There are many sought-after tourist destinations in Cebu, considering it’s one of the largest provinces in the Philippines. However, some stand out among them, and one of them is Moalboal. This place is mainly known as a recommended diving site, but there are many other things you can do when you visit Moalboal. If you choose Cebu as your holiday destination, you can expect enjoyable and wonderful days in Moalboal.

By car – For 2500 pesos, you and three other people (or as many people as can fit in one taxi) can travel to Moalboal. There are no fixed prices for this destination, so you’ll need to negotiate the final price with the taxi driver and let them know that 2500 pesos is the maximum you are willing to pay for the ride (plus any tolls).

Private car – If you don’t like negotiating with taxi drivers and want to travel comfortably, you have the option to rent a private car that will pick you up from the airport. It’s a bit more expensive than hailing a taxi at the airport, but you won’t have to wait, and the ride will be more comfortable.

Cebu is one of the hottest and most humid provinces in the Philippines, especially during the peak of summer when temperatures can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius, with humidity reaching 95%. Fortunately, there are many beaches in the area to help you cool down as you’ll constantly seek relief from the heat. During your visit to Cebu in a specific month, nights might be slightly cooler but not significantly. It’s advisable to always have a personal fan or other portable cooling equipment that operates on batteries with you. You might also want to cool off by drinking cold beverages like iced tea, fruit juice, or iced coffee to help you cope with the heat and perspiration.

In Moalboal, there are ATMs, but keep in mind that if you’re considering all your expenses on the island, such as transportation, food, and accommodation, you should make sure you have enough cash readily available. Withdraw money from ATMs before leaving Manila or upon arrival in Cebu or Mactan city. Cash is the primary means of payment in this part of the Philippines, so credit or debit cards won’t be particularly helpful here, but this is changing gradually.

English is the predominant language in Cebu . If you encounter people who don’t understand what you’re saying, it’s advisable to use simple words so as not to confuse the locals, especially if you want them to guide you. Speak slowly and in a friendly manner because the people in Cebu are very polite and pleasant.

Transportation in Moalboal and other areas in the province of Cebu is typically done through tricycles. This is an affordable and convenient means of getting around, but there won’t be much space for large bags or suitcases, so it’s a good idea to leave your belongings at the hotel or hostel where you are staying.

It seems that Moalboal was created especially for adventure enthusiasts, as most of its attractions are unique and amazing natural wonders. Canyoneering is just one of the intense experiences you can enjoy there, perhaps one of the best experiences you’ll take with you from your visit to Moalboal.

Jumping from a height of 6 meters into canyons, snorkeling, and other activities are attractions in themselves. However, if you want to enjoy it even more, it’s advisable to explore the area with an experienced guide.

If you’re interested in this type of tour, be prepared to wake up at dawn. At exactly 4 AM, you will be picked up in Mactan, Mandaue, or any other city you are staying in. If you are staying at a hotel, you can easily arrange the tour. The island-hopping tour typically starts with a trip to Pescador Island. The island is located off the western coast of Cebu, in the Tanon Strait. Upon arrival, you will likely be greeted by a school of sardines, which is a phenomenon that occurs frequently in Moalboal. The sardine run is a term used to describe the amazing gathering of sardines in one place. It’s like a dazzling symphony where the sardines move together and swim very closely to each other.

Other attractions on Pescador Island include snorkeling with turtles, where you can see beautiful coral and hundreds of fish species. You can also observe sea turtles in their natural breeding habitat during a swim or snorkel.

From Badian, you will continue to Kawasan Falls, where you can also have lunch by the falls and the refreshing water.

At 6 PM, you will return to your hotel for an evening activity or rest.

Note: This is just one of many tours you can do, and prices vary from one tour to another. In a tour like this, the price includes transportation, canyoneering activity cost, snorkeling equipment, life vests, lunch, helmet, guide, and coordinator. Other tours may be more expensive and include different components, so it’s a good idea to contact the tour agency at least two days before your flight to Cebu to confirm and book. Depending on the tour you’re interested in, you can also book a dolphin watching and fish feeding tour.

Mainit Springs – Located about 32 kilometers from Moalboal, you can find a natural spring, perfect for a natural spa experience. Mainit Springs got its name from the temperature of the water (Mainit means “hot” in Filipino), and it’s a notable stop for those who have finished trekking or want to relax a bit while soaking in the warm waters. The water temperature in the greenish waters is 42 degrees Celsius, and many claim it has healing properties. Although there is still no scientific proof of this, there is no doubt that the waters can assist in the treatment of various ailments, especially those related to skin problems. It’s one of the most popular stops for visitors to the area.

Diving – The underwater world in Moalboal, Philippines, is so unique and precious that people are naturally drawn to it and eager to explore its secrets as much as possible. Diving is the best way to enjoy the beauty of Moalboal, so there are so many diving sites to choose from. Here are some of the highly recommended diving centers and sites. These options are based on feedback and reviews from travelers and are not listed in any specific order.

