The Island Explorer

The first time I was in Malapascua , I had my first dive lessons. It was just an introductory dive. I remember seeing nothing but the mating of two mandarin fishes, which were said to be rare in this world. The dive wasn't deep, but the current was strong, and since we were diving at sunset, I managed to have my first night dive as well. Yes, all in one go. Now, I am back, three years after. Malapascua is an idyllic island off the northern coast of Cebu. Bantayan Island is an hour away by boat. Most people mistake Bantayan for Malapascua. Malapascua is actually further north, and east, leaning towards Leyte. The island is known for thresher shark diving. We took a pump boat from Maya Port in Daanbantayan (again, not Bantayan). The port for Bantayan is in Hagnaya in Bogo I think. We paid P100 each for a special one-way trip to Malapascua. The waters were rough then, so it took us 45 minutes. On smoother days, the ride takes less than 30 minutes. Malapascua is actually famous amongst...

Cebu is one the country's best islands. Cebu City is the Queen of the South and if I would escape Manila, I would move to Cebu. Imagine having nice beaches 30 mins. away and great ones just hours away. Let's start with the most idyllic and touristic island that is 4 hours by bus north from Cebu City, Malapascua. The island is listed in most international travel guide books, and Lonely Planet lists it in one of the best islands in the Philippines. As a result, foreigners make up a majority of the island's visitors. From the port of Maya in the mainland, passing through Daanbantayan, we ferried ourselves to Malapascua, for about 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Bounty Beach, the main beach, you will immediately feel at home in paradise. Malapascua has white sand beaches, and several beach front resorts. Prices are quoted in both dollars and pesos. We stayed at Blue Water Resort that cost us around 1,800 a night for a cottage. The laid back island is rather small, and one could...