My other group of friends often runs into issues when planning vacations far in advance, as it frequently leads to cancelled trips. To avoid this, we prefer to plan our trips just a few days before departure. This allows us to be more flexible with our schedules and to adapt to any unexpected circumstances that might arise. It also gives us more time to research and plan out the trip so that we can ensure that we're getting the most out of our experience.
I've known these people for years now, and we've shared many adventures together. Some of us are avid hikers who love exploring the great outdoors, while others prefer more relaxing trips to the beach or other non-sweating activities. Despite our differences in interests, we all share a common bond of friendship and love for travel. It's always exciting to plan our next adventure together, and we never know where our wanderlust will take us next.
The Plan
Well, the plan is to visit Malapascua Island, located at the northern part of Cebu, and Kalanggaman Island, which is an island part of another province but is also accessible via Malapascua Island. We initially had more people joining, but since some are caught in another errand during the trip, we ended up having six of us.
Malapascua Island
Going there
From a 4-5 hour bus ride from the city and another hour to the island via boat, your butt will literally hurt. Haha. But it will be worth it once you arrive. The AC bus fare is ₱270 ($4.92) while the regular bus with no AC is a bit lower.
Once you get to Maya Port, you have to register first at the Tourism Information Center and pay some fees. The boat fare going to the island is ₱100 ($1.81) per head.
The boat schedules from Maya port to Malapascua Island can vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and demand. However, typically, there are several boats that depart from Maya port to Malapascua Island throughout the day, starting from early morning until late afternoon. The first boat usually leaves at around 6:00-7:00 AM, and the last boat departs at around 5:00 PM.
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The trip usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the sea conditions. It's always best to check with the local boat operators or your accommodation on Malapascua Island for the latest boat schedules, as they may be subject to change without notice. Additionally, it's recommended to arrive at Maya port at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to secure your seat and avoid any potential delays.
We booked our accommodation at Malapascua Budget Inn for ₱500 ($9.06) per person per night. It is a shared room with bunk beds and AC. The inn has a common area with comfortable seating where guests can relax, socialize, and plan their island adventures. There's also a communal kitchen where guests can cook their meals, which is a great way to save money on food while on vacation.
The inn's location is also a big plus, as it's just a short walk away from the beautiful Bounty Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island. Additionally, it's close to many shops, restaurants, and bars, making it convenient for guests to explore the island's nightlife and dining scene.
After settling in, we immediately started wandering around the island and went to the famous Langub Beach.
Langub Beach
Langub Beach is located on the northwestern side of Malapascua Island in the Philippines. To get to Langub Beach, visitors can take a short walk or hail a motorbike for ₱40 ($0.73) per person or rent a bicycle from the main town area. Visitors will be amazed by the stunning clear blue waters and the soft white sand, which are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. The beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset, with stunning views of the sun setting over the clear blue waters.
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Kalanggaman Island
The next day, we joined a day trip boat tour from Malapascua Island to Kalanggaman Island for ₱900 ($16.31) per person. Travel time is 1.5-2 hours, depending on sea conditions. The island also has an entrance fee of ₱150 ($4.53) per person.
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Kalanggaman Island is a stunning tropical paradise located in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines, known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand beach, and unique natural formations. The island's main attractions are its long sandbar and picturesque palm trees.
The boat fee of ₱900 ($16.31) per person also includes lunch, so there's no need to worry about finding a fancy restaurant on the island. Although there's a small sari-sari store where you can order some instant noodles or coffee.
The best time to visit the island is during the summer season, between February and May, but you can also visit any time as long as there's no typhoon.
We hung out under the shades of the trees and also installed our hammock to chill.
At 3 pm, we were called by the boat staff that we would depart back to Malapascua Island.
Back at the inn, we ended the night with Soju + Yakult. We also played some card games on the rooftop part of the inn where live bands also play.
Our Malapascua and Kalanggaman Island trip was an unforgettable experience filled with beautiful scenery, exciting activities, and memorable moments with friends. From enjoying the white sands in Malapascua to lounging on the pristine sandbar of Kalanggaman Island, we truly immersed ourselves in the natural wonders of the Philippines. Without a doubt, this trip has left a lasting impression on us, and we look forward to exploring more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
