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Malapascua is a total gem 💙 Can’t believe I got to dive with thresher sharks (yes, actual sharks!), chill on the most stunning beaches, and watch sunsets that felt straight out of a postcard. 😍 Whether you’re up for underwater adventures or just want to kick back with a mango shake, Malapascua would be the trip you didn’t know you needed 🌺🌴 P.S. The journey to this little slice of paradise feels like forever but trust me, it’s totally worth it! #philippinestrip #cebu #malapascua #scubadive #travel #beachlife

Everything was fantastic from the moment you arrived. The hire gear was in excellent condition, and all equipment was on the boats ready for your dive. Tanks were filled and thoroughly checked. Sea Explorers provided outstanding guides who spotted everything—pygmy seahorses, nudibranches, shrimps, cowries, thresher sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, and more. Boat dives began with a giant stride into the water, and pick-ups after drift dives were smooth thanks to skilled skippers. Ocean Vida Beach Resort offered great service, comfortable beds, and amazing meals at the restaurant. Ending the day with happy hour at the bar or relaxing on the beach was perfect.

Just a short flight away, you can dive straight into the crystal-clear blue waters of Cebu! Praised by divers as a world-class diving destination, it boasts comfortable water temperatures year-round, incredible visibility, and textbook marine life waiting to say hi. Whether you're into diving, snorkeling, or just fascinated by the mysteries of nature, this trip to Cebu is absolutely for you! 🌊 The Ultimate Guide to Must-Visit Dive Spots in Cebu: 1. Moalboal (Sardine Run) When you think of diving in Cebu, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely the sardine run in Moalboal! Massive schools of sardines will form "dark clouds" around you, easily rivaling any nature documentary. You can even see them while snorkeling in shallow waters, so beginners have absolutely nothing to worry about. The water temperature is comfortable (around 26-29°C), making it perfect to visit all year round. 2. Oslob (Swimming with Whale Sharks) Want to experience swimming alongside the world's largest fish—the whale shark? Oslob is the perfect place. Some say whale sharks are so gentle around humans that they don't even swim away. Remember to go early, as they are usually more active in the morning. You can also join a guided tour with transfers included to save yourself the hassle! 3. Malapascua (Thresher Sharks) Veteran divers must add this spot to their list: Malapascua is one of the few places in the world where you can greet thresher sharks in the morning! To catch them, remember to dive early at dawn; staying overnight on the island is the most convenient option. 4. Mactan If you don't have a diving license yet or just want to test the waters, Mactan is super beginner-friendly. Coral reefs, Nemo (clownfish), and colorful tropical fish are incredibly easy to spot. There are plenty of dive schools nearby, and most offer one-day trial dives, which are highly accommodating. 🔖 Itinerary / Practical Tips: · No alcohol the day before diving. · Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment. · Remember to book your whale shark and thresher shark tours in advance (they get fully booked easily during peak season). · Wait at least 18 hours after diving before taking a flight. · Bring cash, as some dive shops do not accept cards. 🍽️ Food Recommendations · Moalboal has seaside restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. · In Oslob, you can find local delicacies like green mango salad with shrimp paste and roast suckling pig (lechon). · Don't miss the coconut rice and fresh grilled fish in Malapascua. · Mactan offers plenty of high-quality resort buffets if you just want to chill and relax. 🚐 Transportation Guide Taking a bus or hiring a private van from Cebu City to Moalboal and Oslob takes about 2-3 hours. For Malapascua, you'll need to take a bus and then a boat. Mactan is located right next to the Cebu airport, making it super convenient. (It is recommended to set aside ample time for your diving itinerary and not pack your schedule too tightly.)

My group and I spent 5 days diving with MBI, and we’re incredibly grateful to the whole team. They showed us the stunning thresher sharks, tiger sharks, Gato Island's underwater topography, and the beautiful reefs of Malapascua. The MBI team went above and beyond to ensure our trip's success, accommodating our large group by providing plenty of guides for small group ratios. They even prepared a BBQ feast for us! Special thanks to our amazing guide, the handsome RJ. Highly recommend diving with MBI for an authentic local experience!

