How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: Ultimate Itinerary
Are you heading to Cebu’s diving capital Moalboal?
This post includes a complete Moalboal Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 days, updated for 2024.
*This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through a link on my site, I earn a small commission. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you.
As one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in the Philippines, Moalboal is the perfect base to explore Cebu Island.
Moalboal has gained international fame for its iconic sardine run just meters from the shoreline. Panagsama Beach and nearby Pescador Island are also known for abundant marine life.
However, in more recent years, Moalboal has become a hotspot for adventure lovers looking to explore the crystal-clear waters of nearby Kawasan Falls.
Perhaps you’re wondering how many days you should spend in Moalboal? Or maybe you’re short on time and want to know if you can visit the highlights in one day?
Whether you benefit from more time or only have a day to explore, the below itineraries are carefully adapted to each traveler.
As well as covering the main Moalboal tourist spots, my itineraries will also cover the best Moalboal restaurants and cafes, as well as nightlife spots for those staying overnight.
Whether you plan on staying for 1, 2, or 3 days, the below Moalboal itineraries are all you need for an unforgettable few days.
Moalboal Itinerary: 1-Day Trip From Cebu City
If you’re short on time but want to explore the best things to do in Moalboal, then a 1-day itinerary may be your perfect option.
It will involve an action-packed day with an early start, but it is possible to experience the highlights on a Moalboal day trip from Cebu City.
Usually, I am all for DIY tours and exploring at your own pace.
However, as you are slightly pressed for time, I would highly recommend the Moalboal Island Hopping & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering combined tour.
This is the best-value Moalboal day tour and a complete hassle-free option.
With round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cebu City, guides, entrance fees, and lunch included, you do not have to worry about being pushed for time.
You can book your combined tour in advance here. However, if you would prefer to explore at your own pace without a tour, follow the instructions below.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Getting from Cebu City to Moalboal
When traveling from Cebu City to Moalboal, you have a couple of options depending on your budget.
- Ceres Bus – 4 hours | 210 PHP ($3.80)
- Private Taxi – 2 hours | $70.00
If you choose to take the bus, the first trip departs from Cebu South Bus Terminal at 3:00 AM and comes roughly every 30 minutes.
I would recommend taking the bus at about 5:00 AM, to arrive in Moalboal by 9:00 AM.
For full details, including the schedule, fare, and step-by-step instructions, you can check out my full How To Get From Cebu City To Moalboal Guide here.
A private transfer would be the quickest option and great for those looking for added comfort and an extra couple of hours of sleep.
To guarantee yourself the best price, and a trusted driver, I would recommend booking your private transfer through Klook. This includes pick-up from your hotel, airport, or bus station.
Tip: a private transfer is the best option for those traveling in a big group. This will bring the price down.
You should aim to take your Cebu to Moalboal taxi no later than 7:00 AM.
Book your taxi from Cebu City to Moalboal in advance here.
Morning
- Breakfast at Shaka Cafe or Smooth Cafe
- Panagsama Beach Sardine Run & Turtle Watching
- Explore nearby Pescador Island
Once you arrive in Moalboal, grab some breakfast to refuel for an action-packed day. Ideally, you should arrive in Moalboal by 9:00 AM.
I would recommend either Shaka Cafe or Smooth Cafe for breakfast.
Shaka Cafe specialises in delicious smoothie bowls, perfect for those looking for a lighter meal and a refreshing start to your day.
Alternatively, if you fancy a more hearty breakfast guaranteed to fill you up, I would recommend Smooth Cafe instead.
Both are located minutes from Panagsama Beach and offer amazing plant-based options, as well as tasty coffee for those who need their caffeine fix before a busy day.
For all the best breakfast and coffee recommendations, check out my Top 5 Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Moalboal post here.
After breakfast, it’s time to take to the waters!
Witnessing the abundant marine life off the shores of Panagsama Beach is one of the best things to do in Moalboal. Aside from snorkel rental, this activity is totally free!
Simply grab your snorkel and swim out about 20 meters to where the reef drops off to see the iconic sardine run. This area is a hotspot for witnessing turtles too.
If you book the Island Hopping & Kawasan Falls Combined Tour, this will include a boat trip to nearby Pescador Island too.
