Where to stay in Moalboal? On the island of Cebu in the Philippines you can find the small town of Moalboal with incredible diving, Kawasan Falls and the famous Sardine Run making it a snorkelling hotspot and popular backpackers destination. This means there are plenty of places to stay in Moalboal including hostels and cheap accommodation, but you can also find luxury beach resorts and diving schools on the seafront.
Moalboal is one of the most popular towns to visit on the island of Cebu meaning you’re not short of choice for Moalboal accommodation. Situated on the west of the island, many hotel rooms look over the famous Philippines sunsets and have easy access to Panagsama Beach. A bus ride from Cebu City will take you to this bustling town with food markets, canyoneering and lively bars, a must on any backpacker’s Cebu Philippines itinerary.
Moalboal was the first stop on our 8 month trip around South East Asia, included in this accommodation guide is what we wished we had known about where to stay in Moalboal. Below we’ll share the best area to stay as well as an array of cheap accommodation and beachfront resorts. Read on to find the best place to stay in Moalboal for you.
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Types of Accommodation And Where To Stay In Moalboal
Moalboal offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit different travellers needs. You can find cheap accommodation if you’re on a tight budget, mid-range stays or luxurious beach resorts. We found there were plenty of budget hostels and guesthouses with dorm rooms or private rooms for couples, make sure to check the location before booking as you want to be located near Panagsama Beach.
As Moalboal is a diving hotspot, it is home to many resorts specifically for divers. These hotels often provide dive packages making equipment rentals and guided tours convenient.
Where to stay in Moalboal? We think location is key when booking accommodation so the best area to stay in Moalboal is near the seafront. Look for properties close to Panagsama beach to be in the centre of the small seaside town. You could also stay further towards White Beach, another popular destination near Moalboal.
The Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour was one of the highlights of our whole trip!
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Budget: Cheapest Hotels In Moalboal Cebu $
Moho (Moalboal Hostel): Backpackers, Solo Traveller, Party Lovers $
A social adults only hostel with its own shared lounge and bar. With a prime location only 500m away from Panagsama Beach this is a great choice for solo travellers and backpackers looking to make friends and enjoy their time in Moalboal. The hostel offers free drinks from 8:00 – 8:30 making Moho Moalboal Hostel popular amongst younger travellers and perhaps the best hostel in Moalboal.
Book Here
Book Here
Chief Mau Hostel: Backpackers, Solo Travellers, Couples $
Only 100m away from the beach, Chief Mau Moalboal Hostel is in a prime location. With mixed dormitories or private double rooms this hostel is great for solo travellers or couples who are looking to be social and make connections with other travellers. The rooms are fitted with air-con and there is an on-site bar with great food.
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Book Here
Southpoint Hostel: Couples, Backpackers $
We chose to stay here which is a great budget Moalboal accommodation however it is located away from the main area and Panagsama Beach. This meant we had to get a trike into town each evening. One thing we loved however was being further away meant we had access to the local bakeries and eateries which were cheap and delicious! We think this would be a good choice if you need to take a break from the chaos, if you’re here to party choose one of the hostels closer to the main town.
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Mid-Range Places To Stay In Moalboal $$
Parrot Resort Moalboal Hotel: Families, Couples $$
A beach resort in central Moalboal with an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and gym meaning all the facilities you need are right outside your door. This is a great choice for people who want to relax but still be close to dive sites and the town centre.
Book Here
Book Here
D’ Gecko Hotel: Families, Couples $$
A beachfront resort conveniently located near snorkelling sites like the Sardine Run. With friendly staff and essential amenities it’s more private than staying in a hostel. This resort doesn’t have a pool but does have free WiFi, parking and a concierge service who can arrange tours for your stay in Moalboal.
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Book Here
Marcosas Cottage Resort: Couples $$
Offering small villas around the swimming pool and in close proximity to the beach, Marcosas is a place for relaxation. An adults only tropical paradise with an onsite restaurant, A/C and cafe. The resort is located a 5 minute walk from the main street of bars and restaurants making it peaceful but close to the centre.
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Book Here
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Luxury Places To Stay In Moalboal $$$
Dolphin House Resort Moalboal: Couples $$$
Boasting a private beach area with access to snorkelling with coral and turtles, a spa and wellness centre offering massages, airport shuttle and outdoor swimming pool, Dolphin House Resort is an exclusive luxury hotel in Moalboal.
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Book Here
The Blue Orchid Resort: Couples $$$
8km outside of Moalboal is the Blue Orchid Resort. Rooms open out to sea views and feature private terraces for guests, they also have private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The resort has an on-site dive centre which offers trips or if you prefer you can relax with a massage.
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Book Here
Summary Of Best Places To Stay In Moalboal
- Best For Families: D’ Gecko Hotel
- Best For Solo Travellers: Moho (Moalboal Hostel)
- Best For Couples: Marcosas Cottage Resort
- Best For Backpackers: Chief Mau Hostel
For the best photos with the Sardines, it really helps to have a guide
Alternative Places To Stay Nearby Moalboal
Moalboal White Beach Accommodation
Moalboal Bamboo House: Backpackers $
Close to White Beach this budget stay is simple and comfortable. A basic bamboo hut has a shared bathroom and garden view. If you want to stay near to White Beach, a little out of Moalboal then Bamboo House is a great budget option.
Book Here
Book Here
Club Serena Resort: Couples $$$
Located on White Beach, Club Serena has a choice of an indoor or outdoor pool plus all rooms come with air-conditioning, a private terrace and stunning views of the surrounding area. The hotel allows you to use the kayak and paddleboard to explore the ocean or you can relax at the spa.
Book Here
Best Places To Eat In Moalboal
My Greek Taverna – If you need a western fix then we loved the Greek food here. It’s also great for a quick gyros at lunchtime.
El Mercado de Moalboal – A local food court with lots of variety including vegetarian and vegan options.
Breeze View Bar and Restaurant – If you’re looking for a nice dinner with a view of the beach and maybe a cocktail head to Breeze View Bar and Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit Moalboal
How To Travel To Moalboal?
For most people visiting Moalboal, you will most likely fly into Cebu City which is the main city on the island of Cebu. From here you have multiple options:
- Catch The Bus To Moalboal from the South Bus Terminal for ₽200 (£2.85) each, taking 2-3 hours weaving through the mountain towns after escaping the city traffic.
- Private Taxi which is the more expensive option but better suited for groups or families
If you’re travelling from the south of Cebu such as Oslob or the port of Lilian, just catch the bus North towards Cebu City via Moalboal or Book a Private Taxi.
We recommend using 12Go to book Ferries & Busses, also Rome2Rio for all of your travel planning needs in Asia.
Best Moalboal Tours
Top Tips For Travelling Cebu
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling Cebu:
- Cebu City is the second biggest hub in the Philippines, so expect chaos!
- Oslob’s Whale Shark swimming is really unethical for the animals!
- Moalboal is an amazing hub for backpackers for snorkelling and sunset drinks at Panagsama Beach
- When travelling around the Philippines in a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, agree on a price upfront and try to have the right change handy.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected and remove the hassle of a physical SIM
- Malapascua is home to some of the only Thresher Shark diving in the world
- Don’t skip Kawasan Falls, the canyoneering tour early in the morning was one of our major highlights
