telegraph.co.uk on its latest survey has chosen Bounty Beach, Malapascua as Philippines Best Beach. It has outdone Boracay, the Philippines most famous beach and one of asia’s and world’s best beaches.
Whats in Malapascua
Malapascua’s power white sand, clear water and laid back atmosphere makes it look like Boracay fifteen years ago. That makes this beach a haven for those who seek tranquility. Many tourists come to the island to relax, swim, and bask under the sun. If you like, you can also take a 30-minute hike to the lighthouse. Along the way you will pass through small rustic villages and be greeted by friendly children. Malapascua’s biggest attraction, still, is what lies beneath: its dive spots which are among the best in the Philippines.
Twenty minutes away by boat from the island is Monad shoal. At a depth of 18 to 22 meters (59 to 65 feet), thresher sharks can be seen almost every morning and from the months of June to December. There are also giant manta rays. After seeing five thresher sharks in one of my dives, we chanced upon a great hammerhead shark during our safety stop.
At nearby Gato Island, whitetip reef sharks can be found sleeping under ledges where also large cuttlefish proliferate. For divers who like the small wonders of the sea; there are seahorses, frogfish, and a kaleidoscope of Nudibranches. Gato was once a breeding ground for sea snakes, but overfishing of these animals have caused a large decline in their number.
FAST FACTS
WHERE TO STAY
THERE are numerous resorts on the island which are rustic and spartan. Most rooms have their own toilet and shower as well as electric fans and mosquito nets. On Bounty Beach stay at Cocobana Resort (24-hours electricity), Sunrise Resort, Blue Coral Resort and Mila’s place. On the end of Bounty Beach is Malapascua’s exotic dive resort. Room rates range from 300 to 850 pesos a night while the air-conditioned room at Blue Coral will cost you 3,000 pesos a night.
WHEN TO GO
MALAPASCUA is accessible all year round, but the weather is best from March to October.
WHERE TO EAT
MALAPASCUA has adequate places to eat but some of the better ones are Cocobana Resort, Sunsplash, Isla Bonita, Mila’s Place, and Malapascua Exotic.
SCUBA DIVING
THE FIRST DIVE shop on the island is Malapascua Exotic Dive Resort; it is a top-notch dive facility, which now even offers Nitrox. Others include Philippine Island Divers, Sea Explorers and the catchy Bubble O Seven.
HOW TO GET THERE
Boat
There are regular ferries to Cebu pier from almost all the islands of the Philippines.
Air connections
The main gateway for Malapascua is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City.
Four international airlines have direct Cebu connections: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines (Silk Air). Mactan/Cebu International Airport is a small, relaxed airport on Mactan Island, about 15 km from the city centre.Three airlines are also flying to Cebu daily – Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Cebu to Maya by bus
From the airport take a taxi for about 150 pesos to the Cebu North bus station and get on one of the frequent buses to Maya (e.g. Ceres, the aircon buses are brand-new). These will take you for 95 pesos in 3 ½ – 4 hours on mostly good roads directly to Maya pier at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.
Cebu to Maya by taxi
Hiring an air-conditioned taxi from the airport to Maya will cost about 2, 200 pesos. This is a very comfortable option, saves about one hour travel time and makes the scenic road, which mostly follows the shoreline, quite pleasant.
Maya to Malapascua
At Maya pier porters are waiting to carry your baggage for a few pesos on one of the outrigger boats servicing Malapascua. At low tide these pump boats cannot come in, so small crafts will ferry you to the boat. Be prepared to get wet feet walking through some shallow water! Regular boats leave for Malapascua until 5 p.m. about every 30 to 60 minutes (fare 40 pesos), as soon as enough passengers are on board. An instant special ride is available for 800 PHP. After 5 p.m. it may be hard to find a boat, so rather plan an overnight stay in Cebu City, when you are late. The boat ride to Malapascua’s Bounty beach will take 30 to 40 minutes. Hippocampus is located at the eastern end of the beach about two minutes walking from the boating point; our boys will give you a hand with your luggage.
For more info, visit www.malapascuabeachresort.com and www.philippinecountry.com
source: telegraph.co.uk, philippineholidays.com.au, philippinecountry.com
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