Malapascua Island| The Long Travel

happened on Aug. 20-23, 2016

captivating beauty

I purchased our RT tickets to Cebu for P900.00 per person through Air Asia about a year ago.  I just saw that fare is cheap so I just grabbed it without any planned itinerary on hand.  I'm not even sure if it will push through since this is the month of typhoons and storms and AA is well known in cancelling flights the last minute.  TG! our flight was not cancelled.  Cebu here we come!

I found Malapascua to be interesting while blog stalking and instantly decided that it will be our destination.  For almost a year, my vacant time was filled with reading about this place. I almost read all of the featured articles.

Next step is the hotel booking.  Upon reviewing all the hotels, I was attracted to Tresher Cove Dive Resort since it's location is away from the hustle and bustle of the town proper.  I booked thru Agoda with later payment option.  Don't you just love the online business?

deluxe villas in Tresher Cove

Come August, I am already 200% prepared for this trip.  Let me share some guides and tips for our 4-day-tour.  Please take note that this is a comfortable tour so expenses maybe a little bit high but still affordable.

A. Going to Malapascua from Cebu International Airport:

1.  Go to the taxi terminal located at the right end side of the airport.  Choose the white taxis over the yellow ones for a cheaper fare.  Tell the cab to take you to the North Terminal Bus Station.  You have three options here (1) Caceres Bus which will take around 6 hours land travel to Maya Port at Php180.00/person, (2)Van which will be faster by 2 hours or (3) Private van; that is renting the van exclusively for Php3,000.00 one way.  Take note that capacity for each Van is 18 people including the driver and fare costs Php 200.00 each.  Since we are 7 in a group, we chose to hire the van for a comfortable travel.

there's a fiesta celebration along the way

2.  In Maya port, you have two options; (1)ride the public boat for Php200.00 per person or (2) hire the boat exclusively for Php1,500 to Php1,700.00.  Travel time is 45 mins.  It's quite a bumpy ride since it's typhoon season.  There is no more terminal fee to be paid here.

3. In Malapascua port, the bigger boats cannot dock so you have to pay another Php20.00/person for the flat bottom boat ride.

cramped in a tiny boat

4.  Ride a habal-habal.  It's important to note that the only transportation within the island is a motorcyle.  This is due to the roads are really narrow and the island is just small.  Transportation cost from the port to the hotel is usually being shouldered by the hotel.  Typical fare is Php20.00 per head during daytime and Php40.00 during night time.  Also, each luggage is also being charged at Php20.00 each.  If you are not keen on motorcycle rides, then this trip is not for you or you may opt to book in a hotel within the town proper.

Summary of Transportation Cost:

Taxi (4 persons) from airport to North Terminal Station:  Php200.00
Van (8 - 10 persons) from Cebu to Maya Port: Php3,000.00
Boat from Maya Port to Malapascua port: Php200.00/person
Flat bottom Boat from port to land: Php20.00/person
Habal-habal: Php20.00 per person or luggage


B. Thresher Cove Dive Resort

This is  a dive hotel located in one of the coves within the island.  I love how secluded it is.  It's total relaxation here.  I'll have a separate post for this hotel.

C. Our Activities

First day was spent on travelling to Malapascua, second day for the island hopping, third day for Kalanggaman Island and last day for travelling back to Manila.  It's a tight schedule.  Most recommended number of days should be more than two days for this island alone.

On our first day, we were supposed to check the other restaurants in the main town but the strong down pour of rain prevented us.  Instead, we just stayed in our room for some rest and ate dinner in the hotel's restaurant.  I had a peaceful sleep despite the heavy rains.  The sound of the crickets and wind instantly relaxed me.

tranquility it is

On our second day, we rented a boat for Php1,400.00 to roam around Malapascua's perimeter.  They still call it island hopping though.  We had three stops - Coral Garden, Swim at the Beach and Sunk WWII vessel.

our exclusive boat for the island hopping

it's a gloomy weather but the water is still blue

the light house

We badly wanted to dive in the afternoon but my colds and flu prevented me.  My friends C, J and A were scheduled in the afternoon and already dressed up with all the diving pharaphernalias and in the middle of the sea when the heavy rains came.  The dive was aborted since C is no longer comfortable with it.  Well, this is another reason to return.

On our third day, we bravely sailed and went to Kalanggaman Island.  It's a 2 hour sail from Malapascua.  We joined a group and availed of the package with lunch (on the island), costing Php800.00/person.  It was a nerve wracking sail and I just kept on praying for our safety throughout the journey.  But the view is really breath taking. There'll be a separate blog for this.

On the fourth and last day, we woke up early to have a last glimpse of  Malapascua.  We climbed the overlooking area after breakfast and just awed at the scenery in front of us.  My world stopped and my eyes were just glued to this awesome scenery.

We had a short talk with the manager and then it's time to leave.  I decided to leave early even if our flight is scheduled in the evening so we can avoid being stuck in case a heavy rain comes.  I arranged for a private boat that will take us again to Maya Port and the same van to take us to mainland Cebu.

Summary of expenses going back (for group of 7 people):
Private boat to Maya Port: Php1,700
Private van to Airport: Php3,000.00

We had a stop-over in Tita's Liloan branch for some souvenirs shopping and quick lunch.  My officemates said that they have tested the best rosquillos.

In the middle of our land travel, we received an SMS from Air Asia telling us that our flight has been cancelled; without any reason why.  So instead of having a spare time to roam around Cebu City, we hurriedly went to the airport to check the flight.  The only reason they gave us is that the aircraft will be under maintenance.  Oh crap!  I think the passengers are so few that they have to cancel it.

Anyways, it's good that we left early so we have enough time to rebook for an earlier flight.  I'm so worried that I may not be able return and there are so many scheduled meetings waiting for me back home. So everything still went according to plan.

Important tips before going to this island:
1. Bring enough cash as there is no ATM in the island.
2. Buy water along the way before reaching the island as water is also scarce and expensive.  You can just refill from the hotel just in case you still needed some.  Add some chips and essential foods also.  The island offers limited and expensive options.
3.  Ensure to bring common medicines and first aid kits.  There is only one store that sell medicines and they costs double the original price.
4.  Bring mosquito repellants, sun block and lip balm.  This is already obvious, it's an island so expect mosquitos and other insects.
5. Be very careful while in the island.  Avoid meeting some accidents or getting sick.  There is no hospital in this island and I doubt if the boatmen know first aid assistance.
6. It's an advantage to have aqua shoes for snorkeling so your feet will have protection from the sharp corals and sand.
7. For cheaper meals, go to Ging-ging's.  It's the budget friendly restaurant in this island.  Typical meal in other restaurants may cost Php500 or more per order per person.

Just a few days from my break, I want to book again for Cebu. I'm really missing Malapascua now.  Despite having to travel that long, I wouldn't mind coming back.