2024 Budget Traveling: Guide to Malapascua Island

On a tight budget but want to travel to a paradise? Visit Malapascua Island now!

Photo from Glory Grace Gulfan-Bermejo

Malapascua Island is a beautiful and quiet place in the northern part of Cebu. It’s known for its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and amazing sea life.

Photo from Glory Grace Gulfan-Bermejo

This guide will help you plan your trip, find the best places to stay, where to explore  and discover fun things to do:

Tourist Spot in Malapascua

Monad Shoal

Photos from Erwin T. Lim

Monad Shoal is famous for being one of the best places in the world to see thresher sharks. It’s an underwater plateau where these sharks come to be cleaned by smaller fish. Divers love this spot for the unique experience of seeing these magnificent creatures up close.

Photos from Erwin T. Lim
Photos from Erwin T. Lim

How to Get There

By boat: You can book a diving tour from any dive shop on Malapascua Island. Boats usually leave very early in the morning, around 4:30 AM, because this is the best time to see the thresher sharks.

Gato Island

Photos by Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander

Gato Island is a marine reserve and sanctuary. It is well-known for its underwater cave and the diverse marine life you can see there, such as white-tip reef sharks, sea snakes, and colorful fish.

Photos by Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander
Photos by Joemar Revelo the Pinoy Islander

How to Get There

By boat: You need to book a diving or snorkeling trip through a local dive shop. The boat ride to Gato Island takes about an hour.

Kalanggaman Island

Photo by Jayventure

Kalanggaman Island is famous for its long, white sandbar and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect place for day trips, swimming, and snorkeling. The island is incredibly picturesque and offers a peaceful escape.

Photo by Jayventure
Photo by Jayventure

How to Get There

By boat: You can join a day trip organized by local tour operators on Malapascua Island. The boat ride to Kalanggaman Island takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Japanese Wreck

Photo contributed from Malapascua Budget Tour 

This is a dive site where you can explore the remains of a World War II Japanese shipwreck. The wreck is home to various marine life, making it an interesting dive spot.

Photo contributed from Malapascua Budget Tour 
Photo contributed from Malapascua Budget Tour 

How to Get There

By Boat: You need to book a diving tour through a local dive shop. The dive site is a short boat ride away from the island.

Best Budget Resorts in Malapascua

Malapascua Budget INN

Photo from Malapascua Budget INN Facebook Page

A friendly and affordable place with clean rooms. The inn offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Dormitory beds come with shared bathroom facilities, while private rooms have their own bathrooms. The inn has a common lounge area where guests can relax and socialize with other guests.

Photo from Malapascua Budget INN Facebook Page
Photo from Malapascua Budget INN Facebook Page
Photo from Malapascua Budget INN Facebook Page

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

ISLAND TOUR WITH ACCOMMODATION

*2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT PROMO PACKAGES

  • PACKAGE A – ₱999 per person (4 pax & UP)
    • INCLUSIONS: Aircon mixed dorm capsule type hotel 2 days 1 night stay
    • Island tour around malapascua as joiner with other guests at the hostel
  • PACKAGE B – ₱1,400 per person (minimum 5 pax UP)
    • INCLUSIONS : Aircon mixed dorm capsule type hotel 2 days 1 night stay
    • Island tour around Malapascua as a joiner with other guests at the hostel
    • 3 meals per pax with unlimited water

ACCOMMODATION ONLY

  • Private Aircon Room for 2 – ₱1,799/night with own toilet & bath
  • Private Aircon Room for 2 – ₱2,399/night with own toilet & bath
  • Exclusive Aircon Dorm for 4 – ₱2,399/night with shared toilet & bath
  • Aircon Room for 4 – ₱2,999/night with own toilet and bath at
    • We have ₱499/head per night capsule type hotel room aircon mixed dorm with shared toilet and bath.
  • Exclusive Barkada Aircon Dorm – ₱6,999 good for 14 pax with shared toilet & bath

OTHER INFORMATION

Thresher Cove Dive Resort

Photo from Thresher Cove Dive Resort Facebook Page

This resort is deal for divers and budgets travelers. It offers dormitory beds in a shared bungalow and private standards rooms. Dormitory beds come with a shared bathroom, while standard rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning and free Wi-FI. The resort features a dive center, a swimming pool and a beachfront bar and restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Photo from Thresher Cove Dive Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Thresher Cove Dive Resort Facebook Page
Photo from Thresher Cove Dive Resort Facebook Page

RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION

Rates

*Please contact the company for rate inquiries.

OTHER INFORMATION

 Tips on Going to Malapascua Island

Photo by @josiaahemmanuel
  • Visit during the off-peak season (June to November) to find lower prices on accommodations and activities.
  • Bring cash there are limited ATMs on the island, so bring enough cash for your stay. Most places don’t accept credit cards.
  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate for better rates on rooms and tours., especially if you’re staying longer or booking multiple activities.

What to Do in Malapascua

Photo by Alitrese Carill
  • Snorkeling and Diving

Malapascua is famous for diving especially to see thresher sharks. Budget dive shops offer dives starting from PHP 1500.00. You can also opt to rent snorkeling gear for about PHP150.00- 300.00 and explore the colorful underwater world.

  • Island Hopping

Enjoy the island’s stunning beaches like Bounty Beach, Langob Beach and Guimbitayan Beach where you can relax, swim and soak under the sun for free.

  • Visit the Malapascua Market

Visit the local market to buy fresh fruits, snacks and souvenirs. It’s a great way to experience the local culture of the Malapascua people and support their community by buying their products.

HOW TO GET THERE?

  • By Commute: From Cebu City you take a bus or van from north bus terminal to maya port.The ride costs about PHP 200.00-300.00 and takes around 4-5 hours.Once you reach at Maya Port, you can take a boat to Malapascua Island.the boat ride cost PHP 100.00-150..00 and it takes about 30 minutes.
  • By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Maya Port” as your destination.
  • PARKING: If you’re bringing your own car, you have to leave it on the mainland near  Maya Port. Look for ‘Sugbo Maya’ or any private property where you can park for Php 100.00 -150.00  per day.

By following these tips and planning carefully, you can enjoy the beauty of Malapascua Island without spending too much. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing and affordable getaway with friends and families.

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