Nature Lovers' Paradise: 9 Days in Malapscua Island

  • Day 1: Arrival and Malapascua Beach
    2 hours (83 km) from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

    Welcome to Malapascua! Spend your first day relaxing on the island's stunning beaches, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. As the sun sets, take a stroll along Malapascua Beach and marvel at the breathtaking view of the horizon.

  • Day 2: Gato Island
    30 minutes (8 km) by boat from Malapascua Island

    Start your day with a boat ride to Gato Island, a marine reserve known for its diverse marine life, including sharks, eels, and octopuses. Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the vibrant coral reefs and exploring the rock formations and caves.

  • Day 3: Lighthouse and Cliff Diving
    30 minutes (5 km) from Malapascua Island

    Visit the Lighthouse and experience the scenic view of the island and the sea. Take the opportunity to go cliff diving in the clear waters below.

  • Day 4: Kalanggaman Island
    2 hours (58 km) by boat from Malapascua Island

    Take a breathtaking day trip to Kalanggaman Island, an uninhabited island with one of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines. Relax on the beach, snorkel, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.

  • Day 5: Malapascua Bird Sanctuary and Logon Beach
    10 minutes (3 km) from Malapascua Island

    Discover the diverse avian species in the Malapascua Bird Sanctuary, a significant conservation site for migratory birds. Take a tour of the sanctuary, which is home to about 40 species of birds. Relax with a book or water activities in serene Logon Beach.

  • Day 6: Marine Wildlife
    5 minutes (1 km) from Malapascua Island

    Spend the day observing different kinds of marine life in natural areas via guided snorkeling excursion, with a focus on looking for sea turtles, rays and maybe even some baby reef sharks!

  • Day 7: Observe Coral Reefs
    20 minutes (6 km) from Malapascua Island

    Explore some of the island's best coral reefs and marine sanctuaries that feature lots of colorful fish, sea plants and starfishes. Visit some of them such as the Kemod Shoal, Angel's Cove and Los Bamboos. This day will be filled with exploring the best coral reefs on the island.

  • Day 8: Dakit-Dakit Island, Fish Sanctuary and Shark Point
    20 minutes (7 km) from Malapascua Island

    This day will be spent doing some water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on Dakit-Dakit Island. This Island is also known for its incredible marine life and scuba diving experiences. Visit the nearby Fish Sanctuary and witness the beauty of the coral reefs swarming with marine life. End your day with a trip to Shark Point, a famous dive site where you’ll be able to observe some of the majestic and beautiful sharks of the area.

  • Day 9: Departure day
    2 hours (83 km) from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

    Say your goodbyes and head back home with new memories that will last a lifetime. Catch your flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Malapscua Beach (1 hour, free)
  • Gato Island (4 hours, 200 PHP)
  • Lighthouse and Cliff Diving (3 hours, free)
  • Kalanggaman Island (8 hours, 1,000 PHP)
  • Malapascua Bird Sanctuary and Logon Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Marine Wildlife (3 hours, 500 PHP)
  • Observe Coral Reefs (4 hours, 300 PHP)
  • Dakit-Dakit Island, Fish Sanctuary and Shark Point (5 hours, 1,500 PHP)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation and transportation): 3,500 PHP

Transportation

Getting around Malapascua Island can be done quickly by foot or bicycle. For getting to and from the airport, as well as for day trips, visitors can avail of van rentals and tricycle transfers that can be booked through various travel agencies. Additionally, boats and island-hopping tours are also available for exploring nearby islands.

The total cost of transportation will vary depending on which modes of transportation you choose. Typically, renting a bike for the day will cost about 100 PHP, while van and tricycle transfers can cost up to 3,000 PHP. Island-hopping tours range from 500-6,500 PHP.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, prioritize the activities that interest you the most. For those with more time, consider adding a day trip to Bantayan Island, another popular destination known for its magnificent white sand beaches. It's also recommended to pack as lightly as possible to make island hopping more convenient.

Airports

The nearest airport to Malapascua Island is the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), which is located about 83 km away from the island. To get to the island, visitors may arrange for transportation through travel agencies or take public transportation to the Maya port and catch a boat to Malapascua Island.

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