Moalboal, Cebu is a growing tourist destination, and you would be mistaken for thinking it’s an off the beaten track place to visit with not much to do. Famous for the sardine run, Moalboal attracts snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world who want see this natural phenomenon which can be reached from the beach. Moalboal’s other main attraction is Canyoneering at nearby Kawasan Falls.
If seeing a giant sardine ball isn’t to your liking, there are many awesome day trips from Moalboal. Go chasing waterfalls, mountain trekking or lay on a white sand beach. Moalboal Eco Lodge share with you 28 things to do in Moalboal.
Coming to Moalboal? Visit our helpful Travel & Local Information page!
Moalboal is famous for the sardine run which can be seen from the beach at Panagsama
1. Snorkel or Scuba Dive the Sardine Run Seeing the sardines is the number one reason people visit Moalboal. Just off the beach at Panagsama, snorkelers can dip their head below the surface and see a giant sardine ball made up of around 8 million sardines. To truly appreciate the magnificent shapes and formations the sardines form as they constantly move through the water, scuba dive the sardines! 2. Learn Freediving 
Freediving is quickly becoming the new scuba diving. For people looking to dive the giant sardine ball free from equipment, freediving is the answer. Novices can take a half-day taster session, but if you wish to further your freediving knowledge, there are courses all the way up to PADI and AIDA instructor level.
In the taster session, you will start by learning breath-hold and from here, your limits are endless. You are in control, and you are taught how to push yourself through imaginary boundaries.
If you enjoy Yoga, you will feel similarities to freediving due to the connection with your breath, and unification of mind and body. Scuba divers may be curious about freediving, and there are benefits to learning both! 
Take an Island Hopping Tour to snorkel with the turtles
3. Island Hopping Snorkel Trip
This trip takes you to three of the best snorkelling spots in the area; the sardines, turtles at Talisay Point, and Pescador Island, a marine sanctuary with healthy corals and plenty of reef fish. NB. Be a responsible snorkeller: Do not feed the fish, even if you are told you can do so. Bread isn’t part of their natural diet, and if fish are eating bread, they aren’t eating the algae growing on the coral which leads to coral dying. Do not touch or stand on coral. Coral reefs are living animals and are crucial to the ocean’s health. You are an animal, would you like someone standing on you? Do not touch or chase turtles. You have harmful bacteria on your hands which you will pass on to the turtles. Chasing a turtle will make them stressed. Would you like strangers chasing and touching you?
Read our post for responsible travel tips : Ecotourism, Ethical and Sustainable Travel: How to be a Responsible Tourist
4. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
5. Chasing Waterfalls
6. Hire a scooter and explore
Scooters are super easy to ride, and Filipino drivers are very considerate always giving me a wide berth when I am on my bicycle. Once you have hired a scooter, just go! Drive down a road you don’t know, take a wrong turning, feel the wind on your face and admire the fields of palm trees. You will encounter locals waving and saying “hello”, and it’s a great way of seeing local life. 
Mainit Hot Springs is a natural hot springs only visited by locals - definitely hone of Moalboal's secrets
7. Check out Mainit Natural Hot Springs in Malabuyoc
Mainit Hot Springs is one of Cebu’s secrets. It’s officially been closed to the public since July 2017 so you will only find locals here, no tourists. There are three Hot Springs, the hottest is 46.2! We went for a dip in the wonderful bathwater temperature of 36.1. You will walk through a little stream to reach the springs, and if you continue for a couple of minutes, you will reach a cold plunge pool at the bottom of a waterfall. 
