January 5, 2024

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Ahhhh, Moalboal.

Everyone knows that Cebu is one of the top travel destinations in the world. And a HUGE part of that title is thanks to Moalboal. 

This once sleepy beach town turned tourism hotspot is a must-visit for everyone – whether you’re a local tourist or a backpacker from the other side of the world. 

In this Moalboal travel guide, I’ll give you EVERYTHING there is to know before visiting! 

Things like:

And I’ll also answer a bunch of FAQs about the place. 

So if you’re ready, let’s dive right in! 

4 Moalboal Travel Facts

As always…

Before I get into the meat of this article, where I go over all the planning details you’ll need…

Let me get you excited first! 

Here are 4 travel facts about Moalboal to get you excited!

Moalboal Travel Facts #1: There’s Something For Everyone Here

Me under a waterfall

When people tell you to go visit Cebu, they’re usually talking about Moalboal. 

This is the default place to stay when on the island, and for very good reasons! 

Not only is it lovely and full of fun adventures, but it’s also very well developed for tourism. 

You’ll find countless hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs around here which cater to all budgets and travel styles. 

This is the kind of place where you can either relax luxuriously by the beach or meet other backpackers from across the world in small hostels…

Where you can eat some of the finest foods, or stuff yourself with cheap eats! 

There’s truly something for everyone here. 

Moalboal Travel Facts #2: But The Real Beauty is Underwater

The sardines of Moalboal

No matter what your travel preferences are, you NEED to see the sardine run. 

I know… I know…

I’m jumping ahead a bit, but I have to tell you about this because this is what made Moalboal famous in the first place. 

The sardine run is one of the most unique and incredible spectacles you can see. 

The giant, shiny ball of fish swimming in sync is truly a sight to behold. 

I’ll get into more details about how to enjoy this in a bit, but just know that you HAVE to see these sardines. 

Moalboal Travel Facts #3: Moalboal is an Awesome Base

Here’s something that might surprise you:

Aside from the sardine run, there isn’t too much to do in Moalboal itself.

It’s actually quite a small town. 

However, because all the accommodations are here, Moalboal is a great base to go exploring the rest of South Cebu. 

There are countless waterfalls, hikes, and less crowded beaches you can easily get to from here. 

And some people even use this as a base to go see the whale sharks in Oslob. 

Moalboal Travel Facts #4: Moalboal Has Some of the Best Sunsets

People watching the sunset

Because it’s found on the west side of Cebu, you’ll get a brilliant orange and purple sky almost every evening in Moalboal. 

Watching lazily as the sun goes down and dips behind Negros Island on the west is one of the best ways to spend the afternoon. 

Okay…

I hope all that got you excited.

Now it’s time to get into the meat and bones of this article!

How to Get to Moalboal

Getting to Moalboal is easy. 

However, if you’ve never been here before, the directions might seem confusing at first.

Don’t worry, because here’s a foolproof guide on how to get to Moalboal from anywhere in the Philippines! 

How to Get to Moalboal from Cebu City

Map Showing Cebu City to Moalboal

Here’s how to get to Moalboal from Cebu City:

  1. Go to the South Bus Terminal
  2. Buy a ticket for Moalboal (php210)
  3. Sit back, relax, and wait for the conductor to call out “Moalboal!”

The buses don’t have an official schedule, but they leave South Bus Terminal roughly every 30 minutes, so no need to book ahead. The trip takes 2 – 3 hours depending on traffic. 

Most buses also make a short stop in Barili for snacks, lunch, or dinner. 

Also, if you’re hailing a bus from the side of the road, the bus you’re looking for is the “Bato via Barili” bus. That’s the route that passes through Moalboal. 

Note 1: Most conductors call out “Moalboal” in the Gaisano Mall of Moalboal. If you’re staying near Panagsama Beach, getting off near Jollibee is closer (just tell the conductor you’re getting off in Jollibee Moalboal)

Note 2: When you arrive, there’s a bunch of tricycles and habal-habals (motorcycle taxis) ready to take you to your accommodation. This should cost around php50 – php300. Be sure to haggle and agree on a price before riding. 

