Malapascua Island| Kokay's Maldito Dive Resort

happened on August 22, 2016

inviting facade

Since we were stuck in our hotel for the past two days due to bad weather conditions, we planned to stay for dinner in the main town to try other restaurants.

We were dropped off at this side so we just stayed in Kokay's as we have seen it is a nice place with a nice ambiance.

Malapascua Island| Thresher Cove Resort and Dive Center

happened on August 20-23, 2016

the shallow shore, lots of sea grasses

I'm fortunate to chance upon this hotel while browsing through agoda.  I first research about it before booking and it's included in the most recommended accommodations.  I booked in advance and so happy with the "pay later" option with no extra charge.

Thresher Cove Resort and Dive Center is a small resort situated in one of the coves and unexploited side of Malapascua Island.  It is owned by a European national and also being managed by another European national.

"Thresher Cove is bounded by hills on three sides making it totally secluded and secrue.  The safe blue waters of the Visayan Sea lap gently sloping.  100m long white sand beach that will serve as the gateway to your holiday adventures." (source: website)
 

It is still around 15 mins. motorcycle ride from the port to this hotel.  They will pay for the motorcycle fare so it's a plus factor.  But I didn't realize that you still have to climb some natural stairways to reach it.  It's like climbing a hill then there's a guarded gate.  Your reservations will be properly verified before entering.  It's secured, yay!  Then this is the view that will welcome you.

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