Island Hopping in the Philippines - Cebu

The Philippines offer many beautiful islands, all looking like paradise. Therefore it can be hard to decide where to go. Soon we will be back in the Philippines but here is the trip itinerary we did back in 2018. We focused on short travels with more time to enjoy beach days.

1. Moalboal

Just a short bus trip away from Cebu city is Moalboal (115Php). The island is most known for its sardine runs which you can explore by snorkeling. The island has 2 beaches.

The white sand beach, which is located in the north - more quieter and good for swimming. The other one, called Panagsama Beach, in the south of Moalboal, with an amazing underwater world offering turtles, many fish, sea cucumbers, corals and millions of sardines. This beach is busy with many restaurants and resorts around. It is rather small and there are plenty of boats arriving filled with people who want to explore the deep blue. Usually, we like quiet places but the sardines attracted us. Once you dive into the water you forget about all the people on the surface. It is a snorkeler’s paradise. And once the reef drops and you can not see the ground anymore you are welcomed by millions of sardines which look like you are used to seeing it in documentaries.

Accommodation is not hard to find in Moalboal, we preferred to stay in a more quiet area in the middle of the island, where we also rented a scooter and drove to the close by Kawasan Falls (entrance fee 45php). These famous waterfalls are a 30-minute drive from Moalboal. If you want to be there alone it’s best to arrive in the early morning.

2. Apo Island

turtle eating sea grass in apo island, philippines

Getting to Apo is easy. We tried to find information about the trip online but all the different information confused us. In the end, it was much easier than we expected. Simply take a bus from Moalboal to Bato(85Php). Then a trike to the pier (50php)and take a boat (62php) to Sibulan. Once you have arrived you will have plenty of offers to take you to the next big city, Dumaguete. The cheapest is to take a jeepney(10Php), if they are full at the pier walk 200m and you will be able to catch one from the road. We decided to stay one night in Dumaguete because the boats to Apo Island don’t leave after 3 pm. The next morning you will take a jeepney (20Php) to Malatapay, walk 5 minutes to the pier, and then wait for the next boat to leave to Apo Island. It’s smart to arrive early because there is no boat schedule. Just wait for the “ferry” to take you to the island for 300 pesos/person or if lucky you can join to a day trippers boat if they have room. Staying on the island will cost you a 100php entrance fee which is collected when you arrive.

Cheapest accommodation is Ronors Homestay which offers a double room plus a fan, shared bathroom, and breakfast for 500php. The accommodation is very simple but most likely you will spend your days at the beach, snorkeling or exploring the island and hiking to the island's lighthouse. Ronors Homestay has delicious dinner and lunch options for only 150php. The cheapest food we found on the island. In the evenings, when the island has electricity for 4 hours we used to go and enjoy the local karaoke just next to our guesthouse.

3. Siquijor

This bigger island was our layover before we traveled to Pamilacan. The island has many beautiful beaches and waterfalls. From Apo Island, you just travel back to Dumaguete and take a boat to Siquijor(100Php + 15php terminal fee). Don’t travel on a Saturday. They only have 2 boats leaving and you will wait in the line for 4-5 hours to get your ticket. This is what happened to us. But with good company and sunshine, it did not ruin our good mood. Anyway, if you want to travel fast you should travel this route from Sunday – Friday.

We arrived late to the island and checked into a guesthouse our tuk-tuk driver did recommend: Czars Place. It has nice and clean rooms for 600php with fans and a private bathroom. They also have a pool, but we did not use it. From the guesthouse, we rented a scooter and drove around the island. Our favorite beach is Paliton Beach, which is close to San Juan. It’s a very quiet beach with plenty of palm trees. The water is beautiful but there are some jellyfish. It’s best to sit close to the beach and just let the waves refresh you (fast tanning). If you are lucky some locals drop by and offer to pick a fresh coconut for you.

For food, we just stopped at BBQ places next to the road. We also visited Cambugahay Falls. There is no entrance fee, but to park your scooter you pay 10php. The waterfalls are very nice, not too busy. The water is amazingly refreshing and beautiful turquoise. However, to jump off ropes or cliffs you have to pay. Another place we did enjoy is the Marelle’s Underwater World Museum. We went here for lunch and while waiting for food we explored the huge collection of shells, fish, snakes, and stamps. Ackie, who works in the museum told us interesting facts about the shells that are collected from all over the Philippines. They also have a cute, not overpriced gift shop.

4. Pamilacan

The most beautiful ending to our island hopping. You can take a boat(700Php + 17 php terminal fee + around 40 php luggage fee) from Siquijor to Tagbilaran, Bohol. More expensive than the other boats we took but the easiest and fastest way from Siquijor to Bohol. From there you take a Jeepney (8Php) to Baclayon and from the Pier a boat will take you to the island. It’s best to book accommodation and a boat before. We highly recommend staying in Mary’s Cottage. It offers you a cozy bungalow with a private bathroom and fan and 3 Meals a day. The welcoming atmosphere and warm service of Mary and her huge family have made this our favorite place in the Philippines.

Even though the island is small it has electricity most of the day. It is a quiet paradise, where you can see a rich underwater life including schools of big fish like jackfish, colorful corals, Clownfish, dolphins, and if lucky (like us) even whale sharks and whales. Most impressive is how the locals turned from whale hunters to whale lovers. Me and Matias will definitely be back. Not just for the animals in the sea or the amazing food, but also for the friends we have made.