Working in corporate industry where we work 6 days a week, we always get ecstatic over a long weekend. I mean, who doesn’t? This time, I decided to spend my weekend in my hometown and explore the remarkable island of Malapascua.
I am a local from Daanbantayan, and we are known for our natural white-sand beaches. We also have magnificent islands like Carnaza Island, Chocolate Island, and of course our well-known Malapascua Island. This island is actually famous not only for its fine white sand but because of the Tresher Shark. Divers visit this place to see this beautiful creature. Although, according to locals, it does not always show itself and maybe that is the reason why a lot of tourists just could not get enough of this island, including me.
I've been to Malapascua Island a couple of times, but it still never fails to mesmerize me with its breathtaking beauty.
I never really got to explore this island. Every time we visit here, we only stay in Bounty Beach. I never thought that there is more to this small island. So today, I will tour you around here in Malapascua Island together with some of my friends and my sister.
HOW TO GET TO MALAPASCUA ISLAND?
- Go to SM City Cebu terminal. This is where the bus/van is located going to the North of Cebu. The fare ranges from 200-350 PHP($3.90 - $6.83)
- Make sure that the bus/van is going to Maya, Daanbantayan. Tell the driver that you will get off at New Maya Port going to Malapascua Island.
- The ride is approximately 3-5 hours, depending on the traffic and the speed.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to secure a booking confirmation from the hotel or resort you will be staying.
- Upon arrival, you will go to the Tourism Information Center to log your name and pay for the Environmental fee that only costs 75 PHP ($1.46). Locals are not required to pay. Also, the personnel in charge will ask you to present your booking confirmation.
- After the tourism office, you can now get your ticket going to the island. Boat fare is at 150 PHP ($2.93)
Travel time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
I sat at the front of the boat so I can have a better view of the island going there, which was a bad idea because the weather at that time was windy. I should have listened to the boat crew when he told me to transfer. 😐
WE HAVE ARRIVED
When we arrived, we were welcomed by this enthusiastic and warm person.
This is Kuya Bogs, he was our tour guide when we visited the island. We actually did not book him or something, but he courteously introduced himself to us and what he does.
Kuya Bogs is part of the Malapascua Tour Guide Association Inc. They offer an island tour package for only 1,500 PHP ($29.17), already good for 5 persons. He also helped us in locating our accommodation.
Once we were settled in our rooms, we rested for an hour. Then we rented this motorcycle to tour around the island.
SUNSET IN MALAPASCUA 🌞
We actually did not get to tour around for long because we were held captive by the mesmerizing beauty of the sunset.
Meet my friends who joined us for this trip 😍
We stayed on the beach for hours just to watch the sunset. We also went swimming for a bit, but the water was too cold. 😩 So we headed back to our room to change and had dinner.
NIGHTLIFE ON THE ISLAND 😎
After our dinner, we decided to go out for a drink. We were also told by the locals that there was a live band in the area.
This place is located in Villa Sandra Guesthouse, just a few meters away from our accommodation. They have a live band performance every Saturday of the week. The music, the people, the drinks, the food, and the overall vibe is pretty incredible. The manager of this place is also accommodating and very friendly.
We ended our night full of laughter and unlocking new memories.
Thank you for reading the first part of our Malapascua Adventure! See you in the next one! Stay awesome! 💛