6 Must-See Spots on Malapascua Island! Including Beaches, Diving, and Hotels
How can I see a dugong on Malapascua Island?
A.
You can currently see NitariKimdo ShawlThere are several diving shops on the island that operate boats. Since certification levels and meeting times vary by shop, be sure to check with them before making a reservation.
Before Visiting Malapascua Island
Things You Should Know
Malapascua Island is a small island located off the northern tip of Cebu Island. Its white-sand beaches,NitariYou can also enjoy diving where you might spot a longtail shark.
In this article, we've put together an easy-to-understand guide for first-time visitors, covering six recommended spots, as well as diving, hotels, how to get there, and the weather.
◆For those considering a dive where you can see the Nitari
◆For those who are unsure how to choose a dive shop or hotel
◆For those who want to check travel options from Cebu and the weather in advance
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Cebu Island.
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6 Recommended Spots on Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is small enough to explore on foot, and its main attractions are all clustered along the coast.
Here, we've selected four beaches, a lighthouse, and two offshore diving spots. Start by checking out the places that catch your eye!
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Bounty Beach
Bounty Beach stretches along the southern side of the islandMain BeachThat's right. There's a long stretch of white, soft sandy beach.
Diving shops and restaurants line the beach, making this the liveliest area on the island.
There are also reviews noting that the water is crystal clear and that you can enjoy snorkeling in the shallow waters.
There are no cars on the island, and its simple, peaceful atmosphere is part of its charm.
It's also a popular spot for watching the sunset in the evening, so why not take a leisurely stroll there?
Rogon Beach
Rogon Beach is a beach located in the Rogon district in the southern part of the island. Here,Ferry Port...and it has become the center of tourism on the island.
The surrounding area is home to hotels, bars, restaurants, scooter rental shops, tour companies, and more.
The water is so clear that you can spot little fish and crabs just by swimming around.
If you dive a little deeper while snorkeling, you'll encounter even more marine life.
This is ideal for those who want to enjoy a casual day at the beach near their lodging.
Langbu Beach
Langbu Beach is a quiet beach on the north side of the island; it is also known as North Beach.
Palm trees line the long, white-sand beach, and with few people around, you can relax at your own pace.
There are reviews saying you can see a beautiful sunrise, so I recommend getting up early and heading out.
There are also reviews saying that some stores have hammocks set up.
Here, you can experience a quieter side of the island, quite different from the bustling area on the south side.
It's perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and take it easy.
Guinbitayan Beach
Guinbitayan Beach is a rustic beach located in the northern part of the island. With fishermen’s homes and boats lining the shore, you can get a close-up look at island life.
The most common ways to get there are on foot or by motorcycle taxi. There are also reports that the route involves steep and bumpy roads.
When you're out and about, watch your step and drive carefully.
There aren't many tourists here, so it's a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy some peace and quiet.
There's also a lighthouse nearby, so why not take a walk there as well?
Malapascua Lighthouse
The Malapascua Lighthouse, standing atop a hill, is the island's symbol. It offers a panoramic view of the northern coastline.
From the southern end of the Guinbitayan settlement,A Steep HillIt's said to be about a 5-minute walk.
Since there are reports that the road is hard to find due to a lack of signs, be sure to ask the inn staff for directions before heading there.
Since the ground can be uneven in some places, please wear comfortable walking shoes.
According to reviews from divers, it’s described as a prominent sight even when viewed from the ocean.
If you want to enjoy the scenery, be sure to visit on a sunny day.
◆Directions: About a 5-minute walk from the southern end of the Guinbitayan village (steep slope)
Monad Shawl
Monad Shoal is a shallow reef on the seabed located about 8 km off the coast of the island, and it takes about 30 to 35 minutes to reach by boat.
It was once a popular spot for spotted eagle rays, attracting divers from all over the world.
However, several shops have reported that around 2022, the Nitari was moved to Kimdoshool (Kemodoshool).
In the current Monad Show,Tiger SharkDivers visit this spot to see rays and other marine life.
Since much of the information is outdated, be sure to check the latest details before making a reservation.
◆Directions: About 30–35 minutes by boat from Malapascua Island
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Diving on Malapascua Island
For Fun
Malapascua Island is,Throughout the yearIt's one of the few islands in the world where you can see the Nitari.
Here, we’ll cover the best times of year and times of day to visit, how to choose a shop, and tips for dealing with staff who speak Japanese or English.
It's a good idea to check with the store in advance about whether you need a license or if you have any concerns—that way, you'll have peace of mind.
If you want to enjoy the underwater world too☆
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When and at What Time of Day You Can See the Nitari
The Nitari is said to be visible year-round, and one of its appeals is that you can go after it at any time of year.
The main attraction right now is Kimdo Shore, which is accessible by boat from the island.About 1 hourIt takes time.
Tours generally depart early in the morning, but the meeting time varies by shop.
