Fall in Love with Malapascua! Malapascua is a dreamy island paradise in the Philippines. With white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s pure tropical magic. Whether you’re diving with thresher sharks or relaxing beneath swaying palms, Malapascua offers unforgettable experiences. It’s less crowded than other islands, so you’ll find peace, beauty, and adventure all in one place. This guide reveals the best beaches, resorts, restaurants, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable. If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path island escape, Malapascua will steal your heart.
You can visit the Most Beautiful Islands in the Philippines here or on Pinterest.
Why Visit Malapascua Beach?
Malapascua is a hidden gem off the northern coast of Cebu, offering jaw-dropping white sand beaches and a relaxed island vibe. What makes it magical is its blend of serene beauty and thrilling adventure. You can dive with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, lounge under swaying palms, or snorkel over vibrant coral reefs. It’s less crowded than other hotspots, which makes it perfect for beach lovers craving peace, privacy, and pure paradise.
Malapascua Weather and Best Time to Visit
Malapascua enjoys tropical weather all year. The best time to visit is from December to May, when the skies are clear and the sea is calm—perfect for diving and island hopping. June to November is the rainy season, though short showers are common and often followed by sunshine. Water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C, so it’s always swimmable.
10 Amazing Beaches in Malapascua
- Bounty Beach – The main beach with powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and beachfront bars.
- Lighthouse Beach – Secluded and peaceful, ideal for sunsets and quiet walks.
- Langub Beach – One of the island’s most stunning, with calm, shallow waters and soft white sand.
- Guimbitayan Beach – A laid-back area where you can mingle with locals and enjoy peace.
- Logon Beach – Near the harbor, great for watching boats and enjoying casual beach vibes.
- North Beach – Less visited, perfect for those who want the beach to themselves.
- Thresher Cove Beach – Located near dive resorts, known for its proximity to Monad Shoal.
- Coral Garden Reef Area – A snorkeling paradise right off the beach.
- Kalinawan Rock Beach – Rugged, quiet, and ideal for those who love exploring rocky coastlines.
- Lapus Lapus Beach – Hidden and perfect for romantic walks or quiet sunbathing.
10 Malapascua Beach Resorts & Hotels You’ll Love
- Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort – Beachfront and serene, ideal for divers and honeymooners.
- Blanco Beach Resort – Stylish, modern, and steps from a secluded beach.
- Hippocampus Beach Resort – Known for beachfront dining, spacious rooms, and great location.
- Thresher Cove Dive Resort – Affordable luxury with dive facilities and ocean views.
- Tepanee Beach Resort – Quiet and upscale with stunning ocean-view terraces.
- Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort – The original thresher shark dive resort, now a full-service escape.
- Buena Vida Resort and Spa – A peaceful oasis with wellness-focused amenities.
- Aabana Beach Resort – Family-friendly with beachfront rooms and warm hospitality.
- Threshershack Inn – Budget-friendly and full of island charm, this quiet inn offers cozy rooms, warm service, and easy beach access.
- Blue Corals Beach Resort – Charming and relaxed, this beachfront gem offers sweeping sea views, friendly service, and the perfect base for island adventures.
Best Restaurants and Bars
- Angelina Pizzeria Ristorante – Famous for its authentic Italian dishes, especially pizza and pasta.
- Ristorante Amihan – Upscale dining with sea views and a mix of European and Filipino dishes.
- Cocobana Beach Resort – A laid-back beachfront restaurant offering fresh seafood, cold drinks, and breezy ocean views perfect for casual dining.
- Chiringuito Beach Bar and Restaurant – Chill vibes and toes-in-the-sand dining with tasty Filipino-Spanish fusion dishes and sunset cocktails right on the beach.
- The Craic House – Irish pub energy with great food, cold drinks, and live music nights.
- Amihan Restaurant – Local-style eatery with generous portions and family-run charm.
- Ocean Vida Beach Bar – Cocktails on the sand with a relaxed yet classy feel.
