Snorkeling at Pescador Island
Moalboal (pronounced as mwal-bwal) is one of Cebu’s most popular diving destination. Ten minutes boat ride away from the main land is the small yet very precious Pescador island. It’s underwater is considered as a diver’s paradise, It is filled with a variety of beautiful corals and many species of reef fish. It is home to thresher sharks, frog fish, turtles, and hundreds-and-thousands of sardines.

Photo by Mr. Dan Ocampo

If you’re visiting Moalboal anytime soon, here’s some information that might help you plan your trip:

HOW TO TO GET TO MOALBOAL FROM CEBU CITY

Howto Get to Moalboal from Cebu

1. From any part of Cebu, hire a cab or ride a jeep to the South Bus Terminal.
2. Ride a Ceres bus going to Moalboal. Aircon bus costs P111. Non-aircon bus only costs P107.00
3. Get off at Moalboal town , then hire a tricycle or habal-habal for either Panagsama or Basdaku beach.

Most tourists opt to ride a V-hire(vans) to Moalboal since it’s faster. Fare: Php120. They are located at One Citilink Terminal, a few minutes walk away from the South Bus Terminal.

Travel time from Cebu City to Moalboal takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY: PANAGSAMA VS BAS DAKU(sometimes spelled as Basdaku,Basdako)

These are the two main beach destinations in Moalboal. Both offers easy access to Pescador island which is the main diving spot in the area.

Panagsama Vs Basdaku

Panagsama does not have a white sand beach. Instead, dead corals line its shores. If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Moalboal however, you would probably prefer to stay here as you will find more cheap, budget and affordable rooms in Panagsama.

Panagsama

There are fees that you need to pay before you get to Basdaku White Beach- P5.00 each for the barangay and P10.00 each for the owner of a private lot that is being used as an access to the beach. Accommodation in Basdaku is not as cheap as the ones in Panagsama, most probably because Bas Daku has a long white sandy beach. There is plenty of accommodation at the beachfront including nipa huts and cottages which can be rented for a day or overnight use. The beach is nice but there’s really nothing to rave about. Simply put, you’re not really missing that much if you decided to stay in Panagsama. There’s plenty of more beautiful beaches in Cebu than the white beach in Basdaku.

Basdaku

We arrived in Basdaku after our great experience at Kawasan falls in Badian at lunch time. Just like what happened in Matutinao, Badian, we were immediately swarmed by local men, this time, tricycle and motorcycle drivers offering their services. We ignored them and walked straight to the market for a quick lunch in one of the carinderias. One of the motorcycle drivers was very persistent, he followed us and waited until we finished lunch. Eventually, we agreed to hire him to take us to our accommodation in Panagsama for P150.00. Later, we struck a deal with him to bring us to Basdaku beach and pick us up later in the afternoon to take us back to Panagsama for another P150.

Basdaku

BELOW P1,000 ACCOMMODATION IN PANAGSAMA BEACH, MOALBOAL AS RECOMMENDED BY TRAVELERS AND BLOGGERS

1. Rosita’s Cottages
Rositas Cottages

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach, Basdiot(Moalboal), Cebu
Rate starts at P750 and even lower depending on the season. (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +63916 920 5618
Email Address:n/a
Website/Other Resources: n/a
My own Review: We stayed in one of their fan rooms for P750.00 during our visit to Moalboal. The cottages are clean and spacious with free wifi. What I really liked about this place was the availability of a kitchen complete with kitchen utensils and a fridge, which we really took advantage of. I have a good cook who travels with me 🙂 The lady caretaker was very nice. Highly recommended.

2. Eves Kiosk
Eve's Kiosk

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach , 6032 Moalboal, Cebu
Rate starts at Php500 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +6332 4743008 /+63917 950 5249
Email Address: eveskiosk@live.com.ph
Website/Other Resources: Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: We went there for a family getaway. Me, my husband, parents and children stayed here for 4 days. The value for money is good. Rooms are clean, they have nice garden and decent pool if you don’t fancy the beach. We ate here a lot as well because the foods are nice and good value for money as well. Read more>>>

3. Maya’s Native Garden
Maya's Native Garden

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach, Basdiot(Moalboal), Cebu
Rate starts at P600 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: Mobile: +63 915 480 96 10 Landline: +63 32 4743084
Email Address: Contact Form
Website/Other Resources: http://mayasnativegarden.com
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: This place is really good. The rooms are native looking and have a good feel to them I took the fan room because that is native. The staff was nice and easy going. This is a great place to stay located in Panagsama town. Read more>>>

4. Moalboal Backpacker Lodge
Moalboal Backpacker Lodge

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach, Basdiot Moalboal, Cebu, 6032, Philippines
Rate starts at Php275 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +63 917 751 8902 / +63 908 607 6240
Email Address: info@moalboal-backpackerlodge.com
Website/Other Resources: http://www.moalboal-backpackerlodge.com,Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: Thank you guys for a great times! The place is super clean, the staff is very nice and helpful, and the location is very good. Excellent place at an excellent price. The best place to meet other sole traveler. I had the best time there and defiantly will be back again for good times. Read more >>>

5. Pacitas Beach Resort
Pacitas Beach Resort

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach, Basdiot Moalboal, Cebu, 6032, Philippines
Rate starts at Php700 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +639108587222 / 032-474-0182
Email Address: n/a
Website/Other Resources: n/a
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: I stayed in Pacita’s Resort for 5 days and I felt as my home. The people are really exceptional and the room was useful, clean and spacious. I also have a garden with my private hammock… was spectacular spend my rest after diving there! I recommend it to all. Read more >>>

