Moalboal is situated on the island of Cebu, one of the larger islands of the Filipino archipelago and home to the vibrant Cebu City. 3 hours south from the main city, you can find the small town of Moalboal which holds some of the best snorkelling just a stones throw away from the beach and is a must on any Cebu Itinerary. After exploring lots of the Philippines, we feel Moalboal is the best area to visit on the island as there is lots of tourist spots to discover.
What to do in Moalboal? This adventure packed town is a great hub for tourists, with a choice of restaurants and bars offering lively nightlife, as well as plenty of things to do keeping travellers busy all day long. The epic sardine run, one of the best things to do in Moalboal a popular tourist activity and a must on any backpackers route however there are so many more tourist spots to explore. The waterfalls in the south are epic activities just a short drive away and snorkelling with turtles is a mornings work.
Read on and discover the best things to do in Moalboal for all types of travellers.
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The Best Things To Do In Moalboal
As a hotspot for travellers you won’t be short of things to do in Moalboal from sandy beaches, epic waterfalls and adrenaline fuelled canyoneering. Below we share what to do in Moalboal to help you plan the best trip!
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Moalboal Sardine Run – Snorkel With Millions Of Sardines, Best Thing To Do In Moalboal
Without a doubt this is the best thing to do in Moalboal and the reason the tiny town draws hundreds of tourists from all around. Just a stone throw away from the shores of Moalboal is a natural phenomenon that can only be seen in a handful of places around the world, the Moalboal Sardine Run. Snorkel amongst millions of sardines which form a bait ball as a defense mechanism from predators, this truly is a once in a lifetime experience. You can do this activity on your own from Panagsama Beach however we wish we hired a guide to get the most out of the experience. Location 📌
Read more about The Moalboal Sardine Run
White Beach – What To Do In Moalboal To Relax
If you’re looking for a calm relaxing day at the beach, then White Beach is far better for its silky smooth sand and shallow blue water compared to Panagsama. For a quieter experience visit on a weekday, we also recommend heading early to avoid the midday heat. We think this is the most relaxing thing to do near Moalboal. Location 📌
Best Moalboal Tours
Panagsama Beach – Grab a Sunset Drink After a Long Day Snorkelling
Home to some of the world’s best nature activities, Panagsama Beach Moalboal is an adventure seekers paradise. Although the name ‘beach’ is a bit misleading as it is more of a rocky shoreline, the underwater life just off the coast is unmatched; snorkelling with sardines, turtles, large fish & seeing beautiful coral.
If diving, free diving or snorkelling isn’t your thing then make sure to visit just before sunset, the town comes alive and everyone gathers on the beach with a drink, the vibe is unmatched. Location 📌
Here’s A Full Guide On Panagsama Beach
Osmeña Peak & Casino Peak Hikes – A Hike To The Chocolate Hills Of Cebu
Just a short trek up to the top of a rocky ridge, Casino Peak is one of the best viewpoints in all of Cebu, overlooking what could be described as the Chocolate Hills of Cebu. It feels like a million miles away from the stunning coastline, snorkelling with sardines and whale sharks, but perfect if you’re into hiking. Similarly Osmeña Peak offers a chance to hike above the hills and offers an amazing opportunity to stretch the legs and see a different side to what Cebu has to offer. Location 📌
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering – Most Adventurous Thing To Do In Moalboal
For sure a highlight of our time in The Philippines, Kawasan Falls Canyoneering is definitely worth the hype with a 3 to 4 hour adventure through the rainforest of Cebu. Every step of the way feels like you’re immersed in the jungle, with the high canyon walls either side of you it feels like you’ve been transported to another world. Make sure to do this guided tour early as the vibrant blue water will be clear and you won’t have to queue for any of the cliff jumps. According to Mike, this was the top thing to do in Moalboal, Cebu Location 📌
Here’s A Full Guide On Kawasan Falls
Waterfall Chasing – Some Of The Best Waterfalls On Cebu
There are endless waterfalls to explore in Cebu, way more than just the famous Kawasan Falls, each are full of the unique vibrant blue coloured water surrounded by dense tropical jungle. As the waterfalls are some of Moalboal’s best hidden tourist spots we recommend hiring a driver or scooter for the day as some of these are quite far from town however can they can also be combined with the Osmeña Peak Hike.
Here are just 11 of Cebu’s top waterfalls:
- Inambakan Falls
- Kabutongan Waterfall
- Dao Waterfall
- Cambais Falls
- Montpellier Waterfall
- Mainit Hot Spring In Malabuyoc
- Binalayan Waterfall
- Aguinid Falls
- Cancalanog Falls
- Mantayupan Falls
- Lusno Falls
Pescador Island – Best Diving In Moalboal, Cebu
If you’re wondering what to do in Moalboal and have your diving qualifications head over to Pescador island. Just a short boat ride away from Panagsama Beach is Pescador Island, a Snorkel and Dive haven with rich marine life, one of the best in all of the Philippines. Most travel providers offer an Island Hopping Tour which stops off at Pescador Island however you can also book a dedicated Dive Boat. Location 📌
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Diving In Moalboal
With no shortage of dive centers the whole way along Panagsama Beach, Moalboal is a true diving hotspot. Whether you’re learning and would like to gain your PADI certification or an intermediate diver, you’ll find something in Moalboal. Definitely don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive with millions of sardines! Location 📌
Here’s A Full Guide On The Moalboal Sardine Run
Best Time To Visit Moalboal
How To Get To Moalboal From Cebu City?
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
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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.
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 for lunch.
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 Places To Stay In Moalboal
$ Budget
Southpoint Hostel
A great place on Panagsama Road that is affordable if you’re on a budget. Equipped with a small restaurant run by the owners and aircon it’s perfect for backpackers. You will need to get a short tricycle ride down to the beach front.
$$ Mid-Range
Crazy Bears Hostel
With everything just a walk away, the location of Crazy Bears is perfect for solo and couple backpackers. With a/c and an onsite restaurant this is a great hostel for meeting fellow travellers.
$$$ High-End
Kasai Village Dive Resort
Equipped with a swimming pool, sea views, hot tub and restaurant Kasai Village Dive Resort has everything you need all in one place. Experience the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure.
Spacing
Top Tips For Travelling Cebu
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling Cebu or you can check out our full Cebu Travel Guide.
- 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
