Moalboal is a small coastal town in southwest Cebu and despite its size, you will find no shortage of amazing things to do and see here!
This was our first destination on our adventure through the Philippines and it truly got our journey off on the right foot with the stunning scenery, great weather, and delicious food.
We stayed here for 5 days and enjoyed activities such as canyoneering, scuba diving, visiting a spectacular waterfall and getting a massage to name a few. The locals all made us feel very welcome from the get-go which is yet another reason we have so much positive things to say about our time there.
The following guide will clue you in on what to expect before you visit to Moalboal and how to make it a trip to remember!
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1) Kawasan Canyoneering
Canyoneering in Kawasan is an exhilarating adventure and a highlight of our trip to the Philippines (and Southeast Asia in general). We were taken by bus from Moalboal up the hills which was a nice scenic drive, we were then dropped off at a base camp where we left our bags and were provided with all the equipment we needed.
There was an option to zip line over a valley which takes you to the start of canyon but alternatively, you can walk 15 minutes to get there too. The canyon is a spectacular series of small waterfalls and streams where we had opportunities to jump in from above as well as relax and allow the refreshing current to take us down rocks like a natural water slide.
We were guided along by the helpful staff who were also very on top of taking photos for us during the afternoon. Further down the canyon there was also a few rope swings to use as we plummeted into the water below and we also got to swim up to a beautiful waterfall. This trip had something for everyone and even included a delicious, home-made lunch served to us at the end.
2) Sardine Run
One of the main attractions of Moalboal is the sardine run which takes place right off the shore of Pangasama beach in Moalboal and is a must see for anyone who enjoys the water. It’s best to earlier in the day from 7am-9am when the visibility of the water is at its peak, but you can see these throughout the day.
The company we booked through recommended we head out early in the morning as this ensures a perfect combination of clear water and no crowds.
We got our masks on and dipped into the water at 7am and were both immediately taken back by the stunning coral reef and diverse marine life that we saw, and we still had the schools of sardines to look forward to.
Observing the sheer number of sardines was genuinely amazing to see as they raced across the reef next to us. Although we are both experienced snorkellers, we were delighted we booked with a local guide as he was able to optimize our time in the sea by taking us to his favorite spots. Our guide was also excellent with the GoPro allowing us to step out of the water with tons of great footage of ourselves with the fish.
3) Swim with Turtles
Off the shore of the same beach where we did the sardine run, we also had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Unlike for the sardines, you are best off snorkelling in the afternoon to see the turtles as this is when they are more commonly present near the shore.
We did not go out with a guide on this occasion as we were already familiar with the reef and were confident that we could spot them on our own. There are many places near the beach that rent out masks, snorkels, and fins for around 200 pesos per person and the staff were very helpful for pointing out which areas in the water we would have the best chance of swimming with these graceful sea creatures.
4) Scuba Dive (Or Snorkel) at Pescador Island
Pescador Isand is small uninhabiated island located off the shores of Moalboal and features some of the healthiest and most diverse reefs that I have ever experienced as a scuba diver.
About a 15-minute boat road from Moalboal’s coast took us to Pescador Island where we descended into the crystal clear waters. Immediately, we were created by colorful schools of fish and unique corals. There are endless sea life encounters as you glide along the shelf, from sea turtles to eels, to sometimes even whale sharks (although we were not lucky to see any).
Beware of the banded sea krait sea snakes which although timid, are some of the most poisonous animals in the world.
While there are plenty of dive companies to take you to this incredible site, I would highly recommend………. They are a smaller dive company, but the groups are small and feel very personalized. If you are interested in learning to scuba dive, their dive school receives incredible reviews.
While I did not personally stay here, the hotel they operate from featured clean and well-maintained facilities and was on a beautiful location on the water. You can check out rates and availability here!
5) Get A Massage At Nature Spa
We had such an amazing experience at Nature Spa that we went for massages on two separate occasions. There are plenty of massage parlors on the main strip of Panagsama road, but this one had some of the best reviews form what we saw and for good reason! The staff were inviting from the moment we set foot in the door, and we were promptly guided to our room for our hour-long massage.
We were provided with a change of comfortable loose-fitting clothes to change into as well as a basket to keep our belongings in until the end. The chilled music coupled with the pleasant scent in the room created a relaxing vibe from the start and once the massage began this was elevated beyond our expectations. This was an exceptionally relaxing way to spend an hour in the afternoon that you need to try.
6) Try A Smoothie Bowl From Shaka Cafe
Located just steps away from Pasagama beach, Shaka Cafe is the perfect place to grab a refreshing smoothie bowl and a coffee to break up your day by the sea.
This quickly became one of our favorite spots to get food in Moalboal offering fresh ingredients and a healthy alternative to some of the other restaurants nearby. The sheltered, open-air seating ensures you can appreciate the cool sea breeze as you enjoy your meal.
If you’re in the mood for more than just a smoothie, their menu features plenty of other healthy options such as sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
You can check out the menu on their website here!
7) Swim With Whale Sharks In Oslob
Located about a 2- and 1/2-hour drive from Moalboal, Oslob is best known for their whale shark snorkeling experience which were among the most amazing marine life that we snorkeled with to date. Their name might sound intimidating, but whale sharks are a docile species of filter-feeding fish who feed on plankton and aggregate close to the shore. Their unique spotted pattern and their large size was really amazing to see and because they are slow swimmers, you can really get an outstanding up-close view of them. This was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our time in the Philippines!
