3 days diving in Malapascua Island

Travel Itinerary

4 ratings

Itinerary by: Anna Reed

2 years ago

Travel Writer

Duration: 3 days

Itinerary Contents

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Itinerary Introduction

Take a Vitamin-D-filled trip with me to the idyllic, sandy-beached, car-free island of Malapascua. Dive with stunning but environmentally vulnerable Thresher Sharks and their smooth whiptails, stroll along pristine white sand beaches and get to know the most charming sunkissed island in the world from under the sea to the sands above. Malapascua Island Malapascua Island is the crown jewel of Cebu. This idyllic tiny island is just 1 kilometre across and 2.5 kilometres long, has no cars and is a beach lover's paradise. Ringed in white sand, the island is positioned at the northernmost tip of Cebu, just across from Leyte. Named Malapascua by the Spanish colonialists, Malapascua roughly translated means "bad festivity," a reference to the rainy weather that often occurs in December and the weather the Spaniards experienced when they were stranded on the island at Christmas due to bad weather. (Regardless of the moniker, December is a peak tourist month in Malapascua, so If you plan to visit at that time, be sure to book your rooms in advance.) Malapascua is famous for its proximity to Monad Shoal, the environmentally vulnerable and world-famous Threshers Sharks who call the shoal their home. Less than 30 minutes away by dive boat, Monad Shoal is the domain of the Thresher Sharks and other marine life such as Sea Turtles, Eagle Rays, Devil Rays, and a few Tiger Sharks. The Thresher Shark is a gorgeous and graceful shark easily identifiable because of its long, scythe-like tail, which it whips at prey, stunning them briefly so that the hungry Thresher Shark can gobble them up. The Thresher Shark is one of the most elegant and graceful pelagics with its silvery bullet-shaped body, almost cute large and round eyes, and smooth whip tail. There is something magical about being in the water with them and watching them glide effortlessly. Thresher Sharks have also been known to exhibit breaching behaviour. Be sure to scan the water's surface before and after your dives at Monad Shoal. It is quite common to see Threshers breaching and executing fantastic leaps out of the water. (As a rule, the Monad Shoal Threshers breach twice. Get your cameras ready when you see the first breach so you can catch the second on film.) Barrio Proper Malapascua residents reside in "sitios," derived from the Spanish world "place." Each sitio is a small territorial enclave part of a Barangay, a territorial or administrative district. A stroll through the colourful Barrio streets is a must if you want to catch a glimpse of the quaint streets and brightly coloured houses. Be sure to stop and sample the freshly baked goods from the local bakeshops. Local bakeries begin baking at 4:00 AM, and beautiful, fresh-baked pan de sal rolls are offered for sale for Php 1.00 each. Each bakeshop has its specialities, and the products they offer may vary. Malapascua Market The market is located near the centre of the island. It is a collective of food stalls and shops serving the Malapascua population and tourists on a budget. Food stalls sell typical turo turo (point-point) fare. If you have a frail digestive system, it is best to avoid the market food since most food stalls do not have running water. Malapascua Is Lovely It doesn't matter where you go on Malapascua; you will be sure to be greeted by the warm and smiley children running around who are beyond excited to see you and interact with you. Locals, in general, are friendly and helpful. It's important to remember that Malapascua is a tiny place where everyone knows everyone. If you want to bring treats for the local children, you can't go wrong with chocolates that are a crowd-pleaser.

Useful information about Malapascua Island

The history of Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island and its inhabitants survived by fishing and coconut tree farming until the 1990s, when the first dive shops opened on the island. The influx of dive tourism changed the island's livelihood, and the majority of the island locals now work and support the growing tourism industry on the island. Some fishermen still fish the waters off Malapascua but are encouraged to stay away from the marine protected areas, which are the lifeblood of the island and the tourism industry.

Getting around in Malapascua Island

Malapascua is unique because the island has no cars. Motorised transport is limited to motorcycles. Because of this, Malapascua is a grand island for folks who love to take long strolls, runs, hikes or bicycle rides. You can walk the entire island in less than 2 hours and see all the terrain from the sandy beach exterior to the undeveloped jungle interior. Be sure to bring a bottle of water to quench your thirst and plenty of bug spray with you to keep hungry insects away.