8. Hike Osmena Peak At 1,013 meters (3,325 feet) high, Osmena Peak is the highest mountain in Cebu, and has multiple lush-green jagged hills. It is said to be named after the Osmeña clan in Cebu, and the late former president Sergio Osmena used to ride horses in the Patung Badian mountain range. Located near the Municipality of Dalaguete, an hour inland from Alegria, early bird risers can visit for sunrise which is also the most popular time. Alternatively, it makes a lovely sunset view point and there is a campsite here if you have your own tent, cost is P60 for the night. You can visit any time of the day but the conditions vary depending on the time of year. During the hottest months of March to May, sunrise or early morning is recommended. In the cooler months of November to January, the mornings can be foggy for sunrise so afternoon is recommended. The walk to the summit takes around 20-30 minutes up a loose rocky trail, passing fields of aubergines, cabbage, and onions. The walk is relatively easy but is slippery when it’s rained so wear walking sandals or trainers. If you want a cool dip in a waterfall after your hike, Cancalanog Falls are nearby. 9. Go Strawberry picking 
If you are visiting Osmena Peak between December – June, take a detour and go strawberry picking! Sergio's Strawberry Farm charge P50 per person, and are proud to be an organic farm using no pesticides. Grab a few friends, take a container with you, fill up on delicious strawberries, or enjoy a delicious picnic. 
Busay Cave is one of Moalboal's cool secrets
10. Cave Busay and Springs
Another of Cebu’s secrets, when we visited there were only locals splashing around here. Get off the beaten track and if you are feeling adventurous, you can twin this perfectly with horse riding (which you pass on the way to the cave), Alternatively, visit Lambug Beach and Busay Cave. There is a small natural spring pool inside the entrance of Busay Cave, which has a slight smell of sulphur. Wade for a few minutes through chest height water to a small rocky pathway, then you reach a small cave opening out onto palm trees.
11. Horse Riding
On the way to Busay Cave, you will pass the entrance to Giddyap Horseback Riding. Experience a scenic horse ride around Buay-ay Balabagon, cost is P50 for a taster session, or you can opt for a lesson. For people comfortable with riding you can take an easy or medium trail.
12. Get a tattoo of a mermaid
Only joking, you don’t have to get a mermaid tattoo (although he has done one), you can have whatever you would like to remember your time in the Philippines! Araw Tattoo Studio is recommended and they are located on the main Panagsama Road. He can do cover ups, portraits, tribal and yes he can do turtles, whale sharks and mermaids! 
Jeepney's are all decorated individually with bright colours - Marvel characters are a favourite
13. Look for Jeepney Art … and take a ride in a Jeepney!
For Street Art lovers, alas there isn’t really any to write home about. BUT there is a tonne of Art around Moalboal, Cebu and the Philippines to be found. Jeepneys and motorcycle side cars are brightly painted and decorated and I love it! I became obsessed with photographing them, Superman and Avengers are my favourites. For a bit of fun, I would go to Moalboal town to take photos of parked Jeepneys waiting to take people to Badian or Rhonda. If you have time – take a ride in a Jeepney with the locals. Jump on any Jeepney heading south and get out at Badian which is only 30 minutes away. Here you will find more Jeepneys parked up for you to photograph, then ride back to Moalboal. Easy peasy. 
White Beach is the best beach in Moalboal
14. Moalboal Beaches - relax on White Beach
After all that adventure and hiking, it’s time to relax on the best beach in Moalboal. Basdaku Beach is known locally as "White Beach", and is a long stretch of soft white sand with clear aquamarine ocean – the perfect place to chill, and snorkelling here is pretty good. Note that on weekends it’s a popular hangout for locals so some areas can be busy. If sipping a fresh coconut on a white sand beach is on your bucket list, this is the beach for you. If you have time, hang around for sunset, it's one of the best places to be!
Visit our Eco Shop* for your every day eco friendly essentials.
(*10% from every purchase is donated to help street dogs in Moalboal) 
Panagsama is split into two sections, and you can snorkel the sardines from the beach
Moalboal Beaches - Check out Panagsama Beach – or hire a mask/snorkel to see the sardines
Panagsama Beach isn’t one of the quintessentially paradise beaches the Philippines is famous for. It’s two sections of beach that has some rocky areas, but it’s good enough if you want to top up your tan without paying to go anywhere. People watching is also good for grins, and sometimes you will be joined by one of the islands’ street dogs looking for someone to play with. It’s from this beach people snorkel and scuba dive with the sardines. Snorkelling sets can be hired along the road, so when you fancy a dip to cool off, swim over to the sardines from the shore. Note: Please wear reef safe sunscreen which is one that doesn’t contain the ingredient Oxybenzone. Moalboal Eco Lodge sell reef safe, palm oil free sunscreen. 
