Magical Malapascua

Malapascua.

If you've ever been to the world famous Boracay, you can think of Malapascua as Boracay before the massive influx of tourists and commercialization.

There may be more resorts and places to eat and stay, but Malapascua has managed to retain the rustic charm of an underdeveloped beach property with much of an untouched natural resource surrounding their waters and under them.

 

Malapascua beach, courtesy of Charly Holganza

Malapascua island is famous for both the beautiful white beaches and the diving that takes place around the waters.  Go with an experienced dive guide - my choice would be Carlo Holganza, who has transplanted himself from the big city of Manila - to watch the thresher sharks in their natural habitat. 

 

Briefing before diving, courtesy of Charly Holganza

Yes, take as many digital photos as you like, and gloat when your friends see them when you get back.

You can either chip in with a few friends to rent a van to take you from Cebu City to Daanbantayan - a two to three hour ride up north, depending on vehicle traffic and road conditions - and get dropped off at Maya, which is the port where you can take a pumpboat ride to get to Malapascua island. The fare should be less than three hundred pesos per person.

Maya Port in north Cebu, courtesy of Charly Holganza

 

Malapascua resort, courtesy of Charly Holganza

There are small cottages with electric fans for ventilation, at least, and some with air conditioning - and that largely spells the difference in pricing.

Small restaurants dot the place, offering traditional local fare as well as dishes that appeal to the Western travellers.

The entire island invites you to stroll around at your leisure -or at least when you're not underwater. The views change with the rising of the tides and the setting of the sun. More photography possibilities.

For the less adventurous, you can at least snorkel and enjoy the underwater from a distance. There are masks, fins and boats available to take you to the best places to do this. And if you brought your own, you’re ahead of the game.

Diving is a completely different matter. Find a good guide like Carlo and everything will come together.

Ready to go underwater, courtesy of Charly Holganza

My good friend MGen Charly Holganza (ret.) has done a great job in describing Malapascua here.

This is Charly's Blog.

Some of the photos came from him.  Enjoy his blog.

Very few people I know who have been to Malapascua regret the experience of being there. The only real regret is having to leave after having had such a wonderful time there.