A Foodie's Guide to Malapascua Island in 9 Days

• Day 1: Arrival and Beach Sunset
  From Cebu City to Malapascua - 4 hours (3.8 miles)

  Welcome to Malapascua Island! Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and head straight to the beach to catch a beautiful sunset. Relax and enjoy the stunning views while sipping on fresh coconut juice or a cold beer.

• Day 2: Breakfast at Thresher's Restaurant and Island Hopping
  From hotel to Thresher's Restaurant - 10 minutes (0.7 miles), Island hopping tour - 7 hours

  Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Thresher's Restaurant, known for its fusion of Filipino and international cuisine. After breakfast, explore the beautiful neighboring islands with a private boat rental. Swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun in paradise.

• Day 3: Dive at Monad Shoal and Lunch at Ging-Ging's Restaurant
  From hotel to Monad Shoal - 15 minutes (1.8 miles), Monad Shoal dive - 2 hours, From Monad Shoal to Ging-Ging's Restaurant - 20 minutes (2.5 miles)

  Early morning dive at Monad Shoal, a famous dive site to spot thresher sharks. After the dive, satisfy your appetite with fresh seafood at Ging-Ging's Restaurant, a local favorite. Try their famous seafood platter, grilled squid, and garlic butter shrimp.

• Day 4: Cooking Class at Mr. Kwiiz Kitchen
  From hotel to Mr. Kwiiz Kitchen - 10 minutes (0.5 miles)

  Learn how to cook authentic Filipino dishes at Mr. Kwiiz Kitchen, a locally owned restaurant. From adobo to sinigang, you'll leave with new cooking skills and a happy stomach. Don't forget to pack some leftovers for later!

• Day 5: Snorkeling at Coral Garden and Lunch at Ging-Ging's Halohalo
  From hotel to Coral Garden - 15 minutes (2.6 miles), Coral Garden snorkeling - 2 hours, From Coral Garden to Ging-Ging's Halohalo - 10 minutes (1.4 miles)

  Explore the vibrant marine life of Coral Garden while snorkeling. Afterward, head to Ging-Ging's Halohalo for lunch and their famous Filipino dessert, halo-halo. This icy treat is made of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and mixed fruits.

• Day 6: Scuba Diving at Lighthouse Reef and Dinner at La Isla Bonita
  From hotel to Lighthouse Reef - 15 minutes (2.6 miles), Lighthouse Reef dive - 2 hours, From Lighthouse Reef to La Isla Bonita - 10 minutes (0.9 miles)

  Explore Lighthouse Reef, a dive site known for its beautiful coral formations and impressive variety of marine life. End your day with a romantic dinner at La Isla Bonita, a beachfront restaurant with a stunning ocean view. Their menu includes international and Filipino cuisine.

• Day 7: Relaxation Day at Bounty Beach
  From hotel to Bounty Beach - 10 minutes (1 mile)

  Take a break from activities and spend your day relaxing at Bounty Beach. Rent a beach umbrella and chair, read a book, and enjoy the slow pace of island life. Grab lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants or buy fresh fruits from a local vendor.

• Day 8: Cooking Class at Angelina's Bakery & Cafe and Sunset View at Dakit-Dakit Island
  From hotel to Angelina's Bakery & Cafe - 10 minutes (0.6 miles), From Angelina's Bakery & Cafe to Dakit-Dakit Island - 15 minutes (1.7 miles)

  Learn how to make bread and pastries at Angelina's Bakery & Cafe, known for its delicious and fresh baked goods. After the class, go to Dakit-Dakit Island to catch the sunset. This small island has no facilities, so bring your own snacks and drinks.

• Day 9: Departure from Malapascua
  From hotel to Cebu City - 4 hours (3.8 miles)

  Say goodbye to Malapascua Island and head back to Cebu City for your departure flight. Make sure to buy souvenirs for your family and friends, like dried mangoes or shellcrafts, at the local market before leaving.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Thresher's Restaurant (1 hour, 350 PHP)
• Island Hopping (7 hours, 2500 PHP)
• Monad Shoal (2 hours, 1500 PHP)
• Ging-Ging's Restaurant (1 hour, 500 PHP)
• Mr. Kwiiz Kitchen (3 hours, 1500 PHP)
• Coral Garden (2 hours, 1000 PHP)
• Ging-Ging's Halohalo (1 hour, 250 PHP)
• Lighthouse Reef (2 hours, 1500 PHP)
• La Isla Bonita (1 hour, 1000 PHP)
• Bounty Beach (3 hours, 300 PHP)
• Angelina's Bakery & Cafe (2 hours, 1500 PHP)

Transportation

Getting to Malapascua Island requires a two-hour drive from Cebu City to Maya Port, followed by a 30-minute boat ride to the island. Local transportation on the island includes tricycles, motorbikes, and bicycles. Boat rentals are also available for island hopping tours.

Travel costs may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the number of passengers. Alternatively, private transfers and boat rentals can be arranged with specific travel agencies.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider staying longer on the island to enjoy its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. Additional activities include underwater photography class, sunset cruise, and shark watching tour. If you have less time, prioritize the activities that interest you the most and adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Airports

The closest airport to Malapascua Island is Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) located in Lapu-Lapu City, 4 hours (93 km) away from the island. Domestic and international flights are available from major airlines. Several transportation options are available from the airport, including taxis and private transfers.