Regardless, this was unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our time in the Philippines.
8) Explore Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls is located in Oslob in the south of the island and might be the most beautiful waterfall have ever seen! We arrived at around 10am and were blown away by the sight of the 300-foot waterfall with the morning sunlight glistening off of it. There is a pool of water beneath the waterfall that is about 3 feet deep, and the area was surrounded by native trees. It was honestly so picturesque that it felt like a scene straight out of a Disney live action movie
We visited Tumalog falls as a side adventure whilst we were in the area doing the whale shark swim. However, this is definitely worthy of an excursion in its own right. The waterfall lies at the bottom of a very steep hill that is paved but does not allow access to cars. You can make the journey down on foot but there are a number of guys with mopeds that can take you up and down the hill for just 150 pesos per person ($2.50).
Travel tip: Pack water shoes and a towel to walk around the pool and get a closer look at the waterfall.
9) Enjoy A Sunset Swim At Panagsama Beach
The incredible sunset view and warm water temperatures create the perfect combination to enjoy a sunset swim on Moalboal’s Panagsama beach. Literally a stone throws away from the end of Panagsama Road in Moalboal town, there is no excuse to be missing out on the stunning views here in the evening time. The beach itself is small and a bit rocky but if you take time to look around you will find a sandy area to set up on.
The area is lively at sunset with people hanging out on the beach and others swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters off the shore. We recommend saving the snorkeling for the daytime when the visibility under the water is better, but Moalboal Beach is a lovely spot for an evening swim. The water is a perfect temperature and the view of the sunset shining on the water is just beautiful.
10) Get Dinner at Ven’z Restaurant
The best dinner we had during our stay in Moalboal was without doubt in Ven’z restaurant. Here we got to try some of the best traditional Filipino cooking during our stay in the country with the chicken and pork standing out in particular. Ven’z offered a finer dining experience in an area of Moalboal where touristy restaurants are plentiful. The menu consisted of many vegetarian and vegan options as well alcoholic beverages, juices and sodas to drink. Also, if you crave something sweet after your main dish, you must try their famous mango float dessert!
The staff were very friendly from the start and gave us great service throughout our meal. The restaurant is open-air and is constructed with bamboo and local wood. The lines can be long later in the evening and although it is worth the wait, if you get there before 6pm it shouldn’t be too long a wait to be seated.
11) Relax at White Beach
The combination of crystal-clear water and soft, powdery sand makes for the perfect combination at Basdaku White Beach in Moalboal. The calm water makes this a perfect place for a swim whether it’s high or low tide. Lining this stunning shoreline are local shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you occupied if you need a break from the sun during the day.
Keep in mind that there are a few fees associated with using this beach such as a parking fee and environmental fee. The fees are typically around 25-50 pesos (less than 1$).
Travel Tip: Pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat as there are minimal shaded areas on this beach.
12) Sing Karaoke
IKaraoke is a favored pastime for Filipinos with many homes owning a karaoke machine. You will find many bars and restaurants offer an affordable chance to try it and Moalboal is no different with the town lined with great places for an evening/night out.
Panagsama Road features various options for karaoke and with the number of bars and hostels nearby, you are guaranteed to have a positive experience with it here. Cheaper rates can be found for karaoke machines on non-peak hours but you may prefer to spend the extra bit of money to sing later in the night when the atmosphere picks up. Just remember that nobody in a karaoke bar is a professional singer and it’s just important to let go and have fun belting out your favorite songs.
Travel Tip: Have your lunch/dinner before or after your karaoke session so that it doesn’t eat into your time (no pun intended)
13) Hike Osema Point
At 1013 meters above sea level, Osema point stands as the highest point of Cebu Island and is one of the most scenic hikes the island has to offer. The hike is only about 20-30 minutes long and while some parts can be steep, it is very manageable for people of all ages as well as those who are new to hiking.
The beautiful view from the top is most impressive in the evening, right before sunset. For a really special evening, we suggest packing food and perhaps a blanket to have as a picnic once you reach the summit. The stunning scenery of the surrounding hills in the golden evening sunshine makes this hike so rewarding. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to get back down the trail before it gets too dark!
Travel Tip: Avoid hiking during days with rainfall as the trails can become very slippery.
While you can drive to Osema peak, getting there can be tricky because the routes from Google are not very precise. We recommend booking with a tour company like this one on viator!
14) Explore Sumilon Island
When we asked one of our local tour guides what he recommended we do while in Cebu, Sumilon Island was his first suggestion. The island is found off the coast of Oslob which is a true paradise featuring turquoise waters, bright white sand and an amazing coral reef. This is definitely a destination where you will want to take advantage of the chance to snorkel as it’s a protected ecosystem that ensures a diverse range of fish and sometimes whale sharks can be spotted.
Sumilon Island is known for the luxurious bluewater resort that features luxuries such as air conditioning, WiFi, and a hot tub and swimming pool. However, there is a day pass that you can purchase if you do not want to spend the night here and, given the small size of the island, a day trip may suit you just fine. There is a cool cave on the island to explore and other activities here include paddle boarding or hanging out on the sandbar. Passes can be booked online with some companies including lunch and pick up to and from your hotel.