I recently finished 22 dives with Thresher Shark Divers, including 16 dives at Kimud Shoal where I had fantastic Thresher encounters on every single dive. I also tried 2 dives in search of Tiger sharks—no luck, but the ocean isn’t a zoo! Additionally, I enjoyed 2 excellent dives at Gato Island and 2 macro dives at North Point where we spotted Pygmy Seahorses and other fascinating creatures. After reading a review by 'Dan' criticizing the dive guides and safety, I feel compelled to clarify. I was on the same boat, diving at the same time, and yes, there was a mild current—but it was extremely slight. Despite hauling a full-sized camera rig and being 70 years old, I found these dives exceptionally easy. The dive guides provided thorough briefings, and by simply listening and following instructions, the dives were entirely stress-free. With thousands of dives under my belt, I can confidently say this was one of the easiest dive locations I’ve experienced. As for the short walk to the boat before diving, this was only because the tide was out, making the water near TSD too shallow for the tender to reach. In my 40+ years of diving, I’ve yet to find a dive operator that can control the tides! All in all, this was an incredible experience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to dive with TSD again.

✈️ 1. Book your flights to Cebu. 🚕 2. Take a taxi from Cebu Airport to Cebu North Bus Terminal (SM City Cebu). 🚌 3. Buy a bus ticket for the Cebu – Maya via Bagay route. The journey takes about 4 hours. For a more comfortable ride, choose CERES Aircon Buses (CERES Tours) with air conditioning. ⛵ 4. At Maya Port, take a boat to Malapascua Island. The last boat usually departs at 5:00 PM. 🏨 5. Check in to your pre-booked hotel. 🤿 6. Book your diving activities in advance. The island offers programs for beginners with no experience, certification courses, and advanced training for certified divers. 🦈 7. Day 1 — Dive at Kimud Shoal. This is one of the best places to spot the famous thresher sharks. 🐠 8. Day 2 — Dive at Gato Island. Explore underwater tunnels, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. 🌊 9. Day 3 — Dive at Monad Shoal. Another iconic dive site in Malapascua known for its rich underwater ecosystem. 🐟 10. It’s not just about diving! Don’t miss snorkeling at the protected Dakit-Dakit Adjoining Marine Protected Area near Blanco Beach Resort. Here you can spot blacktip reef sharks, beautiful corals, and plenty of tropical fish right from the shore. 📍 Save this itinerary if you’re dreaming of seeing thresher sharks in the Philippines! #sharks #malapascua #philippines #cebu #diving

Shark Tail was amazing. The dive shop is conveniently located on the property, always ready to address any questions and enthusiastic to help organize your dives based on your schedule. My dive instructor, Cleng, guided me through my advanced open water certification. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and I gained so much from him. Additionally, I really appreciated the pool and bar on-site! Shark Tail truly has everything you could need, and I highly recommend it.

We stayed at The Sharkstail Dive Resort for five nights to enjoy some diving. The diving conditions were superb, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and a great variety of both large and small marine life. The instructors and guides were skilled, focused on safety, and excellent at spotting unique species. The resort itself was very comfortable and efficiently managed. Rooms were spotless, the food was consistently tasty, and the dive facilities were well-maintained. The staff were friendly and always ready to assist. Overall, it’s a fantastic dive resort that I would gladly return to and highly recommend to divers and non-divers alike.

Nicely welcomed at the reception and pleasantly surprised by the beautiful green garden where the various types of rooms are located. At the dive center, we received a clear explanation of the options for diving with thresher sharks. Also, we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant, which offers a diverse menu. I'll definitely return to try more dishes.