Local customs in Malapascua Island

Tagay! If you happen to pass a local drinking Tanduay Rhum or Red Horse, don't be surprised if they raise a glass to you and declare "tagay!" This is an open invitation for you to share a drink with them. In Cebuano culture, one glass is shared, refilled, and continuously and passed around for a drinking session that will most likely end with you waking up in a semi-conscious haze on the beach the following morning. As a rule of thumb, avoid the "tagay" invitation if you are unaccustomed to the incredibly stupefying potency of Tanduay Rhum and Red Horse and the demoralising and regret-filled hangover that follows. Sabong or Cock Fighting A national pastime, cockfighting remains a popular bloodsport on the island despite its brutal nature. Everywhere you go on Malapascua, you will hear and see beautiful incessantly crowing roosters displayed on perches. These roosters are prized fighting cocks that are outfitted with razor-sharp blades and made to fight one another to the death every Sunday for gambling and amusement purposes.

Beaches in Malapascua Island

Bounty Beach Bounty Beach is the most developed area in terms of tourism. A stroll on Bounty Beach will take you along the shoreline past all the island's major resorts, restaurants, bars, and dive shops. If you're on the island to scuba dive, then be sure to select a resort located in this area as they are in the best location to take you to nearby dive spots conveniently. If you plan to enjoy a day in the sun, then Bounty Beach is a great place to lay out, catch some rays, and enjoy a refreshing tropical drink. Barrio Beach or White Beach If you cross by public ferry, you'll arrive at the main pier at the Barrio. Located within a sheltered cove, Barrio Beach or White Beach covers less area than Bounty Beach. It is a charming little cove with a shallow sandy bottom that extends quite a distance out. During low tide, expect to see locals foraging shellfish in the sand flats and local children frolicking in the water or executing somersaults off the parked Bangka boats. Langob Beach By far, the most beautiful and least developed stretch of beach on Malapascua. Langob beach is located on the north side of the island. You can reach Langob by walking, bicycle, or catching a ride on a hired motorcycle called a "habal habal." Meaning "to sit close to one another", a habal habal should cost you Php 20.00 for any distance within the Bounty Beach - White Beach areas and Php 40.00 – 50.00 for a ride to Langob Beach or the northern side of the island. (If you're a tourist travelling alone, always exercise caution when accepting a ride from a habal habal driver.)

Malapascua Island - Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Maya New Port & Malapascua Island

On the road to Maya New Port and Malapascua Island

08:00 - 09:00

Mactan Cebu International Airport

Lapu-Lapu Airport Rd, MEPZ 1, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Mactan Cebu International Airport is the international and domestic airport for travel to and from Cebu. The airport was designed to promote, generate, and encourage tourism in the Central Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, helping to make Cebu the regional centre for trade and tourism. Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Notes

When flying to the Philippines, be sure to select a flight that goes directly to Mactan Cebu International Airport. Malapascua Island is located just across from the northernmost tip of Cebu so flying directly into Cebu saves you valuable travel time.

Getting there

Flights arrive daily so check your preferred air travel carrier's schedule.

Mactan Cebu International Airport

11:30 - 12:30

Duko Duko Eatery

Central Nautical Hwy, Catmon, Cebu, Philippines

The word "duko duko" means to duck or lower one's head to not be hit. The entrance to this quaint little hole-in-the-wall restaurant is notoriously low, hence the name Duko Duko Eatery. Taller guests should take this as a warning to bow their heads before entering the rather low entrance. The eatery itself is a famous pit-stop among locals and tourists located in Catmon on Cebu's Central Nautical Highway. It is a perfect place to stop and sample authentic regional food and is famous for its Visayan Fried Chicken and Beef Pochero Stew. Duko Duko is a simple Filipino "carinderia" or roadside food eatery. Food is prepared ahead of time and sold from chafing dishes. If you've never experienced "turo turo" before, you are in for a simple treat! Turo turo in Visaya roughly translates to "point point." Guests are invited to select from a premade assortment of tasty stews and vegetables served with portions of white rice or corn grits. Something to keep in mind is that turo turo food is sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you want to have a nice selection when you dine at Duko Duko, be sure to arrive at 11:30 AM to beat the local lunchtime rush. The Beef Pochero Stew is quite famous and a must-try because of its savoury broth. Also famous and not for the faint of heart is Duko Duko's pork, and blood stew delicacy is known as Dinuguan. Make sure to bring cash with you as Duko Duko is a cash-only operation. Expect to pay Php 30.00 - 50.00 per viand and Php 12.00 per serving of rice or corn grits. Duko Duko is very much a self-service, low-key and minimal fuss eatery, so don't visit if you have issues with personal space or expect a 5-star meal. Guests are served simple, tasty food and are expected to bus their trays, cutlery, and drinking water for themselves. (Photos from Duko Duko Eatery's FB page)