Surprising Travel Facts About Malapascua
Malapascua is more than just a diving hotspot—it’s full of surprises! Despite its growing popularity, the island remains car-free, giving it a peaceful, village-like charm that’s rare in tourist destinations. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can consistently see thresher sharks in the wild. Another fun fact? The island’s name means “Bad Christmas” in Spanish—a reference to a stormy Christmas Eve experienced by early colonizers. Locals, however, are some of the friendliest you’ll meet, and the vibe is anything but bad. Malapascua’s sunsets are also legendary, painting the skies in brilliant purples, oranges, and reds—perfect for ending the day beachside with a cool drink in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malapascua Travel
1. How do you get to Malapascua Island?
Take a bus or van from Cebu City to Maya Port (approx. 4–5 hours), then ride a boat to the island.
2. Is Malapascua good for non-divers?
Absolutely! While it’s known for diving, there are also great beaches, snorkeling spots, and local tours to enjoy.
3. Are there ATMs on the island?
No, there are no ATMs, so bring enough cash. Some hotels and restaurants accept cards, but not all.
4. What should I pack for a Malapascua trip?
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and insect repellent.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Malapascua
Malapascua is a hidden gem that blends natural beauty, warm local culture, and thrilling adventures into one unforgettable destination. Whether you’re chasing underwater wonders, sunbathing on quiet beaches, or simply escaping the hustle of daily life, Malapascua delivers. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, unplug, and truly connect—with nature, the sea, and yourself. Visit once, and you’ll understand why so many fall in love with this magical island.
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I’m from Davao city, and I think that most filipinos think of going abroad when going on vacation. Also when people visit the Philippines, they only go to popular places like Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan. Malapascua seems like a good alternative to Boracay. I am definitely going to book a trip, when I take a vacation in the future. Thank you for sharing.
You are very welcome. Surprised you have not been. Thanks for visiting the top 10 best luxury hotels in Malapascua.
Diving with sharks? Yikes! I might skip that part but I’d love to soak up some atmosphere at Bounty Beach.Guimbitayan Beach also looks lovely so spending a day there would also be nice. I’d round off my vacation with some island hopping tours as I love to learn more about the places I visit. Thank you for posting!
These particular sharks shy away from humans, so don’t be scared! I am glad you enjoyed learning about the beautiful Philippines area of Malapascua! You would love it, sharks or no sharks LOL
Hello Leahrae,
I never thought to explore the Philippines as a holiday destination – but after reading this post, I can see why these strategic islands could make for beautiful havens of discovery and relaxation.
The waters appear to be so calm and so clear. Anyone who loves exploring the ocean will find this idyllic. Exploring the ocean is not my cup of tea – do you want to collect shells, go for a swim or go diving? I would certainly love to snorkel with some dolphins and then enjoy a refreshing swim in the tropical blue!
I was surprised by the high number of hotels on the island of Malapascua. Is that because tourism is their primary industry? I had no idea there were this many places to stay, what are the 2-3 nearest hotels in relation to each other?
Cheers.
Tourism is a big part of their economy, so they work hard to keep Malapascua tourist friendly. It is a beautiful place that you would really love. Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like a divers paradise. It’s not everywhere that you can dive with thresher sharks and live to tell the story. I also like that it is a small friendly community where you can get to know the locals. The Philippines has always attracted me as the people live so simply and have a great attitude to life and tourists.
I can’t believe the amazing color of the water and how clean and clear it is. It looks like it has some lovely secluded bays where you can relax too and wonderful food.
Yes LIly, and truly spectacular. I am glad you enjoyed reading and learning about Malapascua.
Very nice overview on these luxery hotels. I have never been out of the U.S.A before, perhaps I will consider this my first outside adventure. I bet the weather out there is unbelievable. The hotel that catches my eye the most is definitely the Light house. I am guessing its a rare experience to get inside though, you most likely have to pay a huge pretty penny!
I think that is the best choice for hotel. I have been lucky to travel from a young age as my family is in Europe. I guess that started the travel bug for me. You will have to venture out. So many beautiful places to see!
