Malapascua Island in Cebu Philippines

This is Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is a Philippine island located about 8 kilometers off the coast of northern Cebu, west of Leyte. The island is a popular tourist destination because of its white, sandy beaches, and is favored by divers as an excellent site for spotting thresher sharks and exploring historic wrecks.

The name of the island dates back to the arrival of the Spaniards, who landed on the island on a stormy Christmas day. Hence the name Malapascua, from the Spanish for “unfortunate Christmas.”

During World War II it was known as Logon, after the dominant southern community, by the Japanese and Spaniards who fought over the island. Some relics from that time remain on the island and in its waters.

The island’s electricity comes from a generator powered by diesel and is generated from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Some resorts generate their own power.

Strict security measures have been enforced by the local government in recent times. This has greatly reduced incidences of crime involving tourists.

How to go there:

From Cebu City, go to Maya and catch a pump boat to Malapascua. The island may also be reached from Leyte. Recently efforts have been made by the local government of Daanbantayan to make their transport system to the island more efficient.

Where to stay:
Most of the resorts can be found along Bounty Beach. There is a wide range of accommodations, from simple rooms to hotels and private cottages.

Malapascua Exotic Island Dive & Beach Resort
‘Exotic’ as the locals call it, is situated on the southern side of Malapascua and is set directly on the eastern end of Bounty beach. A 10-minute walk from the public area Exotic is nicely secluded from passing day traders and other tourists; yet close enough for those who wish to mingle. The white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters of the Visayan Sea create a perfect setting for the resorts natural garden frontage.

There many beaches and cottages there as of now. You can choice what is best for your budget.

Malapascua Island is renowned for its long unspoiled stretches of beach with fine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It is a popular site for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. There are various sites on the island and in its waters that are worth exploring.

Malapascua Island is famous for thresher sharks, which along with other wildlife have been protected by designating a small sunken island close to Malapascua as a marine park. Just 18-24 meters wide, it is known as the Monad Shoal Marine Park. It is home to a shoal of tiny cleaning wrasse fish, which are responsible for attracting the sharks as they get rid of the dead skin and parasites of larger fish.

The thresher sharks have made the deep waters around the island their haven. The best time to see them is in the early morning. They do not pose a threat to humans, merely swimming away from divers who startle them with sudden movements.

Many hammerhead sharks may also be seen here, particularly from January to March. Devil rays and manta rays are also frequently spotted here. Whitetip sharks are seen occasionally. The marine park is home to many other types of fish too: barracudas, batfish, tuna, flutemouths, lionfish, pipefish, moorish idols, scorpionfish, bannerfish, unicornfish, and moray eels. Squid, octopi, and mantis shrimps can also be seen here.

This tiny island, situated at the northeast tip of Cebu Island, is relatively new to the international market, but already rates highly on the the list of world’s best beaches – some say it is the new Boracay.

This has also become a major dive centre, famous for the crowds of thresher sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands. Driest Feb-May, but OK the rest of the year too with mostly short spells of rain. Worst Oct-Dec.