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Entry+Meal

Prices for Duko Duko Eatery
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	1.50 - 3.00 EUR	Plus fee

Notes

Duko Duko is a simple local eatery or 'carinderia' featuring regional stews and dishes. A must-try is their Beef Pochero, a tasty broth-based stew consisting of slow-cooked beef and vegetables served over your choice of white rice or corn grits. Duko Duko is the perfect rest stop on the drive to Maya New Port. An entire meal will cost you Php 100.00 - 150.00, including a portion of rice or grits, a viand, and a beverage. It is simple Visayan fare, and you dine cafeteria-style, so there are no waiters to take your orders. Dishes are premade and served warm in chafing dishes. It's best to arrive at Duko Duko early (11:30 AM) if you want more selection.

Getting there

If you've hired a car or taxi, then getting to Duko Duko is easy. Duko Duko is located in Catmon on the Central Nautical Highway.

Duko Duko Eatery

16:00 - 17:00

Evolution Diving Resort

Bounty Beachfront, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

Evolution Diving Resort was founded by partners Matt Reed and David Joyce and is the premier diving operation in Malapascua and the Central Visayas. They offer comprehensive training across all levels of recreational and technical diving, including rebreather training and expeditions. Evolution's commitment to the environment and disciplined diving practices set them apart from the other dive operators. Expect strict diving standards and safety protocols to be adhered to and practised by all boat crew, divemasters, and instructors. Dive briefings are detailed and complete with a dive site layout, and all dive details are thoroughly discussed pre-dive. Enjoy engaging post-dive briefings with knowledgable divemasters, instructors, and guides who will happily help you identify all the critters and marine life you met on the dive. Evolution is a "progressive" dive shop, which constantly innovates and employs new dive and safety standards. If you're trained to dive at Evolution, expect that you will learn about how to properly fit and streamline your diving gear so that you have maximum buoyancy control in the water and dive with relatively good "trim." You can easily spot an Evolution dive team member by their classic and effortless trim diving profile in the water. Diving with good trim and buoyancy control is crucial to dive without negatively impacting the marine environment and is the genuine signature of an accomplished diver. GREEN FINS "Top Ten" for 10 Consecutive Years What sets Evolution apart from other operators is its unyielding commitment to the environment. They drill down on the basic foundations like good dive training with proper buoyancy and trim, situational awareness while diving, and respect for the environment and aquatic life. Evolution Diving Resort received the "Top Ten Member" Green Fins recognition for ten consecutive years, making them one of the most environmentally-friendly dive operators globally. They employ the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" philosophy, as evidenced by the charming upcycled Bangka boat reception desk that greets you at check-in. O'Dive System The first of its kind in the Philippines, the O'Dive System is a personal doppler measurement device help analyse and track non-symptomatic inert gas bubbles which form within the body after scuba diving. If too many gas bubbles form in their bodies, the diver's risk of experiencing the "bends" or decompression sickness increases. The O'Dive System helps recreational and technical divers monitor their accumulated nitrogen bubble levels to ensure safer dive practices. Evolution is the first dive operator in the Philippines to offer this additional safety feature. No one wants to leave the paradise of Malapascua for an avoidable trip to the decompression chamber if they can help it, and Evolution aims to ensure this by implementing and strictly adhering to proper safety protocols and outfits all their dive boats with first aid kits and emergency oxygen. All boat crew are thoroughly trained in responding to emergencies should they occur. All Local Employees Evolution has committed to growing the island community by employing from within the local community as much as possible. Most of the staff you meet at the resort have lived and worked on the island for over ten years. Be sure to look for and say "hi" to the exuberant and friendly Janice, the server at Evolution's pub, The Craic House. Schedule a dive with a local instructor Gino who has worked his way up from a hard-working member of the boat crew to his present position as a conscientious dive instructor. Chat with old-time Evolution Beagle boat captain Roger about his years of adventures crewing dives for Evolution. These folks make up the lovely cast of characters you'll get to know and love during your stay. Rooms and Accommodation Rooms are cleaned daily and reasonably well-appointed. Evolution offers charming beachside and garden view rooms. AC Deluxe Rooms feature at least one queen-sized bed and an additional queen or single bed, a TV and digital library, minibar, room safe, split AC, hot shower, and handcrafted mahogany furniture. The AC Deluxe Rooms also include complimentary drinking water and coffee and tea-making facilities to enjoy on your terrace. Evolution also offers a more basic Garden Fan Room for those on a stricter budget, which has two single beds, a hot water shower, and a terrace with a view of the lush garden. Complimentary breakfast may be offered depending on the room package you select. Management Evolution is managed day-to-day by a fun team of local and international Instructors who have a combined 60 years of experience in the dive and tourism industry. Whether it's your first time exploring underwater and learning to dive, or it's your 1000th dive to the depths as a technical diver, the Evolution crew is ready to help you with having an amazing time below and above the water. (Photos courtesy of Evolution Diving Resort)