Cebu Dive Center – In addition to providing diving lessons and comprehensive guidance on the best diving sites in Moalboal, the center also offers excellent accommodation options at reasonable prices. There are three lodging options at Cebu Dive Center: dormitory, standard room, and double room. The dormitory accommodation is excellent for large groups of travelers, such as friends or families, while the standard rooms and double rooms are more suitable for couples or small families. There are ten diving sites to choose from, depending on your skill level. If you’re unsure which site is suitable for your diving abilities, you can ask your guide for recommendations.

Savedra Dive Center – This place is especially popular among diving enthusiasts who visit Moalboal. In addition to diving lessons, you can also have underwater photos taken and receive souvenir photos of your underwater adventures with friends and family. The center offers a wide range of diving courses, including diving with whale sharks and wrecks, technical diving, and more. They have highly experienced and skilled instructors.

Freediving Planet – Located at Panagsama Beach, about 3 kilometers from Moalboal, this diving center is the place to go for learning freediving. It’s a wonderful and unique experience that differs significantly from deep-sea diving or other types of diving because you don’t use heavy diving equipment. Another attraction for travelers is the center’s location, surrounded by souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can do some shopping and enjoy a meal after your diving lessons and explore what the locals have to offer in the area.

Neptune Diving – This diving center is well-known and offers a enjoyable diving experience for people of all ages and skill levels. Diving is done at several sites, depending on what you want to see during your dive. Their lessons include Freediving 101 (the basics), open water diving, advanced courses in open water diving, and rescue diving.

Blue Abys Dive Resort – Diving boats are one of the main attractions for those staying at this resort. Two dive boats depart daily, accompanied by professional guides. The boats depart early in the morning and in the late afternoon, ensuring that you have the perfect diving experience. The boats are well-maintained, so even those who are not diving can enjoy their time on board while others dive.

House Reef and shore diving are additional enjoyable activities to try. Just 40 meters from the resort, you can get up close with sea turtles, colorful fish, and exotic sea horses. The last item on the list is night diving, a completely different experience from daytime diving. The ocean changes when the sun sets, and it becomes even more spectacular than you might have imagined during the day. Searching for nocturnal creatures is one of the attractions of night diving at Blue Abys, along with encounters with shrimps, crabs, and friendly sea turtles.

There are many other diving centers and dive shops to explore, depending on the type of adventure you are seeking. Prices for diving lessons can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with multiple places before committing and booking, unless budget is not a concern, and you’re primarily focused on learning to dive and enjoying the experience.

There aren’t many fast food chains in the area (which is a good thing!), but there are places that serve generously in local restaurants throughout Mualboal. Here are some recommendations for places you should try, especially if you’re a bit picky about your food:

The Last Filling Station – Vegans and vegetarians will be pleased to know that they have a restaurant where they can enjoy a wide variety of dishes. The restaurant is particularly known for its excellent breakfast menu, most of which are suitable for vegans or vegetarians. They also serve meat dishes, so even meat eaters have options. Such a restaurant allows mixed groups to dine together without anyone being disappointed due to a lack of food choices. If you choose to visit here, be sure to try the Farmer’s Omelet (unless you’re vegan). The omelet is generous in size, rich in flavor, and reasonably priced.

Coffee Factory – Although this coffee house is not technically in Mualboal, you can still stop by on your way to the island, as you arrive at Mandaue Airport. It’s a paradise for coffee lovers because Coffee Factory offers dozens of coffee bean varieties from around the world. Whether you like your espresso clean, slightly sweet, or frothy, this is the place to adjust your caffeine level. They have coffee from Kenya, Colombia, Ethiopia, Brazil, and many other places across the globe.

French Coffee Shop – This coffee house is located in Mualboal and is said to offer the best crepes in town. The selection of coffee types is quite good, and so is the ambiance. If you’re into desserts, you can choose from a wide variety of ice cream flavors. Of course, it’s a matter of taste, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Chili Bar – A resto-bar that offers a nice selection of dishes inspired by Filipino and American cuisines, as well as drinks. If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends and have a few good beers, this is a good choice. They serve burgers, pizzas, and breakfast dishes in addition to beers, wines, and alcohol. Chili Bar also offers beer on tap and bottled beer. The bar also has different kinds of mojitos (classic, mango, strawberry, apple, etc.) and cocktails (margaritas, Long Island iced tea, and more). To avoid drinking on an empty stomach and getting too drunk, consider ordering some food as well. Some of the cocktails are quite strong, so drink with caution to avoid a hangover the next day.

Lantaw – If you have a craving for Oriental or Middle Eastern cuisine, you’re in luck. Lantaw restaurant offers dishes from Filipino, Indian, Moroccan, Chinese, Thai, and Italian cuisines. You can enjoy a true gastronomic adventure, but be prepared for a serious dent in your wallet in exchange for excellent food. They also serve red wine, although don’t expect an impressive selection as they mostly have bottles that cost less than 1000 pesos. In other words, mostly table wines. Nevertheless, it’s still an excellent culinary experience for those interested in this type of cuisine, and there’s no need for advance reservations.

Coconuts – For daily evening meals, very simple yet tasty dishes. A diverse menu that offers additional fried dishes, pastas, and grilled meats. The restaurant also offers a nice selection of beers and cocktails for those who prefer a little relaxation after a day of swimming, snorkeling, or diving.

It is important to clarify – the nicknames Mohel Bohol or Mohol Bohol are not accurate. The place is called Moalboel.