Malapascua Beach | A Diver's Paradise by the Pier⛱️ ✨Hotel Name: Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort 📍Address: Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island, Philippines 🏝️What kind of hotel is it? Ocean Vida Resort is located in the prime white sand beach area of Malapascua Island! Look up and you'll see the azure sea view. It's so close to the pier that you can walk straight to the hotel after getting off the boat – truly a paradise on earth.📸 The hotel features a tropical style, complete facilities, and thoughtfully designed beach loungers and a terrace restaurant, allowing you to enjoy the sun and savor delicious food with a gentle sea breeze~ Room types are diverse, from sea view rooms to garden view rooms, there's always one that suits you. Most rooms feature a spacious design, with furniture often made of woven rattan, giving a full sense of fresh, natural charm. Environmental concepts are also integrated into the details, such as providing glass bottled water in the rooms and no single-use plastic products.🌿 For nature lovers, this place is simply perfect! 🎯Experience · 🌊If you're a diving enthusiast, you'll absolutely love this hotel! The hotel is located on the central white sand beach of Malapascua Island, right next to a professional dive center. Want to 'date' thresher sharks? Super convenient! You can also wake up to the sound of waves and step out of your room to see the white sand beach. · 🍹The restaurant and bar are also worth checking out, especially the terrace area. At sunset, enjoy a mango smoothie or a cocktail, and then a seafood platter from the restaurant – it's so relaxing you'll want to 'linger' and not leave. · 🏖️The sun loungers and hammocks on the beach are highly praised, perfect for a nap and enjoying the view after diving. · 💧All-day hot water showers are provided, and the extra-large comfortable beds and soft pillows ensure a more restful night's sleep. However, it's worth noting that soundproofing across the island is generally not great, and some rooms might hear sounds from the hallway or beach bar, so earplugs might be helpful for sleeping. · 🌐While the WiFi isn't super fast, it's sufficient for basic use, especially when you need to disconnect from the busy city – a slower pace won't affect your vacation mood. 🍴 Nearby Recommendations From delicious restaurants to excellent dive spots, you can find everything nearby: · **Dive Centers**: Mbi Divecenter, French Kiss Divers, Sea Explorers Malapascua – each is a diver's paradise! Especially for experiencing the unique charm of swimming with sharks!🦈 · **Foodie Hotspots**: The Craic House, Amihan Restaurant, Ocean Vida are must-try restaurants, with their specialty seafood dishes and excellent service leaving a lasting impression! Both Tom Yum Goong and Western steaks are superb~ · **Other Activities**: Take an island hopping tour departing from Sea Explorers, or grab a refreshing drink at Chiringuito Beach Bar on the beach – perfect for relaxing at sunset~ 🌟If you long for a tropical island life with blue skies and white sands, and also want to dive, relax, and savor delicious cuisine, Ocean Vida Resort is absolutely not to be missed~ Shouldn't it be your next vacation destination?💞

