Filipinos celebrate Philippine Independence Day every 12 of June. It’s obviously a holiday – a non-working holiday in the country. We honored this mostly in a formal way, when I say formal it’s like taking the excitingly-no-boring-long queue parade, hearing government official uplifting words and participating any other political activities. It’s not normal (at least in my observation) for Filipinos in every household to have its own party, we kind of observing independence day without too much alcohol and party (except when we go out from the house to commemorate this kind of occasion or simply for a holiday break or bar parties in big cities). Unlike any other countries (which I’ve read and heard from other travelers, correct me if I’m wrong, no violent reaction please) they have their own set of huge parties everywhere on their independence day. I’m not against this we have our own way to celebrate (I secretly wish we do the same way they do for a change).
This year, I traveled again during this break with another group of friends, and my close friend Margot finally decided to revisit Moalboal in Cebu to do other activities that she hasn’t done. I vividly remember that I was also traveling last year in a beautiful Islas de Gigantes, dedicated the independence day with 2 other mates.
We set our decision for Moalboal to grant my friend Margot’s request. I confidently organize tours in this area, even if I revisited interminable times, I’m still in awe whenever I drop in. Since I’m a water lover (don’t be confused, I’m not a diver nor a freediver yet), I’m always delighted to see things underwater and Moalboal is by far one of the best to do this. Here are my personal preferable things to do in Moalboal for an overnight stay.
Experience Boat Ride to see Dolphins!
Yes! There are thousands of dolphins in the area which is named as Tanon Strait, although these dolphins are more popular in the facing Negros Island, yet, we still be able to see Spinner dolphins along Tanon Strait near Moalboal, but, it merely depends on the weather too, they are wild and natural, their time is unpredictable though mostly active during early in the morning, yet, Tanon Strait is the dolphin’s huge playground which we cannot envision their exact location, patience is widely tested to search for dolphins but heaven-on-earth feelings when you get to see one. These dolphins are lively and playful. Unfortunately, during our stopover this time, there was no show up of Dolphins. However, this doesn’t happen all the time, in my countless visit here, I seldom experience a no-show-dolphins. (Photo posted here is the one I took months ago during one of my work as a tour guide)
2018 Update: I originally didn’t include Kawasan Falls in this list of things to do in Moalboal since it’s not exactly in the town itself. Still, if you stay a night in Pangasama you can quickly get to the falls from there. In fact, it will take you much less time than taking the bus directly from Cebu city. You can even combine a quick stop at the falls with a visit to Oslob since it’s right between these 2 locations.
Moalboal is primarily a diving destination and that’s what this article focuses about. Still, Kawasan Falls offer a good alternative to people who don’t like diving, or for families with small children. If you are feeling adventurous, take out the Kawasan canyoneering tour instead. This one leaves from Moalboal itself and takes only a few hours to complete. Trust me, it’s one of the most fun and exciting activities you’ll ever find in the Philippines.
Never skip snorkeling in the beauty of Pescador Island
With more than 2,000 species of fish in Moalboal, many of which are on Pescador Island. This very small island has fantastic corals which covered the sandy slope. Its visibility can reach of up to 40 meters, although, boatmen and guides reminding me constantly every time I visit that currents should be observed as it’s moving in different areas in every season. Nevertheless, the alluring beauty of this island is unimaginable. Pescador is only less than 1 km in size, unoccupied, with 2 access steps and of course a lighthouse
Swim with the Turtles
Unlike in Apo Island Negros, where turtles are visible just 3 meters away from the land, Moalboal has its own turtle sanctuary too, located near the Panagsama beach probably 500 meters away to the south side. In this area, you need to swim to the sanctuary, if you hired a boat for the island hopping, this is easier for you will stop at the area directly. I usually see a maximum of 3 huge turtles within reach, but this time, we saw 4, 1 of which was gigantic. There’s massive of corals and fish aside from watching visibly the turtles.
