Pic: Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island, Philippines (Nov 2011)

Pic: Tapanee Beach Resort, Malapascua Island (Nov 2011)
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure to visit the Philippines.  As I had already visited the island of Boracay in 2008, I was looking for new exotic island to discover.  Originally I was thinking about Bohol, the number 1 tourist destination for visitors arriving in Cebu.  Eugene, a Russian CouchSurfer, came up with a different proposal: diving at Malapascua island.  We met at Cebu North Bus Terminal and joined the Filipinos on the bus to Maya.  The four hour ride along scenic routes cost us 160 Philippine Pesos, which is less than 3 euro.  In Maya, a banca (local ferry) sailed us to Malapascua island in less than half an hour for 80 pesos.

Pic: Bart enjoying one of Malapascua’s beautiful beaches (Nov 2011)

Pic: Bounty Beach at Malapascua Island in the Philippines (Nov 2011)
As Eugene had already booked at Moonlight Resort, I joined him.  Eugene had booked a deluxe room with fan and was quoted PHP 700 by the Austrian owner who runs the place from Austria and visits on regular bases.  I was quoted almost the double PHP 1300 for a deluxe room with aircon.  Turned out these rooms where exactly the same, only the aircon was disabled at Eugene’s room.  Moonlight is located a 10 minute walk from Bounty beach, which makes it much cheaper than some of the other properties along Bounty Beach.  The walk from the beach leads you through the local village which gives it extra charm.  The accommodation was clean and spacious, had friendly staff and served acceptable breakfast.  Unfortunately, my stay at Malapascua was limited to three days, but I used the opportunity to renew my PADI Advanced Open Water diving license with a Scuba Review at Thresher Shark Divers.  Excellent dive guidance by instructor Angus, great food and drinks at Oscar’s and everything at very affordable prices.
Video: Lovely Filipina introduces us to Malapascua Island