Things to do in Moalboal: Thrilling jumps from beautiful cliffs

Moalboal is one of the go to places to stay in the Philippines, often the first stop on any backpacking route due to how reachable it is from Cebu airport. It ticks off a lot of what backpackers and holiday makers alike seek: beaches, activities, good food and night life.

But with so much to choose from, where do you begin when planning our stay in Moalboal? How much time do you need and where should you stay? What is Kawasan Falls and why is everyone talking about it? I’m here to answer all of your questions and make your Moalboal adventure that little bit easier.

Getting to Moalboal

Situated on Cebu island, a popular region for both locals coming down from Manilla and backpackers, Moalboal is one of the easiest places to get to. This is particularly true when it comes to navigating your way to other islands, a different story all together.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is where you’ll first want to make your way to. Whilst this is an international airport, it’s likely you’ll probably fly into Manilla from your origin country and then down to Cebu. Easy enough.

Once you’ve made your way through passport control and collected your luggage, you have a few options. If you’re on a budget, you can opt for the local bus, which is what we did. If you’re wanting a bit more comfort, then go for a private taxi.

IF going for a private taxi, have this booked in advance to avoid scams or being stranded. You shouldn’t pay any more than ₱3,000 (£42) for the ride and it will take just shy of three hours. A great option should you want that door to door service, making your arrival in Moalboal hassle free.

What I opted for however on my backpacker budget, is the popular local bus costing just ₱207 (only £2.90!) and taking just under four hours. From the airport you can order a Grab taxi for ₱207 (£4.10) to the South Bus Terminal. This is Asia’s most popular version of Uber, make sure you have it downloaded before leaving home.

I arrived at 6am after a long night of travel, and was on a bus ten minutes later. It’s that easy. Plus, Filipinos are literally the friendliest people ever and will help you every step of the way. The bus even has air con and the seats are pretty damn comfy.

Where to stay in Moalboal?

Again, budget dependent of course. But I’ll be talking from my perspective as a budget backpacker. Due to my inability to plan in advance, I stayed in a couple of places during my four night stay in Moalboal.

For budget backpackers, I can really recommend Hangover Hostel. I know what it sounds like, will I be forced to drink 24/7? Not at all. It’s more of a social hostel than a party hostel and is an easy place to meet like-minded people.

I paid just ₱650 (£9.15) per night, which is pretty standard in the Philippines. Free water, tea and coffee is provided and there’s a restaurant and bar onsite, great if you’re feeling a little lazy and want to stay close by.

Looking for a little privacy but still don’t want to break the bank? Pescador View Beach Resort and Restaurant is a great choice in Moalboal. Right on the beach and within walking distance to main streets, this will provide a little something extra.

I paid ₱1,510 (£21.25) for a family room which slept four in two double beds. So I mean if you filled the room, it would actually be cheaper. But I don’t think there’s really space for four in these rooms. I did have my own balcony which was nice, the only downfall was an incredibly loud air con unit. But it is what it is.

Kawasan Falls and canyoneering

Now the good stuff. The fun stuff. The highlight of my visit to Moalboal, the Kawasan Falls canyoneering tour is not one to be missed. Canyoneering in Cebu comes highly rated as an activity in the Philippines, and I completely understand why.

We booked directly through the hostel and paid ₱2000 (£28). This included pick up and drop off, lunch post jumping, life jacket and helmet and a tour guide that goes above and beyond.

What to bring? Literally just your phone in a waterproof case which the guide will hold onto and snap pics on. I’d say to also wear a bikini cover up/T-shirt you can leave at the tour company’s office, along with some cash. You won’t need cash for the excursion itself, as the guides will pay and just collect at the end. There are small stops selling snacks and drinks along the way, as well as the option to do a wicked zipline before the water sports begin for just ₱600 (£8.40).

You’ll be guided through a series of pools, caves and jumps. The jumps are of course what we all come for. The main ones are 3m, 7m and 10m. I can’t recommend enough just letting go and going for it. You might feel a little nervous before the final big one, but it’s SO FUN. You’ll feel like a little kid again I guarantee.

THE Sardine Run

Now, I’m not a diver…so I didn’t do this in it’s typical fashion. I know, I’m a fraud. BUT bear with me. I have very tricky areas so opted to snorkel with the famous sardines instead and this was also pretty damn cool.

I simple rented a snorkel down on the beach, be warned that this stretch of beach is pretty rock so I’d recommend getting some water shoes or if you’re like me and wear nothing but Teva sandals, just swim in these.

Once in the water, you just swim out and snorkel. Easy am I right? You can do it with a tour but it’s very crowded and I just ear wigged off their knowledge anyway…budgeting done right.

White beach

A little bit out of the centre of Moalboal but worth the trip if you’re just looking to sit back and relax with a coconut. We rented a scooter for ₱400 for the day and drove ourselves, or you can get a tuktuk for a similar price.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars here should you want to spend the day, and this is also a stunning sunset spot. Be prepared for lots of people, but I mean, it’s part of the package in Moalboal, Cebu as it is one of the go to destinations.

Grab a drink, have a boogie and sing karaoke

Ah yes, karaoke. The national sport of the Philippines. They LOVE karaoke. Any time of day, sober or drunk, they’re up and they’re singing…or should I say screaming? No inhibitions are present and to be honest, I’m here for it.

Personally, I like to avoid the go to bars when I’m backpacking for a more intimate experience. Chili Bar is the go to in this case but we decided to go next door to Breeze View Bar and Restaurant. We had dinner, then the karaoke started.

Before we knew it, everyone is up singing along, the tables have been pushed to the side and you’re having the time of your life. Honestly, what’s not to love?