Malapascua Island in Cebu

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

It was a busy week for me and I could not stop thinking of my next escapade. I can't deny the fact that traveling is a stress reliever for me. I got to go and pack my bag and be in some place that I can explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. I scanned through different books and surfed the net for more destinations. But there is something in my head that I want to go to. A place that I've been but haven't really discover a lot yet. So, I came to a decision of navigating myself to a wonderful island in the northern part of Cebu - MALAPASCUA ISLAND!

 MALAPASCUA ISLAND

*** How to get to Malapascua Island:

Malapascua Island is part of Daan Bantayan that takes 4-5 hours travel from the heart of the city. The options that could take you to Maya Port would be through a van that would cost Php 200.00/ person or an aircon bus for Php 180.00/person.

From the mainland of Cebu to the island of Malapascua, you can either take a big boat for Php100.00/person and Php20.00/person for the small boat.

Maya port in Malapascua Island

*** Why choose Malapascua Island?

It is known for diving especially with thresher sharks and Manta Rays. It is a perfect place for diving (Gato Island, Monad Shoal and Kemod Shoal)

It is known for its white sand beach called the bounty beach. It is the best spot for snorkeling and fish diving as coral gardens are found in the island.

Our boat from Maya port to Malapascua Island

Maya port to Malapascua Island

Maya port to Malapascua Island

It was an early trip for me as I intended to cross the mainland at sunrise. So the trip went as planned. I arrived at Maya port at 5:15 am and was able to hop in to a big boat at 6am and arrived after thirty minutes to Malapascua Island.

I already did my research to book in the no. 1 hostel -  Malapascua Budget Inn. and let me tell you why I chose this hostel. There were several reasons to consider and to mention a few:

1. It is currently the no. 1 hostel in Malapascua among 11 hostels in Malapascua based from tripadvisor.
2. It is located in barangay Tawigan Logon in Malapascua Island.
3. It is 5-10 minutes walk from the beach and takes 3 mins. from the market.
4. Amenities and facilities of the hostel include free kitchen amenities, free wifi, chill out bar, board games, sport games available (volleyball and frisbee), movie nights (8pm), magic sing for videoke time (2-8pm)
5. CCTV is on 24/7 and locker rooms available for safety.
6. The owner, Mr. Jose Amistoso Jr. can organize family dinner through our boodle fight so you can get to know more people and meet new friends in the hostel.

Bunk beds in Malapascua Budget Innthe lounge of Malapascua Budget Inn

*** Rates of Malapascua Island***

Peak Season Rate  (September 'til May)

* Php 2,000 for private aircon room good for 2 with own toilet and bath ( 4 private aircon rooms available) / low season rate is at Php 1,300/night

* Php 2,500 for private family aircon room good for 4 persons with own toilet and bath ( 1 room only) / low season rate is at Php 2,000/night

• Php1,800 for private aircon room good for 4 persons with common toilet and bath (1 room available) /  low season rate is Php 1500.00
• Php 400.00/head per night for a fan room bunk beds with rooms good for 4, 10 and 14 persons. Free upgrade to aircon room if fully booked. Low season rate is at Php300/head per night.

** low season rate is from June to August

** rates doesn't include breakfast

Us with Mr. Jose Amistoso Jr., the owner of Malapascua Budget Inn

Cliff jumping location in Malapascua Island

 Cliff jumping location in Malapascua Island

 Cliff jumping location in Malapascua Island with Angel, me, Ian and Nym

 Cliff jumping location in Malapascua Island

 Bantigue Resort in Malapascua Island

 Bantigue Resort in Malapascua Island

• Pick up is available from the airport to new port in Maya for Php3,500 per van and Php3,000 for private car. 
• Private boat going to Malapascua Island ranges from Php 1,500-Php 2,500 depending on the number of guests and the time slot for pick-up. 
• For Island hopping around Malapascua is at Php300/person inclusive of snorkeling gear, marine free and entrance fee, cliff jumping, snorkeling at coral gardens and chill time at Bantigue beach area. Discounts will be given in groups.
• Standard rates for Kalanggaman Island is Php800/head inclusive of back and forth trip to and fro Malapascua and Kalanggaman Island. Thus, it comes with lunch. Exclusive of the  entrance fee for Php 150 for locals and Php 500 for expats.
• Malapascua Budget Inn can also facilitate diving to well-known dive shops in the island.

Note: Please bring enough cash before going to Malapascua is there is no ATM available in the location

References:

Websites: www.exploremalapascua.com.ph

Please check  Malapascua Budget Inn through Facebook and Instagram

For bookings online:

1. https://apac.littlehotelier.com/properties/malapascuainndirect
2. www.booking.com
3. www.hostelworld.com
4. Airbnb
5. FB page
6. Tripadvisor

One thing that separates Malapascua Budget Inn among the rest is the personalized service by the owner himself, Mr. Jose Amistoso Jr. I truly admire his hard work and the love of serving people. He never fails to take care of his guests making sure that his guests feels the comfort of being home in the island. Thus, I strongly recommend his place for a good and hassle-free stay in Malapascua Island.

with Mr. Jay- R Amistoso, the owner before leaving Malapascua Budget Inn