Note 3: Finally, if you’re coming from Manila or other parts of the Philippines, flying into Cebu City and using this route is the easiest way to get to Moalboal. 

How to Get to Moalboal from Bohol

Moalboal to Bohol via Oslob travel route

You can ride a ferry to Cebu City and take a bus from there, but there’s a faster way to get to Moalboal from Bohol that passes through Oslob. Here’s how: 

  1. Ride the ferry from Momo Beach, Panglao, to Quartel Beach, Oslob
  2. Take a southbound bus to Bato 
  3. Switch buses to a bus bound for Cebu City via Barili
  4. Tell the conductor to drop you in Moalboal

The ferry from Panglao to Oslob usually only leaves once a day. It’s run by Apekop Travel and currently leaves at 6:30 am. Since there are limited seats, I highly recommend booking your seats ahead.

From the pier, walk to the highway and hail a southbound bus to Bato. 

Once you arrive, switch buses and ride a bus bound for Cebu City via Barili. Just tell the conductor you’re getting off in Moalboal. 

You can read my complete Moalboal to Bohol transpo guide to learn more about this route and your other options to get to Moalboal from Bohol!

How to Get to Moalboal from Siquijor via Dumaguete

Moalboal to Siquijor via Bato-Tampi

Getting to Moalboal from Siquijor might sound complicated, but it’s quite smooth going once you try it. Here’s how: 

  1. Ride a ferry to Dumaguete City
  2. Take a tricycle or bus to Tampi Port (or Sibulan Port, see below)
  3. Take a ferry from Tampi to Bato
  4. Ride a bus bound for Cebu City, and tell the conductor to drop you in Moalboal

There are several ferries, both fast and slow, that ply the Siquijor to Dumaguete City route every day.

For travelers, I recommend the OceanJet fast craft, which only takes 40 minutes to reach Dumaguete. It currently leaves 5x a day starting at 6:00 am and ending at 3:50 pm. You can easily book at Siquijor port or online

From the Dumaguete City Port, you can take a northbound bus to Tampi Port (or Sibulan, see note below). 

There’s a ferry that leaves from Tampi to Bato in Cebu roughly every 1.5 hours. You can only book on the spot. 

Finally, when you arrive in Bato, take a bus bound for Cebu City via Barili and tell them to drop you in Moalboal. Countless buses ply this route every day, so you won’t have to wait long to find one. 

Note on Sibulan Port: From Dumaguete, you can also take a tricycle to Sibulan Port instead of Tampi. It’s much closer to Dumaguete. 

However, the boats from Sibulan dock in Liloan Port instead of Bato, which adds another step to getting to Moalboal. 

From Liloan Port, you’ll want to take a tricycle or bus to Bato. Then you can take the bus bound for Cebu, which passes by Moalboal. 

Sound complicated?

It’s quite easy when you actually do it. 

Also, many people prefer this route because the boats from Sibulan to Liloan alternate in schedule with the Tampi to Bato boats, so there’s one leaving roughly every 30 – 60 minutes. If you miss the Tampi boat, you can easily go to Sibulan and ride there instead. 

Note: for more ways to get to Moalboal from Siquijor, check out my full route guide!

Transportation Options: How to Get Around Moalboal

Once you step off the bus in Moalboal, a flood of tricycle and habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) drivers are going to be in your face asking where you’re going. 

It can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not expecting it. 

So here’s what you need to know about your transportation options in Moalboal! 

Tricycles and Habal-Habals

Man driving a tricycle

There are tricycles and habal-habals all over Moalboal. It’s the main mode of transportation around here, and it shouldn’t cost too much. 

For example, a shared tricycle from Moalboal bus stop to Panagsama Beach only costs around php20 per head. If you want to get the entire tricycle, that’ll cost you roughly php150 – 300. 

Meanwhile, a habal-habal ride on the same route should cost around php50 – php100. 

But here’s the catch:

Most drivers WILL try to charge you more. Especially once they know you’re a tourist. 

That’s why you should ALWAYS agree to a price before riding. 

Short distances shouldn’t cost you more than php50. 

