Island in Cebu, Philippines
Malapascua
Tiny car-free island off northern Cebu, known for dawn dives with thresher sharks and the Monad Shoal. Excellent for divers; there is little else to do, internet is weak and rough seas can strand you.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$639–1,040Comfortable, one person · ₱40,000–65,000Details
- Value for money92/100Better value than 91% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–JunWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland supply is not drinkable; resorts provide bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$4.8–16.0Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPublic boat from MayaVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashATMs are few and often empty; bring enough pesos from Cebu.Details
Where to stay in Malapascua
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Bounty Beach | Main strip: dive shops, restaurants, bars, beach resorts |
| Logon | Quieter village side with cheaper guesthouses |
| Poblacion and Pasil | Local life and homestays at the south end |
Apps that work in Malapascua
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps on the island. Walk or take a habal-habal; boats to Maya can be chartered if you miss the last public one.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mostly cash ATMs are few and often empty; bring enough pesos from Cebu. Dive shops and bigger resorts take cards, usually with a surcharge.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
Going to Malapascua solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Malapascua meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.