Moalboal's Best: Pescador Island and Sardines Run

One of the good parts about traveling is that I can meet a lot of people. Whether I’m the tourist or I’m the local; It connects us to one thing, travel. When we went to Hong Kong a few months ago, we met a local named Monique who went with us touring Hong Kong’s temples. She even took a day off just to take us to their tourist attractions and we tried their favorite desserts. It was one of the highlights of our travel. I believe that the people of a certain place makes my travel more memorable.

After that, we reunited here in the Philippines last June. She visited the country with her friends, Kim and Yasmin. They spent a week here in Philippines but we only got the chance to explore Cebu together on a weekend. Only two days, but it was fun.

How to get to Moalboal

From South Bus Terminal – Take a bus, preferably Ceres bus (yellow bus) going to South (Oslob) for Php175.00. It will take 3-4 hours to get there. Then get off at Moalboal proper.

The girls from Hong Kong went to Moalboal first. Me and Hernan went at 2am and arrived at 5am. We took the bus and going south and paid Php175.00.

The moment we arrived in Moalboal, a tricycle driver asked as in Tagalog where we were heading. We answered in Bisaya to take us to the airbnb place, and he asked us to pay Php150.00. We refused and walked out and tried to find another one but the driver who approached us went to the flock of tricycle drivers and gave them some words. I believe he just said we refused to take the offer they usually give to tourists. As there were no tricycle drivers who wanted to drive us to the place for the correct price we were forced to ride one for Php100.00. Later, we knew that it is only Php15.00 to get to the airbnb house. I guess that’s the problem with a touristy place, even their fellow Filipino, not to mention fellow Cebuano, they still want to get some out of the usual. So disappointing.

We found the house and slept a little bit before we went on island hopping.

Where to Stay?

Moalboal, Cebu

We stayed at Ritabel House near the white beach, Monique booked it via airbnb.

But I suggest that you should get an accomodation near Panagsama Beach. You can look for it in Booking.

Pescador Island

Moalboal, Cebu

We rented a boat for Php2000.00 that took us to Pescador Island and Sardines Run. It was a little bit sad because we did not see any dolphins. If we went early, maybe around 6am, we might have seen a few of them.

Pescador Island is also a diving spot, we saw a lot of scuba divers in the area. We can’t really go on the island. We can only swim around it. The water have has strong currents so we asked the boat men to stop where there is a slow current so that we can swim properly.

Tip: It is better to bring food while doing Island hoping.

Moalboal, Cebu

Sardines Run

After that, we went to Panagsama Beach to witness thousands of Sardines located in the area. They can be seen all year round. The beach does not have a wide shore where you can walk and sit on the sand; however it has a rich marine life. Only a few meters away from the shore we saw a lot of sardines, other kinds of fishes and there are also sea turtles in the area.

Snorkeling gears are also available in the area. Mask and Fins cost Php100.00 each.

Moalboal, Cebu