The Philippines’ Malapascua Island is located just north of Cebu proper. You’ll find a wide variety of resorts on the island’s sandy shores. This picturesque island attracts foreign and local visitors all year round.
Thresher sharks are a popular attraction for scuba divers in this region. Tourists flock to this tiny island to escape the crowds of the mainland, soak up some sun, swim in the refreshing waters, and feast on fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails. Off the coast of this tropical paradise is a floating bar, a perfect reflection of the area’s easy-going atmosphere.
Malapascua has a lot of fun activities to offer.
Thresher shark diving
If you want to see the thresher sharks for which this island is known, you’d best not have a hangover since you’ll have to wake up quite early.
Even though thresher sharks spend most of their time down below the surface of the water, on the island of Monad Shoal, they come closer to the surface in the morning so that shallower fish may clean them of parasites. The best place to see one is at its designated “cleaning station.”
Cross-island travel
Two hours from Malapascua, another fantastic diving location, lies the stunning island of Kalanggaman.
Pay a visit to the beacon.
Hike up to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the sea, palm trees, white sand beaches, traditional huts, and luxury resorts dot the island.
Get yourself down to the neighborhood bar and disco!
If it’s the weekend and you like drinking the local rum and singing karaoke with the locals, you should definitely check out the disco in the village.
Food trip
If you’re a foodie, Malapascua will not disappoint. You may choose from a wide selection of dishes at any of the nearby restaurants that offer everything from pizzas to steaks and more.
Malapascua is also known for its delicious seafood, which is caught locally and prepared to perfection. Unfortunately, only a small number of restaurants provide traditional local dishes.
Where to Stay on Malapascua Island
Malapascua offers many accommodations, from backpacker dorm rooms to luxury beach resorts. Most beach resorts on the island are owned by Europeans from various countries that discovered the island and decided to set up shop and never leave.
For many years, the locals have had to share their island with tourists and appear to have embraced it, so you’ll find a friendly atmosphere at most resorts, whether owned by foreigners or locals.
Do you want to find more accommodation options on Malapascua Island? Read on! Here are the top 15 resorts on Malapascua Island:
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1. Ocean Vida Resort
The Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort guests may walk right out onto the sand at Bounty Beach. People keep returning to Malapascua because of the beach ambiance, the high quality of the cuisine, and the warmth of the service.
There are 20 rooms available at the Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort, and they are either Sea view Rooms or Garden Rooms, both of which include a balcony or patio.
The charming Fabienne owns Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort. In 2005, she uprooted her life and began working as a diving shop manager for Sea Explorers in Malapascua. In December 2010, Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort first welcomed guests. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
2. Buena Vida Resort and Spa
The Buena Vida Resort and Spa is tucked away in a tranquil tropical garden, 100 meters from the popular Bounty Beach. All the rooms at this resort, a sister resort of Ocean Vida Beach & Dive, are in the garden and include air conditioning and a fan.
The resort’s spa is large and conveniently positioned near the front desk. Guests may choose from various massages, body treatments, facials, waxes, and manicures & pedicures at the spa.
Their regular yoga courses draw a large and enthusiastic crowd (except Sundays).
The resort is owned and operated by Swiss and Filipinos. The resort’s charming Filipina manager, as well as the resort staff, is there to assist guests 7 days a week. The fact that they care about the little things and will try to make things work for their guests makes people come back. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
3. Kokay’s Maldito Dive Resort
Though walk-ins are welcome at Kokay’s Maldito Grill and Restobar, they recommend calling ahead for a reservation due to the restaurant’s popularity.
After a hard day of diving with the threshers, unwind with indoor activities, music lounge time, or some of your favorite films.
The employees all share a firm conviction that every single visitor at their resort deserves nothing but the finest. They are resolved to achieve their goal.
Family dinners at sunset are a popular option for guests. The resort’s Maldito Grill and Restobar is a great choice.
Bellringer Bar
The shooters’ smash box and the Bellringer’s hall of fame are always good places to gather and share some laughs. When you’re done diving for the day, go to the Beachside Mini Bar and relax.
There will also be a Foam Party and a live acoustic band to enjoy. In addition to movies, you can also see your own diving footage or images of thresher sharks and manta rays from Monad Shoal on their wide-screen televisions.
When visiting Malapascua Island, Kokay’s Maldito Dive Resort is your one-stop shop for exciting and memorable vacation experiences. Vacationers, Filipino ex-pats, and visitors from other countries may enjoy a variety of international dishes at the resort. Here, you and your pals may unwind with drinks and games (the resort features a hockey table, a billiards room, and a music lounge).
All guests may avail of the resort’s concierge service 24/7. There are in-house cooks that prepare a variety of dishes. Starting your mornings off right in Malapascua is easy thanks to the hotel’s complimentary breakfast buffet, which has a selection of delicious American and European breakfast favorites. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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4. Evolution Resort
Dive adventures at Evolution Resort are owned and run by seasoned instructors who live on the island year-round, guaranteeing a safe, professional, and enjoyable time for divers of all experience levels.
The owners’ shared values established the resort’s high standards for amenities and service. Their main emphasis is diving. The resort’s infrastructure, including its equipment, boats, and employees, are all well-maintained and managed efficiently for guests’ convenience.
As people who believe in extracting as much pleasure as possible from life, Outside of the water, divers and non-divers alike may mingle at the resort, making it a social hub that draws regulars.
All night long, you may find the owners and employees in the bar and the dining room… And you’ll be sharing a refreshing beverage with them at some point on your journey. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
5. Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort
Dutchman Dik de Boer and his Filipina wife Cora established the island’s first diving resort in 1997. During this period, Dik and his buddy Mikael Person made history by being the first people to ever scuba dive with the Thresher Shark at Monad Shoal.
It is now widely accepted that Monad Shoal is one of the few locations in the world where divers may routinely view these stunning sharks at close range in as little as 25 meters of water.
The House Reef, which Dik and Cora started in 2001, is another continuing endeavor in their household. They have buried numerous man-made objects such as jeeps, concrete thresher sharks, and other vehicles throughout the years, creating a unique artificial ecosystem where the fish may flourish.
In 2008, they were given the Environmental Achievement Award by Project AWARE for our efforts to preserve this reef.
Since opening with only a few beach bungalows in 1997, Exotic Dive Resort has seen significant expansion. It has been upgraded to a five-star IDC Resort standard.
This dive shop has grown dramatically over the years. It has a fleet of four large “banka” boats, one smaller dive boat, two flatboats, nitrox facilities, a multimedia classroom, and a large staff of qualified instructors and Divemasters. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
6. Tepanee Beach Resort
Tepanee is perched on a tiny hill that rises from the southern end of Logon Beach and drops down to this southwest-facing private beach. Nestled in a secluded spot from which to take in the island’s spectacular sunsets from the comfort of our umbrellas, loungers, and Chiringuito restaurant bar.
Also, the Amihan restaurant, renowned for its breathtaking views, can be found on the hillside just outside the lobby.
This resort was built almost entirely from locally sourced materials, including timber, bamboo, and stone for the walls, and a valuable straw known as cogon for the roofing.
The buildings are hidden from the ocean view even when directly in front of it due to their location among the lush tropical gardens. Tepanee offers Deluxe villas that include balconies where you can see sharks. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
7. Angelina Beach Resort
On Malapascua Island, Angelina Beach Resort first opened its doors to guests in 2003. The resort is a short distance from its stunning shoreline. Angela is the owner and operator of the eatery. She prepares authentic regional dishes from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, a region well recognized as a culinary mecca.
Angelina Pizzeria Restorante Italiano is a popular dining option at the resort. The pizza here is excellent and produced in the finest Italian style. All of the products and wines are 100% authentic and imported straight from Italy’s Veneto region. They provide both beachfront seating and a cozy inside dining room. This pizzeria is open from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM, 365 days a year. They start dishing out the pizza at 6:00 PM. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
8. The Sharks Tail Dive Resort
The Shark’s Tail Dive Resort is located 414 meters from the heart of Tawigan, Logon, Daanbantayan, Cebu, on Malapascua Island.
No matter your age, a game of billiards at the resort is always a good time. Ordering a soothing massage is an option. The staff is bilingual (Tagalog and English) and happy to help you. Conference and banquet facilities are available for hosting more formal events.
There are complimentary airport shuttle services. Guests may enjoy a wide variety of tasty dishes at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. The Internet service at the lodging is complimentary. Employ a babysitter to take care of the kids so you can get some shut-eye.
If you get the opportunity, go diving. You may order room service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drink. Travelers may use their American Express, Visa, MasterCard, or Union Pay credit card to pay for services.
The resort has 8 hotel rooms for its visitors. Among the features are complimentary toiletries, a patio, a clothes rack, a safety deposit box, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. This resort has several rooms that look out onto the garden or the pool. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
9. Little Mermaid Dive Resort
The Little Mermaid Dive Resort is just across the street from Bounty Beach on the stunning island of Malapascua.
Island hopping, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and stand-up paddle boarding are just some of the activities available at the resort. Guests may also take a scenic stroll around the island to get a feel for native village life and have a beverage at sunset while watching the ocean.
A shuttle service will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and take you straight to the resort in Malapascua. To go to our resort, you will be provided with a private automobile (van for up to six people) and a private boat. You may use this service whenever you need it, day or night, for just Ph 4,800.
