Moalboal

Travel Guide

Cebu featuring general coastal views
Moalboal
Moalboal featuring general coastal views
Moalboal featuring general coastal views
Moalboal featuring a beach and general coastal views

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

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 P2,679 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P2,679
P3,000 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
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! (158 reviews)
"Ideally located with its own access to the crystal clear ocean. We borrowed snorkels and we played with sea turtles in the ocean right in front of the hotel. The rooms were simple and functional but the bathroom could do with an upgrade. A 10 minute walk has you in the main street of the resort and ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2025

Pescadores Suites Moalboal
D' Gecko Hotel
D' Gecko Hotel
3 out of 5
Panagsama Beach South, Basdiot, Moalboal
The price is P1,996 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
P1,996
P2,250 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
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! (216 reviews)
"Cleanliness is what stood out for me about this place. The staff does a great job keeping it clean. The only downside is hearing the locals by your window (I was on the main floor) which can interrupt your sleep."

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

D' Gecko Hotel
Moalboal Casablanca Inn
Moalboal Casablanca Inn
4 out of 5
Kasai Village Road, Moalboal, Cebu
The price is P1,848 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
P1,848
P2,125 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star inn in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and White Beach Moalboal ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"The rooms were big so as the bathrooms. We did get the family suite thinking there would only be one room but it turns out it had two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. So that was a nice surprise. The place is a bit out of the way. If you can, try to rent a scooter or a car. It would be cheaper imo. The ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Moalboal Casablanca Inn
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.
Pawikan Seaview Villa
Pawikan Seaview Villa
3.5 out of 5
Panagsama Beach, Moalboal, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Moalboal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run ...
Pawikan Seaview Villa
Hotel Titanic by Hiverooms
Hotel Titanic by Hiverooms
3 out of 5
Hana Co, Sitio Talisay, Talisay Private, Moalboal, Cebu
Stay at this 3-star villa in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Moalboal Sardine Run are located ...
Hotel Titanic by Hiverooms
Archery-Asia Nipa Huts Moalboal
Archery-Asia Nipa Huts Moalboal
2 out of 5
Schmitz Road, Moalboal, Central Visayas
Stay at this vacation home in Moalboal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Panagsama Beach and Naomi's Bottle Museum ...
Archery-Asia Nipa Huts Moalboal
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

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Best place ever!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

They gave us an upgrade on our room! The refrigerator was stocked with beverages. The room had complementary coffee and kettle. The A/C kept the room cool along with the 2 ceiling fans. The large pool was A+.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful nature