal is an underwater plateau where thresher sharks and manta rays can regularly be sighted.
Most of the islanders derive their livelihood from tourism, while some still rely on subsistence fishing and farming.
The best time to visit Malapascua is around December – June during the dry season so you can enjoy its beaches without having to worry much about an incoming rain or storm. The summer season (April – May) is usually crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. See graph above. Always check the weather updates before proceeding.
What to do in Malapascua Island:
1. Swimming and Beach Bumming
Malapascua although flanked by hotels, restaurants and bars has surprisingly retained its serenity. Lounge on the beach shores like most foreigners do. There are some secluded coves in the island that are ideal for swimming since they aren’t crowded by tourists.
2. Snorkeling and Island Hopping
If you want to go snorkeling, you can rent a boat for island hopping that includes snorkeling.
3. Malapascua Motorcycle Tour
You can go on a motorycle tour around Malapascua. Day tour is PHP 700 or PHP 200 per hour including the driver. Or you can rent the motorbike and drive on your own, same price. I won’t recommend driving the motorbike by yourself as you will get lost along the way, the road is tricky since you have to pass through small alleys in the village peppered with houses. You’ll just waste your time. Having a local driver helps, and saves you time. It’s the same price anyway. Tipping the driver is optional.
The tour includes a visit to the following beaches:
Lapus Lapus Beach – A typical cream sand beach in Malapascua.
Los Bamboos– This is where you can go cliff jumping in Malapascua. Our driver told us, they don’t really promote cliff jumping here as it can be dangerous. But you can jump at your own risk. The cottages here were destroyed by the typhoon. Entrance fee is PHP 25 per person. The view of the rock formations here and the neighboring beaches are beautiful.
The Lighthouse– There’s a white sentinel crowning the island of Malapascua, it’s a good spot for sunset watching.
Langub Beach– It has powdery white sand and azure water. Not crowded and not developed yet.
Bounty Beach –Not really a part of the motorcycle tour, but if you are arriving in Malapascua, this is the first beach that you will most likely see. Bounty Beach is the main beach in Malapascua fringed by hotels, dive shops and restaurants.
4. Malapascua Island Diving
Dive shops are scattered around the island. Malapascua is known for its thresher sharks.
5.Cliff Jumping
For adrenaline junkies, during your island hopping tour or motorcycle tour, you can go cliff jumping at Los Bamboos. Jump at your own risk. This is not really encouraged by the drivers and tour guides in Malapascua but it’s not prohibited either. This place has become a popular site for cliff jumping, just make sure someone is there to assist you (who knows how to swim), in case something happens.
6. Sunset and Sunrise Watching
Malapascua has one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the Philippines. Don’t miss it!
Where to Eat in Malapascua Island:
Food in Malapascua are quite expensive as most restaurants cater to foreign tourists, prepare around PHP 250 up for a decent meal, but you can still ask the locals for the nearest eateries.
Ging Ging’s Restaurant–The cheapest restaurant found in Malapascua. Main Dishes start at PHP 100.
Ocean Vida Restaurant– opens at 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM offers Asian and European food. Happy Hour at 4:00 PM -6:00 PM and 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Magellan’s Bar and Restaurant– offers daily barbecue and seafood. Main dishes starts at PHP 295.
-Cherry May S. Santillan
Gr.12 Accountability
Aventurier 