For those who prefer to explore Pescador Island DIY without a tour, simply organise a boat rental from one of the dive shops along the shoreline.
For step-by-step instructions, you can check out my full post below.
Full Post: Pescador Island Moalboal: The Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
Afternoon
- Lunch at Tan-Aw restaurant or Hungry Monkeys
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Aim to finish exploring the shores of Panagsama Beach by midday.
If you’re feeling hungry, this would be a great time to grab some lunch and get a well-needed energy boost before your afternoon canyoneering.
I would recommend either Tan-Aw Restaurant or Hungry Monkeys.
Tan-Aw is a terraced restaurant offering breathtaking views of the ocean as you dine. Alternatively, Hungry Monkeys is a better option for the more budget-conscious.
For all the best restaurant recommendations, you can check out my Top 7 Best Moalboal Restaurants post here.
Next on your Moalboal itinerary, it’s time for your canyoneering adventure.
Must Read: 10 Essential Things To Know BEFORE Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Kawasan Falls is located about 30 minutes from Moalboal.
With something like canyoneering, safety has to be the number one priority. For this reason, I recommend booking your tour in advance with a reputable company.
If you do not book the combined tour, it is possible to simply book your canyoneering adventure online.
Book your Kawasan Falls Canyoneering here (best value & reviews)
Canyoneering is not only one of the best things to do in Moalboal but in the Philippines in general. Breathtaking natural beauty combined with adrenaline-fueled canyoneering makes this such an exciting adventure.
Spend the afternoon exploring Kawasan Falls, flinging yourself into the vibrant turquoise water, and swimming through magnificent cliff formations.
After your action-packed Moalboal itinerary and unforgettable experiences, it’s time to head back to Cebu City.
The best value one-day tour in Cebu - roundtrip transportation included.
Spend the morning island hopping and witnessing Moalboal's iconic sardine run. After lunch, enjoy canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
Moalboal Itinerary: 2 Days (Recommended)
A 2-day Moalboal itinerary is what I would recommend for most travelers.
The main Moalboal highlights can be visited comfortably over a couple of days.
Furthermore, staying a night allows you to explore more delicious restaurants and cafes, as well as check out Moalboal’s vibrant nightlife scene.
I would suggest staying for 2 nights if you can, to make the most of each day. However, if you can only stay one night, arriving as early as you can on the first day is strongly recommended.
If you’re traveling from Cebu City, follow the instructions above or check out my full step-by-step guide here.
DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Morning
- Breakfast at Shaka Cafe & Andi’s Talisay
- Panagsama Beach Sardine Run
The advantage of having two full days in Moalboal is that your days will not be rushed. This means you can have a slower morning and enjoy a great breakfast.
I would recommend two different breakfast spots for the first day of your Moalboal itinerary. This may seem excessive but it is for good reason.
First head to Shaka Cafe, for some of the most delicious, refreshing, and photogenic smoothie bowls you have ever seen.
Tip: Shaka Cafe offers free snorkel and mask rental for those buying a combo breakfast. This is why I recommend stopping by before your day snorkeling.
As this is your first day in Moalboal, have a walk around around to get your bearings. Then, head to Andi’s Talisay located along the shoreline.
Related: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots
In my opinion, nothing beats sipping your morning coffee to ocean views. Andi’s Talisay is a secluded slice of paradise offering unobstructed views of the sardine run area.
I would recommend enjoying a drink here and appreciating the stunning view before taking to the shores yourself.
Tip: the owners are super friendly and are happy for you to leave your things here whilst snorkeling. This is why I recommend it for breakfast or a drink beforehand.
After breakfast, equipped with your snorkel from Shaka Cafe, leave your stuff at Andi’s and head to the shoreline for snorkeling.
Simply swim out roughly 20 meters to where the reef drops off to witness the iconic sardine run. You are also likely to see turtles and other marine species snorkeling in this area.
DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Afternoon
- Explore nearby Pescador Island
- Lunch at Hungry Monkeys
If you’re also hoping to explore nearby Pescador Island, find a dive shop along the front and ask which times their boats depart.
We took a boat to Pescador Island with Seaquest Moalboal Dive Center. Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, you will all depart on the same boat.