The resort accepts cash (Philippine pesos, US dollars, and euros), major credit cards, and PayPal. A 5% processing fee is added to all credit card and PayPal transactions. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
10. Hippocampus Beach Resort
In 2007, its owners opened what would become Hippocampus Beach Resort with just a few cabins and a modest restaurant. Their hearts were captured by the splendor of Malapascua, and they abandoned their lives in Europe.
Since then, Hippocampus has grown to become the only Kite surfing School on the island. In addition to its 18 guest rooms, full-service restaurant and bar, a diving shop run by Devocean Divers, and a plethora of other amenities.
Hippocampus sits smack dab amid Bounty Beach, making it convenient for guests to access the area’s many dining options, nightclubs, and spas.
What’s up with the name, “Hippocampus”? The Latin name for seahorse, of which there are plenty in this region. In addition, standing out from the crowd was a primary consideration while selecting the name.
The resort is quite proud of its employees’ high level of service and professionalism. There are some local employees that have been with the resort from day one. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
11. Slam’s Garden Dive Resort
Comfort and convenience are readily available at Slams Garden Dive Resort, a basic yet remarkable resort in Malapascua. It’s right on Logon Beach and it boasts 30 ultra-modern, luxurious accommodations.
This resort maintains 8 Deluxe rooms that can sleep anywhere from 2 to 4 people at a price that won’t break the bank.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property at no extra cost.
Delicious meals may be had at the resort’s restaurant, Slam’s Garden Dive. You may eat all three meals here. Good coffee and delicious fruit smoothies, for real.
Transport to and from Mactan, Cebu Airport may be arranged, as well as ferry tickets to Malapascua Island, if desired. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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12. Malapascua Garden Resort
The owners of this garden resort created a luxurious home away from home for guests. All deluxe rooms are decorated with original oil paintings from the resort’s collection. The duplex structures at the resort are surrounded by natural tropical gardens. You can easily reach the resort’s pristine sand beaches, lively bars, and convenient piers on foot.
There are 15 rooms available at the resort, including 8 Super Deluxe Rooms and 2 deluxe family rooms.
The resort guarantees its visitors a peaceful and relaxing stay. This ensures that visitors have complete privacy at all times.
Management of the resort is a joint effort by Germans and Filipinos. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
13. AABANA Beach & Watersport Resort
Set back from the main commercial traffic strip along the seafront, AABANA is a well-kept secret that provides the right blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Loved the free-range turkeys, geese, ducks, and chickens, as well as the homey, tropical cottage garden setting that had been carefully fashioned rather than just “landscaped.”
Mike and Diose manage their resort like a family business. At the AABANA Beach- and Watersport Resort Malapascua, you may pitch a tent with the kids, friends, and family.
Thanks to the kitchenettes that come standard in some of their Cottages, you can brew tea or coffee whenever you choose.
The costs at AABANA range from PHP 350–600 per night for a native room with a fan to PHP 2150 per night for a luxury room with air conditioning and a 2-person breakfast. The staff is kind and accommodating, and they can set up everything you require. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
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14. Blue Corals Beach Resort
Blue Corals Beach Resort is a stunning beachfront resort located on a rocky outcrop in a more remote part of Malapascua Island. The resort’s prime location affords visitors breathtaking views of the horizon and the sea, as well as the islands to the west.
It provides first-rate amenities and services to accommodate the many tourists that flock to this beautiful island. Accommodations are comfortable and large, with some offering stunning views of the white sand beach and turquoise waters of the sea. As if you had brand new eyes, you’d be able to view numerous previously unseen objects in a new light after opening your windows.
Rooms and bungalows at this resort hotel are generous in size. The accommodations are either air-conditioned or equipped with electric fan furniture, which you may choose. Depending on your preference, you may choose a room with a shower, balcony, or patio. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
15. Malapascua Beach & Dive Resort
Malapascua Beach & Dive Resort is famous for its friendly service. Guests will immediately feel the resort’s emphasis on genuine Filipino friendliness.
You can go diving into the crystal clear ocean, behold the wreckage of the World War II Japanese ship, and witness its awe-inspiring underwater magnificence. Go snorkeling and watch a school of fishes habituating the island’s coral reefs.
If you need to rest just lay back on the white beach and let the breeze from the palm trees put you to sleep. Anyone looking for a place to relax in the sun or an exciting new experience will find it all in this little paradise.
Prices range from Ph 2,000 for a garden view room to Ph 4,000 for a deluxe room at this resort. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
How to get to Malapascua Island?
Nearly four hours on the bus separate Malapascua from Cebu. Take the bright yellow bus from the Ceres station in Cebu for 130 PHP to the northernmost tip of Cebu. The boat trip to Malapascua Island takes around 20 minutes if the sea is calm.
A friendly reminder: Don’t get scammed by “private” hire tourist boats that charge ten times as much as ordinary boats yet load in as many people.
Note: Photos are provided by the resorts through Agoda / Booking.com
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