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Room

Prices for Evolution Diving Resort
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	80.00 - 90.00 EUR

Notes

Are you deciding between splurging on a private car, or are you on a budget and need public transportation options? Private transport is excellent if you want to save yourself time and don't intend to stop along the way. The public bus and public shuttle have scheduled stops and breaks, plus they need to pick up and disembark passengers along the way, sapping your valuable vacation time. Local transport companies facilitate all private transportation to Malapascua, and rates can change, so be sure to ask what the rates are when booking your private ride. Remember that resorts and hotels in Malapascua can help arrange your private transportation, so be sure to ask them about arranging it for you to save yourself time. Private Car & Private Boat Hands down, the easiest and most hassle-free way to get to Malapascua if you're willing to pay for it. You can arrange with your hotel to have you picked up anywhere in Cebu City and ride both a private car and private boat directly to Malapascua in 4 - 5 hours total. Expect to pay Php 5,600.00 for a 1-2 person one-way trip in a compact car. For larger vehicles capable of accommodating 10+ people, expect to pay Php 1,450.00 per person for a one-way trip.

Getting there

Transportation Options from Cebu City to Maya New Port Taxi: Expect to pay Php 2,500.00+ for a one-way trip from Cebu City to Maya. The quality of your car and driver may vary. Depending on how slow or fast your driver is, the journey takes 3-4 hours. Ceres Bus Liner: Board the Ceres Bus Liner at the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City. Buses depart every 30 minutes (starting at 1:00 AM), and the trip costs Php 160.00 for a non-AC vehicle and Php 180.00 for an AC vehicle with intermittent WiFi. The extra Php 20.00 is worth it as the bus ride takes 5-6 hours, including multiple stops along the way. The bus will take bathroom/snack breaks. Remember your bus number (so you get back onto the correct bus) and make sure the bus doesn't leave without you. (PS, it gets COLD on the bus, so keep a hoodie in your backpack!) If you desire a 'local' experience, the bus is the way to go. You'll meet fellow travellers and make friends with some charming Malapascua locals on board the bus. Public Ferry from Maya New Port to Malapascua: Public ferries from Maya New Port to Malapascua follow no schedule because the boat leaves when full. This wait can take anywhere from 10 minutes if you're lucky and extend to multiple hours waiting if you're unlucky and the boat is slow to fill. The public boat will cost you Php 150.00, but this price can vary. Don't be surprised if your captain tries to charge you a higher fee, so make sure you negotiate what you're being charged before boarding the boat. If you prefer not to wait, you can pay the captain Php 1,500.00 to hire the boat privately. The crossing takes 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the weather. Additional costs of Php 20.00 per person and Php 20.00 per piece of luggage will apply if you are brought to or from the public boat via a small flatboat. Public boats stop crossing at 4:00 PM, so if you miss the last boat, be prepared to A) hire a private boat or B) stay overnight in Maya. The public boats resume service at 7:00 AM.

