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Municipality in Cebu, Philippines
Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Moalboal is a small town on the south-west side of Cebu Island. The town sits at the base of a peninsula which runs north from there and has an assortment of tourist facilities — resorts, dive schools, bars and restaurants — along much of its west coast. Most of those are at Panagsama Beach, some further from town on White Beach.
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An island with abundant marine life (pescador is Spanish for fisherman) about 3 km (1.9 miles) off the coast. This is the most common destination for dive trips from Moalboal. The structure of the reef that follows the entire coastline has made the place ideal for scuba-diving, snorkeling and freediving. Divers can enjoy easy access to the reef since the drop off is shallow and close to shore but drops down to more than 40 m (130 ft).
The famous school of a million plus sardines that once called Pescador Island home have now moved even closer to shore. In fact the sardines congregate right at the reef drop-off on Panagsama beach. Shore diving is a breeze here and most dive operators have their shops abutting the shoreline. If you swim 20-30 m from shore, the reef drops off dramatically, as deep as 70 m in some places and it is here where you can watch the huge cloud of sardines creating different shapes and forms against the backdrop of the spectacular reef wall. Sometimes you will even get to see predators including jacks and tuna feeding on the sardines.
It's not so much a gallery, but an orchid plant school that has a pool and nice shaded areas and some specimens of the local wildlife. You can buy orchids and other plants.
Take a tricycle about 20 km south towards Badian to find Lambug, a beach that to a greater extent than Basdako reminds you of a deserted island. Especially during the weeks, you can sometimes find yourself completely alone on the beach. Should you like to work on your swing, there is also an 18-hole golf course nearby.
Basdako
About 7 km north of Panagsama you'll find White Beach or Basdako, meaning 'Big Sand', a nice white sandy beach lined with a beautiful coral reef about 30 m out. Pack your mask and snorkel. White Beach is a popular spot to visit, especially during the weekend, so if you're looking for more quiet beach life go during the week or make your way a bit further north up the beach. There are a couple of restaurants along the beach and also a few resorts if you would like to stay for the night. To the south you have the high-end Dolphin House Resort (from about ₱5500/night) and a bit further north Blue Orchid Resort (from around ₱3500/night) and Club Serena (from around ₱5500/night). There are also some cheaper options for the budget-minded traveller, Barefoot White Beach Resort (around ₱2500/night) and HK Beach Resort (around ₱2000/night) are both good options.
The Kawasan water falls (a three step waterfall) is located in the rain forest approximately 20 km south of Moalboal (past Badian). If you take the bus from in front of the public market in Moalboal (near 360 Pharmacy), you can ask the bus driver or ticket collector to drop you off at the right place. The bus ticket from Moalboal to the water falls or vice versa costs ₱19.00. You also need to pay an entrance fee of ₱5.00 and will get an official receipt. Be careful of the guides' offers. The walk up to the fall is very easy and you do not need a guide.
This school has freediving courses for PADI or AIDA certification. It is managed by the current Philippine women's record holder Wei Zosa.
Pico Osmeña
This is the best-known hiking area in the region, and the highest peak on Cebu island. The trip from Moalboal town takes about 90 minutes, and if you are going by a bike, do note that some of the roads are rough. Entrance fee is ₱60. The usual hike can be done in 15-25 minutes with a couple of routes or peak to take. There are some basic accommodations for rent on the hiking trail.
Can be a bit hard to find, but well worth the effort, just next to the road between Moalboal and Panagsama. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but they serve generous portions delicious Filipino and Asian dishes for ₱150 each.
A deli and restaurant designed to cater to the needs of the locals and foreign visitors. Offers international and local food and the deli has a wide array of imported groceries, cold cuts, sausages and wines. Cheaper than most places in Panagsama.
Nice bread, coffee and drinks. Part of a national chain with two locations in Moaboal, one in the public market and the other north of town along the highway.
Full A/C. It sells beers, rice meals, hotdogs, coffee, ice cream, ice. Has cellphone load.
