Moalboal

Travel Guide

Cebu featuring general coastal views
Moalboal featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views
Moalboal featuring general coastal views
Moalboal which includes general coastal views
Moalboal featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach

Travel to the southwestern side of the island of Cebu for scuba diving expeditions, beach relaxation and trips into the scenic countryside.

Head to Moalboal for undersea adventures among bright corals and submarine caves and canyons. Although this small town on the west side of Cebu Island is a popular destination for scuba divers, non-divers should not feel left out. Away from the ocean depths enjoy offshore snorkeling, a beautiful countryside and diverse dining.

Many of Moalboal’s resorts and diving centers are located at Panagsama Beach, a short distance from the town. Get here by renting a bicycle or taking a motorcycle taxi called a habal-habal, which can carry several passengers.

Then charter a boat for a scuba diving expedition to Pescador IslandOpens in a new window or any of the other renowned diving spots off Moalboal's coastline. Among the underwater draws are vast shoals of sardines, a sunken island and the wreck of an airplane. Alternatively, go diving at the house reef, which lies close to the shore and then drops away to deeper water. The reef is also a good spot for snorkeling. Here you may see school of sardines being chased by tuna fish.

Panagsama Beach doesn't have a lot of sand because much of it was swept away by a typhoon in 1984. If you are looking for a beautiful sandy expanse to stretch out on, travel to White Beach, a few miles north of Moalboal.

Enjoy other daytrips from your Moalboal base. Go swimming and rafting near the waterfalls in Kawasan Nature Park. Visit the Orchid Gallery, a large farm filled with tropical plants, and cool off in its swimming pool.

At the end of the day, dine on Filipino or international cuisine in restaurants that range from casual to upscale. Moalboal's nightlife scene is centered on the long strip of bars and restaurants along Panagsama Beach.

To get to Moalboal for its underwater thrills and scenic charms, fly into the international airport at Cebu, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. Continue your journey by bus, van, taxi or rental car.

Where to stay in Moalboal

Moalboal Philippines

Basdiot

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Basdiot, Panagsama Beach and Naomi's Bottle Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Basdiot
Though it’s call white beach, the sand is actually not that white as compared to Boracay

Saavedra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Saavedra and surrounding area, you can visit White Beach Moalboal and Panagsama Beach.

Saavedra
Pescadores Suites Moalboal

Pescadores Suites Moalboal

3 out of 5
Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu
The price is ¥6,122 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥6,122
¥6,938 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (161 reviews)
"This place was really good we actually stayed an extra night. The hotel was a short walk from the centre of town. The staff were really friendly and helpful The room was a good size for a family of 4 people."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Pescadores Suites Moalboal
Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal

Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal

3 out of 5
Panagsama Beach, Basdiot, Moalboal, Cebu
The price is ¥9,199 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥9,199
¥10,303 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (226 reviews)
"Excellent value for money, super friendly and helpful staff, would stay here again for sure"

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Quo Vadis Dive Resort Moalboal
D' Gecko Hotel

D' Gecko Hotel

3 out of 5
Panagsama Beach South, Basdiot, Moalboal
The price is ¥4,789 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥4,789
¥5,453 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (219 reviews)
"Reception Maris was excellent. Guided us with things to do and to go and how! She’s very helpful"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

D' Gecko Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
5 Bedrm villa by the seaside great for diving and snorkling family friendly.

5 Bedrm villa by the seaside great for diving and snorkling family friendly.

Moalboal
Stay at this vacation home in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run are ...
Moalboal
"Very large and nice clean property. The young man who got us settled was very respectful and helpful. Air conditioning worked great. Showers were nice and clean. We were on the go all the time so we disn't really use the kitchen or a lot of the other space, but a great stay."

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

5 Bedrm villa by the seaside great for diving and snorkling family friendly.
Private quite bungalow-5 min walk to ocean & restaurants

Private quite bungalow-5 min walk to ocean & restaurants

Moalboal
Stay at this vacation home in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
A very quiet and tranquil place
"We loved it there me and my fiancé. Private places, beautiful property, and a great staff."

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Private quite bungalow-5 min walk to ocean & restaurants
Serviced dorm type room (6 beds) with a private CR on the resort's territory.

Serviced dorm type room (6 beds) with a private CR on the resort's territory.

Moalboal
Stay at this aparthotel in Moalboal. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a garden, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run are ...
Serviced dorm type room (6 beds) with a private CR on the resort's territory.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Moalboal

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We loved Moalboal as a jumping off point for adventures. Highly recommend venz restaurant and Kabutogan Falls. Rent a scooter in Moalboal, do the hour ride and get a guide on the street in Malabuyoc.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice little town with plenty to offer for adventures. Must swim with the Sardines...and visit the falls. Try Canyoneering.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love this place in the Philippines it's a beautiful place, you get the real feeling of life here. Beautiful marine life of Scuba diving and snorkeling. Very close to fantastic waterfalls with cliff diving. FUN FUN FUN

4/5 - Good

StiN

Currency exchange is difficult.