While longer distances, like Panagsama to White Beach, will cost you up to php300.  

Renting a Motorbike

Motorbike parked by the roadside in Del Carmen

Moalboal is quite small, so unlike other destinations like Camiguin or Siquijor, renting a motorbike isn’t a “must.” 

That said, I LOVE the freedom that having a motorbike gives, so I still recommend it. 

Plus, you’ll never have to deal with overcharging drivers. 

Motorbike rentals in Moalboal go from php300 to php500 a day. You can find them all over Panagsama Beach. 

There are also some closer to the bus stop, just search on Google Maps. Or you can even find one on Facebook ahead, and message them to bring your motorbike to the bus stop. 

With a motorbike, you can easily visit White Beach any time you like. You can also go exploring nearby towns and check out their waterfalls (more on this later)

Vans and Taxis

You’re never going to need to ride a van or taxi inside Moalboal, since the town is quite small. 

That said, if you’re going to Badian for canyoneering, or Oslob for the Whale Sharks, there are a bunch of travel agencies in Moalboal that can get a van for you. 

Just walk along Panagsama Road, and you’ll see a bunch of posters with transportation options. You can even book a ride back to Cebu City from here. 

Moalboal Travel Map 

A fun, Moalboal travel map coming soon. 

In Moalboal, there are really only 3 places you need to be aware of:

  1. Panagsama Beach
  2. White Beach
  3. Moalboal Town 

Let me tell you why:

Panagsama Beach

Me in Panagsama Beach

Panagsama Beach is the main tourist zone of Moalboal. 

This is where you’ll find most of the accommodations, and where you’ll find flocks of tourists walking about. 

You’ll find restaurants, bars, and tour organizers on every corner of the small streets. 

You’ll find dive shops, coffee shops, and even tattoo parlors. 

It’s pretty hectic, but also a really fun place. 

Panagsama Beach itself is quite rocky, but just a few meters offshore, you’ll find the giant ball of sardines Moalboal is so famous for. 

There are also turtles grazing in the shallows. 

The turtles of Panagsama Beach

It’s honestly a lovely place despite the crowd. 

And if you’re coming to Moalboal, I highly recommend staying somewhere close to Panagsama. That way, you can walk almost anywhere. 

White Beach

White Beach in Moalboal

15 minutes away from the bustling Panagsama, you’ll find a completely different beach and vibe. 

White Beach, also called Basdaku (“big sand” in the local language), is in a quieter part of Moalboal. 

The accommodations are more spread out, and there’s no flock of people walking the streets at any given moment.

If you want a more peaceful trip, I’d recommend booking a place around here. 

Also, White Beach itself is really beautiful. 

The sand of White Beach

As the name suggests, the sand here is white and powdery. 

There are a few cafes and bars here and there, but nothing like the jam-packed Panagsama! 

Moalboal Town

Moalboal Seaside Park

Lastly, there’s the Moalboal town proper. 

There’s a Gaisano shopping mall here, as well as fast food chains McDonald’s and Jollibee. 

The town proper is really just like any other provincial town. 

For travelers, there isn’t anything too interesting here except the bus stop. 

However, there is a nice little plaza tucked away beside the town’s Jollibee. It’s a cozy place that’s perfect for watching the sunset! (more about this in a bit)

Sunset in Seaside Park Moalboal

Now…

That might not seem like a lot.

But that’s because Moalboal is a base. 

There are a lot of other exciting places around Moalboal like the Badian canyoneering, Osmena Peak in Dalaguete, Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan, and even the whale sharks in Oslob. 

Where To Stay in Moalboal

Hostels:

  • Muba Hostel – With an extra low price, this hostel provides a shared lounge, free Wifi and a terrace. It’s also located a few kilometers from some of the famous Moalboal beaches.
  • Hotel Sisters Inn Moalboal – One of the most highly and positively reviewed property at a low price. Enjoy the clean rooms and big balcony with your friends and guests.
  • Nirvana Bamboo & Dive resort – 1 km away from White beach. Enjoy the bamboo rooms with a wide terrace outside and a pool to dip in.