We chose to snorkel which cost us 500 PHP ($9) for boat and snorkel rental. The trip was about 2 hours.
Must Read: Pescador Island Moalboal: The Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
After exploring Pescador Island, it’s time for a much-needed refuel.
I would recommend Hungry Monkeys for a harmonious blend of Filipino classics and Western-style favourites. Their terraced restaurant in the heart of Panagsama Beach is perfect for people-watching.
After lunch, make sure you have booked your canyoneering trip with one of the companies in Moalboal for the following day.
I would then head back to your accommodation to freshen up and rest before the evening.
The ultimate social hostel for backpackers.
Amazing communal areas, activities, and parties. Perfect location minutes from the beach.
Spacious comfortable dorms and private rooms available.
DAY 1 Moalboal Itinerary: Evening
- Sunset at Panagsama Beach
- Dinner at Kugita’s
- Bar Hopping & Partying at Chili Bar
Start your evening by heading to Panagsama Beach. As Moalboal is west-facing, this is a fantastic spot to see the sunset.
If you want to watch the sun drop below the horizon as you dine, check out Tan-Aw Restaurant for dinner.
Tan-Aw is a terraced restaurant with breathtaking views of the ocean. This Moalboal restaurant offers a wide variety of Asian fusion dishes.
However, I would highly recommend Kugita’s Seafood & Charcoal Grill located slightly out of the center.
Kugita’s specialises in Japanese-style seafood, barbecued meat, and sushi. Having gained fame as one of the most unique and flavorsome restaurants in Cebu, it is a must on your Moalboal itinerary.
If you’re wondering what to do in Moalboal at night, you will not be disappointed.
The majority of the best bars offer happy hour deals on cocktails, as well as pool tables and beer pong to keep you entertained.
If you’re the artistic kind, I would recommend checking out The Nomad Art & Music Bar. As well as incredible live music, the cheap drinks and board games make this a great spot to socialise.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a touch of sophistication and hand-crafted cocktails, I would recommend Haze Bar.
Full Post: Moalboal Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars & Party Spots
For those who love to party, you cannot miss Chili Bar for an amazing end to your night. This is a great spot to meet other like-minded travelers.
With DJs, ocean views, and dancing until the early hours, this is the best bar Moalboal nightlife has to offer.
DAY 2 – Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
The next day on your Moalboal itinerary is all about Kawasan Falls canyoneering.
You will need all the energy you can get, so I would recommend a hearty breakfast from Smooth Cafe. They also have some pretty amazing coffee and smoothies to set you up right for the day.
For Kawasan Falls canyoneering, most tours depart quite early. However, our guide advised us that starting a little later means you miss the morning rush as most of the groups have dispersed by midday.
We did not depart for Kawasan Falls until about 10:00 AM and started canyoneering at roughly 11:00 AM. I would recommend doing the same.
Note: When you start your canyoneering tour is totally up to you. I hate early mornings and wanted to party the night before so we departed later. Just be sure to speak to your guide and agree on a time that works for everyone.
We paid 1200 PHP ($21) each for our canyoneering adventure and simply booked the night before in Moalboal. The company we used can be contacted on +63 933 535 1652.
If you prefer to book in advance online, this company has the best reviews and value.
Spend the afternoon exploring the natural beauty of Kawasan Falls and getting the adrenaline pumping by flinging yourself from cliffs into vibrant turquoise water.
After enjoying your included lunch, it’s time to depart from Moalboal and head to your next destination.
Moalboal Itinerary: 3 Days
If you benefit from 3 days in Moalboal, then how you spend your final day entirely depends on your preference.
Personally, after a busy couple of days snorkeling and canyoneering, I would spend the final day beach bumming and soaking up Moalboal’s atmosphere before leaving.
However, if you’ve still got some fuel left in the tank, there is a stunning waterfall nearby you could visit.
Whether you decide to hit the beach or explore the waterfall, I would head to Ram Coffee House first for breakfast.
Ram Coffee House is located on the main road and serves some of the best coffee in the Philippines. Furthermore, their breakfasts are fresh, flavorsome, and great for those with a big appetite.
Full Post: Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots
After breakfast, either make your way to White Beach (also known as Basdaku) or head to Lusno Falls.
