On a tight budget but want to travel to a paradise? Visit Malapascua Island now!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
- Exact Location: Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Philippines
- Contact Number:+639177731416
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: Malapascuabudgetinn
Thresher Cove Dive Resort
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.
RATES AND OTHER INFORMATION
Rates
*Please contact the company for rate inquiries.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Contact Number:+6396281004
- Facebook Page: Thresher Cove Holidays
Tips on Going to Malapascua Island
- 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
- 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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