Mid-Price:

  • New Eve’s Kiosk Dive Resort – This dive resort is complete with clean, well-furnished rooms, a spa and a pool to train for scuba diving.
  • Pescadores Suites – One of the most highly reviewed hotels in Moalboal. You’ll get to experience interesting dining options, a game room, a spa and an outdoor pool!
  • Mayas Native Garden Resort – Walking distance to Panagsama beach. Enjoy your stay in one of these cozy cottages with a lush garden outside and a place to cook your BBQ.
  • GoOd Inn White Beach Moalboal – Walking distance to White beach. Air conditioned cottage rooms with shared bathroom. Parking area for those bringing cars and a wide terrace to walk around.

High-end:

  • Parrot Resort Moalboal – Great place to stay with amazing facilities. You’ll get to enjoy the game rooms, bar and restaurants, a pool and a beautiful garden.
  • The Blue Orchid Resort – You won’t just enjoy the beautiful rooms but a wide variety of activities such as: swimming, scuba training, getting a massage, canoeing or just a relaxing stroll at the beach.
  • Turtle Bay Dive Resort – Private beach with amazing facilities. Enjoy the massage, spa and sauna or a dip at the pool with your friends and family. You can also try out the water activities by the beach or just chill at the game room and shared lounge.
  • Hale Manna Coastal Gardens – Spacious and clean rooms, you’ll enjoy your stay at this private coastal garden. With activities such as swimming, canoeing and snorkeling, you’re sure to have a blast!

What To Do In And Around Moalboal

Let’s get to the fun part! 

Here’s a bunch of the super cool and unique things you can do in and around Moalboal!

What to do in Moalboal #1: Swim With The Sardine RUN!

Me diving into the sardines

As promised! 

This is by FAR the best thing to do in Moalboal.

It’s something that you simply cannot miss.

The sardines are found in Panagsama Beach. 

Just a few meters offshore, you’ll find a steep drop in the seafloor. That’s where the sardines like to hang out. 

You don’t need a guide to find them, although you could get a guide if you’d like pictures (or if you want them to push you down into the sardines). Guides charge php500 for this, as well as helping you find the turtles. 

You can also rent goggles, a snorkel, and a lifejacket anywhere along Panagsama for php150 to 200.

You may also have to pay a php100 entrance fee depending on where you enter. It’s a public beach, but some passageways are not free!

Note: the best time to see the sardines is early in the morning. Sardines prefer cold water, so there’s a much bigger ball of them during these hours. They still hang around Panagsama in the afternoon, but it’s a smaller bunch. 

What to do in Moalboal #2: Watch the Sunset in White Beach

People watching sunset in White Beach

White Beach is a very charming place. 

Not only is the sand white and the sea blue, but it’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset. 

So grab a drink, find a spot on the sand, and enjoy the beautiful color show play out before your eyes. 

You can also come here during the day, it’s a lovely place to swim as well. 

But the sunset is what truly makes White Beach special. 

What to do in Moalboal #3: Go Canyoneering in Badian

Me sitting under a waterfall

Technically not in Moalboal.

But you’ll find a BUNCH of tour operators in Moalboal offering canyoneering tours, and you should totally go for it.

Canyoneering in Badian is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. 

There’s a total of about 5-6 jumps in total, some of them are shorter, while others you’ll need to take a deep breath first. 

Me doing the Badian canyoneering

They closed the 50ft last jump for safety reasons, but the entire thing is still as thrilling as ever. 

Plus, you end your journey on the beautiful Kawasan Falls. 

The base price for canyoneering is php2,100 (including lunch). So if you’re coming from Moalboal you might have to pay around php2,500 depending on the tour provider (this is how much I paid)

What to do in Moalboal #4: Chase Waterfalls

Me in front of Kawasan Falls

There are countless waterfalls all around Moalboal.

And they’re some of the most stunning ones too! 

These include:

  • Kawasan Falls in Badian
  • Inambakan Falls in Ginatilan
  • Dao Falls in Samboan
  • Cangkalanog, Montpellier, and Cambais Falls in Alegria
  • Mantayupan Falls in Barili

All of these falls are an hour or two away from Moalboal, and visiting them is definitely worth it. 