It never occurred to me to consider the Philippines as a holiday destination. After reviewing this post, I can see why strategic islands can be havens of beauty to visit.
The waters appear to be crystal clear. Anyone who loves exploring the ocean will find this idyllic. Exploring the ocean is not my cup of tea. I would be quite happy to relax on the beach and take boat rides to places.
I was surprised by how expensive the hotels were for a relatively poor country. I suppose it is supply and demand that dictates prices, How has the Pandemic affected business in Malapascua?
Cheers.
Edwin
Believe it or not the Philippines is a very popular destination for a romantic vacation or anyone who loves the beach. I am sure that is why the prices reflect that. I know that the pandemic has affected them, but to what extent, I don’t know. I know that a lot of islands are not as affected since they are somewhat protected by the water distance to another country.
This is something that I really need to read and see on this cold January day. Never been to the Philippines but it looks amazing! As I can see the best months to visit are when there is winter so that is also great. That Dusit Thani pool view is looking simply amazing, can see myself with a couple of mojitos, watching the sunset.
Yes, watching the sunset with a couple mojitos would be pretty spectacular for sure! I am glad you enjoyed your visit to the top 10 best luxury hotels in Malapascua. Thanks for taking the time to leave me comments as well.
Hi Leahrae,
Thanks for the comprehensive details about what looks like an amazing part of the world.
I can really see the attraction of Malapascua being less commercially developed, although I imagine that in itself could be self-defeating in that being less developed attracts tourists, which in turn could attract more development.
The pictures of the islands and the water in particular look beautiful, but my question is would the diving experiences be suitable for someone who is relative new to diving? And, at the other end of the scale, do you know if there are any more challenging dives around the island?
Thanks
John
There is plenty of diving opportunities for beginners, as well as seasoned divers. There will be something for everyone. And yes, being less developed is definitely appealing. I am glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Malapascua.
Whenever I come across your website, I just realize that there are so many islands out there. I hah never heard of the one before but it’s good to learn new things. I will be sure to bookmark this article and come back to it when I do decide to go on vacation. Thank you so much for this lovely review
You are very welcome and I am glad you are enjoying your visits to beach travel destinations.
I’ve never been to Malapascua. Diving with thresher sharks seems dangerous. Are they known to attack humans? I like that Malapasua is a small island with small crowds. When I go on vacation, I don’t like to be around crowds as that stresses me out. Thanks for giving tips on when to travel to Malapascua, thus avoiding typhoon season. I won’t be traveling any time soon, but I’ll keep this in mind for when I’m ready. Thanks again.
No worries, the thresher shark is shy and harmless to humans and very unlikely to attack them. You won’t find a lot of crowds here, which I think anyone likes 🙂
Great article.
My sister has been to Gugma Beach, she said that it was a lot fun over there. She and her husband went on a vacation over there and had their good time. She actually recommended it for me because I haven’t been there before though.
Well now you do need to go, right? LOL. Thank you for stopping by!
I came across your website to help plan my beach vacation Malapascua. There are so many beautiful beach locations, it’s hard to use one of the beaches. My first choice will have to be lighthouse beach, as I love lighthouses. My second choice would be Guimbitayan Beach as it is secluded giving little more privacy than the other beaches. I appreciate the help from your best beaches, now can relax as have my vacation planned.
Yes, Jannette. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information or answer any questions for you. Thanks for visiting my Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Malapascua guide.
Thank you for your article
I have lerned alot about traveling to the Philipines from your article.
I love all the places you mentioned to visit.
I like that you have lots of pictures and some options on hotels to stay in.
I have been to Boracay in the philipines myself and loved it.
It is good that you inclded Island Drinking & Nightlife, everyone want to go out at night while on holidays and have a drink
You have also included a lot of Resuturants visitors can go to to get good local food.
I always love tasting the local foods available
Thanks for a great article
Elke
You are very welcome, thank you for taking the time to leave me comments. Glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations!