Moalboal

Travel Guide
Moalboal featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach
Travel to the southwestern side of the island of Cebu for scuba diving expeditions, beach relaxation and trips into the scenic countryside.

Head to Moalboal for undersea adventures among bright corals and submarine caves and canyons. Although this small town on the west side of Cebu Island is a popular destination for scuba divers, non-divers should not feel left out. Away from the ocean depths enjoy offshore snorkeling, a beautiful countryside and diverse dining.

Many of Moalboal’s resorts and diving centers are located at Panagsama Beach, a short distance from the town. Get here by renting a bicycle or taking a motorcycle taxi called a habal-habal, which can carry several passengers.

Then charter a boat for a scuba diving expedition to Pescador Island or any of the other renowned diving spots off Moalboal's coastline. Among the underwater draws are vast shoals of sardines, a sunken island and the wreck of an airplane. Alternatively, go diving at the house reef, which lies close to the shore and then drops away to deeper water. The reef is also a good spot for snorkeling. Here you may see school of sardines being chased by tuna fish.

Panagsama Beach doesn't have a lot of sand because much of it was swept away by a typhoon in 1984. If you are looking for a beautiful sandy expanse to stretch out on, travel to White Beach, a few miles north of Moalboal.

Enjoy other daytrips from your Moalboal base. Go swimming and rafting near the waterfalls in Kawasan Nature Park. Visit the Orchid Gallery, a large farm filled with tropical plants, and cool off in its swimming pool.

At the end of the day, dine on Filipino or international cuisine in restaurants that range from casual to upscale. Moalboal's nightlife scene is centered on the long strip of bars and restaurants along Panagsama Beach.

To get to Moalboal for its underwater thrills and scenic charms, fly into the international airport at Cebu, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. Continue your journey by bus, van, taxi or rental car.

Where to stay in Moalboal

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Basdiot

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Basdiot, you might make a stop by sights like Panagsama Beach and Naomi's Bottle Museum.

Basdiot
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Saavedra

Saavedra might not have many top sights, but White Beach Moalboal and Panagsama Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Saavedra
Pescadores Suites Moalboal
Pescadores Suites Moalboal
3 out of 5
Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu
The price is RM177 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
RM177
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (104 reviews)
Nice spot for a couple of days
"Pool area perfect for sunset, sat on bench or lounger or direct drop off onto sea. Staff helpful and friendly. Ac works well. 20 min walk to town tho."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Pescadores Suites Moalboal
New Eve's Kiosk Dive Resort
New Eve's Kiosk Dive Resort
2.5 out of 5
Panagsama Beach, Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Gaisano Grand Mall Moalboal ...
7.6/10 Good! (22 reviews)
"시설은 살짝 감안하시고 위치,친절한 직원들,가격 빠지는거 없이 그냥 모알보알가면 무조건 여기 가시면 됩니다. 고민할 필요도 없어요"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2023

New Eve's Kiosk Dive Resort
Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal
Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal
3 out of 5
Panagsama Beach, Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu
The price is RM292 per night from 12 Jun to 13 Jun
RM292
per night
12 Jun - 13 Jun
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (198 reviews)
"This property is right on the bluff overlooking the ocean. The view is breathtaking. The ocean and snorkeling right in front of the resort is great. The dive facility on site is a 5 star PADI resort and it is top notch. Resort is walking distance to everything."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pawikan Seaview Villa
Pawikan Seaview Villa
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Central Visayas
Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run are located nearby.
Pawikan Seaview Villa
Kellocks seaview apartelle
Kellocks seaview apartelle
2.5 out of 5
Guiwanon, Natalio B.Bacalso St, Dalaguete
Stay at this apartment in Dalaguete. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Dalaguete Church and San Roque Chapel are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Property is within walking distance of the local town centre, making it easy to get out to various places including outside of the town. Staff were friendly & cleaning the property on a daily basis. Has a great sea view & everything stated as being included was included without additional charge. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

Kellocks seaview apartelle
Mayana
Mayana
3 out of 5
Brgy Mayana, Barili, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Barili. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a sauna. Popular attraction Mancao Ancestral House is located nearby.
Mayana
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Moalboal

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Apr 2019

A definite must, fantastic for snorkeling and diving. The only set back is that there is no real beach to speak of, but lots of little coves.