Malapascua Island on Postcard

"Malapascua, a tiny island in the Visayan Sea north of Cebu, is well-known for its thresher-shark cleaning station, where divers gather daily to see these beautiful creatures ascend from below to be cleaned by fish before returning to deeper waters. Reef sharks can be seen here, too. What fewer visitors know, however, is that behind the strip of resorts that line Bounty Beach is a traditional village. There are quaint shops and restaurants as well as a large church, and the people are wonderfully friendly and inviting. It's a great peek into real Filipino island life, meaning Malapascua is a worthwhile stop even if you aren't interested in the sharks."

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

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@afar

"Malapascua, a tiny island in the Visayan Sea north of Cebu, is well-known for its thresher-shark cleaning station, where divers gather daily to see these beautiful creatures ascend from below to be cleaned by fish before returning to deeper waters. Reef sharks can be seen here, too. What fewer visitors know, however, is that behind the strip of resorts that line Bounty Beach is a traditional village. There are quaint shops and restaurants as well as a large church, and the people are wonderfully friendly and inviting. It's a great peek into real Filipino island life, meaning Malapascua is a worthwhile stop even if you aren't interested in the sharks."

The Best Things to Do in the Philippines

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Ian Emmanuel Bocateja

Google

Malapascua Island is absolutely stunning, with its rich marine life and vibrant underwater world. The locals are incredibly hospitable, making you feel welcome right away. What makes the island even more special is the mix of nationalities living there—it’s not just a tourist destination but a home for many, giving it a unique and heartwarming vibe.

Jaroslav Hajn

Google

Island of garbage. Every year is the garbage situation worse and worse. Islanders! Wake up! Do not destroy beauty of that one of the most beautiful charming islands in Philippines 🇵🇭 and keep it charming for yourself and next visitors…. Every tourist has to pay environmental fee, for seeing that garbage??

Lance Basamot

Google

Malapascua is a nice Island in the Northernmost part of Cebu. It has a little Boracay vibe actually. But this is good for people who are Diving, snorkeling enthusiasts, and Island Hoppers since the best parts are within those distant islands and coral lagoons.

Penny Lucas

Google

Loved it ! Except the poor animals.. Cats and more i would say the poor Dogs need a decent vet and as for the cockerels roosters etc...i have no words And very dirty island But I loved the whole experience

Finn Colthup

Google

Loved this island, I spent 1 month on here and dived everyday, I recommend MBI dive centre. Only downside to the island was the power would go off on the whole island around randomly either multiple times during the day or sometimes only a few times a week. I think they are in the process of getting a permanent solution though.

Adrien

Google

After 4 nights in the island; Be careful, if you are not used to islands and beaches, perhaps you will find this island heavenly and perfect. But if you have already traveled elsewhere, then you will find the island dirty, the beaches not great because not much stretch of sand, snorkeling around the island is useless because there is nothing to see, no fish.. the island is not maintained, at the water's edge you will have plastic bags and all kinds of rubbish.. On average the people are very nice on the island, just a little painful to be asked several times a day to give money and buy stuff for the "schools fees" of the children of the island… This island is only good and dedicated to scuba diving !

Joe “Weltbummler”

Google

Absolutely amazing and incredible island 😍😍🏝️ We spent more than a week here and had the most amazing time! Very friendly people, awesome restaurants, very good dive shops and super chilled island vibes:) Perfect to relax, enjoy the beach and the ocean and explore the marine life ! It is Higley recommended to book your accommodation up front otherwise you have to move around a lot and won't be able to get the good one :) Also take enough cash with ya ! On the island is 99% only payable with cash! And they have just a few ATMs which are mostly out of money 😅😅

Michael Bradley

Google

Fairly nice island. It’s very quiet and a lot less tourists than I expected. But the island itself is pretty dirty. Rubbish thrown into all the bushes and side of the roads. They also burn most of the rubbish. So a lot of smoke at times. North beach is lovely. Bounty beach near the main town is full of boats and pretty dirty. Can’t believe this is always rated 2nd best on island Despite all this the water is very clean. Snorkelling a bit disappointing not many fish at all. Although saw a sea snake and baby black tip sharks Overall pretty underwhelming

Ian Emmanuel Bocateja

Google

Malapascua Island is absolutely stunning, with its rich marine life and vibrant underwater world. The locals are incredibly hospitable, making you feel welcome right away. What makes the island even more special is the mix of nationalities living there—it’s not just a tourist destination but a home for many, giving it a unique and heartwarming vibe.

Jaroslav Hajn

Google

Island of garbage. Every year is the garbage situation worse and worse. Islanders! Wake up! Do not destroy beauty of that one of the most beautiful charming islands in Philippines 🇵🇭 and keep it charming for yourself and next visitors…. Every tourist has to pay environmental fee, for seeing that garbage??

Lance Basamot

Google

Malapascua is a nice Island in the Northernmost part of Cebu. It has a little Boracay vibe actually. But this is good for people who are Diving, snorkeling enthusiasts, and Island Hoppers since the best parts are within those distant islands and coral lagoons.

Penny Lucas

Google

Loved it ! Except the poor animals.. Cats and more i would say the poor Dogs need a decent vet and as for the cockerels roosters etc...i have no words And very dirty island But I loved the whole experience

Finn Colthup

Google

Loved this island, I spent 1 month on here and dived everyday, I recommend MBI dive centre. Only downside to the island was the power would go off on the whole island around randomly either multiple times during the day or sometimes only a few times a week. I think they are in the process of getting a permanent solution though.

Adrien

Google

After 4 nights in the island; Be careful, if you are not used to islands and beaches, perhaps you will find this island heavenly and perfect. But if you have already traveled elsewhere, then you will find the island dirty, the beaches not great because not much stretch of sand, snorkeling around the island is useless because there is nothing to see, no fish.. the island is not maintained, at the water's edge you will have plastic bags and all kinds of rubbish.. On average the people are very nice on the island, just a little painful to be asked several times a day to give money and buy stuff for the "schools fees" of the children of the island… This island is only good and dedicated to scuba diving !

Joe “Weltbummler”

Google

Absolutely amazing and incredible island 😍😍🏝️ We spent more than a week here and had the most amazing time! Very friendly people, awesome restaurants, very good dive shops and super chilled island vibes:) Perfect to relax, enjoy the beach and the ocean and explore the marine life ! It is Higley recommended to book your accommodation up front otherwise you have to move around a lot and won't be able to get the good one :) Also take enough cash with ya ! On the island is 99% only payable with cash! And they have just a few ATMs which are mostly out of money 😅😅

Michael Bradley

Google

Fairly nice island. It’s very quiet and a lot less tourists than I expected. But the island itself is pretty dirty. Rubbish thrown into all the bushes and side of the roads. They also burn most of the rubbish. So a lot of smoke at times. North beach is lovely. Bounty beach near the main town is full of boats and pretty dirty. Can’t believe this is always rated 2nd best on island Despite all this the water is very clean. Snorkelling a bit disappointing not many fish at all. Although saw a sea snake and baby black tip sharks Overall pretty underwhelming

Daniel M.

Yelp

In Malapascua Island, every Resort has restaurant and Bar. Because it was next to the dive center where I went, and also be a meeting point, I spent time here having breakfast, dinner or a drink. The Bar is close to beach, in fact, it has some small tables and chairs on the beach, where you can have a bath o sunbath and have a shot or a cocktail. The restaurant is at first floor with beach views. Prices are similar to other businesses on the island. It is possible to have breakfast or lunch for about 300 PHP. The drink is a little expensive, but have 2x1 happy hour 4-6 pm.

Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island

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