Malapascua is a tiny island just off the northern tip of Cebu Island. It is famous for being one of the few locations in the world where you can dive with Thresher Sharks. While it is a bit of an off-the-beaten-track destination in the Philippines, it is slowly becoming more popular due to its marine life and how quiet it is compared to other busy beach destinations. This guide will run you through everything you need to know to visit Malapascua, like how to get there, how to get around and how many days you need. I’ll also give you my personal recommendations on what to do, where to stay, where to eat and where’s good to party.
How many days to spend in Malapascua
How long you stay in Malapascua depends greatly on how fast you like to travel and how much chill beach time you want. Firstly, it is important to note that Malapascua’s main attraction is the Thresher Shark Dive. Honestly, considering how long it takes to get here, I probably wouldn’t come to Malaspascua if I wasn’t planning on doing the dive.
At a minimum, I recommend spending at least two full days in Malapascua (not including travel days) to make the travel there and back worth it. If you leave early, it takes a half-day to get there and back from Cebu City (for some who leave Cebu later in the day, it may take the whole day). Two days in Malapascua would allow you to experience the Thresher Shark Dive, explore the island and have some beach time. You can visit Malapascua for only one day (excluding travel days) and still complete the Thresher Shark Dive, but this would feel super rushed. You’d also spend more time getting to and from Malapascua than you actually did on the island.
Ideally, for slow travellers who want to do a bit of everything on Malapascua, I’d recommend 3 to 4 days. This duration is ideal for a well-rounded experience without overstaying or rushing through the island’s activities. Spend a day exploring the underwater marvels, including the famous thresher shark dives and vibrant coral reefs. Allocate another day for beach relaxation and a leisurely exploration of the island’s sights. The remaining time can be spent on activities like snorkelling, island hopping, or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe of this remote paradise.
How to get to Malapascua
Getting to Malapascua, known for its pristine beaches and world-class diving spots, involves a bit of adventure, but it’s absolutely worth the journey. First and foremost, your gateway to Malapascua is Cebu City, which is easily accessible by plane from Manila and other major cities in the Philippines, as well as by direct international flights from select countries. No other public transport routes connect to Malapascua, so you will have to go via Cebu City, both on the way there and back. Getting to Malapascua from Cebu involves two forms of transport: a bus and then a ferry.
Cebu City to Maya Port Bus
From Cebu City, your journey to Malapascua begins with a 3 to 4-hour bus ride from the North Bus Terminal to Maya Port. Buses run 24 hours a day, at intervals of 30-60 minutes; however, it is recommended to get the earlier buses, as these connect with the ferry, which does not run 24 hours a day. Ideally, to arrive in Malapascua the same day, you want to get a bus anytime departing between 3 am and midday. Any earlier than this, you’ll be stuck waiting a long time at Maya Port for the first ferry. Any later than this, you risk missing the last ferry and staying overnight at accommodation in Maya.
When you first arrive at North Bus Terminal, you’ll be approached by guys with vans offering you transport to Maya Port. They often tell travellers the vans are faster, more comfortable and have better A/C. While they might be slightly faster (maybe by around 20 minutes), they are virtually the same in terms of comfort. The A/C is pretty poor, whether in these van transfers or on the regular bus. Similarly, these van transfers are pretty cramped (as is the bus), so it makes no difference. The main difference is the van transfers are more expensive.
Warning about the buses!
The A/C buses are basic, but the journey is comfortable enough, and it’s not a super long bus ride. You’ll be asked to store your bigger luggage under the bus and sit wherever you want (seating isn’t allocated). Once on the bus, the ticket inspector comes along and asks where everyone is going and takes money for the ticket. They’ll take whatever you have and give you a ticket if you don’t have the exact change. You won’t get change until later in the journey (I got my change about 2 hours later). I have no idea why they do this; just be aware if you don’t have the exact change. You can expect to pay 320 PHP Philippine Pesos ($5 USD) for this bus ticket.
Malaspascua Island Ferry
Once you arrive at Maya Port, the final leg of the journey to Malapascua Island is a short boat ride. The bus will drop you directly at Maya Port, and you’ll have to walk around 5 minutes with your luggage to the ticket office. There are two offices next to each other; at the first one, you will have to pay a compulsory environmental fee of 120 PHP Philippine Pesos ($2 USD). After you’ve paid your environmental fee, you’ll need to proceed to the ticket office and purchase your ferry ticket. This ticket costs 200 PHP Philippine Pesos ($3.50 USD).
