When we say Cebu Philippines, it is one of the islands where travelers look forward to exploring and discovering the archipelago of the Philippines. From its rich culture, interesting history, and lots of beautiful tourist destinations to wonder, Cebu will not disappoint you. One of these visited Tourist destinations of the province is Moalboal Cebu.
Moalboal Cebu Philippines
This town is situated in the southern part of Cebu Island. It is a fourth-class municipality with an estimated area of 124.86 square kilometers. This place is one of the top tourist destinations of Cebu, In fact, it is recognized around the world as one of the best diving spots in the Philippines.
There are two main areas in Moalboal where tourists choose to stay for their exploration. The Panagsama Beach (Basdiot in the local name) and White Beach (Basdaku in the local name).
In Basdiot you will find a lot of established resorts and fine restaurants. It is the area where you can do free diving, encounter sea turtles, and swim with millions of sardines.
You will be amazed by the beautiful reef beneath this ocean when you explore it. If you also love to party at night Panagsama area is the perfect place for your accommodation.
If you're looking for white fine sand where you can sunbathe and cover yourself with sand, the Basdaku area is suited for you. Basdaku Beach has an estimated 2-kilometer strip of fine white sand.
You can do beach volleyball, camping, snorkeling kayaking, and more. Theirs also guesthouses and resorts that can accommodate you.
Last April 21- 23 this year, we visited and explored this beautiful place of Moalboal Cebu. With me are my college classmates (Megan, Chad, and Reynato) who cross the island of Cebu from Leyte just to visit Moalboal paradise.
On this 3 days and 2 nights in Moalboal, we chose Marina Village Beach Resort for our accommodation which is located in the Panagsama area. Folks are excited to swim with sardines and encounter sea turtles. They also look forward to the nightlife in the area, that is why we chose this place.
Day One
- Arrival
When Chad and Megan arrived at Cebu from Leyte we asked them to travel from Pier to Cebu South Bus Terminal and agreed to be our rendezvous point by 6:00 am, where we could ride a bus going to Moalboal. In the Terminal, we were worried when we saw a long line of passengers buying tickets going to the province. It is a Holiday in the Philippines at that time so a lot of people are going out to the province for vacation. It took us 1 hour to line up and wait for the bus, It was already 7:20 when we departed from the City and started navigating the road.
We arrive at Moalboal by 11:00 am and drop off at the intersection going to Basdiot. Then we ride a tricycle, and along the way, we pay a tourism fee for our entrance to the tourist spot area. We reached the resort by 11:20, it was too early for our 2:00 PM scheduled check-in but we asked the receptionist if we could check in early, and thank God they allowed us so we could rest from our long trip.
- Exploring Basdiot Area
After a few minutes of rest and putting down our things, we start exploring the Basdiot and look for a fine restaurant since it's also time for Lunch. Then, after satisfying our stomachs we pass by in Gelato store to have their flavorful Ice cream dessert.
It's already 2:00 PM when we explore the bay area of Panagsama Beach. It was gloomy at that time. They have a small beach though it's not fine sand like in Basdaku, but you can still relax and unwind while sitting down in the sand facing a beautiful view of the ocean.
- Day 1 free Diving and Snorkeling
After a few minutes, we go back to our resort to change our clothes cause we will soak up for free diving and snorkeling. We rented out some goggles and lifeguards in our resort cause one of us didn't know how to swim. I was worried about her all the time and she needed assistance due to the strong current, but, It was satisfying seeing her enjoying herself even though she was just at the top of the ocean snorkeling.
We are all amazed by the millions of sardines swimming with us, and we are happy we encounter sea turtles as well eating in some seagrass areas. They are really in awe of the view of the ocean beyond since it is their first time in this place.
- NightLife
It was dusk already when we went up, we changed our clothes and found a restaurant for dinner. In our dinner, we chose to have a buddle fight/ a heavy meal for us cause we were hungry from swimming.
After our dinner, we looked for a place where we could chill and have some liquor. We went to Isla Bar, which is a nice and fine Bar in Panagsama. We have fun and enjoy the music. We emptied a bottle of tequila which made us a little dizzy.
After in Isla Bar, we jump into another resto-bar to have some soothing cold drinks to make our minds clear. It's already 11:00 pm but we are still active due to liquor. We chit-chat with the owner of the Restobar and she let us play their billard area for free.
