Located in the province of Cebu in the Philippines, Moalboal is a 4th class municipality bordered by the Tañon Strait and Negros islands of the Visayas. Although small, the peninsula on the southwestern tip of Cebu is a lively coastal haven lined with seaside bars and restaurants. Moalboal is a familiar name for weekend warriors and divers around the world. After all, on top of its pristine beaches, Moalboal is one of the world’s best diving destinations. Whether you’re a Cebuano staying at some top staycation spots or a visitor checked in to one of the beautiful hotels with infinity pool around the province, you should still take a look at what Moalboal has to offer. Interested in visiting? Here are the top things to do in Moalboal!
1. Go diving with the Cebu Dive Centre (from USD 156.62)
The pristine and crystal clear waters of Moalboal – with its well preserved marine ecosystem – is perfect for diving enthusiasts to explore the unspoiled waters of Moalboal. Offshore is a coral wall where divers all over the world come to visit and see for themselves why this town in Cebu is hailed as a diving superstar. Moalboal is famous for its Sardines Run, healthy coral ecosystem, and a great chance to swim along with the whale sharks. Perfect diving sites in Moalboal include the following: Moalboal Marine Sanctuary, Compton Point, Tongo Point, and Talisay Wall.
Moalboal is also a good place to become a certified diver. Basdaku has a number of PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors – centers that offer a wide range of diving courses from basic to expert. Courses can take up to 1 day (basic) to 4 days (expert).
Cebu Dive Centre
Address: Panagsama, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu, Philippines
Website: Cebu Dive Centre
Cebu: Scuba Diving with Sardines and Pescador Island Snorkel
Duration: 11.0 hour
2. Boating and snorkeling with Planet Action Adventure (from USD 32.95)
Recreational diving is the main tourist activity in Moalboal. Along with it, boating and snorkeling that is suitable for most visitors. The long stretch of coral reef – on the west coast of Compton Peninsula – is home to a number of marine animals and you don’t have to be a diver to enjoy them.
One standout is Pescador Island which features an underwater cave known as the Cathedral. A short boat ride to Pescador and visitors will have hours of fun underwater. The Cathedral has drawn tourists and the reef that follows the coastline is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. The beautiful scenery is also perfect for boating and sightseeing activities. Rentals for snorkeling gears are available.
Planet Action Adventure
Address: Panagsama Beach, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
Website: Planet Action Adventure
Pescador Island Snorkeling Join In Day Tour from Cebu, Philippines - Klook
Duration: 13hrsDuration
3. Visit the nearby island of Pescador (from USD 143.95)
Located in the Tañon Strait, Pescador island is a few kilometers away from the island of Cebu and is still part of the Moalboal municipality. The name ‘Pescador’ is Spanish for 'fisherman’ highlighting fishing as the main livelihood activity on the small island. As mentioned earlier, this Moalboal tourist spot is home to coral reefs, diverse marine life, as well as the Cathedral – an underwater cathedral-like cave that has drawn a number of diving enthusiasts all over the country. Boating is one way to visit nearby islands of Pescador.
Pescador Island Hopping Tour
Address: N. Bacalso Avenue, Cangcua-ay Tan-awan, 6025 Oslob, Philippines
Price: from 132.75 USD or 152.25 USD (with visit to Kawasan Falls)
Duration: 10 hours or 14 hours - with visit to Kawasan Falls (approx.)
Website: Pescador Island Hopping Tour
Pescador Island Hopping Tour from Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu Lapu, and Mactan Island
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4. Enjoy nightlife by the beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by One Eyed Jacks on Sunday, May 29, 2016
Moalboal is relatively a sleepy fishing village in Cebu, but it doesn’t mean visitors have to sleep as soon as it gets dark. Panagsama Beach is a hub for diving and boating excursions by day. At sundown, it becomes home to a number of establishments that offers exciting things to do in Moalboal at night. The seaside bars along the coastal haven offers an interesting area for guests to spend a lively night at Moalboal.
One Eyed Jacks Bar
Address: Panagsama Beach, 6032 Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
Facebook: One Eyed Jacks Bar
Chili Bar
Address: Panagsama Beach, Moalboal 6032, Philippines
5. Practice your aim at Archery-Asia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
ARCHERY-ASIA RANCH in Moalboal, Cebu. One of our guests today: Noel with his kids! They had a lot of fun to shoot our...
Posted by ARCHERY-ASIA on Sunday, March 13, 2022
You won’t always get a chance to try archery. So, in the unlikely event that you find yourself out of activities in Moalboal, pay a visit to Archery-Asia. It’s a unique way to spend your time in a place where the main attractions are mostly beaches. You will get to practice your aim and shoot arrows in the jungle. The campground also has nipa huts for rent, so you can bring your family to Archery-Asia for an afternoon picnic, too!
Archery-Asia
Address: Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Website: Archery-Asia
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Explore Busay Cave
Thrill-seekers are going to love this one. Busay Cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites that evoke an eerie feeling once you are inside. The cave also has a spring that has been the town’s source of potable water. We’d say that it’s an ideal excursion for group adventurers. The dramatic atmosphere inside is going to keep you on your toes and have you fumbling for your camera to take excellent pictures. If you’re in Moalboal for adventures other than hitting the beach, keep Busay Cave in mind!
