Overview
Malapascua is a small island known for specialist shark diving. White beaches and a compact settlement make it easy to explore between boat trips.
Culture · Island · Wildlife
Did you know?
- Early dives at Monad Shoal seek thresher sharks between about 5 and 7 AM.
- The island is known locally as Logon.
- A roughly 6-km circumference makes it possible to walk around the island in about three hours.
Why go?
Malapascua is a small island 8 km off the north coast of Cebu with a community of about 11,000 inhabitants. Known locally as Logon, it offers pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned diving centered on thresher sharks at Monad Shoal. The island has a 6 km circumference and can be walked in about 3 hours, making it compact enough to explore fully while still offering enough dive sites (22+) for a week-long stay.
Getting in
Malapascua is reached by boat from the mainland. The journey involves traveling to Daanbantayan on Cebu Island, then taking a banca (outrigger boat) to the island. Public boats typically depart in the morning, with the crossing taking about 30-45 minutes depending on sea conditions. Private boat transfers can be arranged through resorts, particularly convenient if arriving with dive gear. There is no airport on the island; the nearest major airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City.
Getting around
There is no motorized transport on Malapascua, but the island is small enough to walk everywhere. For shorter distances or when carrying gear, habal-habal (mopeds) are available for PHP 10-30 per ride depending on distance. Motorbikes can be rented for PHP 1000 per day for those wanting more independence. Many visitors simply walk between beaches, dive shops, and restaurants.
When to go
The best time to visit Malapascua is during dry season from November to May, when seas are calm and visibility underwater reaches 30+ meters. Thresher sharks can be seen year-round at Monad Shoal, though the summer months of April and May offer the best conditions. The southwest monsoon season from June to October brings rougher seas and occasional boat cancellations, though this is also low season with fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget beachcottages to mid-range resorts. Most places are concentrated around Bounty Beach on the island's east side. Budget options like Bebes Lodging House offer fan rooms from around PHP 500-700, while mid-range resorts like Aabana Beach and Watersports Resort feature air-conditioned cottages with private terraces starting around PHP 2500. Touts meet arriving boats but are unnecessary given the number of available options; they receive PHP 50+ commissions from resorts.
Food and drink
Local eateries scattered around the island serve rice meals with vegetable, meat, and fish options for PHP 50-100. Evening stalls barbecue pork satay. For higher-end dining, Oscar's Restaurant above Thresher Shark Divers offers eclectic international dishes, while La Isla Bonita serves Philippine dishes and pizzas. The Craic House is known for homemade bread, wraps, falafel, and daily specials using fresh local produce. A popular Saturday night disco operates during high season with stalls selling beers and sodas.
Things to do
Diving is the main draw, with Malapascua being the only place in the world to reliably see thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, usually encountered during early morning dives between 5-7 AM. Other highlights include Gato Island for macro life, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus, and nudibranchs. Wreck dives and night dives are also available. Snorkeling spots include Coral Garden, Lapus Lapus, and Dakit Dakit Marine Protected Areas. Non-divers can enjoy beach time, visiting the lighthouse for sunset views, or exploring the mangroves at Mangrove Bay.
Safety
Malapascua is generally a safe island for visitors. There is a basic clinic near the Barangay Hall, but a doctor visits only on Saturdays. For medical emergencies beyond that, evacuation to Daanbantayan on the mainland is required, which involves a lengthy boat and land transport journey. The nearest decompression chamber for diving emergencies is in Lahug, Cebu City. Tap water is not potable; drink only bottled or purified water.
Connectivity
Most mid-range and upscale resorts on Malapascua offer free WiFi for guests. Mobile coverage is available from Globe and Smart telecommunications networks. SIM cards can be purchased on Cebu Island before traveling to the island. The island has reliable electricity from resort generators, though power cuts can occur during the wet season.
Budget
A backpacker can survive on PHP 1500-2000 per day including dorm accommodation (PHP 500-800), local meals (PHP 300-500), and occasional dive activities. A single fun dive typically costs PHP 1500-2500, while PADI Open Water certification runs PHP 12000-18000. Habal-habal rides cost PHP 10-30. Budget-conscious travelers should seek out local eateries and consider staying in basic fan rooms rather than air-conditioned cottages.
Day trips
Several dive shops organize day trips to surrounding islands including Kalanggaman Island (known for its white sandbar and snorkeling), Carnaza Island, and Gato Island. These trips typically include boat transport, lunch, and multiple dive or snorkeling sessions. Kalanggaman Island in particular is a popular destination for day-trippers from Malapascua who want to experience a pristine, undeveloped sandbar.
Go next
From Malapascua, travelers typically return to Cebu Island to continue their journey. Cebu City offers airports for domestic and international flights, as well as bus terminals for overland travel. The nearby town of Daanbantayan on Cebu's northern tip can be explored before or after the island visit. Other popular destinations in Cebu Province include the historic city of Cebu City, the Sardine Run in Moalboal, and the Kawasan Falls near Badian.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Aabana Beach and Watersports Resort
Beach resort. Cottages are about 60 meters from their own beach, having extra small bamboo huts for their guest on the wide and nice beach. All cottages have big terrace, air-con, warm and cold water shower, flatscreen LCD satellite TV, individual safety digital box, refrigerator and free Wi-Fi. There are also cottages which have a kitchen on the terrace for private guest use. They offer boat tours around the island, fishing tours, snorkeling tours and jet ski.
Price when recorded: PHP
Sleep
Bebes Lodging House
Fan and AC double rooms, outside bathrooms. Said to be the cheapest on the island.
Price when recorded: PHP
Sleep
Mike & Dioses Beachcottage
Mike is the manager and owner; Kiko his friend, caretaker and representative. Only a few cottages are left over cause of building all new rooms. They have a thatched roof, bamboo (amakan) wall and veranda. The cottages are simple fan rooms, are located in garden area with seaview. Price range is PHP
Sleep
Slam's Garden Resort
Superior and deluxe rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, safe and Wi-Fi. Facilities and services are scuba diving, Slam's Garden Bar & Pub and massage service.
Price when recorded: From PHP
Sleep
Villa Sandra
Environmentally conscious and socially-active, guest-house featuring in-house organic vegetarian restaurant, small gym, yoga classes, hammocks and a community-oriented souvenir shop. Can arrange tours, snorkel gear, tent, tattoos, paintings, etc.
Price when recorded: PHP
Eat
Angelina
Original Italian food.
Price when recorded: PHP
Eat
Ging Ging's
Popular eatery with a large array of Filipino and international options
Eat
Kiwi's Restaurant
Small family-run eatery down a track behind Ging Ging's with great food and good prices
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi available at most mid-range resorts. Globe and Smart SIM cards work on the island for mobile data.
Health
Basic clinic on island has a doctor only on Saturdays. Nearest hospital is in Daanbantayan, requiring boat transport. Decompression chamber is in Cebu City.
Money
ATMs, a Smart Money store, and a money changer are available on Malapascua. Major credit cards are accepted at many popular resorts, though cash is preferred at local shops and eateries.
Safety
Malapascua is generally safe. Use bottled water for drinking. Secure belongings on the beach.
Transport
Getting to Malapascua requires a boat ride from Daanbantayan on Cebu Island. No motorized vehicles exist on the island; walk or hire a habal-habal (moped).