A guide to Moalboal, Cebu Island
This Moalboal tourist guide is the result of my visit to this relaxed seaside resort in the Cebu Island. Moalboal Philippines is a paradise of ocean lovers and is regarded as a home to the famous world-class diving, the famous Sardine run, and the epic day trips. The town is small yet vibrant and the Panagsama Beach is lined with the various dive shops, cafes, and low-end accommodation. I found it great that all was on foot. Although it is the popular one, it is relaxed even in comparison with busier islands. This guide to Moalboal will allow you to plan well in case you want to have easy access to reefs, waterfalls and mountains.
Here’s my guide to Moalboal, the Philippines
I was not expecting Moalboal Cebu Island to have everything under one roof when I first came. I spent my days snorkeling in Moalboal, all day riding motorbikes to the mountains, and nightly sunsets on the cliffs. The best part was swimming in the sardine run Moalboal which was a few meters off the shore. Moalboal is approachable in contrast to other places that are overrun with resorts. Travelers spend 3-5 days, which I found to be not enough since I would have liked more time to do day trips out of Moalboal such as waterfalls and mountains. This is indeed among the best activities to engage in Moalboal Cebu in case of adventurous traveling.
Where is Moalboal?
Where is Moalboal Philippines? It is located on the southwest coast of the Cebu Island, located 90 km south and west of Cebu City. The town is on Tanon Strait that has high marine biodiversity. It is at this place that the best snorkeling in Moalboal and diving have been so conveniently located. Tourism infrastructure is strong even though it is in the countryside. There is good transport and roads are paved. The location of Moalboal assisted me in planning day outings to the waterfalls and mountains inland, and it was an ideal location of both ocean and jungle touring.
Getting to Moalboal
It was not as difficult as I thought when it came to calculating the mode of transport to Moalboal in Cebu. I rode a bus out of Cebu City, South Bus Terminal I rode abus in Cebu City and this took me approximately 3-4 hours and the fare was less than $4. Vans are speedier yet a bit more expensive. Road network is winding, and one should not travel at night. On arrival to town, tricycles take a person to the highway drop-off to Panagsama Beach. Being aware of this helped me not to spend a lot of money using personal taxis. There are regular daytime transportation which makes Moalboal travel very easy, even by the first-time visitor.
Accommodation in Moalboal
Moaalboal Philippines has accommodations that are between 8 bed dorms and 60php boutique. I was close to Panagsama Beach the center of the dive shops and Moalboal snorkeling tours. Remaining here was that I could walk to the sardine run Moalboal within five minutes. White Beach has resorts that are less crowded and are transported to restaurants. You need to book at least one month in advance between December and May when the occupancy is more than 75 percent. Dive packages are available in many places and this would save you money in case you intend to dive in Pescador Island. Here, location will be more important than luxury.
The best things to do in Moalboal
1. Dive at Pescador Island
My best underwater experience during the visit to the Moalboal Cebu Island was Pescador Island diving. The island is also close by, only 20 minutes of boat riding and it has steep walls, caves and a high number of turtles. It is usually 20-30 meters and therefore some of the best diving in Moalboal. I spent an average of 35 dollars per dive with gears. The conditions are greatest in the morning when currents do not increase. Find a good reliable dive shop with small groups – at this point, safety briefings are important. This is a requirement to certified divers going to Moalboal Philippines.
2. Snorkel through the Sardine run
Moalboal is unthinkable, the sardine run a million sardines around the meters of the coast. I snorkeled at the Panagsama Beach and there was no need of a boat. It is the best snorkeling in Moalboal and it is free as long as you bring with you your equipments. Go early in the morning when the crowds are few and water is cool. I also forgot to cover my body with a rash guard and I got sunburned too quickly – reef-safe sunscreen is indispensable. Watching the sardines change form to appear like a living cloud was also one of the most memorable activities in Moalboal.
3. Hire a moped and head to Osmena peak
My preferred land adventure was a ride up to Osmena Peak in Moalboal. It needs some mountain roads and the drive (1.5-2 hours) will be an epic journey. The peak can be visited cheaply, less than 1 dollar, and the short climb brings with it jagged limestone hills that overlook Cebu. Begin at a young age, when it is not hot in the daytime, or raining in the afternoon. The road systems are not always smooth and hence one should not rent a moped unless they are sure of driving. It is among the most picturesque excursions in Moalboal, and a pleasant reprieve to sea life.
