Moalboal White Beach – What to See, How to Get There, and Everything You Need to Know

Heading to Moalboal?

If YES, you’ve probably already done some research.

You know it’s famous for its colorful reefs, sardine run (where you can swim with a gigantic ball of thousands of sardines), beautiful sea turtles, and vibrant nightlife. 

What you didn’t know…Moalboal has a not-too-secret spot perfect for lying back under an umbrella and sipping an ice-cold bottle of Coke. 

It’s not as activity-packed as Panagsama, which makes it the best place to relax, unwind, and recharge.

Introducing, Moalboal White Beach. ⛱

In this post, I’ll give you a thorough White Beach walkthrough. 

Including: 

• Why it’s called White Beach (OK, this is a bit obvious 😅)
• How to get there 
• What to see (and do) there
• How much you can expect to spend there 
• Who to contact for a perfect White Beach tour 
• A secret surprise people who’ve been to White Beach might not know 
• And more!

Ready? 

Let’s dive in! 

3 Travel Facts You NEED To Know About Moalboal’s White Beach

Let’s start with the SUPER obvious…

White Beach is called White Beach because…

…well, White + Beach.

Duh. 🙄

But alright… let’s get to some interesting and important things to know about this powdery white beach!

White Beach Fact #1: White Beach is Unique From All The Other White Beaches

Here’s a fun fact:

Moalboal White Beach is also called Basdaku White Beach.

Basdaku, in Bisaya, means “Big Sand.”

That’s because the beach is a long, curving strip of powdery white sand stretching more than 1 kilometer long.

Its edges brush against emerald waters that are sometimes so calm, it looks like the surface of a swimming pool. 

On the other edge of the sand strip are coconut and palm trees standing dark against a skyline of incredible blue. 

When the tide recedes, you can walk on shallow tide pools and observe strange species of marine life – lamp black slugs, translucent worm-like creatures, crustaceans, gelatinous string-shaped beings, sea urchins, starfish…you name it. 

If you’ve ever been to Boracay or Alona Beach in Bohol, you can expect the same vibe from White Beach.

But quieter. Less comercial. More alive with minuscule sea creatures. More (dare I say?) authentic. 

Its name is simplistic, but it holds a treasure trove of surprises for those who look closer.

White Beach Fact #2: It’s “Far” From Moalboal’s Main Town

One thing that a lot of visitors don’t realize is that White Beach is actually a fair bit away from Moalboal’s main town and Panagsama Beach.

It’s about 6km away, or a 15-minute drive.

You’ll need to either rent a motorbike from Panagsama or hop on a tricycle to take you there (or you can always walk if you don’t mind).

White Beach Fact #3: Panagsama is for Action, White Beach is for Chilling

Panagsama Beach (NOT White Beach) is where all the action in Moalboal is at.

It’s where you’ll find the sardine run and the turtles.

And it’s also where you’ll find endless rows of restaurants, cafes, hotels, inns, tour organizers, and an endless flow of tourists walking about.

If you ask me, I’d recommend staying in Panagsama for the action.

However, if you’re looking for a more quiet area, you might prefer White Beach.

There are still a few restaurants and bars scattered around, and there are definitely still a lot of tourists. But it’s nowhere near as crowded as Panagsama (especially at nighttime).

Alright…

Ready to explore White Beach?

Let’s talk about getting there!

How to Get to Moalboal White Beach

Start in Cebu City.

Take a taxi (or jeepney or eBus, if you’re more adventurous), to Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Once there, look for the yellow Ceres buses (these are by far the most well-maintained and comfortable), head inside, and buy a ticket for “Moalboal.” It should only cost you php209 for an air-conditioned bus.

Once you head outside, some guys will direct you to your bus. Usually, this will be a bus with the placard “Bato via Barili.” 

Once on the bus, tell the conductor to let you off at Moalboal. (Seriously, it’s that easy!) 

Sit down and relax as the bus rolls through a few southern cities, then winds upwards and westward through lush green scenery. 

Don’t fall asleep! 

I recommend sitting on the right side of the bus, so you can view Tanawan Ridge (a steep drop into a breathtaking green abyss) on your way to Moalboal. 

Barili’s seaside town is also a picturesque sight worth staying awake for.

The whole trip will take 2-4 hours, depending on what time you leave. 

If you take an early bus (5 am, for example), you’ll arrive in 2 hours.

If you take a daytime bus, expect traffic and a longer travel time. 

Once you get to Moalboal, you can either disembark at Gaisano Moalboal or Jollibee.

Either way, you’ll be met with a flock of tricycle and habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers, each one yelling in your ear that they’ll take you to,

“See the sardines! See the turtles! White beach??”

Select your transportation of choice, and you’re off! 

Want to find White Beach on your own?

Driving there in a car?

Here’s its exact location on Google: 

Note: If you’re coming from Panagsama, you can rent a motorbike for roughly php400/day. If not, you can hail a tricycle.

One of the problems with Moalboal is the tricycle drivers here will almost always try to rip you off. A trip from Panagsama to White Beach should cost you around php150-300 (depending on the time of day and your haggling skills) for the whole tricycle.

Why Visit Moalboal’s White Beach? What to See and Do There

Here’s the thing.

Moalboal’s White Beach isn’t for the over-adventurous thrill seeker.

Or maybe it is (after the thriller seeker has exhausted all adrenaline-inducing activities and is ready to sit by the seashore and contemplate life). 😎

In other words, it’s a really chill place.

When you step down the few cement steps and onto the white sands of the beach, the first thing you’ll see is rows of umbrellas and picnic blankets.

People eating buttered toast, reading, playing with dogs in strollers, watching their kids wade in the calm, emerald-green waters.

White Beach is the perfect place to take your family for a slow, relaxed day out. 