Funny to remember this one cause we play billiards even without full knowledge to play it. We just enjoy our time and have fun even at late night. It was already 12:30 am when we went back to our resort and ended our day 1.
Day Two
It's already 9:00 when we leave our bed and have our sumptuous breakfast (Breakfast is included in our accommodation fee). The restaurant of the resort was on the seafront, It's really relaxing view while eating our food. The weather is good on day 2, it enhances the turquoise color of the ocean and makes it so very enticing to deep in.
- Day 2 Free Diving and Snorkeling
After an hour we decided to take a bath and have some free diving again with the sardines and sea turtle. This time since the weather is good, we clearly see the beautiful seabed and colorful reefs.
We tried to take some photos underwater with my phone and using a waterproof case. Though it's not clear like go-pro, we are still glad we documented our experience together with the sardines and the sea turtle.
- Road Trip
After our freediving in the morning and taking our lunch, rented one motorcycle for 300 pesos to explore more Moalboal. We pass by some resorts nearby and established restaurants. We also visited the proper of Moalboal where the business area was established.
- Exploring Basdaku Beach
One of the itineraries of the Road trip is visiting the White Beach or Basdaku. In Basdaku, before entering you need to pay 20 pesos for the tourism fee. That time, the beach was not too crowded, and glad that Mr. Sun was hiding the clouds so it was not too hot when we walked the 2-kilometer fine white beach. We stayed here for almost two hours then we continued our road trip to another point in Moalboal.
- Sunset Viewing
After the road trip, We should be at the resort by 5:00 PM cause we don't want to miss out again on the sunset just like on Day 1. We really don't have a clue that our resort is one of the best spots for sunset viewing. While waiting for the magical moment, we sat in the restaurant and took some orders such as Pizza, beer, and some refreshments.
We really had a good time while seeing the beautiful sun setting down. We had a good talk about life after our graduation, the challenges we encounter nowadays, and some reflection and learnings in our life. So far, it is one of the best moments we have had in Moalboal.
- Chilling at Restaurant and Some Auditing
Updating our life is a long agenda since it's been a while since we've met again. We stayed at the restaurant until 8:00 pm, we ordered more food for our dinner and some beer as well while talking more about life and plans,
Then we went back to our room, relaxed, and ended our day 2 adventure by tabulating our individual cost 🤣. Yes, guys, It's normal in our trip to have an audit of how much we spent already 🤣. We plan to have a night out again for Day 2 but when we finalize our cost, It drains our energy, and choose to sleep (Poor Traveler).
Day Three
- Exploring the Resort
It was our last day in Moalboal and our check-out schedule was 12:00 PM. We decided not to explore too far on our remaining time and we chose to explore more what was in the resort. After having our fine breakfast in the restaurant, we roamed around the resort and also took a bath in the swimming pool area. I love the location of the swimming pool cause it faces the beautiful ocean.
After swimming, around 10:00 am we start packing up our things and prepare for Check-out. Around 10:30 we decided to check out early and say goodbye to beautiful Moalboal, cause we planed to Stop Over in one tourist in Barili Cebu.
How Much is my total Cost for this adventure?
This Three-day and Two-night amazing escapade on Moalboal cost me 5,500 Pesos only. The expenses we have are worth it for our experience and the activities we've done. Our overall stay on Moalboal is indeed unforgettable. The swimming experience with the sardines and sea turtles was amazing, the beautiful beaches, the night happening, the road trip, discovering fine cuisine, and the magical sunset in Panagsama. These activities and happening are worth it to visit.
How to reach Moalboal
If you are in Cebu City, you can ride a Bus from the South bus Terminal that will pass Moalboal. The fare is only 270 Pesos for one way, It will take you a total of four hours to reach the tourist area of Moalboal. If you have a private car, you can use Waze and Pin Moalboal to navigate you going to this place.
That's it for this blog on my 3 Days and 2 Nights Escapade in Moalboal Cebu, Philippines. I hope you discover a new place to explore and add to your bucket list. If you plan to visit this place I just want to remind you to Always be a responsible Traveler.
This is @intoy.bugoy! See you in my next Hiventure 😉
Not so tall, not so dark, not so handsome but surely I'm a CUTE one 😊.Your Civil Engineer, Real Estate Agent and Financial Adviser. I'm into Travel's and Photography. Knowing the culture of one place is my interest. Come and join me in discovering this infinite beautiful world following all my #LakwatsaniIntoy diaries (MyTravelstories).
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