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Travel Guide for Moalboal

Moalboal is a coastal gem in the Queen City of the South - Cebu Island. Many international visitors arrive in Cebu, but a big chunk of them head down here, which is only 3 hours south of Cebu City.Here, you can go enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving, especially witnessing the breathtaking sardine run where millions of sardines move in captivating unison formation.
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Things to do in Moalboal

There are a lot of things to do here. You can easily spend a week and explore all the activities Moalboal has to offer. Here are some top attractions:

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls, located in Badian, is a tropical paradise known for its clear, turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings. It features a multi-layered waterfall, which is not only beautiful but also offers an adventurous experience.

You can do thrilling activities such as canyoneering. This is where you trek all the way to the top of the waterfall, then jump off cliffs and swim through the river’s gorges. You keep doing this until you reach the bottom of the waterfalls, meaning you will be jumping down multiple cliffs.

To make the most out of your time, it’s best to book a Kawasan Falls tour. This tour will arrange the transportation for you and ensure that you can enter the waterfalls and do the canyoneering safely. And if you’re looking for a more thrilling activity, you can also do the zipline for an extra fee. Whether you are staying in Moalboal or Cebu City, our tour will pick you up from both locations and take you to Kawasan Falls. 

Before the tour ends, it also includes a lunch at a local family house where you can learn a bit more about Filipino cuisine.

Kawasan Falls

White Beach

Forget about Boracay; go to White Beach (locals call it Basdaku), where you can enjoy fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you don’t want to go on a boat tour for a snorkeling trip, the shore at White Beach can be a good spot to do some laidback snorkeling.

It’s more affordable than other white-sand beaches around the Philippines and also a great location during the golden hour. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants along the shore where you can dine and order a cold drink while you wait for the sun to set.

To get here, you can either take a tricycle from main town or rent a motorbike and get here on your own. It’s less than a 20-minute drive. 

There is a 20 pesos environmental fee, which can only be paid in cash. If you’re arriving on a motorbike or car, you can park your vehicle for 50 pesos.

Moalboal White Beach

Sardine Run

This is a phenomenon where millions of sardines swim in vast, synchronized schools close to the shore. This experience exists only in a few places in the world, one of those being Moalboal. 

This underwater spectacle is so fascinating that many snorkelers and even divers come here just to see it. The sardines form swirling, silver clouds that move in unison, creating stunning patterns and shapes.

The sheer size and movement of the sardine ball, combined with the chance to encounter other marine life like sea turtles and reef fish, make the sardine run a unique and unforgettable experience. 

It occurs year-round, so you can visit anytime. But still, it’s best to avoid the typhoon season (July to October), when swimming even by the shore is likely discouraged.

sardines

Turtle Watching

Have you always dreamed of seeing a turtle in the wild? Well, here, that’s a big possibility. Turtle watching here is a special experience because of the abundance of sea turtles that can be easily spotted close to the shore.

This is not a seasonal event either since these creatures are permanent residents of the local reefs.  However, to increase your chances of seeing them, it’s best to book a tour with a local guide who knows the best spots. But remember to be respectful and avoid chasing, getting too close, or touching the turtles.

Turtle Watching in Moalboal

Pescador Island

This is a very small island off the main shore or Panagsama Beach. It is known as the diver’s paradise because of its stunning and colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and beautiful underwater landscapes. 

The best time to dive here is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this period, the weather is generally sunny with calm seas, providing excellent visibility underwater, often reaching 20 to 30 meters.

Many people go here just to scuba dive. The reefs are amazing, various marine life and affordability – it’s understandable why going to Moalboal is a must while in the Visayas region.

Finding a diving shop to arrange your needs is easy. There are lots of them around the town or along Panagsama Beach. Things you need to consider are the number of dive sites to visit, what equipment is included, and an experienced and licensed diver guide to come with you.

You should shop around and compare prices and plan to go during the week since weekends get quite busy.

Pescador Island

Osmena Peak

This is the highest point in Cebu, making it a popular attraction around the island. Many people from Cebu City travel here just to hike the Osmena Peak. It’s about 1,013 meters (3,323 feet) above sea level. It offers a stunning view of the island and a cooler climate.

While it is a little outside Moalboal, it’s only an hour away to the south – definitely worth the drive. There is a parking fee of 50 pesos and 100 pesos for a local guide, which is unverified if required. 

Osmena Peak

How to get to here

It’s easy to get to here. The best and most affordable option is to take the bus. First, you must fly to Cebu City; from there, you can take the 3-hour bus ride. The bus will take you either to the bus terminal or right to Panagsama Beach (the main tourist area).

If you end up at the bus terminal, you can take the tricycle, which is only a 10-minute ride to the main area where accommodations, diving shops, and restaurants are located.

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Recommended tours

KAWASAN TOUR

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour from Moalboal

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