Lambug Beach is one of Cebu's secrets
15. Visit one of Cebu’s secrets – Lambug Beach
If you want to visit one of Cebu’s secret beaches, head to Lambug Beach in Badian. A 30 minute ride away from Moalboal, hardly any tourists visit, however if you are here on a weekend, you will encounter some locals singing karaoke and enjoying a BBQ. 
16. Get your swing on with a round of golf
Golf lovers visiting Lambug Beach in Badian can visit the 18 round golf course at Cebu International Golf Course and Resort. Set in eight hectares of lush green landscape, it’s suitable for experienced golfers as well as novices. Golf carts are available for rent if you didn’t want to walk between holes. Do note they have a strict “no photography” rule, so you can rule out any Instagram selfies. 
The Philippines is famous for its sunsets
17. Catch a famous Philippines sunsets
Moalboal overlooks the sunset of Cebu, so it's the perfect place to capture a beautiful Philippine sunset. Feel the sand between your toes and sit directly on the beach, or choose one of the bars for a cold drink as the sun dips behind the horizon. Basdaku "White" Beach is another great spot, and also Lambug Beach in nearby town Badian.
Moalboal Eco Lodge love sunsets so much, we have built a sunset deck! Follow us on Instagram and watch us enjoy the beautiful Philippine sunsets from a hammock.
Watch the sunset from a hammock in Moalboal Eco Lodge's sunset deck
18. Pamper yourself with a massage or mani/pedi
Aching after all that hiking and canyoneering? Go for a massage! There are many places in Panagsama with a few different styles. For guests staying with Moalboal Eco Lodge, we will share our recommendations.
19. Get a decent cheap haircut – men or women
Sometimes it’s difficult to find a decent place for a haircut when you are travelling, but not in Moalboal. For men, the barber at Seth & Stan does an excellent job charging P100 for a haircut and P60 for a shave. There are a few other barbers around, but this is where all the ex-pats go for their haircut. For women, I recommend Audriana Salon next to Island Tea in Moalboal Town. The hairdresser cut layers into my hair, gave me a wash and blow dry and I felt like a Queen for only P100. Consider giving your hairdresser/barber a tip even if tipping isn’t part of your country’s culture because they will definitely appreciate it. 
Sissig is a popular local dish to try - Pork, Chicken or Vegetarian
20. Try local food
The Philippines aren’t known for their range of cuisine, but there are a few dishes worthy of trying. Pork or Chicken Sissig is a sizzling plate of meat (or veg) served with rice and egg. Other dishes are Adodo, Lechon (a whole spit-roasted pig that is eaten on special occasions), and the delicious dessert mango float (spoiler alert: it isn't ice cream!). We recommend Venz Restaurant for the best local dishes in Moalboal. 
Philippine mangoes are said to be the sweetest in the world
When it comes to fruit, the Philippines Carabao Mango is world-class. Considered to be the sweetest fruit in the world, it is said they are the only mangos served in the White House and Buckingham Palace. If they are good enough for Queen’s and Presidents, they are good enough for me!
Related post: Must-Try Filipino Foods in Cebu
Take a Filipino Cooking Class and learn more about local dishes
21. Take a Filipino Cooking Class
Learn how to cook Chicken/Pork Adodo and enjoy the feast of tasty treats. Venz Restaurant run cooking classes (visit their Google business page to contact them). They are friendly, you will have a fantastic time preparing your local Filipino dish, and of course eating your culinary masterpiece! 
