Moalboal Cebu: The Perfect Island Life Outside the City

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Numerous beach and underwater adventures await in Moalboal!
Source: Lindstrm, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Changes made: converted to WEBP

Cebu offers many things: business ventures, job opportunities, and quality education. Above all, it perfectly encapsulates island life. 

So whether you wish to venture into the city and its luxuries or explore the peaceful countryside mountains and beaches, you’ll be happy to know that Cebu has a lot of options.

That being said, one of the island’s major destinations that has been on the radar of both locals and foreign tourists is none other than Moalboal

THE FACE OF PARADISE

Almost every municipality or town in Cebu has a catchy nickname. For example, Carcar is known as the Heritage City of the South and Lapu-Lapu City is often associated with being the Guitar Capital of the Philippines.

For Moalboal, it’s Dagway sa Paraiso. In English, it means The Face of Paradise.

But what’s the story behind this impressive moniker? 

For starters, the location alone is breathtaking. White sand beaches abound with clear waters and vibrant coral beds. Even the landscape on this side of the island boasts striking views. 

To mention a few, Busay Cave and Mushroom Rock are known for their majestic scenery. For accommodation, PAPABO Adventure Village and Eskapo Verde Lodge are sure to make it worth your while.

Let’s delve into other exciting things that are in store for you.

THINGS TO DO IN MOALBOAL 

Diving is a popular activity in Moalboal. Aside from the vibrant coral beds, there is an airplane wreck underwater that has become quite the tourist attraction. Not to mention the famous sardine run.  

But there are other enjoyable activities you can take part in when in Moalboal, all of which contribute to the island life experience.

CANYONEERING AT KAWASAN FALLS

Kawasan Falls is almost always included in a Moalboal itinerary. It’s a popular attraction that’s close enough, so why not?

You’ll experience plunging into deep waters, trekking through the riverside, and going through various rocky terrains—an exciting way to enjoy nature’s wonders.

Many tour operators offer packages that include Moalboal’s sardine run and canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, along with transportation, safety gear, snacks, and guides. 

ISLAND HOPPING

Source: Ken Suarez, CC0 1.0 Universal, via Wikimedia Commons
Changes made: converted to WEBP

You can’t miss this activity whenever you’re in Cebu. Because of the many stunning beaches and islets, it has become an important part of every tourist’s itinerary.

Pescador Island, which belongs to Moalboal, is the main highlight. It’s a short boat ride from Panagsama Beach—an attraction in itself, where you can witness the sardine run, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or swim with wild sea turtles (particularly at Turtle Point/Talisay Point). This is also where you can find the famous underwater mermaid statue.

While Pescador Island might be the most popular stopover for island hopping, you can also go dolphin watching, join the Oslob whale shark watching, or visit Sumilon Island. 

The latter alone offers a ton of enjoyable activities. This is where you’ll find the famous sandbar that changes its shape and location depending on the season and tides. It also has a marine sanctuary, nature trails (check out the 19th-century watchtower Baluarte), and a fabulous resort.

DIPPING IN THE SPRINGS

Did you know that the name Moalboal originated from the word “bucal-bucal?” This refers to the bubbling sound that hot springs make.

If you’re looking for an alternative to beaches, located in the mountainous area are two freshwater springs: Budlot Spring and the aforementioned Busay Cave and Spring. 

These places are known to offer a refreshing escape. The milky blue pools of Budlot Spring can be a delight if you want to cool down from the heat. And because it’s considered a hidden gem, you can avoid crowds when you’re in the mood for some relaxation.

As for Busay Cave and Spring, it’s actually underground, and the crystal clear waters will astound you. You can take a dip in the spring, swim into the cave, or explore the scenic surroundings to make the most of your stay.

FOOD TRIP

Once the adrenaline wears off, you’re bound to get hungry. Luckily, in Moalboal, there are tons of restaurants that serve fresh seafood, as well as some streetside barbecue and fruit stalls for you to try. 

The locals will suggest you try the “kilid-kilid” shops or the “carinderias,” the best places for you to eat while not leaving a dent in your wallet. 

WHY MOALBOAL?

Golden sunsets are one of the crown jewels of Moalboal.
Source: Tobyw87, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Changes made: converted to WEBP

Take a look at the digital nomads in Moalboal. They come from around the world for a change of scene from their usual work-from-home setup. 

Many of them have stayed in Moalboal for years. One notable digital nomad claimed that he had the time of his life because what he experienced was totally the opposite of his homeland in England.

From describing how a restaurant cooks whatever fresh catches they have for the day to enjoying the local treat known as banana cue, he and his wife enjoyed the simple island life in Moalboal thanks to the many friendly locals.

Over in Basdiot, the main tourist area that is close to the town center, foreign investors and chefs put up restaurants and bars where foreign nationals can enjoy a luxurious meal or each other’s company.

Some examples include:

  • Trattoria Altrove – an Italian restaurant referred to as a fine dining establishment.

  • DC | Davidov Chef Restaurant – specializes in pizza and Eastern European dishes like pelmeni, khachapuri, and borsch.

  • Kugita Seafood & Charcoal Grill – a Japanese fusion restaurant famous for its seafood, BBQ, and sushi.

All things considered, you might be wondering: is Moalboal safe for tourists? 

Although it’s a very popular destination in Cebu, many describe it as a quiet beach town. As long as you practice common sense and follow normal travel advice, you’ll find that many tourists and backpackers comfortably explore the streets during the day and at night.

But just to give you peace of mind, reports from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) state that there has been a significant decline in the overall crime rate in the entire Central Visayas region (where Moalboal is located) at the start of 2025. Specifically, there was a 66.62% drop compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the people of Moalboal are warm and welcoming to tourists. From tour guides to street vendors, they will throw in a joke or two to make you chuckle. 

Everyone’s relaxed and in a good mood—what with sunny Cebu and some of its most stunning beaches on this side of the island. 

You can easily go for a leisurely swim, hang by the beach, or have a karaoke session with the locals. There is a lot to love about island life in a vibrant place such as Moalboal.

Although a quaint municipality, it’s quite progressive. Apart from the economic growth thanks to its tourism, there have been several investments in infrastructure. 

For instance, the Cebu Provincial Government inaugurated a Level 3 Bulk Water Supply Project worth Php 317 million, which provides better access to reliable and affordable water supply for the residents of multiple barangays.

There have also been environmental and sustainable tourism initiatives where they educate tourists on diving responsibly and taking part in marine conservation efforts. 

Above all, the community is well aware of and cooperative in the town’s overall development as a tourism destination. 

Still, it’s largely considered a provincial area, so the best way to have a memorable experience is to respect the locals and the guidelines they have put in place.

Whether you’re a local or tourist, you can do your part in maintaining the beauty and reputation of the many exceptional beach and underwater attractions in Moalboal. 

GETTING THERE

How far is Moalboal from Cebu City

A trip from the city will take at least two and a half hours. The municipality is located in the southern part of the island, so make sure you have everything you need before your trip.

If you’re coming from the airport, book a car or taxi from a ride-hailing app like Grab or inDrive and head to the South Bus Terminal.

When you’re there, go to the ticketing booth and inform the teller you’re heading to Moalboal. Tickets cost around Php 200 (prices may change without notice).

When you reach the town, look for a pedicab (motorcycle with sidecar) or habal-habal and inform the driver where you would like to go. 

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