Moalboal is famous for snorkelling the breathtaking sardine run, and the adrenaline rush of canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. But if you are vegan or vegetarian, you may wonder what food options actually exist beyond seafood-heavy menus.

The good news? Moalboal has become one of the most vegan and vegetarian-friendly pockets of Cebu, with cafés, smoothie bowls and healthy restaurants increasingly catering to plant-based travellers.

Trying local flavours is one of the best ways to experience everyday life beyond the beaches. Whether you are searching for a good vegan meal, vegetarian-friendly restaurants or ways to explore Moalboal more sustainably, this practical guide shares where to eat, useful food phrases and tips to help you enjoy the best of Moalboal with a lighter footprint and a very happy stomach.

Responsible travel isn’t a fleeting hashtag anymore — it’s a movement. Modern explorers aren’t just ticking destinations off a list; they’re seeking travel which is more meaningful, better connections, and choosing to stay in places that care for people, animals and the planet. At the heart of this shift lies one unmistakable trend: eco lodges.

These aren’t your typical hotels. Eco lodges embody purposeful living while you travel, blending comfort with conservation, community, and culture. In a world grappling with climate change, overtourism, and cultural dilution, eco lodges offer a refreshing alternative: travel that gives back, not just takes.

Let’s unpack why eco lodges are rapidly becoming the future of responsible travel, and why you should stay in one when visiting Moalboal and the Philippines.

Slow travel. What on earth is that? It sounds like a contradiction in today’s world, doesn’t it?

In a world that encourages ticking destinations off a list, slow travel offers something different, and far more rewarding. Instead of rushing from place to place, slow travel simply means making a conscious decision not to rush from one place to another, to stay longer, and experience a destination in a more meaningful way. It is about quality over quantity, choosing to not turn your holiday into a checklist of must-sees, must-dos, connection over consumption, and travelling with intention rather than urgency. The idea of slowing down feels... almost rebellious.

The Philippines is especially well suited to slow travel. With its relaxed island pace, warm communities, and rich natural environments, slowing down allows travellers to move beyond the surface and truly engage with where they are. From quiet mornings to unplanned conversations, the most memorable moments often happen when you stop rushing to the next place.

In destinations like Moalboal, slow travel naturally aligns with sustainable and low-impact tourism. Staying longer in one location reduces constant transport, supports local businesses, and creates space for rest, reflection, and wellbeing. Whether it is time spent in nature, exploring nearby beaches and waterfalls, or simply enjoying stillness, travelling slowly transforms not just how you travel, but how you feel while doing it.

This article explores why slow travel matters, how it supports responsible tourism in the Philippines, and why choosing to slow down may be the most enriching decision you make on your journey.

Here at Moalboal Eco Lodge, nestled in a quiet coconut field in Cebu, the Philippines, we believe that travel is not about how many landmarks you tick off a list. It is about how deeply you connect with a place, and that kind of connection rarely happens when you are rushing from one destination to the next.

Immersing oneself in accommodation that are built with, within, or surrounded by nature offers a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. At Moalboal Eco Lodge, nestled amidst lush greenery and serene landscapes, guests can experience these advantages firsthand. 

Time spent swinging in a hammock whilst reading a book, listening to bird song and feeling a gentle breeze on your face is a luxury in life many don’t experience – but they should!

Wellness tourism is growing, as people all over the world are beginning to understand that our mental health matters just as much as physical well-being.

Here are some compelling reasons to choose nature-integrated lodging for your next retreat.

Travelling in the Philippines is an unforgettable experience, but how you travel can make a real difference. If you are visiting Cebu and staying in or around Moalboal, packing thoughtfully helps reduce waste, travel more responsibly, and arrive prepared for a low-impact stay in a tropical environment.

This eco-friendly packing list for the Philippines focuses on practical items that support sustainable travel, from minimising plastic use to coping comfortably with the heat, humidity, and island conditions. It is especially useful for travellers staying at eco lodges or nature-based accommodation in Moalboal, where mindful choices help protect the surrounding land and marine environment.

Whether you are snorkelling, exploring waterfalls, or simply slowing down and enjoying island life, these essentials will help you travel lighter, waste less, and make the most of your time in the Philippines.

Who wants to dive with sharks? 

Diving with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua, Cebu, Philippines should definitely be on your scuba diving bucket list. Thresher Sharks are not dangerous to humans, and to encounter these beautiful, graceful creatures of the deep is a truly magical experience.

Many visitors to Cebu combine Moalboal and Malapascua for two of nature’s greatest phenomenon; the sardine run in Moalboal and Thresher Sharks at Monad Shoal in Malapascua. When we discovered we could dive with Threshers in an ethical way any day of the year, we immediately added this destination to our Cebu itinerary

Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can see Thresher Sharks all year round. We only participate in natural animal encounters, and there is no feeding, no cages or baiting involved in any of the Thresher Shark dives. 
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So what is it like to see a 10 feet torpedo shaped shark suddenly appear out of the blue? Moalboal Eco Lodge share their experience of scuba diving with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua, Cebu.

In the Philippines, there are many islands where you can go dolphin watching. We have been twice, once in Alegria, and the second time was just off Panagsama Beach in Moalboal for sunrise.

Dolphin watching in Cebu is the perfect day trip from Moalboal, and as this has been on my bucket list for years, I was keen to give it a try. But is it ethical?

We only support ethical animal encounters, and when our research discovered there was no feeding, no chasing, no touching, no human involvement to attract the dolphins, we knew this was the sustainable dolphin watching experience we wanted. The only tricks the dolphins performed were because they were having fun in the wild – the best way of seeing them.

Our dolphin watching experience in Cebu was amazing and unforgettable. Viewing these playful and intelligent animals in their natural habitat was very special, and a memory that will stay with us forever.
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In a series of articles showing day trips from Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge share ethical dolphin watching in Alegria, Cebu.

As Christmas approaches, 2020 will undoubtedly be the strangest festive season any of us have experienced. Yes things will be different, and if you are someone who loves to celebrate Christmas, you can still do so in style, but it may require a different approach.

Choosing a more sustainable approach to Christmas is the way to a better future. If you watched Netflix’s David Attenborough documentary “A Life on Our Planet”, you will have heard his plea regarding climate change, and how we need to do something now. 

Every year the festive season is a time of excess; too much eating and drinking, buying so many presents people get into debt, stressing about cooking far too much food it ends up wasted in landfills. 

Although it is the season to be jolly, the spirt of Christmas has become lost. It’s not about how much money you spend or how many presents you buy. If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s to value time spent with friends and family more. 

Christmas is the season for being charitable, and after a difficult year, presents are not always the best way of showing your love. Remember that spending lots of money on a gift doesn’t necessarily make it special.
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Moalboal Eco Lodge share an eco friendly gift guide for all occasions; Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday, or any occasion where you need to give a present.