But wait – there’s more!

Yes, on the outside White Beach seems super laid back.

However, if you’re there and you don’t want to spend the entire time sitting on a beach towel, you can do one (or all!) of these three activities. 

Take a Walk End to End and Explore the Thriving Rocks and Tide Pools 

If you’re lucky and you visit White Beach at low tide, you’ll get to see the secrets of the sea revealed in shallow tide pools and exposed rocks on the beach.

Green algae, pulsating black slugs, translucent blobs of string-like creatures. Blue and rust-colored starfish. Angry, spiked sea urchins. Crabs scuttling across the crevices in the rocks. 

I took my dog walking across the ebb tide, and boy, did she go crazy chasing little spindly creatures against the sharp rocks! 

Just look at her go! 

Rent a Kayak and Explore the Deep 

Tired of sitting around on your beach towel all day?

Rent a kayak, hop on with one (or two) friends or family members, and give it a spin into the deeper area of the sea.

Don’t worry, it’s super easy to find a kayak to rent.

Chances are, you’ll be flocked with people asking if you want to rent one the moment you step onto the beach.

You’ll spend around PHP150 for a 30-minute spin.

Because these kayaks seat 3, they’re a perfect way to enjoy the briny sea breeze with your 2 favorite people. 

Plus, they get you away from the clamor of the crowded beach and allow you to soak in the calm lapping waves, the endless sky, and a view of Dumaguete’s silhouetted mountains in the distance.

Freedive (A Secret Most People Don’t Know) 

“Really?” you ask. “I thought White Beach was a chill, relaxing place!”

“Really,” I say.

White Beach is more than it seems.

Yes, it’s laid-back and semi-touristic, with a volleyball net and rows of sari-sari stores…

…but it has a secret, hidden depth not far from the shoreline.

I’d never heard about this until I explored it myself.

Here’s what happened:

I was bored of the beach and the shallows, so I decided to take my mask and snorkel and check out the deeper water.

Not far from the shore, I noticed the seafloor tilt downwards. 

It got instantly deep. 

Fish swam gently through patches of seagrass.

Then, almost out of nowhere, a steep dropoff appeared. 

It was a precipice, a cliff, pale blue waters turning a dark navy blue. 

No bottom in sight. 

I peered down, and since I was completely alone, I felt a shiver run down my spine. 

I could almost imagine a giant sea creature looming up suddenly from the black depth, all scales and fangs. 

I swam quickly back to the shore.

But this isn’t to scare you.

If you’re not alone, you’ll love to explore this mysterious, unknown depth with your dive buddies. 

It’s beautiful, silent, and a perfect place to feel the embrace of the water when you’re tired and stressed out. 

Where to Stay in White Beach

Hostels:

• West Coast Beach House – Modern, comfortable room with AC, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor water activities.
• GoOd Inn White Beach Moalboal – Eco-friendly Inn with sunset beach view.
• Moana Beach House -Affordable and has private beach access. Sunset from this hostel is just awesome.

Mid-Price:

• Pescadores Suites Moalboal – Direct access to the sea. If you’re lucky you can swim with turtles just offshore.
• MAAYONG HOSTEL – The hostel is ideally located just off the main road with just a 5 min walk into town. They provide board games, lounging areas, hammocks, and beanbags.
• Beyond Island – Around the corner from the beach. The kitchenette is great for long stays. Pickleball court on-premises to learn the sport.

High-end:

• Club Serena Resort – Gate linking to the beach makes it extra convenient. Free usage of paddle board and kayak too!
• Hale Manna Coastal Gardens – A place where you can find comfort in nature. Enjoy walking, snorkeling, tanning, and other activities without feeling bored.
• Treeshade Resort & Spa Moalboal – Indulge in exclusive amenities such as a refreshing swimming pool, spa, and a stylish bar. You’ll also enjoy thrilling water activities.

How Much You’ll Spend at MoalBoal White Beach

Looking for an affordable weekend getaway?

Moalboal’s White Beach is the perfect place to visit.

It’s super cheap, and you can always bring your own food and snacks to enjoy on a picnic blanket on the sands.

That said, here are the fees and other expenses you can expect to spend at White Beach.

And that’s it!

As you can see, you can modify your expenses to the kind of trip you want.

YES, you can always spend only 10 pesos for a whole day of chilling, reading, and relaxing on the soft, beautiful sands of White Beach. 

Who to Contact When You Visit Moalboal White Beach

You can always visit White Beach on your own.

Simply ask the people who meet you at the bus stop, and they’ll help you get there.

But if you’re the kind who wants to be ready in advance, you can contact my favorite guide Eric to take you there.

I get it, some people have anxiety and want to be 100% sure there’s someone who’ll help them when they step off the bus. 😅

So, here he is!

Eric Bajao (Cebu South Guide Tour). Click the link, add him on Instagram, and send him a DM!

He replies quickly, but make sure to send him a message 2-3 days (or a whole week) before you plan to go. He’s popular and his schedule gets full. 

Trust me, Eric is friendly, accommodating, honest…

…and simply fun to be around. 

Everyone I know who’s done a tour with him has left Moalboal with a big smile on their face. 

Moalboal White Beach: A Chill but Surprising Experience You Can’t Miss

If you ever find yourself in Cebu…

…bored, hot, and antsy.

Don’t hesitate.

Head to Moalboal’s White Beach, where you can lie back on a blanket, open that book you’ve left ignored on your shelf collecting dust, and soothe yourself with the sound of the waves. 

The trip to Moalboal is quick and easy, and you won’t regret it after you leave, feeling refreshed, happy, and lulled by the peace and beauty of the sand, sea, and sunlight. 

Looking for more Moalboal tips? Check out my full Moalboal travel guide here!