Escrima/Arnis is the National Sport of the Philippines
22. Learn Filipino Martial Arts
If you watched Vin Diesel and Jason Statham’s fight scene in Fast and Furious 7 and thought “I want to learn that”, then do it! Eskrima/Arnis/Kali, the official martial arts of the Philippines are taught by a Master or Grandmaster. It’s weapon-based fighting with knives, sticks, bladed weapons. You will be taught knife defence and disarms, as well as close quarter stick fighting. Alternatively, you can learn hand to hand combat Kung Fu. Sounds painful right? Located just down from Taco Bar, “Adventure and Explore” specifically train foreigners visiting the Philippines so you are in safe hands! If James Bond can learn it, so can you. 23. Mountain Biking Moalboal is a great place for mountain biking, there are more dirt roads than you can shake a stick at! I know because I don’t drive a scooter (Sy is our driver) and I have a bike so cycle everywhere. Hire a bike and explore on your own at a leisurely pace. Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you cycle along palm tree lined roads, with locals waving at you along the way. Cycling is not only fun and healthy, its a fantastic way of being a responsible tourist because not fossil fuels are used! If you want to get off the beaten track and see more of the beautiful natural surroundings, take a half or full day tour, trails range from easy to hardcore. 
Basketball courts are everywhere in Moalboal and the Philippines
24. Keep fit with the locals – Football, Basketball, Tennis, or hit the gym
Basketball is practically the national sport and you will see areas of grass with a net everywhere. Just in front of Municipal Hall/Moalboal Sports Complex (near where the bus drops you off), there are floodlit courts for tennis, basketball and an area for football. 
There are a couple of gyms in Panagsama so you can sweat out last night's excess, or simply keep yourself beach fit for your Philippine travels.
Locals love to play pool (billiards)
25. Hustle the locals at pool (billiards)
If you like to play pool (billiards) there are a couple of bars which have tables, buy a drink, stop for some lunch and hit the table. 
Archery Asia is just around the corner from Moalboal Eco Lodge
26. Archery in the tropics
For some fun in the jungle, check out Archery Asia. Book an archery course, or just use their target range for a bit of fun to see how many you can hit dead-centre. Moalboal Eco Lodge is located just around the corner from here so it’s a great place to have fun within walking distance. 
Karaoke is huge in the Philippines
27. Murder a tune at a karaoke evening
If you are crazy about Karaoke like Filipinos, hop on the mike and sing for your Country! Wherever you are in the Philippines, you cannot escape karaoke! Locals love to sing Westlife songs at the top of their voice, and if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! 
Chili Bar at Panagsama Beach is a popular hangout after dark
28. Check out the Nightlife in Panagsama*
The nightlife scene has exploded in the past few years! Moalboal is now an area for backpackers, party-goers, and anyone who enjoys a late night drink. In the main Panagsama tourist area, you can find live bands every night, DJ's and karaoke, plus many bars and restaurants. The main beer is the Filipino brand San Miguel (or San Miguel Light), and the strong Red Horse gives you a hangover like you have been kicked in the head by a mule. 
Moalboal Eco Lodge is close to amenities, but far enough away for a quiet night's sleep
Where to stay in Moalboal
Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you love nature, wish to be close to amenities, but value a good night's sleep. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, Moalboal Eco Lodge have Bamboo Nipa Huts suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. There are private rooms and a spacious 4-6 bed friends/family room. Check out our rooms! Visit our Eco Shop* for your plastic free, zero waste, palm oil free products for use every day! (*10% from every purchase is donated to help street dogs in Moalboal )
Heading to the Philippines? Check out these related posts! Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines Fun Facts About the Philippines Wildlife of the Philippines Bohol Travel Guide: 21 Things to Do in Panglao 14 Things to Do on Siquijor Island: Travel Guide and Itinerary Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua
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3 Comments
Sharon Baker
6/12/2019 04:30:50 am
Some top tips for us when we visit in March. We'll definitely have to give the karaoke a go 😆 7/12/2019 04:21:52 am
So many wonderful things to do where you are! One day when we come to stay at your lodge, we will need to stay for a month to do all of these amazing things! I'm definitely one for chasing waterfalls! #FeetDoTravel Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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