· *Mommy Papaya Island | Stunning Diving Paradise Ocean Vida** 🏨 Hotel: Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort 📍 Address: Bounty Beach, Mommy Papaya Island, Philippines ✨ What kind of hotel is it? Ocean Vida is located in the prime area of Mommy Papaya Island, offering comfort both in location and service. The hotel is situated directly on a white sandy beach, seamlessly blending privacy with the lively beach atmosphere. The modern room design combines the rustic feel of local rattan furniture, and each sea view room comes with a spacious balcony, simple yet stylish. What’s more special is the eco-friendly concept throughout, from glass bottled water to plastic-free packaging, so you can enjoy your vacation while reducing your environmental footprint~ 🌏 From the hotel, you only need a few steps to reach the dive center, ready to embrace the amazing adventure of swimming with longtail sharks; or immerse yourself in the clear sea view, with the beach bar lights shining at night, creating a romantic vibe. 🥂 Experience · **View**: Whether staying in a sea view room or a garden room, you can feel the island’s unique tropical charm. The second-floor sea view rooms offer a “heavenly” experience with a direct overlook of the magnificent sea 🌅; the garden rooms are only 15 meters from the beach, quiet and private, perfect for relaxing while listening to the sound of the waves. · **Food**: The restaurant is located on a seaside balcony, with the ocean right in front during breakfast or dinner! Breakfast includes fruits and hot dishes; main dishes recommended are crab meat pie, Filipino signature dishes, or mixed seafood platters, all very appetizing! The bar also offers “happy hour,” remember to stop by for a few drinks from 4-6 pm or 9-10 pm~ 🍹 · **Facilities**: Fully equipped, free WiFi covers the hotel but the speed is a bit slow. Thoughtful room details include water heaters, air conditioning, beach towels, clothes hangers, etc. The beach chairs after going out to sea are perfect for a leisurely sunbath, every moment filled with a vacation vibe. · **Service**: Staff are warm and friendly, whether it’s the attentive luggage handling or the greetings from every staff member, it warms your heart. Animal lovers will also notice that while the hotel does not encourage feeding stray animals, it treats them with respect~ 🐾 · **Activities**: Every morning, depart from the hotel with ocean adventurers to Monad Shoal for diving, swimming with longtail sharks is a must-do experience! After diving, enjoy a drink on the beach chair and share fun stories with fellow divers, which is itself a great pleasure. 💡 Tips: Since it’s a tropical island, rooms may have some mosquitoes or small geckos, so it’s recommended to bring insect repellent; also, the local culture is simple, leaving a small tip will improve the service quality. 🌈 Nearby Recommendations Popular diving centers on Mommy Papaya Island are gathered near the hotel: 1. **Sea Explorers** (2-minute walk): Professional diving lessons and equipment services, highly praised by experienced divers. 2. **French Kiss Divers**: Excellent boat diving base, well arranged for close encounters with longtail sharks~ 🦈 3. **Evolution Dive Center**: Very organized diving tour plans, highly recommended for beginners. For food, don’t miss: · **Ocean Vida’s own restaurant**: Island seafood selection! · **The Craic House**: Great place for drinks and chatting, with a view overlooking the beach. · **Amihan Restaurant**: Beautiful scenery and stylish dining experience, impeccable Italian flavors! 📌 Summary: Whether you are a diving enthusiast or simply want to enjoy tropical vacation life, Ocean Vida is an unmissable choice. Turn “stealing half a day of leisure” into a genuine corner-of-paradise exploration! 🌴

Diving is a must-do activity when traveling to Southeast Asia. I heard that Cebu in the Philippines is one of the best diving destinations, so I took advantage of my annual leave to check it out. 🚗Transportation: Take a ferry to the islands 💰Diving price: Around CNY 300-500 🌟Highlights: Cebu is also known as the "Queen City of the South" and is said to be the first city in the Philippines to become wealthy. The sardine run that went viral online a few years ago is located here. Since it was discovered by the Spanish, you can still see many Spanish-style buildings on this small island, such as churches, which are full of exotic charm. Dumaguete, just 2 hours from Cebu City, is known as the "Maldives of the Philippines." When diving here, you may encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life! 📌Diving tips: ✅Malapascua Island: A small island famous for its thresher sharks, you can see them almost every day. Hammerhead sharks also appear here from November to May! ✅Balicasag Island: This small island is famous for its 150-meter vertical drop-off. Due to the many rose-shaped valleys, it is also known as the Rose Canyon. ✅Moalboal: This is the famous Moalboal. It is said that about 9 million sardines live here. There is also wreck diving here, which is suitable for advanced divers. ✅Mactan Island: Because it is close to the airport, it is also known as Airport Island. There are more than a dozen dive sites along the way, ranging from 3 to 50 meters deep, suitable for divers of different levels.

