Moalboal Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay, and Travel Tips

Here’s a Moalboal Travel Guide for all my readers. Moalboal, a coastal town in Cebu, Philippines, is a paradise for beach lovers, divers, and adventure seekers. Known for its rich marine biodiversity, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Moalboal is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a backpacker, a family traveler, or looking for a luxurious getaway, here’s your ultimate guide to Moalboal.

I just went on a weekend escapade for October to enjoy Cebu South, and I will create a quick summary. Somehow, I was able to find ways to enjoy Cebu South on a Budget. I’ve been to Moalboal many times and found an affordable place to stay. It’s a favorite place to go, even when going solo.

How to Enjoy Cebu South on a Budget? - Moalboal Travel Guide

As a solo traveler, I always stay in a hostel, although traveling with friends is also fun. DIY or Do-It-Yourself is always cool. There are ways you can do things that are absolutely free or for a minimal fee.

How to Reach Cebu South?

Go to Cebu South Bus Terminal and hop on a bus going to Moalboal, easy peasy! Bus fare is around PHP 100 to PHP 190.

Getting Around Cebu South – Moalboal Travel Guide

Transportation

When you are in Moalboal with friends, a travel buddy or a significant other or solo, you need to hire a tricycle as a group or rent a motorcycle to easily get around. Make sure you or your travel buddy knows how to drive a motorbike.

See Also: Quick Things to do in Cebu City

Best Things to Do in Moalboal

There are several things to do in Cebu South but these are my favorites since most of the activities are free. This is what we did last weekend.

Rent a Motorbike

We rented a motorbike for PHP 250, which is good for half a day. My travel buddy and I know how to drive a motorbike, but I don’t have a driver’s license.

Kawasan Falls Canyoneering in Badian, Cebu

Duration: from Moalboal to Badian is just 20 minutes

Entrance fee: PHP 20 for locals and PHP 40 for a foreigner

Things to bring: Dry bag filled with a few extra clothes, bottled water, chips or bread, and yourself, in just a pack light.

Kawasan Falls has three layers of waterfalls, so we went to the third and enjoyed the swing. There was no need to rent a table since we never brought too much food. It’s a good thing that my 20-liter dry bag is a good companion when you just want to jump from one waterfall to another. We stayed for a few hours since we moved to Mainit Hot Spring.

Mainit Hot Spring in Malabuyoc, Cebu

Duration: from Badian to Malabuyoc is 15 minutes

Parking fee: for a motorbike, it’s PHP 15

Entrance fee: PHP 20 for both local and foreigner

Things to bring: A dry bag filled with a few extra clothes, bottled water, chips or bread, and yourself. In short, just pack light.

This was my first time experiencing a hot spring in Cebu, and it was all worth it. With a motorbike, getting around and finding the hot spring was easy.

Sardine Run or Chasing Sardines in Moalboal, Cebu

Duration: a few minutes going to Panagsama Beach

Gear Rental: Snorkeling gear and the mask is PHP 100, a Pair of fins is PHP 100, a Life vest is PHP 100

Things to bring: A dry bag filled with a few extra clothes, bottled water, chips or bread, and yourself. In short, just pack light.

If you know how to swim and you have your snorkeling gear and mask, then you are good to go since no need to pay any entrance fee.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving with the Sea Turtles in Moalboal, Cebu

Consider yourself lucky if you see sea turtles around the area, as well as at Panagsama Beach.

White Beach (Basdaku Beach)

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, head to White Beach. With its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside picnics.

Visit Osmeña Peak

For breathtaking panoramic views of Cebu, hike up Osmeña Peak, the highest point on the island. The trek is relatively easy and takes about 20–30 minutes.

Enjoy the Nightlife at Panagsama Beach

After a day of adventure, relax and enjoy Moalboal’s nightlife. Several beachside bars offer live music, great food, and cocktails right by the shore.

Where to stay in Moalboal, Cebu?

Check these places in Moalboal

Moalboal Backpacker Lodge

Moalboal Backpacker Lodge is located at Panagsama Beach. In 2014, I went there as a walk-in guest and paid PhP 275 per night/per bed with a common bathroom. Thanks to the staff, who became my friends, I had a great experience staying in this place.

Budget Stays

Mid-Range Resorts

Luxury Accommodations

Moalboal Beach Resort – check on Agoda

Oh, this lovely place near Basdaku in Moalboal. We booked it on Economy, but the moment we arrived, we were upgraded to Deluxe with an awesome view. Indeed, we were so lucky. The staff was also nice, and the food was great. I will create a separate blog post review as well. 🙂 The Economy rate is PhP 1,350 per night. Check their availability and rates.

Pescadores Seaview Suites Moalboal – check their availability and rates

Moalboal Tropics – check their availability and rates

Kiss Diving Moalboal – check their availability and rates

Moalboal T Breeze Coastal Resort – check their availability and rates

Coral Blue Moalboal Resort – check their availability and rates

Parrot Resort Moalboal – check their availability and rates

Bamboo House Resort Moalboal – check their availability and rates

Travel Tips for Moalboal

Best Time to Visit: December to May for sunny weather and clear waters.
How to Get There: From Cebu City, take a bus from the South Bus Terminal to Moalboal (3–4 hours).
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP); bring cash, as ATMs are limited.
Safety: Moalboal is generally safe, but always be mindful of your belongings.

Budget Breakdown

Bus Fare to Moalboal – around PhP 100 to 190 (regular or aircon)

Moalboal Backpacker Lodge – PHP 275 per night/per bed

Moalboal Beach Resort – PhP 1350 per room on Economy

Motorbike Rental – around PHP 250 (half day) to 500 (whole day)

Kawasan Falls Entrance fee: PHP 20 for local and PHP 40 for a foreigner

Mainit Hot Spring Entrance fee: PHP 20 for both local and foreigner

Mainit Hot Spring Parking fee: for a motorbike, it’s PHP 15

Gear Rental: Snorkeling gear and the mask is PHP 100, Pair of fins is PHP 100, a Life vest is PHP 100

Food: food is optional, splurge if you like