“Sardine Run” in Panagsama Beach
The place is known for its sardine run. Billions of sardines actually. The location is just in front of Panagsama beach also known locally as Basdiot. I personally liked interacting with this silver-gray-look of sardines, they seemed dancing in the water. About 30-50 meters away from the shore, you can be able to witness the charming sardines in its deep sea.
Have your own twinkling time in TUBLE Sanctuary
I fondly call this as “my own sanctuary” since the first day I disembark the place years ago. They’re so many beauty lurking beneath the depthless surface. An unexplainable feeling whenever I’m in this sanctuary, and I’m glad Margot loved it the way I do.
Chasing Sunset at the White Beach
The island fronting Moalboal is Negros island, a mountainous place where the beauty of the sunset is in this area, which noticeable at the white beach (locally known as Basdaku). I also love the ambiance of Hale Manna Resort watching the sunset in front of the island. White beach or Basdaku is also a place for karaoke, camping, playing volleyball, snorkeling, swimming and resting in the wide space of the beach with numerous local rooms that are open for tourists. It is also where most of the boats docked or anchored in.
I did all of these for an overnight stay, or which merely can be done for one day. I spent on an average of Php 2,000.00 inclusive of food, accommodation, transportation (to and from Dumaguete City), water and fee for all activities. Speaking of food, we splurge Php 300.00 each of us for our dinner, so, if you are such a frugal one like me, you’ll spend lesser than the average one day expense.
Oh.. BONUS! Speaking of Food or where to eat? There are many carenderias (or small local restaurant in the white beach) and several restaurants in Panagsama beach. We tried Chili’s resto in Panagsama for dinner and carenderia in White beach for breakfast and lunch.
There’s canyoneering as well, but you got to know what to expect from canyoning in Moalboal before diving into this kind of motion
For FREEDIVERS and DIVERS, Moalboal is also best for one-day activity.
P.S. There’s insufficient supply of water in the white beach, thus, most of the toilet or shower room owned by the residents here (or comfort room) requires a minimum fee for usage.
Author: Ferna Mae
Ferna is a spontaneous traveler from the Philippines who had a great experience traveling her own country first before she embarked to other countries. She thrives to be more independent in her own skin. Connect with her at everywherewithferna@gmail.com
Moalboal also have some stunning dive sites along the shore and in Pescador Island.
oh yeah! i should post that it’s a place for diving and freediving too. Thanks for that 🙂
I always envy people who can dive. HAHAHA. Had been to Moalboal twice for swimming and snorkeling, maybe I can try diving with sardines next time. 🙂
Thank you. I also do hope to do scuba diving in the future. Hope you could dive or swim with the sardines soon 🙂
I did not know Moalboal is really dynamic as a destination! I have only been to Bas Daku. Will try my best to do the activities you mentioned,
Awesome Mike. Hope you could visit soon 🙂
Great read! I am going to Cebu this September. Adding these thing to my list.
Awesome. I would love to hear your experience too. Tag me in then.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I will visit Moalboal soon with my cousin! I’m so excited!
Awesome! I’m excited for your Moalboal visit. Enjoy!
I love your water adventures! Even if I hear stories of sharks appearing out of nowhere, I still enjoying swimming by the beach and exploring around it! But the winning moment definitely for me would have to be seeing that sunset by the beach! I do not get enough sunset moments like that in my life!
awww.. I hope you get to see more and more sunset soon. We have stunning sunset everywhere in the Philippines.
your blog screams, ADVENTURE at its Best-est :))
Love that! Thank you 🙂
I’ve been seeing photos of all these activities in Moalboal. Maybe it’s time I actually come back to Cebu? Haha. I’m looking forward to swimming and snorkeling in Pescador Island and Panagsama Beach.
I encourage you to come back hahahaha.. influencing you with the beauty of Cebu not only in Moalboal 🙂 Thank you Kat
UGHHHHH I WANT TO BE THERE RIGHT NOW!! Must be one hell of an experience! Keep exploring! ♡
Thank you 🙂 Happy Travels!
