MALAPASCUA: Gem of Northern Cebu

The Scenic Vista of Malapascua Island

Life can be a poetic genre in the vastness of uncertainties

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 where generations can read and experience...

WHERE IS MALAPASCUA ISLAND LOCATED?

Malapascua is an island of Daanbantayan in the northern most tip of Cebu. Malapascua is only about 2.5 by 1 kilometer and has eight hamlets. The island is well known for one of the best diving spots in Cebu where divers can experience diving with the thresher sharks, manta ray and the World War II Japanese shipwrecks.

Bounty Beach

The island become known for its beautiful coral gardens, coral walls and excellent local dive site as well as further-out sites including Gato Island, Monad Shoal and Kemod Shoal. Monad Shoal is well known for professional divers for great underwater plateau where thresher sharks and manta rays can be sighted.

Malapascua Island Map

TRIVIA 

The island's name is said to have originated from two Spanish words, "mal" and "pascua," translated as Bad Christmas. The reason behind this nomenclature is that the Spaniards landed in the island on a stormy Christmas Day and got stuck in the island for days.

The Gem of Northern Cebu

HOW TO GET THERE

From Outside Cebu

One can take any domestic flight from any province that has a direct flight to Cebu to reach the island of Malapascua. There are regular flights to Cebu from any province, just check the details of your airline of choice.

Other option could be a ferry or a vessel heading to Cebu. There are numerous vessels having daily trips going back and forth to Cebu: just visit your vessel of choice for updates.

From Cebu City

 
You can either take a van (Php 200) or a bus bound for Maya Port in Daanbantayan for Php 180-190 (air-conditioned) and Php 150 for non air-conditioned bus from Cebu City North Bus terminal. The land trip will take about 4 (four) hours.

Cebu City North Bus Terminal

At Maya Port, you can take a passenger boat going to Malapascua Island for Php 100 per person that will take around 30 to 45 minutes before reaching the island. The first trip will be as early at 6:00 AM and the last trip will be at 3:00 PM. However, sometimes, it will extend until 6:00 PM, depending on the demand, usually during the peak season. If you miss the trip you can charter a boat for Php 1,000 to Php 2,000 or you can stay in the town of Maya for the night and head to the island on the following day.

Passenger Boat to Malapascua Island

What to do in the Island:

ISLAND HOPPING AND SNORKELING 

Small Boats Used for Island Hopping

Tour around the island by chartering a pump boat. One can pay 400 pesos per head plus 25 pesos for environmental fee when touring the island. The operator will stop you in some awe-inspiring sites best suited for photography enthusiasts, snorkeling and free diving aficionados and selfie addicts.

Snorkeling Site

The shipwrecks of Malapascua Island became a favorite spot for foreign and local tourists alike. One of the popular sites for snorkeling is the Japanese Shipwreck Marine Sanctuary where an old Japanese vessel from the World War II lies with the different sea creatures swimming and floating around it. The place is a little bit eerie but at the same time, it brings a sense of history as it brings you back to  a time when the Philippines was under a foreign rule.

 

Japanese Shipwreck Marine Sanctuary

SCUBA DIVING AND FREE DIVING

Scuba diving and free diving are two of the more popular activities in the island. The underwater world surrounding the island is teeming with colorful and diverse sea creatures. Swimming with the thresher sharks is a favored pastime for scuba divers. There are over 20 dive sites around the island of Malapascua. It sure is a fun adventure to zip up those scuba wet suits and propel through the crystal blue waters.  

Free Diving

CLIFF DIVING/JUMPING

Cliff Diving Site in Guimbitayan

If heights is a good friend of yours, you can also try cliff diving in Guimbitayan, a remote are of the island which promises a breathtaking view of the horizon. Once you reach the peak of Guimbitayan, it would feel like you are brought to the scenic Carrauntoohil of Northern Ireland. The rocky trail mixed together with the green meadows is essentially alluring.   

The Peak of Guimbitayan

 

GAZING AT THE BEAUTY OF THE SUNSET

Wait for the sunset at the bay. To say that the view of the sunset is beautiful would be an understatement. The yellow to red orange skies would literally offer serenity. The dusk is very calming to the soul and would make you realize how wonderful it is to witness the transitioning of the day into night.

The Malapascua Island Dusk

EXPERIENCING NIGHTLIFE AT THE BEACH

The Beach Front Nightlife

The restaurants and bars offer a wide-array of entertainment as darkness falls. Bean bags and rattan furniture are laid out on the sand for night owls to take pleasure in. The fantastic lights and lanterns are also very enchanting as you devour freshly cooked seafood and as you swill down that fantastic beverage.

Of Candlelight and Lanterns in Ocean Vida

Dine at Ocean Vida restaurant. It opens at around 8:00 am to 10:00 pm which offers Asian and European cuisines. Happy hour starts at 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm where you can order a buy one take one drinks and cocktails.

SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIR ITEMS

Souvenir Shirts

Buy some native souvenir items in the island ranging from uniquely designed sleeveless shirts to jackets. One can also find different body accessories like rings, necklace, earrings and bracelets made from local materials. There are also mugs to handcrafted woodwork formed into thresher sharks. Buying these local products can also help the locals in their livelihood. 

Handcrafted Thresher Shark Woodworks

EXPLORING THE LOCAL MARKET

Partake of your meal at their public market, you would enjoy an eclectic range of freshly cooked seafood to your heart's content. The succulent squid and sumptuous shrimps are simply delectable. Freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies are also available. You can also meet other travelers and scuba divers to discuss about the island's diving condition. Aside from that, you can also mingle with the locals so that they can show you the best sights and activities around the island.

The Local Market

VISITING LOCAL EDIFICES

The Malapascua lighthouse is one of the identifying markers of the island. The view from the top is wondrous and sensational where you can see sunken ship from afar. Also, one could visit the local church and say a little prayer of thanks. The church has been through a lot from the typhoons and tropical depression that hit the island, yet, it has stood mightily fortified by the faith of the locals.

The Local Catholic Church

Mingle With the Local Children

WHERE TO STAY

If you wish to stay in a peaceful homestay, away from the party noise and the busy beach front, try staying at B1 Guest House. For reservations, just contact Rebecca "Reca" Capuyan: 09974814032 / 09057901075.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Cellular signal and mobile data is generally excellent
• Best time to visit is between the months of March to May
• No ATM in the island, the nearest machine is in the town of Bogo, Cebu
• Food merchandise and other supplies are quite expensive in the island
• The main mode of transportation to roam around the island is through a "habal-habal" or passenger motorcycle

Marvelous Malapascua Island

Malapscua is an island of adventure to be included in your travel bucket list, whether you're an avid diver or a beach bum. The simplicity of the island and the scenic view will take your breath away.

Thank you for reading. See you on my next post. I will take you on another adventure.

Guess where? Post it on the comments section.