These are some of the most mesmerizingly blue waters you’ll ever see! 

What to do in Moalboal #5: Go on Chill Hikes

Me in Kandungaw Peak

Moalboal is known for its beaches.

Yet not too far away, there are a couple of chill easy hikes you can go on. 

These are Kandungaw Peak, Osmena Peak, and Casino Peak. 

These three peaks are all part of the same mountain range, and they’re all relatively easy to climb. 

Osmena takes all of 15 minutes to get to the top, while Kandungaw might take an hour for slower hikers. 

All of these peaks give you lovely views of both Moalboal on the west coast and also the east coast of Cebu! 

What to do in Moalboal #6: Try Diving

Me scuba Diving in El Nido

Whether it’s freediving or scuba diving, Moalboal is truly a diving hub. 

There are countless scuba diving shops around here. 

Plus, seeing the sardines from underneath the ball is quite a unique experience as well. 

Sadly, a lot of the corals of Moalboal were destroyed during Typhoon Odette in 2021. Pescador Island off the coast of Moalboal used to be a diving paradise. 

But while the hard corals aren’t back yet, the soft ones are starting to regrow already, and there’s still plenty of life in these waters! 

Alternatively, you can also go freediving. 

There are a few freediving schools and instructors based in Moalboal. One of the most popular is Nicco’s Place, which also offers accommodation! 

What to do in Moalboal #7: Visit Oslob

Okay…

Oslob is quite far away already, and there are a bunch of things you can do there, so it probably needs its own travel guide (I’ll write one soon)

But if you’re already in Moalboal, it’s worth considering a side trip to Oslob! 

Oslob is where you’ll find the famous whale sharks, as well as the Quartel Ruins, Tumalog Falls, and the Monkey Watching Area. 

If you’re planning to visit Bohol after Moalboal, there’s also a port here with a direct ferry to Oslob (more on that in the “where to go next” section)

Sample Itineraries and Budgets for Moalboal

So now that you know what you can do, let’s take it a step further. 

Let’s help the planner in you with an itinerary! 

Now, just so you know, Moalboal is one of those places where it’s completely fine not to have a plan. 

You can meet a lot of travelers here, and just go with the flow if that’s your thing.

But if you’re short on time, or if you’re the planner type, here’s how I’d recommend spending your time! 

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights Moalboal Itinerary and Budget – php6,929

Note: this is how I’d personally spend 3D2N in Moalboal as a solo traveler who likes keeping things as cheap as possible! 

Day 1 – Arrival & White Beach

TimeActivityPrice
MorningCebu City to Moalboal busphp209
2:00 pmHabal-Habal from bus stop to accommodationphp100
Check-in Pacifico hostel (2 nights)php1,000
4:00 pmHabal-habal to White Beachphp100
White Beach entrancephp20
6:00 pmBack to Panagsamaphp100
Dinnerphp150
9:00 pmSleep

Note: If you don’t want to haggle with motorcycle taxi drivers, you can also rent your own motorbike for php300-500 a day. It’s more expensive and not necessary, but it sure does make things more convenient! 

Note 2: You can also go to see the sardines, but this is best done early in the morning when the water is still cold! 

Day 2 – Sardines, Canyoneering, Lambug Beach

TimeActivityPrice
6:00 amSardine Run! Php500 (free if no guide)
6:30 amTurtle watching
7:30 amBreakfastphp100
9:00 amCanyoneeringPhp2,500 (price varies, starts at 2,100)
2:00 pmCanyoneering lunchFree
3:00 pmHabal-habal to Lambug Beachphp100
Swim / Chill / Sunset in Lambug Beachphp50
6:00 pmHabal-habal to highwayphp100
Bus to Moalboalphp30 
6:30 pmArrive in Moalboal, habal-habal to Panagsamaphp100
7:00 pmDinnerphp150
9:00 pmSleep

Note: Lambug Beach is an awesome white-sand beach in Badian, close to the canyoneering shops. You can tell your tour operator not to take you back to Moalboal, and instead ride a motorcycle taxi to the beach. 