Busay Cave
Address: Brgy. Busay, Moalboal, Cebu
7. Take a breather at Moalboal Seaside Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With all the energy that you have to exert for swimming, rappelling, exploring caves, and all the other intense activities you’ll find in Moalboal, it’s nice to switch to a calmer environment and just take in your surroundings. That’s where Moalboal Seaside Park comes into the picture. It’s open 24/7 and is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon and take your family on a picnic or leisure walk. This seaside park also has a boundless view of the ocean, perfect for mini photoshoots!
Moalboal Seaside Park
Address: Moalboal, Cebu
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Attend mass at San Juan Nepomuceno Parish (Cebu Archdiocese)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Retablo Builders-Gifted to give-500 Years
Posted by San Juan Nepomuceno Parish - Moalboal, Cebu 1852 on Saturday, May 22, 2021
For our Catholic travelers who wish to attend mass during their trip to Moalboal, you can take your family to San Juan Nepomuceno Parish. You don’t have to worry about missing your regular Sunday visits even on vacation. The parish is close to the town plaza, several restaurants, and many other attractions in Moalboal, so you can make your day count by paying respects in the morning before going out to town to experience all that Moalboal has to offer.
San Juan Nepomuceno Parish
Address: Dr. J.P. Rizal Street, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Website: San Juan Nepomuceno Parish
9. Seaside dining at Café Cebuano
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Easter Holidays at Cafe Cebuano - Relaxed
Posted by Cafe' Cebuano on Thursday, April 13, 2017
There is truly no better way to highlight your day at Moalboal than dining by the sea. Café Cebuano is conveniently located at Panagsama Beach and has a scenic view of the ocean. Try some of their starters like tuna kinilaw, which you may recognize as ceviche, and yellowfin sashimi. You’ll find an abundant seafood selection on their menu, so if you’re craving some seafood, consider dining at Café Cebuano. Cap your night with a few drinks to complete your experience.
Café Cebuano
Address: Panagsama Road, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Website: Café Cebuano
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 12am
10. Witness the majestic Kawasan Falls (from USD 75.0)
Moalboal is home to majestic waterfalls. Witness a majestic trio of waterfalls at Kawasan Falls – 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Cebu City. Kawasan Fall is a three-stage waterfall within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of Moalboal and one of Cebu’s first attractions. A dip in its waters serves as a good “ rinse” from the salty water of Moalboal’s beaches. Along with the waterfalls, the attractions, caves, and canyons are also a fantastic find.
Kawasan Falls
Address: Badian, 6031 Moalboal, Philippines
Website: Kawasan Falls
Traveler's tips
The town of Moalboal was one of the badly hit areas in Cebu during the onslaught of typhoon Odette this 2023, and Kawasan Falls was one of the natural sights that was immensely affected. I've been to this waterfall twice before the typhoon and I was happy to see during my third visit that its natural beauty was still intact despite experiencing the grit of Mother Nature. Adventure seekers should try out canyoneering going to the first level (which is also the highest) of Kawasan Falls. This exhilarating experience is, without fail, always among the highlights of my trips to Cebu.
Moalboal: Full-Day All-Inclusive Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Duration: 8 hour
11. Conquer your fear of heights and join a rappelling adventure (from USD 76.0)
This next thing to do is not for the faint of heart. Moalboal offers endless possibilities to enjoy nature. If you’re brave enough, challenge yourself to this full-day technical rappelling adventure! It’s going to test your endurance and fortitude. The tour welcomes adventure-seekers of all levels. You don’t need rappelling or hiking experience to participate. Just a heads up, the tour includes a little bit of hiking to get to the rappelling spot. Grab your friends and take advantage of this experience!
Full-Day Technical Rappelling Adventure in South Cebu
Duration: 8 hours
12. Enjoy the best beaches (from USD 37.0)
Cebu is known for its collection of white sand beaches but Moalboal is a standout. Revel in a kilometer stretch of white sand beach in Moalboal known as Basdaku White Beach. Coming from the word ‘Basdaku’ or 'Basdakoo’, meaning 'big sand’ in Cebu’s native dialect, the beach resort features a long stretch of white sand, pristine waters, and an array of interesting activities. Beaches in Moalboal has preserved its rustic charm with its beaches, which still posses raw beauty in its soft sandy shores with crystal clear blue waters.
Moalboal beaches like Basdaku offer activities like boat rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surf fishing, kite surfing, and more! Another interesting beach is the Panagsama White Beach. Panagsama Beach Resort is where resorts, restaurants and the like are. It also offers exciting water activities such as scuba diving.
Basdaku Beach
Address: Saavedra Moalboal Cebu, 6032 Cebu City, Philippines
Pescador Island Hopping with Sardine Run - Dolphins - Turtle Point
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Cebu's best place for water babies
A weekend getaway or a place to enjoy Cebu’s great beaches and rich underwater away from the busy capital city, Moalboal is a must-visit for those who have plenty of time to explore and get to know what Cebu has to offer. If you want to enjoy Cebu’s beaches without traveling far, these places to see in Moalboal are waiting for you. With its varied activities, visitors from expert divers to families with little kids flock to Moalboal and experience themselves why Cebu is the Philippines’ best place to visit.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Moalboal, Philippines
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