9 Days Shoestring Budget Travel Itinerary for Malapascua Island

  • Day 1: Arrival at Malapascua Island
    From Cebu City, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Malapascua Island by private transportation or by taking a bus.

    Malapascua Island is a small island located in the north of Cebu, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and the chance to dive with Thresher Sharks. Upon arrival, you can take a quick tour around the island, visit the lighthouse, and lounge on the beach while enjoying the view of the sea.

  • Day 2: Discovering the Marine life
    Mainit Point is a three-five minute walk from the Bounty Beach area, where the dive shops are located.

    You can spend your day discovering the rich marine life in the island’s clear waters. Go snorkeling and dive with the Thresher Sharks, Whitetip Sharks, and many other tropical fishes. If diving isn’t your cup of tea, you can also enjoy a sunset sail with a local fisherman and enjoy fishing along the way.

  • Day 3: Island Hopping
    The meeting point of most dive shops to start Island Hopping is the Bounty Beach area.

    You can join an Island Hopping tour and visit nearby islands such as Kalanggaman Island, Nalusuan Island, and Hilantagaan Island. Here, you can enjoy clear water, tropical views, and relax on the beaches. You can also enjoy local delicacies from restaurants and experience Filipino culture up close.

  • Day 4: Visiting Lamanok Island
    The starting point of Lamanok Island tours is usually from Kota Beach Resorts.

    Lamanok Island is a protected area in the south of Malapascua island that has a rich history and cultural heritage. Here, you can visit the Island’s caves, archaeological sites, and learn about the local history and religion. You can also get a glimpse of the unique bird population such as the Blue-naped Parrot.

  • Day 5: Exploring the Mangroves
    The starting point for Mangrove tours can be arranged from the dive shops, while Kalanggaman Island is available from Bounty Beach.

    You can take a kayak or boat tour to explore the lush green mangroves and enjoy pristine natural views along Bantigue Sandbar, and Kalanggaman Island. You may also see some flying foxes and other wildlife along the way.

  • Day 6: Relaxing on the Beach
    You can enjoy the beach as most beaches in Malapascua Island are accessible and open.

    Take a break and enjoy a lazy day at the beach. You can explore the isolated beaches in the island such as Bagaybay Beach, Guimbitayan Beach, or Langub Beach amid the beautiful oceanic views.

  • Day 7: Island Adventures & Beyond
    The starting points of island adventure or other activities vary, and it’s important to prearrange tours depending on your preference.

    You can opt for a range of adventure activities like cliff-jumping, trekking, paddleboarding, SUP yoga, and mountain biking. For those who enjoy yoga and meditation, there are several studios on the island that offer classes and workshops. End the day with a relaxing Thai massage at a local spa.

  • Day 8: Getting a Glimpse of local Filipino Culture
    Most tours offer hotel pickups or available for arranging tours from dive shops or travel agencies.

    You can take a cultural tour to witness the life of the locals and their culture. This includes a visit to a local school, where you can meet the students learning English, attend a Sunday mass in a local church, and visit a local market to see the locally grown produce.

  • Day 9: Departure from Malapascua Island
    Travel back to Cebu city takes around 3-4 hours by private vehicle.

    On the final day, enjoy the last bit of the Malapascua Island as you pack your bags to travel back to the mainland. Take the last-minute stroll along the island and soak up the remaining sunshine and bask in fond memories of Malapascua Island.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Malapascua Island Hopping (Whole Day, 1000 PHP)
  • Lamanok Island Tour (Whole Day, 1500 PHP)
  • Kayak/Mangrove Tour (2 hours, 500 PHP)
  • Thai Massage (1 hour, 300-400 PHP)
  • Fishing / Sunset Sail (2-3 hours, 500-800 PHP)
  • Island Adventure Activities (2-3 hours, 500-800 PHP)
Total Estimated Costs: ~ 7000 PHP

Transportation

Private transportation is available for travel between Malapascua Island and the city of Cebu. On average, a one-way trip takes approximately four hours and costs around 5000-6000 PHP.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can opt for a longer stay in Malapascua Island with more activities such as diving courses. For those with lesser time, you can skip some activities that do not suit your interests. Remember to always bring sunscreen and a hat to guard against the sun's rays. It's recommended to bring cash since not all businesses in Malapascua Island have access to card payments.

Airports

The closest airport to Malapascua Island is Cebu-Mactan International Airport (CEB). It is located approximately 2-hour drive away from Maya port, the gateway to Malapascua Island.

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