Moalboal〜 A hidden European resort in Western Cebu 〜

© CEBU navi SAKURA ｜ vol.13 Jan.-Feb.2018

Along the west coast of Cebu...
As you go through the bustling countryside,
a variety of shops line the narrow streets. An early dinner in the open,
passing amber atmosphere on the terrace of a delicious, reputed Italian restaurant.
"The Europe of Cebu, or Little Boracay! Cheers in Moalboal!"
Quench your thirst by gulping down a cold craft beer in one head and seek the western sky.
The amber sun crosses the sea and sinks into the foothills,
you'll feel the glowing sunset, the simple locals will gather,
the children are blessed with little pieces of happiness, and the multitude of nature's graces.
Be soothed by the sound of the waves and the sea breeze and when you'll heart has been filled,
the violet night sky will quietly disappear and you'll catch glimpses of falling stars.
As this moment passes, your hope for more strength and beauty in the future
for the important people in your life will glitter like the stars.

From Mactan Island, through Cebu City, towards the western coast. A resort for the five senses, for the sea, the mountains and rivers, and gourmet food.

It takes about three hours from Mactan Island to Cebu Island's western coast, via Cebu City, by car or bus. You'll arrive in Moalboal, a countryside, idyllic town where you can see gorgeous sunsets. As a hidden European resort since the 1970's, it has since developed into a fantastic diving spot for the Philippines. About 20 minutes by boat from Moalboal's coast, the diving on Pescador Island is famous for their high probability of sea turtle and whale shark encounters, as well as the spectacular tornadoes of swarming sardines. Professional divers are drawn here for the beautiful coral reef life and the strange and beautiful formations of the deep drop-offs, rocks, and reef.
At the same time, as it's bustling with divers from around the world, it has developed into the one and only resort area on Cebu's main island with aggressive travelers aiming to enjoy and experience nature, gourmet food, marine activities, trekking. Since it's easy to access from central Cebu, the number of people taking day trips there for some enjoyable sea bathing is also increasing.

If you get out of the market, there are specialty shops of fruit, seafood, meat, etc. densely packed, lining the streets.

You can eat premium shellfish, like Iwagaki oysters and sea urchins, on board.

Lambug Public Beach

©Free Crew Diving Center
Panagsama Beach

©JWB Travel and Tours
Kawasan Falls

Diving Photo by Y.Aki

The diving spots around Moalboal with mysterious drop-off coral reef. Divers long to endlessly swim here with the sea turtles, sardines, and the tornadoes of trevallies.

White sand beaches, clear blue suns, the dynamic setting sun… There are so many beautiful and lively spots I want to visit, day or night!

Around Moalboal, there are many sightseeing spots you’ll definitely want to visit, such as diving spots or island hopping places. The beautiful beaches with crystal clear water are quiet places, removed from the hustle and bustle, where you can leisurely refresh. On the west coastline is a spot famous for watching the sunset. The wide variety of shops lining the popular Panagsama Beach, the contrast of the white, powdered sand of the beaches against the bright blue skies, Lambug Public Beach in the Badian area a little to the north and more has brought about a rising number of visitors, both domestic and international. Luxury resort hotels with a sense of privacy and reasonable floating cottages are scattered about, so you can choose depending on your mood and wallet. Moalboal at night is another way to have fun… Restaurants with live music and billiards, darts bars, clubs, massage parlors, souvenir shops line the streets showing the liveliness of the adults.
If you float by boat for 1-2 hours from the coast, you can also enjoy a day trip of island hopping. Have dreamlike experiences... go snorkeling in the beautiful emerald green shallows, and if you stay in a seaside cottage, where you can fully enjoy the 360° panoramic view, waiters on a banka boat will deliver delicious foods, like fresh seafood. In addition, sea urchins, shellfish, splendid Iwagaki oysters, fish, and other foods and drinks are sold so visitors can also enjoy delicious things on the boat.
About 30 minutes south of Moalboal by tricycle is “Kawasan Falls Park”. After about a 20 minutes stroll through the forest and the emerald green scenery will open up before you. You can raft up close to the waterfall basin, be bathed by the waterfall, and also go swimming. Upstream, there are numerous smaller waterfalls and you can also enjoy trekking, which is quite popular with Westerners.
There are so many highlights of Moalboal. If you visit Cebu, this is definitely a place you’ll want to go.

The recently popular Lambug Beach.
In the Moalboal area, hotels are scattered about along the beach, from places at P800/night aimed at backpackers, to luxury resort hotels facing the sea.

Enjoy a day-trip of island hopping, snorkeling in the emerald shallows, and BBQ.

You can stay in the floating cottage in the picture.
1 night for P3,500.

There are many lively foreigners, including Westerners, in Moalboal where, from marine leisure to night time, you can have your fill of fun.

Access

From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
2 hours via coupon taxi P2,550
From Cebu City
【Via Bus】 There is usually 1 bus running every hour from Cebu South Bus Terminal. It takes about 3 hours (With AC P111, Without AC P107) using the Ceres Liner Company (for Bato via Barili) or the Librando (for Badian via Barili) buses.
If you take the bus, it will drop off at the bus stop near the Moalboal Market. From there, it is about 20 minutes by tricycle to Panagsama Beach in the resort area.
【Via Taxi】 About 2-3 hours from Cebu City (One way P2,500+)
【Diving】 Emerald Green Diving Center Moalboal
phone: 032-474-3022 / mobile: 0917-631-3346
mail: info@emeraldgreen.info（Mactan）
http://emeraldgreen-moalboal.com/