4. Visit White Beach
Whereas Panagsama is rocky, Moalboal beaches have a beautiful White Beach, some 20 minutes away. I had an aimless afternoon bath and fine sand– you will never find it in town. There are low entrance fees (approximately, 1 to 2). Pack snacks and water because there is no choice. Weekdays are less active than weekends when local families are on vacation. When you are staying in Moalboal Philippines long term and want a balance to the heavy itinerary of diving then this beach day will give you the classic tropical feel.
5. Soak in the Malabuyoc Hot Springs
Another serene surprise that I experienced during my visit was the Malabuyoc Hot Springs. These natural pools are found within jungle and are located some 40 minutes south. The temperatures of water are not hot, just warm after the days of diving. The cost of entry is minimal (in the few dollars). Visit in the morning when there is a lower number of visitors. I also combined this stop with a scooter ride by the coast which made the ride equally entertaining. It is among the most mellow day trips in Moalboal in case you have to have a break off saltwater adventure.
6. Take a road trip to Mantayupan Falls
The Mantayupan Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Cebu almost 100 meters. It was on a 1.5 1000 ride in the north of Moalboal. The falls are mighty and are bordered by vegetation with hanging bridge giving it adventure. Entrance fees are low, under $2. Roads may be greasy and this is where shoes come in handy. My trip was diversified by combining waterfalls and Moalboal snorkeling days. It is among the freshest inland activities in Moalboal Cebu area.
7. Canyoneering in Badian
Adrenaline Badian canyoneering of Moalboal was pure adrenaline. The tour will incorporate cliff jumps, natural slides and turquoise canyon pools and an end to Kawasan falls. The cost is 25-40 and it includes guides and safety equipment. Experience is not necessary but one should be a comfortable swimmer. I suggest the use of safe sandals I have seen people lose their flip-flops in the currents. It is among the most sought-after activities on the best things to do in Moalboal Cebu and can be advised to contract a licensed operator to stay safe.
8. Grab a mango from the fruit stall
There are times when the greatest things are straightforward. I visited a roadside stall every day to taste the Philippine mangoes that were delicious, juicy and extremely cheap (they cost me less than $1 in many cases). It turned into my after diving snack. Budget travel in Moalboal is associated with supporting small vendors, and fruit is fresher than the desserts at most cafes. Add chili salt to mango, the local touch. These are little cultural experiences that offset the heavy adventure-related things to do in Moalboal and give your trip a more personal touch.
Budgeting for Moalboal
Moalboal is very possible on a low-budget travel. I was spending approximately $25-40 a day with the accommodations in the dorm, local food, and snorkeling. Diving and tours increase expenses, however, food and transport is affordable. The average price of a scooter rental is between 6 and 8 dollars. Numerous of the most amazing activities in Moalboal Cebu such as sardine run are free. Reserve canyoneering or diving at the Pescador Island. ATM machines run out of money, and therefore, withdrawing in Cebu City will be useful first to avoid charges and inconvenience.
FAQS
Is Moalboal worth visiting?
Yes, Moalboal Philadelphia is worth a travel because of excellent snorkeling adventure, sardine run, diving at Pescador Island, falls and low cost travelling costs in Cebu Island.
Where is Moalboal located?
On the southwest of the Cebu Island, Philippines, Moalboal is situated and it is within 3-4 hours road distance to the Cebu City.
Can you snorkel the sardine run in Moalboal?
Figure 1 Yes, the sardine run Moalboal on right off the beach in Panagsama Beach is a boat free wildlife experience that is among the easiest wildlife experiences in the Philippines.
Is Pescador Island good for diving?
Indeed, the Pescador Island diving boasts steep wall, coral beds, turtles and good visibility thus making it one of the best diving sites in the Moalboal Cebu Island.
What waterfalls can you visit from Moalboal?
There are other tourist falls and they include the Mantayupan Falls and Kawasan Falls which can similarly be accessed on scooter during day trip or organized tourism to Moalboal.
Where is the best area to stay in Moalboal?
Panagsama beach will be geared to the divers and snorkelers whereas the white beach will be recommended to the tourists that visit the place and like sandy beaches and accommodation that does not make a lot of noise in Moalboal Philippines.
Is Moalboal expensive?
No, Moalboal is not expensive. There are cheap Dorms, meals, and most of the best attractions such as sardine run are free.
