Best bits of Moalboal, Cebu

Moalboal in Cebu is a great backpacker hub, with loads to do and see! We had the best time exploring, so here are my tips to help you do the same!

Where to stay

The main street in Moalboal is small and compact, but there are plenty of accommodation options!

La Casa Maria Hostel

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In a prime location, this budget hostel was a great choice for those wanting a basic stay. Although small, there are dorms and privates available.

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MoHo - Moalboal Hostel

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This fun and sociable hostel has great dorms, social area and bathrooms. The location is excellent, and the happy hour drinks are so much fun (and free!)

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Garden Village Resort

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This gorgeous resort-style hotel has deluxe rooms at amazing prices! The pool especially is lovely, and the bar provides an extra feeling of luxury! A great place to stay for a treat.

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What to do

Sardine Run

Just off the beach is the famous 'sardine run', where you can snorkel with a wall of millions of tiny sardines. This was truly one of the most incredible snorkelling experiences of my life (alongside my whale shark experience). Being able to dive down into a dense cloud of sardines was just amazing. If you're ok with early mornings, it's really worth heading down just after sunrise (around 6/7 am) to avoid the crowds. 

Moalboal Sardines Run - Cebu Sardines Run

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This is a great place to snorkel even for complete beginners as the sardines gather less than 20m from the shoreline and the water is really calm, so limited swimming ability is needed.

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Canyoning

Our day spent canyoning on Cebu Island was some of the most fun we had during our trip to the Philippines. There are countless vendors in Moalboal that will help organise a trip for you, but the best way to do it is to try and find a group of people to go together, and approach a vendor to look for a group discount! Get your bargaining skills ready... They started negotiations for us at around 2000 pesos per person and for a group of 10 people we ended up paying 1200 each, which includes transport and food! If somehow you don't get approached by someone, just wander down the high street towards the sea and turn left, where you'll come across stalls with tourist information and trips!

Kawasan Falls

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This activity was so much fun, with lots of other tourists making it such a fun vibe! There are loads of big and little jumps, as well as rope swings, slides and pools! Get stuck in and stay safe!

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Eating and drinking

Ging-Ging Bakeshop

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Without a doubt my favourite food spot in Moalboal, this bakery (like much of the Philippines) had the most incredible breads and cakes for minuscule prices. Try out the ube flavoured breads - you will not regret it!

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ISLA BAR

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This fun and lively bar is a great place to come for a drink and grab some food. They play music in the evenings and have great drinks deals for happy hour!

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KURAW KITCHEN

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This cheap and cheerful local eatery has a small range of food options, but is quick, easy and very yummy! The omelettes are excellent.

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Hummusta!

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Most likely due to Moalboal's popularity with Israeli tourists, this middle-eastern restaurant is both authentic and delicious. If you want a change from local food, this is definitely a good place to try!

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To sum up...

Thanks so much for reading! We spent 3 days in Moalboal relaxing and exploring the area! I hope you love it here as much as we did!

If you're looking to get some unique and authentic travel experiences in the Philippines, be sure to check out my blog on ethical whale shark snorkelling in Leyte. From Cebu, we went straight to Leyte to swim with the whale sharks and it was a magical experience!

Zoe Schneider

Whale shark spotting in Leyte: making the most of your journey from Cebu to Siargao

How to find a cheaper, more ethical, and more intimate interaction with whale sharks in Southern Leyte, located between Cebu and Siargao Islands🦈 Sogod Bay is a quiet spot where you can find whale sharks between November through May!

Backpackers • Adventure • Nature • Sustainable/Eco • Photography • Budget

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Travel insurance

Going on a trip? Don’t forget to buy your travel insurance; I use SafetyWing which is the best option out there. It’s super flexible as it’s a rolling monthly subscription, so you can cancel or extend whenever! It also covers all manner of activities, so whatever you’re up to, you’re covered! And the best part is that with this link it’s $10 off your first month!!

SafetyWing - Insurance for Nomads, by Nomads

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