Alternatively, you can also spend the afternoon chilling in either Panagsama or White Beach again. 

Day 3 – Waterfalls and Hiking (or Oslob)

Note: If you’re heading to Oslob, the first or third day would be the day to do it. If not, here’s what I’d do! 

TimeActivityPrice
6:00 amBreakfastphp100
7:00 amRent motorbikephp400
Gasphp200
8:30 amVisit Inambakan Fallsphp290 (60 entrance, 30 parking, 200 guide)
11:00 pmLunchphp150
2:00 pmHike Osmena Peak php270 (50 entrance, 20 parking, 200 guide)
5:00 pmBack in Moalboal, return bike
Bus back to Cebuphp210
Total Spend (3D2N)php6,929

Note: This itinerary depends greatly on timing. The bus back to Cebu can take 3 – 4 hours depending on traffic (or 2.5 if you’re lucky). 

Also, you can check out Kandungaw Peak or Casino Peak instead of Osmena Peak. Osmena is the tallest, Kandungaw is the most challenging, and Casino is a great alternative to escape the crowd. 

Notes on this 3D2N itinerary:

This is how I’d do things if I had 3 days! However, this itinerary greatly depends on what time you arrive and leave Moalboal. 

If you can ride a bus from Cebu City at 3 – 4 am, you can go straight to the sardines. If you have to leave Moalboal early, I’d cut out Osmena Peak. 

It also depends on where you’re coming from and where you’re going after. For example, if you’re coming from Bohol, I’d do Oslob on day 1. 

That’s why instead of following it to a tee, I recommend taking the things to do and making them work for your schedule as well. 

If you need more help, just leave a comment down below or message me on my Instagram and I’ll get to you!

Sample 4 Days 3 Nights Moalboal Itinerary and Budget 

If you have 4 days in Moalboal, I’d recommend spending 1 night in Oslob seeing the whale sharks, the Quartel ruins, and Tumalog Falls, before continuing to do the 3-day itinerary above! 

Day 1 – Oslob

Day 2 – Transfer to Moalboal, sunset in White Beach

Day 3 – Sardines, Canyoneering, and Lambug Beach

Day 4 – Inambakan Falls and Osmena Peak

If you’re staying longer than 4 days, you can spread out your activities more. Or you can also visit some of the lesser-known waterfalls in the area! 

Also, Moalboal is the type of place you can really stay for weeks, or even months. It’s a very chill place, and there are plenty of lovely communities in the area!

Where to Go After Moalboal

If you’re just heading to Moalboal, that’s great. 

There’s nothing wrong with spending a lot of time here since there’s a lot to do and it’s a great place to chill too. 

But if you wanna pair your Moalboal trip with a few nearby destinations, here’s where you can go!

Bohol

The Chocolate Hills

Bohol and Moalboal are two parts of the Visayas Loop. 

It’s a major tourist hub and an absolute must-visit! 

From the Chocolate Hills and the green Loboc River to the dolphins and stunning reefs, Bohol is a world-class destination. 

And the best part?

Getting to Bohol from Moalboal is incredibly easy!

All you have to do is ride a southbound bus to Bato, then switch to a bus going to Oslob. 

In Quartel Beach, Oslob, there’s a direct ferry to Bohol

It’s run by Apekop Travel, and usually leaves once a day at 11:00 am. There are limited seats, so I recommend booking ahead!

If not, you can take a bus back to Cebu City, and then ride the OceanJet from Pier 1 to Tagbilaran. 

Siquijor

Empty Lugnason Falls

Siquijor completes the Visayas Loop. 

It’s a very charming island, almost magical at times. 

Siquijor’s specialty is its short waterfalls and lovely beaches. 

It’s also not as developed as both Bohol and Moalboal, so it’s VERY easy to fall in love with this island. 

Getting here from Moalboal might sound complicated, but trust me it’s not. 

Here’s how:

  1. Bus to Bato
  2. Ferry to Tampi
  3. Bus to Dumaguete City port
  4. Ferry to Siquijor!

See?