Travel time

5 hours 0 minutes

Evolution Diving Resort

17:00 - 20:00

The Craic House

Bounty Beach, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

Pronounced "crack," The Craic House is Evolution Diving Resort's Irish bar and restaurant serving pub inspired dishes to hungry scuba divers and tourists alike. If you've ever been to Ireland, you might have come across the word "craic", which means fun. The Craic House is a fun, beachside pub where guests can come to enjoy the 2 for 1 Happy Hour and challenge each other to see who can finish their Irish Car Bomb shots the fastest. The Irish Car Bomb is a silky smooth concoction of Bailey's Irish Cream and Guinness meant to be drunk as fast as possible before the entire concoction curdles. The fastest finisher gets to put their name on the leaderboard until a speedier competitor ousts them. Dishes are well-portioned and satisfying and include crowd-pleasers like the Pork & Apple Burger, Vegetarian Jalapeño Falafel Wrap, Grilled Balsamic Chicken Salad and the decadent heart-stopping Larry XIV Fries, which are perfect for the post-hangover meal or with an ice-cold beverage. Beers are guaranteed to be icy cold, and the staff behind the bar are always welcoming and friendly. Don't be surprised if you hear the Drink Bell ringing while you're dining. That means everyone standing at the bar receives a round of drinks from the bell ringer. Things can get pretty lively at The Craic House, so be prepared for it. (Photos courtesy of The Craic House)

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Entry+Meal

Prices for The Craic House
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	4.20 - 7.00 EUR	Plus fee

Notes

Chances are you're fairly exhausted after the long drive to Maya New Port. It's a good thing that The Craic House -- the best Irish pub in Malapascua -- is located at Evolution Diving Resort. Unpack your gear, settle in, and pop over to the bar to make the most of the 2 for 1 Cocktail Hour and get to know all the friendly bar staff and dive instructors while enjoying a frosty sundowner.

The Craic House

Day 2

05:00 - 07:00

Monad Shoal

Monad, Philippines

Monad Shoal is a world-famous dive site and is popularly known for its nearly guaranteed Thresher Shark sightings. Thresher Sharks (Alopias vulpinus) are listed as environmentally vulnerable by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Monad Shoal is one of the few places in the world that Threshers are regularly seen. The Thresher Shark is easily identifiable because of its caudal (tail) fins which are so long that they are half the total length of the shark's body. The tails of the Thresher Shark are used to stun small baitfish like sardines. The shark whips its tail underwater with enough force to temporarily stun its prey and consume it. Shark dives depart Malapascua Island at around 5:30 AM, and it takes 30 minutes to reach the Monad Shoal dive site. This dive is a MUST if you are a scuba diver and well-worth the early wake-up. The Thresher Shark is one of the most elegant and beautiful sharks you will ever see. Monad isn't only home to Threshers. It is not uncommon to see Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles and even catch a glimpse of the elusive Tiger Sharks that sometimes visit the shoal. (Photos courtesy of Evolution Diving Resort)

Article By: Anna Reed

Notes

If you're staying and diving with Evolution Diving Resort then be prepared to wake up early at 4:00 - 5:00 AM to make the 5:30 - 6:30 AM boat departure for Monad Shoal. Make sure you hydrate well the night before and that you aren't hungover from the night before. The ride out to Monad Shoal takes about 30 minutes. Thankfully, all Evolution dive boats offer complimentary water and instant coffee. Consider packing a potassium-rich banana to help stave off diving related muscle cramps and to give you a bit of pre-dive fuel.

Getting there

Evolution Diving Resort provides transport to and from Monad Shoal for all of their divers doing the early morning Thresher Shark dive.

Travel time

0 hours 30 minutes

Monad Shoal

09:00 - 16:00

Kalanggaman Island

Kalanggaman Island, Philippines

The jewel of Leyte, Kalanggaman Island, is a beautiful sandy island situated between Leyte and the northern tip of Cebu. Famous for its pristine, white sand beach Kalanggaman Island is a favourite destination for international cruise ships, local boat operators, and tourists who visit the island to enjoy the gorgeous beach and crystal blue waters. "Langgam" is the Visayan word for bird, and Kalanggaman Island gets its name due to its bird-shaped outline and also because it is a waypoint for migratory birds. Aside from its gorgeous stretch of beach, Kalanggaman is also famous for its colourful soft-coral wall dives and snorkelling just off the beach. Scuba divers love the various fan corals along the wall because they are home to the elusive and much sought after pygmy seahorse. Be sure to pack food and drinks with you when you visit the island. There's a small shop on the island where you can buy snacks and refreshments, but the offerings are very basic, and the selection is small. Depending on the time of year, you can also purchase food directly from vendors strolling the beach selling grilled food, refreshments, and popsicles. There is an entrance fee to visit the island, and it is Php 150.00 for locals and Php 500.00 for foreign tourists. For those wishing to camp or stay overnight on the island, simple open-air huts and tents are available for rent. Expect to pay Php 1,000.00 for a 2-person hut and Php 250.00 for a 2-person tent. (Kalanggaman Drone Photos: Matt Reed, Pygmy Seahorse Photo: David Joyce)