Wow that’s a lot of sardines. A lot, that it makes it quite scary. What if they all suddenly swim towards you? haha
they actually swim everywhere, yet, they are not scary 🙂 they are fun to see and experience with. hehehehe.. I hope you could try 🙂
BEAUTIFUL!!! Must go! Must go! Awesome pics as well.
yes you must. 🙂 Thank you
Yeys! Will definitely visit Moalboal soon when I stat traveling to the Visayas again! This post is very helpful, ate! <3 Thanks bunch! 🙂
You are welcome Aldrick:)
Thanks for this, I’ll be in Cebu on October for business things, but I’ll make sure to try these out! Thanks again <3
You are welcome. Hope you bookmark this one for your future Cebu Visit
I really want to try all of these but I don’t have any friends who’s into diving or going into the deep blue ocean and I know it’s quite expensive when you go solo on these kind of activities. Envy you!
yes, it’s expensive, but they have what they call as “joiner”, fit for those who travel solo
Oh my! This only makes me miss Philippines even more. The jewels of the country are breathtaking!
it really is 🙂 Philippines is LOVE
Wow there’s so much to do! I wanna see the dolphins too and swim with the turtles. I heard so much about Moalboal and from reading your post, I now understand why many people go there.
exactly, a bit touristy now but not that overcrowded tourists, it is still manageable given the wide range of areas to snorkel and do diving too
The scenery underwater is amazing. I hope someday when I get to visit the place, there will be dolphins swimming free.
I’ve never heard of this place before! Fits right into my bucket list. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You Are Welcome
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Hi! Can you recommend a boatman that can take us to all those site you mentioned? Any hint how much? We’ll be ther by september! Thank you.
Hi Bea, you may call or text Kuya Dodong 09239376699 let him know you got his number from my blog or from Ferna – the tour guide. they have standard price of 2,500 boat rental in Moalboal negotiations will be between you and Kuya Dodong if you wish to negotiate lower price 🙂 Enjoy!
I would love to try scuba diving but What about Sharks? No?
you can see whale sharks in Oslob which is about almost 2 hours by car from Moalboal.
Hi.. im actually interested to go there..thanks to your blog. But, howd you fit the 2k budget with it? Where did you start? Thank you.
I started in Dumaguete, took a public transportation from there, we eat in a “carenderia” except for Dinner. We were 3 of us by the way so we divided the cost for the activities and food. 😀
Hi, we are going to Moalboal on April, and planning to rent a boat for island hopping, just wondering if Kuya Dodong still got the same number, so we could reach him easily,
thanks
Hi Jessie, Thank you for reaching out. You may reach him at 09257087938 this was the last number I got from him last month. Enjoy Moalboal!
Great, thank you again for the information 🙂
You are welcome 😀
Hi Ferna Mae,
Happy 2 day late Independence Day in 2017 😉
Ryan
Thank you Ryan. 😀
Aloha, I’m visiting the PI for the first time in July is this a good place to visit from Manila or are there easier places to visit without a hassle for a first time visitor but not super touristy?
This place can be touristy sometimes too, it depends on which month of the year you visit. but if you happen to be in this place, have a relaxing place at Basdaku village resorts than in Basdiot or Panagsama coz in Panagsama it is really touristy there. When are you coming to the Philippines?
Hi! I just saw that you have a transport booking company as well.
Can you help us (or recommend someone) to take us from Moalboal to Oslob (and back, though possibly the next day). We are staying in Moalboal for a few days, and want to go to Oslob for 1 day(possibly staying overnight) to snorkel with the whale sharks. Early August (sometime between Aug 2-4).
Thanks!
Hi G, Yes. we do have for Cebu. the rate depends on the vehicle you need. We have Innova and Grandia (Van). for the Van since that’s for overnight Php 6,300.00 and the driver will wait until the next day the rate is already roundtrip. and if for the car that’s Php 5,300.00. Total capacity for the van is 12 pax, and Innova is for 5 pax. Inclusive of Driver’s fee and Gasoline. I will direct you to the driver for easy contact for both of you on your day of the tour. Please let me know if you have questions or if you need anything else 🙂 Thank you so much
Thanks, will email you for details!
Sure, Thank you. Email: everywherewithferna@gmail.com