Malapascua: Laid Back Island in Cebu for a Great Reset

CEBU is a province rich in natural resources. From mountains to marine life to concrete jungles, and to laid-back islands. I have been to Cebu for over 10 years and every time I want to take a break from stress in life, there is this one island on the northernmost part of the province that would pop into my mind.

MALAPASCUA - is a small island located at Daanbantayan, Cebu. It takes 4-5 hours to travel by land from the city center, and about 30 minutes boat ride to the island. The island is best known for scuba divers, especially for those who would like to see and get mindblown by the great thresher sharks. As much as I would like, I'm not a scuba diver and it's difficult for a freediver to reach the sharks since they can be found 30 meters deep. Hence, I am writing this blog to share with you what you can do in Malapscua even if you are not a scuba diver.

Things to do in Malapascua even if you are not a Scuba Diver

Here are a few things and activities that you would not miss when visiting Malapscua Island especially if you are not a scuba diver.

Visit Langub Beach

Langub Beach is situated in the northernmost part of Malapscua Island. It features a long stretch of a white sand powder beach and turquoise sea water. It is perfect for just chilling, taking a cold beer, or even frolicking with your friends and family. Even you can go to the edge of the beach and reflect.

It takes 30 minutes to walk from the Poblacion of Malapascua, while it may take just 5-10 minutes to ride a motorcycle taxi for P40 (0.71 USD). Whichever you take, is an experience for sure.

Stroll at Logon Beach

Logon Beach is located on the west side of Malapascua Island, and it's at the island's poblacion. It has a white sand beach, but it's not as powdery as Langub Beach. While I was strolling, I was surprised that there were a lot of establishments, restaurants, and shops located there. If you are looking for someplace to chill and dine while at the beachfront, Logon Beach is a place to go.

Take a Dip at the Bounty Beach

If you are looking for a secluded place and a beach away from the crowd, then Bounty Beach is for you. Bounty Beach is located on the southeast side of the island. It features powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water. There are resorts along the beach which I think are the expensive ones. There are a lot of fishing boats around so I guess this is where most of the locals dock it when they're not fishing. Nevertheless, you can still take a dip, and enjoy at the beach.

Rent a Boat for an Island Tour

Malapscua Island features multiple spots around the island. Hence, renting a boat and doing an island tour going around the island is a great way to spend your vacation. We paid P2,250 (40 USD) for a boat that accommodated 15 people. These are the spots that you will be visiting:

Coral Garden

Taken last 2017 and have already posted on my personal blog

The coral garden has a wide area of beautiful and rich corals. You can jump and dive, and be amazed by the natural beauty of the marine life.

Ship Wreck

Taken last 2017 and have already posted on my personal blog

Another spot to visit is the Ship Wreck which was told to have sunk during World War II. It is also a great spot for freediving (although when we visited, I wasn't a freediver yet HAHA).

Lastly, you may also ask the boatman for a pitstop at Langub Beach and enjoy the sunset. It's a great way to enjoy and boost your serotonin especially if you are in a group!

Jump-Off for an Island Hopping to Carnaza Island, La Manok Island, or Kalanggaman Island

La Manok Island

Due to its location, Malapascua is well-known as a jump-off to other distant islands such as Carnaza Island, La Manok Island (technically part of Masbate), and Kalanggaman Island (part of Leyte). Visiting there entails different costs. On our end, we had a tour of Carnaza Island and La Manok Island and a different tour of Kalanggaman Island. These tours were done on a different date though LOL!

Night Life at Malapscua

Believe it or not, I haven't tried getting wasted at Malapascua. However, I have heard from my friends that the nightlife there is amazing. There are a lot of friendly locals and foreigners enjoying some booze. Here's a photo of me trying to be a nomad while others are having a party on another part of the island. LOL!

There is indeed so much to do in Malapscua Island depending on your objectives, group of friends, schedule, and of course, budget. Visiting here could be expensive since supplies of the establishments have to be transported from mainland Cebu. Not to mention that their electricity is also generated by a power generator. With all of these accounted for, I think Malapscua Island is a place you should visit in Cebu. It is a great place to spend some time with your friends and family to reset, and even spend a few weeks as a nomad, and enjoy a laid-back life.

I think that's it for today. See you in my next post, Hiveans!