Okay… it does sound a bit complex. But there are countless buses and ferries plying this route every day, so it’s not at all difficult to get on one! 

Bantayan

Sunset in Bantayan Island

I’ll say it again, Moalboal is the main tourist destination of Cebu.

But it’s FAR from the only one! 

Far up north of Cebu, you’ll find Bantayan Island, which is probably the most laid-back spot in Cebu. 

Getting here is a bit complex from Moalboal. 

The easiest way would be to ride a bus back to Cebu City, take a taxi to the North Bus terminal, and ride a bus bound for Bantayan Island. 

There might be a way to skip Cebu City if you get off in Carcar or Barili and look for transpo heading northwest. But I can’t promise you’ll find one! I’ve never tried it, and this is not a known travel route.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Moalboal

Alright…

So before I close off this guide, let me go over some of the most frequently asked questions about Moalboal. 

Hopefully, that’ll answer any lingering questions you might have! 

What Makes Moalboal Famous?

The sardine run! The sardine run is Moalboal’s most famous attraction. Aside from that, the beaches and corals here are also world-class! 

What’s The Best Time to Visit Moalboal?

The best time to visit Moalboal would be during the dry season from December to May! 

Keep in mind though that during the major holidays (Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week), Moalboal gets PACKED. 

If you can avoid those dates, you’ll have a much better experience in the town!

Also, the Philippine weather is extremely unpredictable. You can come during the wet season and get endless days of sunshine, and you can come during the dry season and get nothing but rain, rain, rain! 

Can You See Whale Sharks in Moalboal?

No. The whale sharks can be found in Oslob, which is about 2 hours away from Moalboal. 

Moalboal is home to the sardine run, turtles, and other beautiful marine life, but not the whale sharks!

Where Can I Watch the Sunset in Moalboal?

The best place to watch the sunset in Moalboal is in White Beach. Not only is the sand fine, but the atmosphere here is cozy and you get a spectacular light show from the sky here!

Alternatively, you can watch it in the Moalboal Seaside Park in the main town. It’s a cozy plaza with benches where you can sit and relax while the sun goes down.

Finally, watching the sunset in Panagsama Beach isn’t bad. You get the same view of the sea and the sun. But it isn’t great either. 

White Beach or Panagsama Beach?

White Beach is more relaxing. It’s the perfect place to do a chill swim and watch the sunset. Panagsama is all about action! This is where the sardine run is, as well as the turtles. 

Also, the beach in Panasama is rocky, so it’s not ideal for relaxation. 

But if you’re asking this trying to decide where to stay, I’d go for Panagsama. It’s much more lively around the Panagsama area, whereas White Beach resorts are a bit isolated. 

How Long Should I Stay in Moalboal?

3-4 days is the perfect amount of time in Moalboal. You can see everything in 2 days, but I’d say that’ll be too rushed.

But again, Moalboal is a place you can stay in forever. 

So if you wanna stay 4 days, 5 days, a week or two, or even months, why not? 

Ready to Visit Moalboal?

I LOVE Moalboal. 

And I’m sure you will too!

So whether you’re still considering going here (you should btw), or if you already have tickets to Cebu and are finalizing your itinerary, I REALLY hope this guide was useful for you! 

If it was, or if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below! 

Happy travels!

– Manoling

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About the author 

Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

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  1. Hi! love reading this post. I'm actually from Cebu, but the last time I got to visit Moalboal was in 2017 lol anyway, may i ask if there are day-use rooms available at White Beach, preferrably ones with hourly rate, since we only like to stay for a few hours? i know that may not be frequent or possible in most beach resorts since most of them offer only overnight stays, unless it is a cottage only. I was hoping we could find a cheap room accomodation to secure our things because we might find it difficult to watch over our things at a cottage-type accomodation while enjoying our time at the beach.. TIA for your response

    1. Hey Rishmel!

      Sorry for the late reply.

      Hmmmm, that I’m not sure.

      There are a few resorts and cafes, maybe you can ask around?

      If you go on a day that isn’t busy, I’m sure someone will take you in since it’ll be extra income for them 🙂

      Cheers!

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