Mactan Island
Plan your visit to Mactan Island—famous for beach resorts, water sports, and history. Find top attractions and travel tips in this guide.
View Detailstravel guide cebu
Discover Malapascua
Malapascua Island, situated in the Visayan Sea, is a world-renowned diving destination located just 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles) across a shallow strait from the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.
This idyllic island should be at the top of any diver’s bucket list, as it’s the only place in the world where divers can reliably sight thresher sharks on a regular basis.
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
How to Get There
By Air
Malapascua is easily accessible via Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). From Cebu, travel overland to Maya Port in northern Cebu, where regular boat transfers connect to Malapascua Island. Cebu is served by direct international flights from major cities such as Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Dubai, as well as frequent domestic flights from Manila, Davao, Boracay, and Palawan.
By Sea
From Maya Port in northern Cebu, regular boats connect to Malapascua Island, with the journey taking approximately 30–40 minutes. If combining Malapascua with Bantayan Island, private boat transfers are also available between the two islands.
Getting Around
Once in Malapascua, getting around is easy. The island is small, and many accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops are within walking distance. Tricycles are available for short trips and are especially convenient with luggage. Some resorts also offer bicycles or motorbikes for exploring the island independently.
Top Attractions in Malapascua
Monad Shoal
Monad Shoal is a world-famous dive site near Malapascua Island, known for early morning sightings of thresher sharks. Divers visit year-round to witness these deep-sea creatures rise to shallower waters, making it a unique and thrilling experience.
Bounty Beach
Bounty Beach is the main stretch of sand on Malapascua Island, known for its white sand, clear waters, and laid-back vibe. It’s lined with resorts and dive shops, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and island adventures.
Kalanggaman Island
Kalanggaman Island is a stunning sandbar island near Leyte, popular for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for day trips, swimming, snorkeling, and photo ops. No hotels—just pure, unspoiled tropical beauty.
Best Time to Visit Malapascua
The best time to visit depends on your trip's purpose. Malapascua is a year-round diving destination for thresher sharks and manta rays, though manta sightings peak in winter and spring, and hammerhead sharks are best spotted December to April.
Dry Season (Dec - May)
December to May is the busiest stretch, with Christmas, New Year, and Easter drawing the biggest crowds.
Wet Season (June - Nov)
June to November offers a quieter, less crowded alternative for those looking to avoid peak-season crowds.
4-Days Malapascua Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cebu – Transfer to Malapascua Island
Upon arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you will travel by land from Cebu City to Maya Port, a journey that takes around four to five hours. From Maya Port, a short boat ride will take you to the beautiful island of Malapascua. Once you arrive, check in at your resort and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can relax on the beach, swim, or take a walk around the island.
Day 2: Diving in Malapascua
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the underwater world of Malapascua. You can go diving at some of the most famous dive spots in the Philippines, including the chance to see thresher sharks. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at the beach or go snorkeling. Enjoy another peaceful evening on the island.
Day 3: Kalanggaman Island Day Trip
Today, you will take a boat trip to Kalanggaman Island, known for its long white sandbar and crystal-clear waters. The trip usually takes around one and a half to two hours each way. Spend the day swimming, and enjoying a picnic lunch on the island. In the late afternoon, return to Malapascua for your final night on the island.
Day 4: Return to Cebu City
After breakfast, check out from your resort and take the boat back to Maya Port. From there, continue your journey by land back to Cebu City. Depending on your travel plans, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
Where to Stay
Malapascua is less developed than many other Philippine islands and is best known for its excellent diving. Accommodation is generally simple and affordable, with mostly family-run guesthouses, diving resorts and small beachfront properties rather than luxury hotels.
Tepanee Beach Resort is one of the island’s best accommodation options. This beachfront resort offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and cottages overlooking the sea. It is also an excellent base for exploring Malapascua’s famous diving sites and enjoying the relaxed island lifestyle.
DISCOVER & EXPERIENCE
Malapascua's Top Activities
Malapascua's Best Dive Sites
Malapascua Island offers a diverse range of diving experiences for all divers, from thresher sharks to healthy coral reefs, wrecks, and macro life.
The island’s top dive sites include Bantayan Island, known for its white sand beaches and clear blue waters, Monad Shoal for thresher shark sightings, Gato Island with its variety of marine life, Butong Bato featuring resident batfish and colorful corals, Lapus Lapus with its stunning corals and macro critters, and Chocolate Island, a must-visit for macro photographers.
Activities for Non-Divers
Beyond scuba diving, Malapascua Island offers a range of activities for non-divers.
The island boasts pristine white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, bordered by coconut trees. Among the best beaches are Langub, Logon, and the popular Bounty Beach.
Exploring the island by foot is a great way to discover its beaches. Malapascua can be circumnavigated within a day. Alternatively, you can rent a bike to experience the Filipino life in the villages.
For a breathtaking view of the sunset, climb to the top of Malapascua Lighthouse. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy cliff jumping.
Island hopping is also a popular activity. You can hire a boat and visit nearby islands with secluded beaches and good spots for snorkeling.
Cebu Tour Packages
Plan Your Trip With Us
Cebu, Cebu Day Trips
Moalboal Pescador Island & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Discover the best of Cebu’s adventure and marine life on this full-day Moalboal experience. Start with snorkeling in...
Private Tours in the Philippines
Ultimate Cebu Adventure and Diving | 8 Days
Embark on an 8-day diving and island adventure through Cebu’s most iconic dive sites. Start in Moalboal, known...
Bohol Day Tours & Short Trips, Private Tours in the Philippines
Cebu & Bohol Adventure | 6 Days
Discover the breathtaking wonders of the Philippines with our expertly crafted 6-day adventure tour, combining the most important...
Keep Exploring Cebu
More guides to help you plan your Cebu trip.