White Beach is located about 15 minutes from Panagsama Beach. With soft white sand and turquoise waters, this is one of the most scenic beaches in Cebu.
It is a great Moalboal beach to relax and soak up the rays. Make sure to bring your snorkel as there is also abundant marine life here well worth exploring.
If you’re interested in exploring Lusno Falls, this is located about 45 minutes from Moalboal in the town of Ronda.
This waterfall is a real hidden gem in Cebu and does not attract flocks of tourists like Kawasan Falls. It is therefore the perfect spot to disconnect and appreciate nature in all its glory.
After exploring Lusno Falls, head to White Beach to enjoy some much-needed relaxation and catch the breathtaking sunset.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Moalboal can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
Where to stay in Moalboal
I would recommend staying in the area around Panagsama Beach when visiting Moalboal.
This is where you will find most of the main restaurants, nightlife, and of course, the spectacular sardine run just meters from the shoreline.
Chief Mau Hostel
The best Moalboal accommodation for budget backpackers and solo travelers.
Chief Mau is the ultimate social hostel, with amazing communal areas for socialising and meeting other travelers.
They also have many board games, darts, a pool table, and beer pong nights. As well as hosting movie nights and parties, you can also book your tours directly through the hostel.
Choose between shared dorms or a private room with a balcony. The dorms are spacious with plenty of storage and concrete beds that do not make any noise.
Located in the heart of Panagsama minutes from the beach, you cannot beat it for location.
Prices start from $17.00 for dorms per night.
Marz Inn Moalboal
The best budget-friendly Moalboal accommodation for couples or families.
Reasonably priced and impeccably clean rooms available, with aircon, a private bathroom, and a hot shower.
Excellent location just 5 minutes from Panagsama Beach but in a quiet area. Welcoming hosts can help with booking tours. Free drinking water provided.
Prices for a private room start from $25.00 per night.
Secret Paradise
The best luxury accommodation in Moalboal.
Deluxe private rooms with air conditioning, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, and flat-screen TV. Perfect location just 2 minutes from Panagsama Beach.
This hotel features a stunning outdoor swimming pool and garden oasis, a delicious Asian-inspired restaurant, and a bar.
Prices start from $88.00 per night.
How to get to Moalboal
Located on the island of Cebu, most travelers will typically have to reach Cebu City before heading to Moalboal.
Once you have reached Cebu City, you have a couple of options based on your preference –
For full details, including the bus schedule and fare, check out my How To Get From Cebu to Moalboal guide.
How long should I spend in Moalboal?
I would recommend spending at least two nights in Moalboal.
I would recommend the first-day exploring Panagsama Beach and nearby Pescador Island. During your day snorkeling or diving, you can witness the iconic sardine run, as well as turtles and other marine life.
On the second day, you cannot miss Kawasan Falls canyoneering. This is one of the best day trips in the Philippines for thrill-seekers and waterfall lovers.
Is Moalboal worth visiting?
Moalboal is most definitely worth visiting!
As Cebu’s snorkeling and diving capital, the marine life in Moalboal is unrivaled. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the underwater world.
Centrally located in Cebu, it is also a great base for exploring the rest of the island.
Moalboal also has some pretty amazing restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. This once-sleepy coastal town is the perfect destination in the Philippines to meet other backpackers and like-minded travelers.
Whilst there are many amazing things to do in Moalboal, you do not need loads of time to experience the main highlights.
This means that even if it is a day trip, there is no excuse not to add Moalboal to your Philippines itinerary.
Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.
Well, there you have it! This post has detailed exactly how to spend 1-3 days in Moalboal with 3 distinct and action-packed Moalboal itineraries.
If you liked this post and you’ll be spending some time in Moalboal, feel free to check out the following –
- How To Get From Cebu To Moalboal: Schedule & Fare (2024)
- Where To Eat: Top 7 Must-Visit Moalboal Restaurants
- 10 Essential Things To Know Before Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
- Moalboal Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars & Party Spots
- How To Get From Moalboal To Siquijor: Schedule & Fare (2024)
- Pescador Island Moalboal: The Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide
- Moalboal Cafes: Top 5 BEST Breakfast & Brunch Spots