6. Quo Vadis Dive Resort
Quo Vadis Dive Resort

Address/Location: Panagsama Moalboal, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu
Rate starts at Php750 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: (032) 474 3068
Email Address:
Website/Other Resources: http://quovadisresort.com,Quo Vadis Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments:

7. Sunshine Pension House
Sunshine Pension House

Address/Location: Panagsama Beach, Basdiot, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Rate starts at Php700 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: Smart+639216891865, Globe +639273051105, Sun +639327303090
Email Address: sunshine_pension@yahoo.com, sunshine.pension@gmail.com
Website/Other Resources: http://www.sunshinepension.webs.com/ Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments:Right from the beginning on arrival Aida and her family were very friendly and welcoming, making us feel at home! I stayed there in total for 6 weeks, so we were a bit of a different group compared to the usual tourists, but the overal care and attention Aida gave to us was no different to the other guests. Read more>>>

CHEAP AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN BASDAKU WHITE BEACH, MOALBOAL AS RECOMMENDED BY TRAVELERS AND BLOGGERS

1. Ester’s Homestay / Ester Escabas Cottages
Ester Homestay

Address/Location: Basdaku, Saavedra, Moaboal, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu
Rate starts at Php 1500 for 4 persons (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +63927-578-5983
Email Address: malyn_esc7106@yahoo.com.ph
Website/Other Resources: Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: Our trip coincided with the town fiesta hence Tita Ester said the rent rose to 1,700. We haggled a bit over the phone so she said she can give the room for 1,600 and food will be free since its the town’s fiesta. Winner! When we got there she brought us to the aircon room. When we were all settled…Read more >>>

2. HK Beach Resort
HK

Address/Location: Basdaku, Saavedra, Moaboal, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu
Rate starts at Php 1500(Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number:+63919 4766385.
Email Address: n/a
Website/Other Resources: n/a
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: We stayed in HK resort for one night and for a P1,500/night room, it’s all okay. There are no other amenities like a tv set or free breakfast, but we had a comfortable stay. If you love the sea, the sun, and white sands but don’t care for a five-star accomodation, this is definitely for you. Read more>>>

3. Magic’s Place
magic place

Address/Location: Basdaku, Saavedra, Moaboal, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu
Rate starts at Php1,500 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number:+63905 906 6956/ +63906 347 3555
Email Address: n/a
Website/Other Resources: n/a
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: he last time I went to Magic’s Place there was no air conditioned room but after almost a year, almost all the rooms were air conditioned. Amazing! However, the room rates raised. From 1200 pesos to 2500 pesos, it SURELY raised. There was the only non aircon room too which costs 1500-2000 pesos. My friends would like to take it but I wanted the room where I could see the beach. Read more >>>>

4. Ravenala Beach Resort / Bungalows
Ravenala

Address/Location: White-Beach Saavedra, Moalboal,Cebu Island,Philippines
Rate starts at Php3,000 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +6332 474 00 75 / Mobile Phone Number: +63917 550 01 02
Email Address: edschaap@yahoo.com
Website/Other Resources: http://www.ravenala-resort-moalboal.com
Guests’ Reviews/Comments:Stayed two nights at Ravenala and thoroughly enjoyed my stay there. Staff were very attentive and courteous. Breakfast was included in the rooms and was a very nice and simple meal (bacon was nice and crispy). Had the 3 bed family room but it could fit 4 people easily and had a ref in it Read more>>>

5. Club Serena Resort
Serena

Address/Location: Baranggay Saavedra, Basdako, Moalboal, Cebu Moalboal 6032
Rate is a little expensive and starts at P5,600 (Note: Rates may change without prior notice. Call or email them to find out the latest rate)
Contact Number: +63 920 902 8888 (3pm to 2am) +63 928 507 2026 (9am to 6pm)+63 920 927 2939 (9am to 6pm)+63 908 894 5847 (9am to 6pm)+63 918 965 1673 (9am to 6pm)+63 939 345 4127 (9am to 6pm)
Email Address: info@clubserenaresort.com,nudibranch@clubserenaresort.com
Website/Other Resources: http://www.clubserenaresort.com, Facebook Page
Guests’ Reviews/Comments: This resort is a splendid bastion of good taste in the island of Cebu. Everything emanates style and subdued elegance. The rooms are excellent. The restaurant not a rip off with great food. The beach is very nice, the snorkeling the best I’ve had in a while, and it is just 2 hours from Cebu City. Read more>>>

GETTING AROUND: Take a motorcycle or tricycle. Fare should be around P25-Php50 to either Basdaku or Panagsama. You may also rent a motorbike for Php135 to Php900/day depending on the type of motorbike you want to rent.

Recommended activities. Aside from snorkeling/diving at Pescador island, I highly recommend a side trip to Kawasan Falls in Badian which is approximately 30 minutes ride away from Moalboal.

Note: I am not affiliated with any of the above accommodation so in case you have questions, kindly communicate with them using the contacts provided. Pictures were randomly picked from the internet. No Copyright infringement intended. In case you own one of the pics and would like me to include your links here, please let me know. Thank you Mr. Dan Ocampo for allowing me to use your turtle pic! I’ve always been a fan of your underwater photography

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