Whether you come for the world-renowned dive sites. Snorkelling the magnificent coral reefs directly offshore. The bustling ocean-side bars and restaurants. Or the paradise waterfalls further inland. The coastal town of Moalboal on the island of Cebu is a must-visit when travelling The Philippines. So if you’re looking to plan a trip there, these are the top things to do in Moalboal to help you make the most of your time there.
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Snorkelling at Panagsama Beach
Just offshore from Panagsama Beach is the most unbelievable underwater world. Panagsama is renowned as having some of the best reefs in The Philippines. Better yet you only have to swim 10m out from the beach to discover the colourful coral landscapes and abundance of marine life that calls it home. You can easily spend a few hours exploring it all, and with plenty of shops near the beach where you can rent a snorkel, mask and flippers for the day, it’s never been easier.
The Sardine Run
Experiencing the famous Sardine Run is another top thing to do in Moalboal. This natural phenomenon is when thousands of sardines swirl together to form a huge bait ball. In nature, its purpose is to intimidate predators, but it’s also very impressive and interesting to see. You can witness the Sardine Run at the edge of the drop off of Panagsama Beach’s reef or at Pescador Island.
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Swim with turtles
Panagsama Beach is also a thriving spot to swim with sea turtles. These graceful creatures are commonly found swimming at Tongo Point, a little further up the shore than the main beach, although can be spotted anywhere along the reef. To better your chances, stick to shallower water or look for areas of seagrass where they might be munching.
White Beach
If you’re looking for more top things to do in Moalboal, then make sure to make a trip to White Beach. Staying true to its name, the beach is a perfect picture of white sand and turquoise calm waters. It’s the ideal place to go swimming or just lie back on the sand and relax with a book. The beach also has plenty of amenities, with a strip along the front of the beach where you can buy food and drinks, and hire equipment too.
Kawasan Falls
A visit to the Kawasan Falls is definitely one of the top things to do in Moalboal. Tucked away in lush jungle, the crystal clear waters of the Badian river pour over rocky formations to form beautiful turquoise pools. Although the Kawasan Falls is a little bit of a tourist trap, they are still stunning and well worth seeing. Get there early in order to beat the crowds where you can hike up the falls at leisure, and stop at each pool along the way to cool off in the water.
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Badian Canyoneering
If you’re looking for action and adventure, one of the best things to do in Moalboal is canyoneering. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this adrenaline-filled activity involves waterfall jumps, rock slides, rock scrambles and treks as you navigate the Badian River, finishing at the Kawasan Falls. There are a few tour operators to choose from, but they all offer a very similar experience with the standard price of 1500 pesos per person.
Pescador Island
This marine park just off the shore from Moalboal is famous for its stunning reef and marine life. It’s a particularly popular spot amongst divers due to its exceptionally deep waters and being home to several world-class dive sites. If diving isn’t your thing, you can book onto a snorkel tour instead where you can experience Pescador’s underwater worlds at a few snorkel sites around the island.
Diving
Moalboal is one of the best diving spots in The Philippines. There are lots of dive shops around town where you can book a range of courses and trips – from introductory lessons to gaining your freediving certification.
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Chilling in Panagsama
If you’re looking for some downtime then chilling out at Panagsama’s cafes or bars is one of the best things to do in Moalboal. It might not be the most attractive town, but Panagsama’s bustling one road strip is packed full of places to eat, drink and unwind. If you’re wanting a relaxed vibe during the day head to Shaka or the French Cafe. Or if you fancy a night out, Chili’s Bar is the place to go, with pool tables, frozen cocktails and a seafront balcony, it’s where you’ll find most travellers on an evening.