If you’re not a diver, then come to Blanco restaurant beach in Malapascua to snorkel and enjoy food and drinks, that include a sun bed for free

A great hideaway from noisy streets and roosters of the island 🏖️BAmbiance/Facilities: If you order food and drinks here, you can get a free sun bed under umbrellas 💰Average Price per Person: Minimum spend is 500 pesos 🏖️BAmbiance/Facilities: Sun beds, umbrellas, delicious food and drinks, chill music You can swim and snorkel safely here. Just leave your belongings with the friendly waiters and enjoy! 🌊🐠🐬

Attractions · Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Center: Built for Imelda Marcos, this shrine houses a collection of unique antiques and artworks. · MacArthur Memorial: A small museum built in 1910, where MacArthur once lived. · Calvary Hill: Climb to the top at sunrise for a view of both sides of the San Juanico Strait. · Dulio Beach: Fine sand and clear water make this beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, diving, and watching the sunset. · Malapascua Island: Not far from Tacloban, this island is famous for its world-class diving spots and well-preserved coral reef ecosystem. · San Miguel Cathedral: Built in the 16th century, this cathedral features typical Spanish colonial architecture and exquisite interior decoration. · Leyte Provincial Museum: This museum showcases the history, culture, and natural heritage of Leyte Island, with exhibits from World War II. · Camagsa Falls: Located in the suburbs, this 30-meter-high waterfall cascades down through the rocks, making it a great spot for hiking and photography. · Tacloban National Park: This park is home to dense tropical rainforests and a variety of wildlife, with a bird-watching platform. Food · Lechon: A local traditional dish, this roast pig has crispy skin and tender meat, and is often served at festivals or celebrations. · Seafood: With its proximity to the sea, Tacloban offers fresh seafood. We recommend grilled fish and fried shrimp, which pair well with coconut wine. Transportation · Flights: You can fly to Tacloban from Manila or Cebu. Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is the main gateway. · Local transportation: Jeepneys and other unique modes of transportation are available, or you can take a taxi. Tips · Weather: Tacloban has a tropical rainforest climate, with warm and humid weather year-round. The rainy season sees heavy rainfall, so we recommend avoiding travel during this time. · Safety: Be careful in crowded places, and don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables.

How can you go to Coron and not chase Dugong!!!😆 (Wild Dugong! So it's not a 100% chance of seeing it, it depends on your luck🐒 Sometimes dugong goes to waters with poor visibility/goes to play elsewhere and has a chance to see nothing 🥲🥲                  —— I heard there are about 100 or so Dugongs near Philippine waters! But mostly more afraid of people and there are 2 more stable and less afraid of people 😆 One is called Aban and one is called Pingas🦭 Although they are not afraid of people but!!️ Don't touch them🫡 Once they get scared they may never come back here🥲                  —— To go out to sea in the Philippines to chase Dugong requires an application! So you can only go with the dive shop The boat will be parked farther away, need to swim by yourself to find Dugong, if he goes farther will be very tired 🤣 I kicked my legs to kick The police will come up and explain what the code is before going into the sea Only 4 people + 1 instructor per dive for 15-20 minutes each time, there will be 2 police following to ensure you do not hurt / scare the Dugongs 🤣                  —— 📍Address: Near Abanaban Beach It is relatively far, coron by boat is 2-3 hours, but worth it! · Transportation: 🤩🤩 · Scope of activity: 🤩🤩🤩 · Recommendation: 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 · View: 🤩🤩🤩🤩

#Malapascua, an island that you can reach by boat from Cebu, Philippines You can see cute #thresher sharks here #If you are scuba diving, this is a diving point you must visit!! #Philippines travel #Cebu, Philippines

Great place to visit in the Philippines

Malapascua is a small island paradise located off the northern tip of Cebu in the Philippines. Known for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, it’s a diver’s haven. The island is famous for its thresher sharks, which can be seen year-round, making it a must-visit destination for both beginner and experienced divers. Beyond diving, Malapascua offers pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Don’t miss a boat trip around the island to explore hidden coves, or spend a day enjoying local delicacies like fresh seafood right by the shore. Whether you’re diving deep into the blue or soaking up the tropical vibes on the beach, Malapascua promises an unforgettable experience. #Malapascua #ThresherSharks #Philippines #DivingParadise #IslandLife