After you’ve paid, there is a shaded waiting area with some seats, but generally, there will be a boat waiting for passengers that you can head straight to. Once they have enough passengers, the boat will depart. The boat is a small longtail, and while the journey is short, the seas can sometimes be rough. If you suffer from seasickness, you may want to take some medication. I would also recommend putting the waterproof rain cover on your backpack (if you have one). Sometimes, big waves will wet you, your luggage and your electronics if you’re not careful. The ferry ride is only around 30 minutes long and will drop you off at the main beach in Malapascua, which is within walking distance of the majority of the accommodations.
What time does the Malapascua Ferry run?
The boats run regularly every day from 7 am until 5 pm. Be mindful of the ferry schedules, as missing the last boat means an unexpected overnight stay in Maya, which, while not necessarily a bad thing, could disrupt your travel plans. There’s not much to do or see in Maya, so most people will book accommodations, have dinner, and then get an early night, planning to get the first ferry the next morning. Suba Beach Nipa Huts is a popular accommodation for those needing to stay the night. Private boat hires are available for those arriving late or preferring a more flexible schedule but come at a higher price, which can be shared among fellow travellers to make it more budget-friendly.
An alternative way to get to Malapascua
If you are coming to Malapascua from Moalboal or Oslob, there is another option. Instead of getting a bus back to Cebu City, getting a taxi to North Bus Terminal and then another bus to Maya Port, you could get a private transfer. This can be a much faster, more comfortable and more convenient option if you meet a few people heading to Malapascua. From Moalboal, the journey takes around 6 hours, 3-4 hours shorter than the journey on bus routes via Cebu City. Per vehicle, it costs 5,000 PHP Philippine Pesos ($90 USD) per vehicle, but split between 4 people; it works out to 1250 PHP Philippine Pesos ($22 USD) per person. To compare, my journey from Moalboal to Maya Port, which involves a tricycle, a bus, a taxi, another bus, and a ferry, cost me 850 PHP Philippine Pesos ($16 USD).
From Oslob to Maya Port, it is around 7 hours and a few hundred extra Pesos, but it is a massive time saver and much more comfortable. If you’re a solo traveller, I highly recommend asking around your hostel for people heading to Malapascua who might want to make the journey with you in a private transfer. You can also post on Hostelworld chats for both the destination you are coming from and the Malapascua chat to see if anyone is keen on sharing a private taxi. To book a taxi, chat with your hostel or any tour agencies or shops in Moalboal or Oslob.
How to get around Malapascua
One of the best parts of Malapascua Island is there are no cars or tricycles and very few scooters! You can easily walk around the whole island (barefoot if you like!). Walking around the island by yourself is extremely safe, even as a solo female, at night. There are some stray cats and dogs around, but they are super used to tourists; dog attacks are fairly uncommon, given how popular the island is. Regardless of where you stay on the island, you’ll be within walking distance of beaches, snorkelling spots, the port, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Where to stay in Malapascua
As Malapascua is a fairly small and off-the-beaten-track destination, there are not many hostels. Of the few hostels available on Hostelworld, many are really more guesthouses or homestays that have added dormitory-style rooms to attract extra business. The main hostel where backpackers will stay is Budget Inn Malapascua. However, many people book private rooms in hostels, guesthouses, or hotels, as private rooms are fairly affordable in Malapascua.
Budget Inn Malapascua– best location
The most popular hostel with backpackers is Budget Inn Malapascua, which has a prime location on the island just a few doors down from the markets. The hostel is fairly affordable, but expect the amenities to match the budget-friendly price. The beds are fairly comfortable with privacy curtains and A/C. However, the bathrooms are fairly basic, with below-average cleanliness, water pressure and access to hot water. They have a common area, but the hostel doesn’t run any events or activities to promote a social atmosphere and help travellers make friends. The main benefits of this hostel are the price and the location, which is within walking distance of everything.
