Moalboal is on the southwest coast of Cebu, and most of what makes it special starts right at the water’s edge in Panagsama, the area around Panagsama Beach. Restaurants, bars and the famous sardine run are all a short walk apart, which makes it an easy place to spend a few days without a car. Here are the things we recommend, from the easiest to the earliest alarm clock.
1. Snorkel with the sardine run
The sardine run is the reason many travellers come to Moalboal. Huge schools of sardines live just off Panagsama Beach, close enough to reach by swimming from the shore. You don’t need a boat or a dive certificate: a mask and snorkel is enough.
- When: all year round. The water is usually calmest in the morning.
- Bonus: sea turtles are often seen here too.
- Respect the reef: don’t touch any marine life, don’t stand on the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Fins help if you have them.
You can rent a mask and snorkel at our reception, or ask us to arrange a guided trip. Read more in our sardine run guide or on the snorkeling with the sardines page.
2. Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Kawasan Falls is in Badian, a little south of Moalboal. Canyoneering tours usually start upriver and follow the canyon down to the falls: you swim, slide down natural chutes and, if you want, jump from the rocks into deep pools. The cliff jumps are optional, and helmets and life vests are standard.
Plan for a good part of the day. Our reception arranges the transport, a guide and the gear, and tours booked with us can be cancelled free of charge at any time. See Kawasan Falls canyoneering.
3. Whale shark watching in Oslob
Oslob, on the southeast coast of Cebu, is known for early-morning whale shark watching. It’s a long drive from Moalboal, so trips start very early. If you don’t mind the alarm, it can be a memorable day. Please keep your distance in the water and never touch the whale sharks. See Oslob whale shark watching.
4. Explore the coast by motorbike
Want to go at your own pace? Rent a motorbike at the hostel and explore Moalboal and the coastline yourself. It’s a popular choice for a lazy day between the bigger trips. Ask at reception or message us on WhatsApp; see rentals and laundry.
5. Slow mornings and social nights
Not every day has to be an adventure. Our in-house coffee shop serves coffee, lattes, smoothies and breakfast smoothie bowls, and it’s a good place to work for a few hours if you’re travelling with a laptop. In the evening the bar pours craft beer on tap.
We also run regular events: beer pong, karaoke, trivia and game nights, and the traditional Filipino boodle fight, a feast served on banana leaves and eaten with your hands at one long table. The schedule changes from week to week, so ask at reception what’s on during your stay. See events.
Moving on from Moalboal
Many travellers combine Moalboal with Dumaguete or Siquijor. Ferries to the Dumaguete area leave from Liloan port in Santander, at the southern tip of Cebu, and the ferry to Siquijor leaves from Oslob. We arrange private transfers to both ports; see all transfers.
Where to stay
Wild Monkeys Hostel is a boutique hostel on Panagsama Road, a short walk from the sardine run, with spotless dorms, a private room, open-air showers and an in-house coffee shop and bar. Reception arranges all the trips above. See our rooms, or read where to stay in Moalboal and our Moalboal itinerary.