Nitari appears at a place called the "cleaning station" during the morning hours.
The required diving certification levels vary by shop, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
Since the locations and times when you can see the Nitari may change, it's important to check for the latest information.
How to Choose a Dive Shop
There are many dive shops on the island, including numerous ones that have received high ratings on TripAdvisor.
When making your choice, be sure to check customer reviews, the condition of the equipment, and the guide’s support system.
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone diving, it’s reassuring to choose a shop that has reviews praising its attentive support.
Reviews mentioning that a Nitari was spotted can also serve as a factor in making a decision.
When reading reviews, check the dates and try to refer to the most recent ones.
You can also search for tours that offer Japanese-language support, so if you're interested, please check those out as well.
Click here for diving tours on Cebu Island
Are there any Japanese staff members? Do they speak English?
The island's dive shops have a very international atmosphere, and it seems that many of them provide guidance in English.
Whether or not there are Japanese staff members varies by store.
If you're feeling anxious, there are tours where you can consult with someone in Japanese, orJapanese language supportYou'll feel more at ease if you choose this plan.
Before making a reservation, be sure to check whether you can ask questions in Japanese.
Understanding the briefing is very important for safe diving.
The more anxious you are about English, the more helpful it is to double-check things beforehand.
How to Choose a Hotel on Malapascua Island
The island offers a wide variety of hotels, ranging from beachfront resorts to accommodations tailored for divers.
If you keep these two factors—location and amenities—in mind, it'll be easier to choose a place to stay that's right for you.
Be sure to check the latest reviews before making a reservation.
Before you choose a place to stay, check this out too!
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Hotels near Bounty Beach
The area around Bounty Beach is home to a concentration of hotels, dive shops, and restaurantsThe central area of the islandIt is.
It's easy to go out for meals or shopping, so it's a comfortable place to stay even if it's your first time on the island.
It is said that there are few ATMs on the island, and that some stores do not accept credit cards.
CashIt's a good idea to prepare these items in advance while you're in Cebu City.
Since some streets have few streetlights at night, be sure to bring a flashlight when you go out.
Since amenities vary by hotel, be sure to check whether air conditioning and Wi-Fi are available.
A hotel with an attached diving resort
If the resort has a diving shop on-site, you won't have to travel far from your accommodations to the ocean.
One of the great things about this is that it makes it easy to get ready, even for early-morning dives.
Expedia lists more than 50 accommodations on the island.
Once you find a place to stay that catches your eye, compare reviews and amenities.
When booking a hotel and a diving trip together, it’s a good idea to check the meeting time and whether transportation is included for peace of mind.
How to Get to Malapascua Island and the Weather There
To get to Malapascua Island, take a bus from Cebu City to Maya Port, then take a boat across.
The weather is hot year-round, so be sure to check the ocean conditions for each season.
Get the basics of travel and weather down, and set off with confidence!
Check out these tours to help you plan your trip!
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How to Get There from Cebu
It is common to take a bus bound for Maya Port from the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
The estimated time isAbout 4 to 5 hoursSo, the air-conditioned bus is really comfortable.
It takes about 30 minutes by boat from Maya Harbor to Malapascua Island.
Public boats are scheduled to operate until around 5:30 p.m. every day. Be sure to allow plenty of time so you won't be late.
Since bus schedules can be irregular, we recommend arriving at the terminal early.
Since the trip takes a while, it’s a good idea to bring a drink and a jacket just in case.
If you're concerned about getting around, you can also look for packages that include transportation.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The island has a tropical climate, and daytime highs are generally29–32°CThat's about it.
According to Expedia, January through April is the peak season, and May through December isTyphoon Seasoncorresponds to.
However, the typhoon season is also considered a time when conditions are ideal for diving.
Since sudden downpours can occur, be sure to check the latest forecast before you leave.
On days when sea conditions change due to the weather, boat schedules may be adjusted.
The sun is very strong, so don't forget your sunscreen and a hat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Malapascua Island
Since you have to take a bus and then a boat from Cebu City, the one-way trip takes nearly half a day. You can find day trips, but if you want to take your time enjoying the island, I recommend staying overnight.
You can enjoy beach walks, snorkeling, and the views from the lighthouse even without a license. Since the required certification levels for diving vary by shop and dive site, be sure to check before making a reservation.
There are no cars on the island, so walking is the main way to get around. To reach distant beaches or the lighthouse, you can also use motorcycle taxis or rent bicycles. Since some roads have few streetlights at night, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight when you go out.
summary
Malapascua Island is a charming island where you can enjoy both the beach and the underwater world.
You can really enjoy the area by checking out the beach, the lighthouse, and the offshore diving spots.
Diving is,Latest News on NitariThat's why choosing the right store is key.
Check out hotels, directions, and the weather in advance so you can head out with peace of mind!
If you're interested in a tour, be sure to check out the plan cards on this page.
We hope you find the perfect island getaway for you.
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.