What to do in Malapascua
Malapascua is a little-known island in the Philippines, mainly known for its scuba diving experience with thresher sharks. While this is undoubtedly the main reason to visit Malapascua, you can do so many more things on Malapascua Island. Whether you’re snorkelling with baby sharks, lazing the day away on North Beach, watching the sunset on Bounty Beach, or island hopping on Kalanggaman Island, Malapascua offers lots of different experiences, whether you’re seeking adventure or just relaxing.
Thresher Shark Dive
The Thresher Shark Dive is Malapascua’s star attraction and for a good reason! These creatures, with their elongated tails that whip through the water, look very distinctive and almost cartoonish. Thresher Sharks are very shy, not dangerous to humans, and only found in certain parts of the world. In Malapascua, there are sightings every day of Thresher Sharks, so you are almost guaranteed to see at least one shark if not multiple sharks. The Thresher Shark Dive in Malapascua is hands down one of the best wildlife encounters I have ever experienced!
Everything to know about the Malapascua Thresher Shark Dive
If you’re planning on going to Malapascua for the Thresher Shark Dive, here’s what you need to know before you go. Thresher Shark Dives will depart every day from Malapascua (with the exception of days with extreme weather warnings like typhoons). The best time to see Thresher Sharks is sunrise, so tours generally run from 4 am to 10 am. There are many dive shops around Malapascua, with most accepting bookings until the day before the dive. The best two diving shops in Malapascua for backpackers are Devocean Divers and Dan’s Dives. You only need an open-water certification to complete the Thresher Shark Dive. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your open-water certification in Malapascua, which takes 2.5-3 days and includes the Thresher Shark Dive.
Diving tours include all equipment, dive master and instructors, transport to and from the dive site, two dives with Thresher Sharks and light refreshments (water, tea, coffee and biscuits). You can expect to pay around 8,400 PHP Philippine Pesos ($150 USD) for the half-day dive tour. This doesn’t include any photography of Gopro Rental, but there are plenty of places around Malapascua where you can rent a GoPro. It also doesn’t include a compulsory environmental fee, which costs 450 PHP Philippine Pesos ($8 USD).
Is the Thresher Shark Dive Ethical?
Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where shark encounters are guaranteed but also ethical. In Malapascua, the sharks are not fed or baited to attract them to the dive spot. Due to the unique conditions of the area, known as the Monad Shoal, many Thresher Sharks are attracted to feed here at around sunrise. Divemasters and instructors are strict about enforcing divers to steer very clear of the sharks and watch them from a safe distance so as not to disturb the creatures in their natural habitat.
Divers are not allowed to corner sharks, try to touch them, get in their way, and there are strict group sizes to ensure humans are not overcrowding the sharks. They also enforce divers not touching corals or disturbing the environment in any way, such as leaning on or kicking the reefs with their fins. Moreover, divers must pay a compulsory environmental fee to visit the site, which helps protect the Thresher Sharks and their habitat.
Snorkel with Baby Black-Tip Reef Sharks
For those who fancy marine life encounters but don’t scuba dive, you can also snorkel with baby black-tip reef sharks on Malapascua. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and accessibility, allowing anyone, regardless of diving proficiency, to get a glimpse into the underwater world of Malapascua. While it is incomparable to the Thresher Shark Dive experience, it will still be a bucket-list-worthy activity for those unable to scuba dive.
The best part is you don’t need to pay for a tour or book anything in advance for this experience. Head to Tepanee Beach Resort and rent a snorkel from the resort. The staff will show you to their private beach and will point you in the right direction regarding where to swim. It’s important to note that you are not guaranteed to see baby black-tip reef sharks while snorkelling. However, even if you don’t spot any, it’s still a great place to snorkel, as you’ll spot corals and other marine life.
North Beach
North Beach (also called Langub Beach or White Sand Beach) is one of the best beaches in Malapascua for swimming. This spot is the epitome of a tropical paradise, with powdery white sand beneath your toes and palm trees offering shade. It’s less crowded than other areas, so it’s the perfect spot to visit if you want a beach day or afternoon. It is a bit of a hike to get here, but I promise it’s worth it. To get to North Beach, follow the trail that snakes up towards the northern point of Malapascua island (you can’t miss it). Sometimes, locals may offer you a ride on their motorbike in exchange for money if they see you walking this trail. The walk to North Beach takes 40 minutes one way, but it’s a fairly easy walk, given the trail is mainly flat and partially shaded.