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Kalanggaman Island
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	2.46 - 8.50 EUR	Plus fee

Notes

Depending on the weather, the ride out to Kalanggaman will take about 1.5 - 2 hours, so be sure to pack some seasickness medication in case you're prone to nausea. Guests travelling to Kalanggaman with Evolution Diving Resort receive a packed lunch which they can eat during the surface interval. If you're diving, expect to get 2 awesome wall dives and be sure to look out for soft coral, sea turtles, octopi, and pygmy seahorses perched in the fan coral. Kalanggaman is a great day trip even if you're not diving because of the beautiful island and beach, offering shore entry snorkelling.

Getting there

Evolution Diving Resort will provide a boat to and from Kalanggaman. Be sure to scan the horizon for pods of dolphins on your way to and from Kalanggaman, as dolphin sightings are quite common. Most pods are curious and will ride alongside the Bangka boat giving you a memorable experience.

Travel time

4 hours 0 minutes

Kalanggaman Island

17:30 - 20:30

Ocean Vida Resort and Restaurant

Bounty Beach, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

Ocean Vida is located in the very centre of it all on Bounty Beach and is the perfect location for you if you want to dive, eat well, and enjoy Malapascua sunsets and nightlife. It is a beautiful and well-maintained resort with lush gardens and tropical beach views. Ocean Vida Restaurant Ocean Vida's Restaurant serves a large range of delicious and well-portioned dishes, including Filipino and Continental cuisine. Their daily breakfast buffet is lovely and sumptuous, including homemade pastries, bread, yoghurt, and fruits, as well as grilled items like bacon and eggs. The staff are always friendly and accommodating. A meal at Ocean Vida will cost about Php 250.00 - 500.00, but the portions they serve are significantly larger, and dishes are well-executed and tasty, so well worth the cost. Ocean Vida Rooms The rooms at Ocean Vida are beautifully decorated, well-appointed, and cleaned daily. All rooms come with complimentary water, coffee, and tea which you can enjoy on your private terrace overlooking the beach or garden. Buena Vida Ocean Vida has a sister resort on the island called Buena Vida. Buena Vida has a small gym, a yoga shala, and a day spa offering massages, facials, and other rejuvenating treatments. Be sure to visit during your stay and receive some much-needed pampering from well-trained massage therapists. Sunset Sessions If you enjoy a tropical cocktail or sundowner then head over to Ocean Vida to sit on the beachside beanbags and watch the sunset over Malapascua. Ocean Vida is a great location to grab drinks, meet up with friends, and enjoy dinner. (Photos courtesy of Ocean Vida FB Page)

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Notes

After a long day of diving and soaking up the sunshine, stroll down Bounty Beach to Ocean Vida to enjoy a lovely sunset dinner on the beach. Ocean Vida is great for special events and dinners and has a lovely ambience and service.

Getting there

Ocean Vida is an easy 7 - 10 minute walk down Bounty Beach from Evolution Diving Resort.

Travel time

0 hours 10 minutes

Ocean Vida Resort and Restaurant

Day 3

08:00 - 09:00

Malapascua Fat Bike Rental

Unnamed Road, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

Malapascua is the perfect place to ride a bicycle because the island is car-free and the only motorised vehicles to look out for are motorcycles. Malapascua is full of sandy roads and footpaths to explore while riding a fat bike. Rent a Malapascua Fat Bike for Php 500.00 per day at Agila Strong Gym and head north to Langob Beach for a sun-filled day on the beach. Pack some bottled water with you and some fruit and nuts to keep your energy levels up. All Fat Bikes feature larger wheels perfect for sandy and rocky terrain. (Photos by Anna Reed)

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Entry

Prices for Malapascua Fat Bike Rental
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	8.50 EUR

Notes

If you're planning to spend the day on your fat bike, be sure to bring bottled water, SPF, bug spray, and some fruit and nuts for energy.

Getting there

Malapascua Fat Bike Rental is located inside Agila Strong Gym.

