A short flight from Manila and 85 km southwest Cebu city, there lies a coastal town, entitled Moalboal in Cebu, Philippines. This small beach retreat is touted as one of the best hideouts for diving. Though the town seems a bit sleepy but don’t worry its safe and pristine water is where all the action is. The vast expanse of white sand and diverse marine life is what Moalboal is known for. Whether you love to take a dive into the ocean water or just want to unwind yourself on a beachside, Moalboal promises fun and relaxing gateway that will surely make your vacation worth every effort and spending. Doesn’t matter if you have a week or just a few days here, this Moalboal itinerary includes top things to do and other important information so, at the end of the Cebu trip, you will leave the town with a bucket loads of cherishing memories and a definite longing to return.
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How to get to Moalboal
Cebu to Moalboal
One can also reach Moalboal from Dumaguete through a 3-hour drive. Board a minibus or a cab to Sibulan Port, which would cost around P7. From Sibulan Port, a pump boat will take you to Bato (Santander) for a ticket of P50. If you are at port of Bato, take a bus to Cebu via Barili and get down at Moalboal. The entire journey would take around 3 hours and the cost of it is approximately P60. It’s by far the most affordable way to get there
Best Time to Visit Moalboal
Considering the pleasant Moalboal weather, the month of May is considered to be the best time to visit the beach town. It’s the time right after the hot dry season and just before the typhoon. However, the town also receives a significant footfall of tourists from January to April.
Where to Stay in Moalboal
Talking about where to stay in Moalboal, Panagsama Beach is the place where a major chunk of tourists prefers to book a stay. The beach is home to all sorts of hotels and dive shops that make it easy for travelers. Villavante Backpackers Lodge is one of the most recommended staying options in Moalboal which is the best option for both backpackers and budget travelers. They have dormitory rooms that cost you as low as P350 per night/per person. Private rooms can also be booked here that cost as low as P400 per night. The best thing about this place is that they have free Wifi. Those looking for better and more luxurious options, there are some high-end Parrot Resort Moalboal to choose from.
If you are looking for something a little more local like a homestay make sure you check Airbnb. This tends to be where we get most of our accommodations from.
** Pro Tip – Create an account on Airbnb with a new email using this link and receive $40 off your home booking. Also, get $15 to use toward an experience worth $50 or more.**
Booking.com
Moalboal Itinerary
Since it’s not a day-wise itinerary, hence, I am going to talk about some things to do in Moalboal. You can make your own itinerary taking your choices and preferences into mind.
Moalboal snorkeling
This is undoubtedly the most popular activity to do in Moalboal. Snorkeling at White Beach is a delightful experience while vacationing in Moalboal. There are shops that offer snorkel hire, whereas some also offer masks and flippers at a price of P100. For tourists, some shops even offer Go Pro hire along with selling waterproof phone cases and backpacks.
Falls in Cebu
After snorkeling, one of the other most popular things to do in Moalboal is a visit to Kawasan Falls. The waterfalls in the Philippines are magical but this is one of those places that has to be on your bucket list. Such is the captivating hold of Kawasan Falls that here you can capture some amazing clicks for Instagram. The entrance fee of Kawasan Falls is P45 per person along with P50 for life jacket hire.
Sardine run Moalboal
The Sardine Run Moalboal is located off the shore of Moalboal on Cebu Island. It is a once in a lifetime experience. As soon as you jump into the ocean you would be amazed by the sheer amount of fish swimming all around you. If you are wondering what Sardin Run stands for, well, it is a large group of fish that stick together to protect themselves from larger prey.
White Beach Moalboal
The White Beach is probably the best gift a traveler gets in Moalboal. If you are more of a picturesque beach fan rather than a happening one, then Beach White is the perfect hideout for you. Here you can either just lay back and relax or can just soak up the sun. The beach is frequented starfish, hence, if you are lucky you can expect to catch a glance of these beautiful creatures. However, it is a request not to pick them out of the water as they belong to water only. It wouldn’t be a wrong call if you devout a day or two of your trip to this attraction. There are plenty of Moalboal white beach resorts to choose from that fit in the pocket of travelers with different budgets.
** If you have extra time and want to see more of the Philippines make sure you don’t miss El Nido and Coron. These are two of the most popular spots in the Philippines and for a good reason.**
Moalboal Diving
A conventional Moalboal itinerary must include diving courses. People often choose to book Moalboal diving sessions in advance, but no worries, if you haven’t booked. Almost every other shop in Panagsama Beach offers diving courses. For a fact, diving schools in Moalboal are considered to be the best of their kind in the world. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate, they have diving courses for all.
I hope you now have an idea of why Moalboal is such a popular destination amongst travelers. Also, I hope this itinerary has eased up your pain of planning a vacation to Moalboal. If so, then do let us know your experience in this beaut beach town.
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