Once you arrive at North Beach, there are a few shops and restaurants where you can grab snacks and drinks (or bring your own from the main area of Malapascua). North Beach is a great swimming beach, but there are also some spots where you can snorkel if you fancy. If you want to catch a beach sunset, make sure you head back to the south of the island to Bounty Beach (North Beach does not get a sunset view).
Sunset on Bounty Beach
As the day wanes, make your way to Bounty Beach to watch the sunset after a day of enjoying the island. There are plenty of sandy spots on the beach where you can sit and watch the sunset, or you can head to one of the restaurants or bars along the beach to use their beanbags. I highly recommend grabbing a sunset drink at Hippocampus, as they have a nice atmosphere and 2-for-1 cocktail specials for sunset.
Island Hopping
And when you thought Malapascua couldn’t offer more, there’s the Island Hopping Day Tour to Kalanggaman Island. Kalanggaman is famed for its long, narrow sandbar stretching into the azure sea, offering postcard-perfect scenes at every turn. The tour usually includes stops for snorkelling in fish-teeming waters, a BBQ lunch on the beach, and plenty of time to explore and take in the breathtaking scenery. You can book island hopping through any travel agencies or accommodations on the island without needing to book in advance. Island Hopping Tours run daily, departing at around 8-9 am and returning to Malapascua at 3-4 pm. The standard tour includes all entrance and environmental fees, snorkel gear, guides and a BBQ Lunch Buffet on the beach. You can expect to pay 1000 PHP Philippine Pesos ($18 USD) for this tour.
Where to eat in Malapascua
Malapascua is a small island that is very off-the-beaten-track for travellers, meaning there is no huge range of restaurant options. The restaurants and cafes that they do have on the island are of good quality and generally fairly affordable. One thing that is important to note is that the service at most restaurants is fairly slow (everyone is operating on laid-back island time here), so do allow extra time for meals when eating out in Malapascua.
Markets
Starting with the heart of Malapascua’s food scene: The Markets. The food markets in the centre of Malapascua are a favourite for backpackers due to the variety of options and the great prices. There are a number of different stalls serving up Filipino classics, a variety of international cuisines and strong cocktails, which are often on 2-for-1 promotion around dinner time.
They also famously have BBQ stalls that offer an array of fresh seafood, meats and vegetables, which they cook to your liking right in front of you. You can see all the options and point to what you want. Order some sides, and they’ll be delivered straight to your table for a crazy affordable price. The markets are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but tend to be open by the busiest of evenings. You’ll see locals and tourists eating here and many island dogs and cats that will steal your food if you leave it unattended. The animals are not aggressive, so no need to worry, but watch your food.
Hippocampus
Another popular spot open for breakfast, lunch and dinner is Hippocampus. Located right on Bounty Beach, Hippocampus is renowned for its great food, prime sunset spot, and buzzy bar with nightly live music. Hippocampus is one of the best sunset spots on Malapascua, particularly due to its 2-for-1 cocktail specials during sunset hour. The food is excellent as well, with traditional Filipino cuisines, fresh seafood offerings and international dishes.
Safety Stop
For those mornings when you want a leisurely brunch or afternoons when only a burger will do, Safety Stop is your go-to. Offering all-day breakfast, burgers, and wings, this cozy spot is great for any time of day. It’s located right in the centre of Malapascua.
Kokay Maldito
Kokay Maldito is a lesser-known spot with comfy day beds and a menu that promises good food with a view. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon to chill, do some travel planning, or journal. It’s located on Logon beach, so you can leave your stuff in the restaurant and go for a dip.
Malapascua Nightlife
Malapascua is a small island that is not really known for its nightlife. The main activity is the Thresher Shark Dive, which involves a 4 am wakeup, so most travellers will get an early night before diving. However, there are still some bars and laidback nightlife establishments if you want to have a night out. Just don’t expect anything too crazy!
Hippocampus
Besides enjoying a sunset drink on Bounty Beach or the 2-for-1 cocktails at the markets, Hippocampus is the main spot for nightlife on Malapascua. Hippocampus gets busy around sunset time and stays fairly busy for dinner service, but it really picks up at around 9 pm when everyone comes here for drinks and live music. Hippocampus is one of the few places open late where locals and travellers enjoy drinks, live music and maybe a cheeky barefoot dance on the beach.
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