Malapascua Island

Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Sophie King, John Santos
18/08/2025
Idyllic tropical beach scene with palm trees and clear waters on Panglao Island, Philippines.
Noel Mariño, Pexels

Malapascua Island is a renowned destination in the Philippines, primarily celebrated for its consistent thresher shark encounters, offering a unique diving experience. Beyond its world-class dive sites, the island presents a laid-back atmosphere with pristine white-sand beaches and clear waters ideal for a tranquil escape.

Bounty Beach serves as the main social hub, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, and dive shops. Evenings here can be lively with live music and karaoke, providing a relaxed setting for socializing. Villa Sandra Reggae Bar and Hippocampus are popular spots for evening entertainment and mingling with other travelers.

Top 6 Things to do in Malapascua Island

Activities largely revolve around world-class diving and snorkeling, complemented by serene beach experiences and local island exploration.

1. Thresher Shark Diving at Monad Shoal

Embarking on an early morning dive to Monad Shoal is an unparalleled experience, offering a consistent opportunity to witness the majestic thresher sharks ascending from the deep for their daily cleaning rituals. The dive begins before sunrise, and observing these shy, long-tailed creatures in their natural habitat is truly captivating. It's a unique encounter that makes the early start entirely worthwhile.

Cost: A single thresher shark dive typically costs around PHP 1,800 to PHP 2,100, which often includes equipment rental. Dive packages for multiple dives or certification courses are available from various dive centers, with an Open Water course starting around PHP 19,000. An additional marine park fee of PHP 150 to PHP 450 per person per day is usually required.

Transport: Dive centers on Malapascua Island arrange boat transport to Monad Shoal, typically included in the dive cost. Given the island's small size, most dive shops are within walking distance from accommodations around Bounty Beach.

2. Island Hopping to Kalanggaman Island

A day trip to Kalanggaman Island reveals a stunning, pristine sandbar stretching into crystal-clear turquoise waters. The journey offers picturesque views, and once there, the focus is on swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the island's unspoiled beauty. Many tours include a barbeque lunch, allowing for a relaxed picnic on the sand.

Cost: Tours generally cost around PHP 800 for the boat trip, with an additional entrance fee of approximately PHP 500 per person. This often includes a BBQ lunch. Private boat charters can be arranged for a higher fee, which allows for more flexibility.

Transport: Kalanggaman Island is located about a two-hour boat ride from Malapascua. Tours typically depart from Bounty Beach, with boat transport directly included in the tour package.

3. Snorkeling with Baby Blacktip Reef Sharks

Exploring the shallow waters around Malapascua reveals a vibrant marine sanctuary where one can observe baby blacktip reef sharks. This accessible activity provides a thrilling close encounter with these fascinating creatures, alongside colorful fish and corals. It's a great option for those not keen on deep diving or looking for an alternative aquatic adventure.

Cost: Snorkeling tours, often including multiple stops around the island, can cost around PHP 500 per person, typically including masks and snorkels. If staying at Tepanee Beach Resort, one can access the marine sanctuary directly from the shore.

Transport: Snorkeling tours depart by local boats (bangka) from various points on the island, usually arranged through accommodations or local operators. If self-serving, some areas are accessible from the shore, particularly near Tepanee Beach Resort.

4. Sunset Viewing at the Lighthouse or Shipwreck Beach

As evening approaches, finding a spot to watch the sunset is a serene way to end the day. The Malapascua Lighthouse area on the northern part of the island offers panoramic views, while Shipwreck Beach and its adjacent Sunset Bar provide a comfortable setting to enjoy the vibrant colors painting the sky. It is a moment of quiet reflection, observing the day fade into night over the sea.

Cost: Access to the Lighthouse viewpoint is generally free, though passing through local paths may involve navigating someone's backyard. Drinks are available for purchase at the Shipwreck Sunset Bar.

Transport: The Lighthouse is accessible via a steep path, about a five-minute walk from the southern edge of Guimbitayan village. Shipwreck Beach and the Sunset Bar are located on the northwest side of the island and can be reached by walking for 20-30 minutes from Bounty Beach, or by a short motorbike taxi (habal-habal) ride for about PHP 50.

5. Mandarin Fish Dive

For certified divers seeking a unique nocturnal experience, a Mandarin Fish dive offers the chance to observe these vibrantly colored, elusive fish during their mating dance at dusk. The dive usually takes place just before sunset in shallow waters, providing an intimate glimpse into their fascinating behavior.

Cost: This is typically offered as a specialized fun dive. Expect costs similar to or slightly above a regular fun dive, around PHP 2,250 as a night dive.

Transport: Dive centers arrange short boat trips to specific sites like 'Lighthouse' or a resort's house reef, which are only a few minutes from the main dive shop areas.

6. Relaxing Beach Massage

After days of underwater exploration or island adventures, indulging in a traditional Filipino massage directly on the beach offers a truly relaxing experience. The gentle sounds of the waves combined with the soothing touch of a massage provide a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate, often utilizing local coconut oil.

Cost: A beach massage is typically very affordable, often costing less than the price of a Western beer.

Transport: Massages are widely available along Bounty Beach and other resort areas, making them easily accessible by walking from most accommodations.

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