#FuriTabi 📍Location: Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines From the main island of Cebu, take a taxi, bus, or van to the port. From the port, it takes about an hour by boat. 💞Reasons why we recommend it: The sunset and the sea are simply beautiful. Island hopping is also great. The restaurants along the beach at North Beach have a great atmosphere and the food is delicious. There are a lot of stray dogs and cats, but they are cute. We used a motorbike taxi to get around. There are also many souvenir shops! 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: The tropical sea, beach, and weather! #CebuIsland #Cebu #CebuIslandTrip #Malapascua

Explore Cebu's Malapascua Island, known for being a diving destination where you can swim with thresher sharks, making it one of the top Visayas tourist spots. Find out about the best time to visit, how to go, where to stay, top attractions to visit in Malapascua tours, and local food you shouldn't miss in this guide. Malapascua Island, located in the northern part of Cebu, is just one of the many islands you can explore in the Philippines. But what makes this small island a must-visit is that it's the only place in the whole world where you can dive with thresher sharks on a nearly daily basis. Compared to other more popular island destinations in the Philippines. Malapascua Island is less commercially developed. And that relaxing and friendly beach vibe actually makes the island even more inviting. With a length of 2.5 kilometers and a width of 1 kilometer, you can explore the whole island in less than 2 hours, depending on how long it takes for you to marvel at its many tourist spots and activities. Even though most people visit Malapascua Island to dive and see the thresher sharks and other marine life, its small island culture, smaller crowds, and the long stretch of white-sand beaches are what makes travelers come back for more. The best time to visit is between the months of December to April. It’s always best to schedule your trip to Malapascua Island during this dry season, where there are fewer chances of rainfall and typhoon. If you want to avoid large crowds, avoid March and April. This is the Holy Week and summer season in the Philippines where more local travelers will be exploring the island destinations. The easiest and fastest way to get to Malapascua Island is to fly to Cebu directly through the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is located in Lapu-Lapu City just outside Cebu City. From there, you can ride a private vehicle or board a public bus to New Maya Port. Travel time from Cebu City to New Maya Port is around 4 hours. From there, you can hop on a boat going to Malapascua Island. The boat ride is between 30 minutes and 1 hour long. The earliest boat leaves at 6:30 AM while the last boat leaves at 4:30 PM. If you miss the last boat heading to Malapascua Island, you can stay at the small lodge near New Maya Port. There’s a boat every 30 minutes so don’t worry if you miss one. Each boat leaves when there are enough passengers on board. But if you want some privacy, you can also rent the entire boat. If you’re prone to getting seasick, it’s advisable to take medicine for motion sickness before boarding the boat to the island. The boat ride from New Maya Port to Malapascua Island can be a bit rough so it’s best to be prepared. #islands #seascapes #beachcheck #philippines #travelwithmai #getlostwithmai

A hotel located right next to the port of Malapascua! Great view, air conditioning and fans. Hot water is also available! Good access, but the breakfast was a bit disappointing! The front desk staff was kind, and we were able to stay without a reservation! The room was clean. There are no amenities, so you should buy them on the main island! 📍Location: Malapascua

#2024wish To the northern tip of Cebu is a stunning and undeveloped coastline of Daanbantayan. The beauty of the beach and pristine sands have not dimmed. The water is clear and refreshing. There aren’t too many water sport activities in the day time because of the boat trips to Malapascua which gives pockets of tranquility to the weary. Come, sit under the tree, and let’s plan our next adventure together! In 2024 I hope to travel around Scandinavia more. 🗺️ 💫 #travelwish

A diver's paradise

🌞 Recharging my morena batteries, I'm finally back in my happy place after a long two-month absence from the beach 🏝 In this golden sunlight, captured by the talented @bisayanghilaw, I'm reminded of the simple joys that the ocean holds. The warm rays envelop me, rejuvenating my spirit and reminding me of the peace and bliss that can only be found by the sea. Join me in embracing the beauty and serenity of nature as we let the beach wash away our worries and fill our souls with joy. Let the healing and recharging begin!