Malapascua Fat Bike Rental

10:00 - 12:00

Langob Beach

Sitio Langob, Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Daanbantayan, Lalawigan ng Cebu, Philippines

Langob Beach is located to the north of Malapascua and features a glorious stretch of yet-undeveloped white sand beach. It is a beautiful location to spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and taking memorable photos. (Photos by Anna Reed)

Article By: Anna Reed

Notes

Langob Beach is located just north of Agila Strong Gym if you follow the main road. If you get lost, ask a local who can direct you to the beach. Langob Beach is not as developed as Bounty Beach, and there are very few restaurants nearby. Pack some bottled water and snacks to stay hydrated and fuelled.

Getting there

It takes about 15 -20 minutes by bicycle from Agila Strong Gym to Langob Beach.

Travel time

0 hours 20 minutes

Langob Beach

18:00 - 20:00

Angelina Beach - Malapascua Italian Restaurant Resort

Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Philippines

It's hard to believe that authentic and delicious homemade pizza, gelato, and gnocchi are available on a small little island like Malapascua. Long time Malapascua residents and partners Angela and Riccardo have spent a lifetime creating the sweetest little Italian restaurant in the Central Visayas. Originally from Rimini, Italy, Angela and Riccardo have brought their expertise and regional cuisine to Malapascua, and their thin-crust pizzas are a real treat! Angela and Riccardo make their own gelato, pizza dough, gnocchi and homemade pasta, and they also offer daily specials based on what the fishermen have caught that day. Angelina's is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy a delicious Italian meal after a day spent on the beach or scuba diving. Angelina Beach also offers lovely rooms and accommodation for guests staying on Malapascua. (Photos: FB page of Angelina Beach - Malapascua Italian Restaurant Resort)

Website

Article By: Anna Reed

Price covers: Entry+Meal

Prices for Angelina Beach - Malapascua Italian Restaurant Resort
Category	Price	Restrictions
Standard	4.50 - 9.00 EUR	Plus fee

Notes

Angelina Beach Restaurant is an institution in Malapascua and should not be missed. They serve the most amazing homemade gelato, pizza, pasta, and gnocchi. If you like steak tartare or enjoy sushi, then you should definitely try their generously portioned Tuna Tartare.

Getting there

Angelina's is located in Barrio on White Beach.

Angelina Beach - Malapascua Italian Restaurant Resort

20:30 - 22:00

Villa Sandra Guesthouse

Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Philippines

Villa Sandra Guesthouse is owned and operated by musician and artist Jon Jon Villasandra, a Malapascua native son who transformed his family home into a welcoming backpacking hostel that is full of eclectic love and bohemian joyfulness. Villa Sandra is the perfect island spot to sit, chill, and enjoy some good beats and vibes. Villa Sandra plays live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, and both locals and tourists turn up for the show. Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly Villa Sandra Guesthouse is one of the few places in Malapascua that strictly serves vegetarian food only. Their food is tasty and reasonably priced (Photos from Villa Sandra Guesthouse FB page)

Article By: Anna Reed

Notes

After a lovely authentic Italian meal at Angelina Beach Restaurant, stroll through Barrio over to Villa Sandra Guesthouse to catch some live music and enjoy some chill island vibes.

Getting there

Villa Sandra is a 7 - 8 minute walk from Angelina Beach Restaurant.

Travel time

0 hours 8 minutes

Villa Sandra Guesthouse

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Submitted by: Anna Reed, 3 years ago

About the author

Anna Reed

Anna is a beach lover, sun riser, and snowflake worshipper who loves to travel. Sporty and outdoorsy, her favorite travel destinations include CrossFit box visits, active adventures, and finding local dining spots with ambiance and amazing food.

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Reviews

Matt Reed Great info with loads of detail 3 years ago

Amazing pictures!

1 person found this helpful

Jon Watson great dive spots 3 years ago

amazing island and great place to dive. nice photos.

1 person found this helpful

Eduardo B. Cu Unjieng Words and images excellently pieced together. This is one guide I enjoyed reading. 3 years ago

What’s not to like about it?

1 person found this helpful

Maria Perrine So detail oriented and best choices on the island! 3 years ago

I've been taken around by Anna on the island before doing most of what's mentioned here, and so I got to explore the best of Malapascua. Definitely an itinerary to follow!

0 people found this helpful