Serves a fusion of Asian dishes such as Korean spicy noodles, Japanese bento meals, Chinese dumplings, cheese sticks and vegetarian to name a few choices. Local and imported beers are also part of the choices as well. The food here is not salty not oily that taste excellent. They also have free wifi which is amazingly fast. Love the service and the nice garden terrain.
A tourist favourite with friendly staff serving up a range of traditional dishes, local favourites and more. It's incredibly popular, so get there early or be prepared to queue.
In the main part of Panagsama Beach and does excellent Mexican food - a nice change. They do superb fresh shakes (mango) and have a great BBQ.
One of the most popular bars in town. Generally good food, and their chili is excellent. Has the best pizza in Moalboal according to a sign outside (many are inclined to agree). Has pool tables. Sells souvenir T-shirts with their emblem, a grinning chili pepper clutching a beer; these are quite nice, if pricey by local standards at around P300.
Sits right on the waterfront. They have a decently priced Filipino/German menu, and great service to go with the good food.
Offering nice burger at a decent taste and price compared to the other eateries in the area. Desserts are outstanding. The place is decorated in an amusing bear-themed style.
Across the street from Chili Bar, also with a pool table and lots of seating.
A very popular place among backpackers. The dorm is a loft, with plenty of light and space to meet people. Free Wi-Fi. You can use the kitchen. Friendly staff. Cheapest option is dorm, next rooms with two single beds and shared washroom; for ₱850 double bed and private washroom.
A bed in an 8-bunk fan dorm. Free Wi-Fi.
Super clean fan or A/C 12-bed mixed dorms. Free coffee. Free Wi-Fi. Has lockers.
A bed in a six-bed fan dorm. Free Wi-Fi.
6-bed dorm, single/double rooms, free Wi-Fi. Onsite coffee shop, sun terrace, lockers.
5 bed dorm, single/double rooms, free Wi-Fi, use of kitchen, garden.
Fan double room, shared bathroom, free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining area,.
Clean, relaxed and close to the beach. There is no pool or restaurant, but the manager there will buy groceries in town and cook for you if you ask.
Sol E' Mare
One company with several businesses — lodging, two restaurants and a dive shop — clustered together in a central location. Check in is at an office just north of their Italian restaurant on the seaward side of the main road. The hotel itself is across the road.
They offer some good mid-range options, e.g ₱2000 for a/c double room with a fridge and its own balcony. This includes breakfast for two, small (one egg & not much bacon) but OK.
Pescadores Seaside Suites Is a destination hotel includes free use of snorkeling gears, underwater camera, transparent kayak, classic arcade, billiards, massage and swimming pool. Their beach front are rather nice to view the sun set and if you are snorkeling or kayaking you might spot 3-5 turtles just in front as their house are not far from the shore. Rooms have airconditioning, flat screen TV with the latest movies, hot water shower, probably the fastest WIFI internet in whole Panagsama and breakfast for 2 persons per room. Their front desk is open 24 hours which is unusual in the area. Tours can also be booked at the front desk.
Mayas is in the heart of Panagsama Beach. It has five beautiful native cottages built with western luxury & comfort. The big surrounding garden is rough and trimmed with a myriad of plants and flowers where hummingbirds live and kids can play.
Simple and clean rooms without aircon. Has the same management as Quo Vadis, so you can use their pool and Wi-Fi.
Nice, clean and close to the beachfront. The resort has a pool, two bars and a really good restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. There is also a dive centre that offers boat dives and certifications.
On the southern tip of the peninsula.
Has a supermarket and large department store, McDonald's, PNB Bank with a 24-hour Visa card Metro Bank ATM.
A large department store and supermarket with places to eat and a Landbank ATM.
By van
Many of the hotels and guest houses in Moalboal will send a car or van for pickup at Cebu Airport.
By taxi
Taxis can be hired at Cebu Airport for ₱2500 (fixed rate as of Sep 2018).
By bus
Before boarding the bus, make sure you know the price you have to pay for the ticket.
The easiest way to get around is to use tricycles also known locally as habal-habal.5 km, the fare is ₱20 for a (shared tricycle per seat) by day. Don't pay more than ₱50 if you're alone on the tricycle.
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