When traveling I prefer a DIY tour because I can own my time. Sometimes I joined a group tour to lessen my travel expenses. On my South Cebu tour, I created my own itinerary because I’ll be working also while staying in there.
I was planning to stay at Badian or Oslob but ended up staying in Moalboal. I choose to stay at Moalboal because I wanted to do scuba diving, sardine run and Moalboal is near to Kawasan Falls and Osmena Peak. It’s far though to Oslob but it’s okay because swimming with whale sharks was not included in my itinerary. I wanted to do that in Donsol because I prefer a natural way of seeing whale sharks.
The Backpackers Lodge is very affordable. At that time, rooms with own bathroom were fully booked and only dorm type room was available. So I booked ahead and paid via Paypal. When I got there, I see a lot of cheaper accommodations. But then I already booked in Backpackers Lodge. The staffs are accommodating and the owner is a foreigner. In fact, a lot of foreigners can be seen in Moalboal. Seldom Filipino travelers, if there are Filipinos, mostly they are locals in Moalboal.
My roommates were also foreigners. I am the only Filipina. I had a short chat with an American and a Brazilian. They were chatty so I strived hard to talk in English. Nosebleed mga besh! hahaha. I’m a proud Filipina, thinking they choose to stay in the Philippines.
The Backpackers Lodge is simple, in native styles, like bamboo tables and chairs. They had a terrace and a lot of hammocks are available, nice for star gazing and chilling. The dorm type room has more than 10 bunk beds with comfort room, bathroom, and a kitchen. Only 350 per night.
Roaming around you can see a lot of scuba diving services. Saavedra is nearest to Backpackers Lodge. I also saw travel agency booths that offer a lot of activities like Canyoneering, sardine runs, and Osmena Peak tour.
Restaurants, coffee shop and bars can be seen in Moalboal too. It’s a party place at night. I stayed at the terrace around 2:00 AM and I still heard disco sounds nearby,
Therapeutic Massage is also available. I tried their massage service when I had body pain due to Canyoneering and it feels good. Maybe that’s the reason why they put up a body massage center because you really need it after doing Canyoneering.
On your spare time, you can also do snorkeling on the beach. You can see a lot of fishes even in shallow waters. Snorkel set can be rented around 100 pesos per day. Affordable isn’t it?
To book in Backpackers Lodge, please use the contact details below.
www.moalboal-backpackerlodge.com
https://www.facebook.com/MOALBOAL-BACKPACKER-LODGE-113222358688894/
moalboal27@gmail.com
For Scuba Dive Booking, you can use the details below. They also accept walk-ins.
Cebu Dive Center
info@cebudivecentre.com
Saavedra Dive Center
https://www.facebook.com/SavedraDiveCenter
HOW TO GET TO MOALBOAL
Step 1: Fly to Cebu City
- Nearest airport: Mactan–Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Step 2: Cebu City → Moalboal
By Bus (Budget Option)
- From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a Ceres Bus to Moalboal (Travel time: ~3 to 4 hours)
- Destination: Bato via Barili route
- Tell the driver to drop you off at Moalboal town proper or Gaisano Moalboal (Fare: ₱180–₱220)
- Note: First trip: Around 4:00 AM; last trip ~7:00 PM
By Van (Faster but Less Comfortable)
- Vans available at One Citilink Terminal or SM Seaside
- Faster but more cramped
- Fare: ₱200–₱250
- Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours
