Suroy- suroy: 2015 Summer Ender in Malapascua Island.
Three days after my Dalaguete expedition, I packed my bags once again for another beach trip with my college friends. I've been visiting a lot of places in the south of Cebu but this time, it's going to be up north! In Malapascua Island!
photo credits to Eureka
We took a V-hire (a van) from the north bus terminal heading to the port of Maya in Daan Bantayan. That's located at the end tip of Cebu even further than of Hagnaya port. Our van left at 6AM and reached Maya at 9AM. It was quite a long trip, but I slept all the way. Compared to a bus, they would have to take many stops for the passengers that's why travel time can take 3-4 hours.
Maya port is different from Hagnaya port because it doesn't have a warf, buildings with the necessary offices and large boats. Maybe we can't call it a port then? Anyway, pump boats just park along the rocky edge of the port but we didn't have to worry much because there was a pump boat already waiting for us. Although we had to wait for 30 more minutes for other passengers to ride the boat. At 9:30AM our boat started moving and sailed for about 30 minutes. Then at 10AM, we arrived in Malapascua!
For no specific reason, the pump boat can't dock closer to the beach that's why a smaller boat approached us and lifted us to the shore. If only the water was not on high tide then I would prefer walking just to save my 20 pesos. It was not worth it because it was only 30-40 meters away.
Expenses:
V-hire= 180 Php
Pump boat= 80 Php
Mini boat= 20 Php
Our friend Allan has contact of where we could stay for 2 nights in an affordable (and discounted) price! It's not located near the beach but it's just a 5- minute walk away from paradise. The Romantic Place used to be a residential house only but then tourists, specifically foreigners, requested if they can stay here instead of those fancy resorts in the island. The owners are really kind enough to do so.
photo credits to Eureka
This was where we stayed for two nights. It has its own toilet and bath, electric fan and comfortable beds. Their wifi connection is on point!
photo credits to Eureka
After eating lunch; which we by the way bought and cooked ourselves, we hurriedly hopped on to Allan's motorbike. He's been talking about this place in Malapascua that tourists don't often visit. This is because of its location. It's a 15-20 minute ride from the barrio proper from where the pump boats dock. There are no resorts located in the area and the motorcycle ride is quite expensive.
photo credits to Eureka
photo credits to Eureka
Before we head home, we witnessed this sunset view. We all stood in awe and forgot to take a video of this beautiful scenery! Luckily at 1% battery life, I was still able to take a few shots!
After dinner, we then went for a walk in Malapascua's resort area. They call it "Mini Boracay" because resorts are arranged in a way like in Boracay.
The second day was even better. We went to see the resorts area in the morning and yes, it was awesome! Because mr. sun shined too brightly, we spent our morning relaxing in one of the resorts there. This one was in Blue Coral Resort.
I spent my time collecting shells. Boy, I collected some pretty big shells! For lunch we ate:
photo credits to Eureka
In the afternoon, we went back to the resorts to check out the beach. I again looked for more shells while the others took a dip in the water.
photo credits to Yen
We also collected more starfishes. There were a lot near the docking area of the pump boats. We took a few shots and returned them back to the water.
photo credits to Eureka
We grilled pork for our dinner and decided to include some canned goods too! Seems like the locals in Malapascua are not fond of eating the "Boodle" way. Allan got a banana leaf and cleaned it. After we cooked everything else, they arranged the rice and viand in a way that we will all be able to share and taste all the food we prepared.
All-in-all I enjoyed my stay in Malapscua. Even if we weren't able to snorkel or dive, at least I was able to discover the wonders of this little island. I was able to encounter with some locals, met new friends and talked to foreigners too! I also met a backpacker in my ride home and found out that she too was a Carolinian. I have so much to tell about our trip in Malapascua and I think this blogpost is too long already! Until my next trip!
Expenses: Each
Mini boat= 20 Php
Pump boat= 80 Php
V-hire= 180 Php
Food and drinks= 500 Php
Pasalubong= 80 Php
Room= 200 Php
Estimated Budget: 1500 Php
FAQ's
Logon, dubbed as Malapascua Island, is a barangay and a part of the Municipality of Daan Bantayan. It it is widely known for its white sand beaches and bountiful coral gardens. Tourist's, especially divers visit Malapascua for its excellent diving spots. Thresher sharks and Manta rays can be sighted in one of the diving sites of Malapascua. (More about Malapascua)
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