Beyond Cebu

• Malapascua Island

• Malapascua sunset

• Malapascua Island

• Malapascua Island

• Malapascua Island

• Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island, a tropical diving paradise

Malapascua Island is located on the northern tip of Cebu Island and has a lot to offer for such a small island that is only 3 kms long and 1km wide. It is well-known for being a diving paradise that can be found in this part of the Philippines, and divers from all around the world visit the island.

Far away from mass tourism Malapascua Island offers a relaxing and tranquil experience. White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees, fresh ocean air, friendly laid back locals, it’s the perfect place to escape the stress of daily life and enjoy this beautiful tropical island.

Anyone who wants to experience a Cebu resort in an area that is free from thousands of tourists will love Malapascua Island . There is a Cebu beach resort on the island to suit every visitor who wants to experience this most beautiful part of the Philippines.

Unique experiences of Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island has some awesome underwater attractions that are of great interest to divers. The Thresher shark draws divers from around the world who go to the island just to see it. It is one of the few places in the world that you can see the shark on almost a daily basis. Even on land you can’t escape these Thresher sharks with hundreds of souvenir t-shirts, wood carvings and necklaces for sale across the island. Other sea creatures commonly seen are the manta rays that you will find in the same area as the sharks. Other diving spots around Malapascua are Gato Island, a marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary. It is also a wreck diving spot where World War II Japanese wrecks can be seen. A passenger ferry that sunk in a typhoon 20 years ago is also able to be seen in this area, along with corals and a large variety of marine life.

Malapascua Island isn’t necessarily only for divers either, non-divers have plenty of things to enjoy and do. Bounty Beach is the main beach and where most of Malapascua resorts, bars and restaurants are located. The beach offers the tourist a lovely stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s just perfect for sun baking, swimming and relaxing. When the sun goes down the beach is a superb place for some picture perfect sunsets, or barring that enjoy a cocktail from the floating bar as the sun sets behind you. With its nearby islands of Carnassa, Calangamn and Higatangan , Malapascua offers some wonderful  island hopping day trip opportunities..  It’s a true tropical island getaway!

Malapascua is small enough to walk around (appx 2 hours) with many photo opportunities. The island interior is filled with a network of sandy maze like paths that lead to different parts of the island from sleepy fishing villages to idyllic deserted bays. There is always a friendly local willing to show you around or point you in the right direction.

Malapascua Resorts

Accommodation in Malapascua has been rapidly changing as the island grows in popularity. Rooms range from simple cottages up to luxury resorts with swimming pools. Most of the accommodation is located on Bounty Beach a lovely stretch of white beach sand. There is more than enough choice for every ones taste in accommodation. For more details on Malapascua resorts, below is a list complete with photos and info.

Dive Malapascua

Dive shops: Divelink Cebu tel(63 32) 437-0044 mobile 0927-2470723 , Evolution Dive Centre  mobile 0917 628 7333/0917 328 4350 web: http://www.evolution.com.ph/ , Fun & Sun web: http://www.funsundivetravel.com/ , Exotic Dive shop tel (63 32) 437 0983 web: http://www.malapascua.net/, Sea Explorers  tel (63 32) 234 0248 web http://www.sea-explorers.com/ , Thresher Shark Divers (TSD)  mobile :  0927 612 3359 web: http://www.malapascua-diving.com/ , DAN Dive tel (63 32) 632 1077.

Festivals

Lawihan Festival from the word Lawi meaning thresher shark. Held in May every year.

People Who've Been Here

Malapascua Restaurants

There are some great choices to eat on Malapascua. Some of the resorts have their own restaurants.

Cebu to Malapascua

It's about a 4 hour bus trip from Cebu City (from northern bus station near SM) to the port of Maya. Catch the Ceres Bus liner (yellow colour) they have both air con and non aircon and they drop off right at the pier (port of Maya) to catch the pump boat to Malapascua (50 Peso). Low tide you will need take another small boat onto the pump boat (another charge 20 Peso). Pump boats leave every 30 mins to an hour depending on passengers, so you may have to sit for a while. Scammers will try to tell you these boats are not running and try to get you to pay 1200 for the special trips. This happens on both sides (ie Malapascua too) the only time Pump boats don't run when you arrive late in the afternoon or in bad weather. You can arrange boat pick up at Maya with most hotels (check with hotel when making reservation) you can also arrange pick up from Cebu Airport. It’s about a 20 minute ride to Malapascua on the boat. You usually will arrive on Logon Beach (a 5 minute walk to Bounty Beach) but at times its Bounty beach.

History of Malapascua

When the Spanish first arrived during a bad storm around Christmas time and the name Malapascua means bad or unfortunate Christmas.