If you’re heading to Cebu, Philippines, Moalboal is one of those places that travelers often whisper about—a little off the beaten path but packed with adventure. I recently spent a few nights there and wanted to share my experience, along with a few tips to help you plan your trip.
Getting to Moalboal
I made my way to Moalboal from Cebu South Bus Terminal, which is the main hub for buses heading toward the southern part of the island. I recommend taking one of the air-conditioned (AC) buses—the ride is about three hoursand cost me only $4 USD. It was comfortable, super affordable, and a scenic way to kick off the trip.
Where I Stayed
I split my time between two hostels in Moalboal:
Maayong Hostel – I only stayed here for one night, but it made a great first impression. The rooms were clean, the food was surprisingly good, and most importantly, I was able to book all of my tours directly through the hostel, which made everything super easy.
Wild Monkeys Hostel – I spent the next three nights here. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and everything was clean and well-maintained. Neither hostel was especially social during my visit (which might have been because it was low season), but if you’re lucky, you’ll find a solid group in your dorm to explore with.
What to Do in Moalboal
Truthfully, the town itself is pretty quiet—especially in the off-season. But what Moalboal lacks in nightlife or busy streets, it more than makes up for in epic outdoor experiences.
Whale Shark Tour (Highly Recommend)
This was hands-down one of the most surreal experiences of my life. I booked the whale shark tour through Maayong Hostel, and I’m glad I did. Be ready for an early wake-up call—the tour starts at 3:00 AM because they drive you to another town where the whale sharks are.
A few things to note:
- If you’re already staying in Oslob, you can do the whale shark experience for about a third of the price, since most of the cost from Moalboal comes from transportation.
- Ethically, it’s a bit of a grey area—the whale sharks are fed to keep them in the area, which isn’t ideal. However, the local authorities have implemented strict guidelines. You’ll be fined if you touch them, and the staff are pretty serious about enforcing the rules.
- Despite the ethical concerns, I would still say swimming with the whale sharks is a must. They’re massive but completely harmless, and the entire experience felt like something out of a documentary.
Canyoneering Adventure
Another must-do in Moalboal is the canyoneering tour, which I also booked through Maayong Hostel. It ended up being cheaper than most other options in town, but the experience was just as good—if not better.
You get a private guide, and the whole tour involves hiking, cliff jumping, waterfall sliding, and wading through crystal-clear water in a massive canyon. It’s part adventure, part obstacle course, and part natural waterpark. Bonus: your guide basically acts as your personal photographer, and if you’re nervous at any point, they’re incredibly helpful (yes, they’ll literally hold your hand if you need it).
Sardine Run & Sea Turtles
Moalboal is also famous for its sardine run, where thousands of sardines migrate close to shore. You can snorkel right off the beach to see them—no boat tour needed. If you’re lucky, you might even spot giant sea turtles swimming nearby.
Unfortunately, a typhoon rolled in at the end of my stay, so I didn’t get to experience it myself, but it’s definitely worth checking out if the weather cooperates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a visit to Moalboal, I’d recommend staying about three nights. That gives you enough time to fit in both major tours and hopefully catch the sardine run, without feeling rushed. Aside from the adventure activities, there’s not much else to do in town, so three nights is the sweet spot.
Moalboal might not have the buzz of a big city or the nightlife of a party beach town, but if you’re looking for once-in-a-lifetime adventures and natural beauty, it delivers in a big way.