Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

Admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:40:13 +0000

Bohol, just across from Cebu, is best-known for its curiously bumpy Chocolate Hills landscape. It is becoming more popular as the region’s best beach destination, with superb white sand and some world class diving sites, tho’ mostly on the adjacent little island of Panglao. The 800m long, picturesque Alona Beach, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and dive centres, is for action men [and women], though it has sea grass that conceals sea urchins, so sand shoes are useful.
The 2km of unspoiled Doljo Beach is a more secluded, less developed, shallow water option, while Cabilao Island on the west coast of Bohol has some splendid diving sites and exceptionally clear water. And don’t forget a trip to see the 1,000 30m high chocolate hills in Bohol’s centre! The best time is indefinable; it may rain briefly every day, it may not… A typhoon may happen along…but March-May is likely to be driest if you must have a guesstimate.

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:05:59 +0000

Malapascua Island, situated at the northeast tip of Cebu Island, is relatively new to the international market, but already rates highly on the the list of best beaches in the Philippines – some say it is the new Boracay. Well, I been there but never been to Boracay so I cannot confirm this.

This has also become a major dive centre, great site for snorkeling, famous for the crowds of thresher sharks using the marine highway between Cebu and Leyte islands. Driest Feb-May, but for the rest of the year too with mostly short spells of rain. Worst Oct-Dec. Now after talking about the climate of Malapascua Island, you probably asked how to go there. Read further below and choose which travel is the most convenient for you.

HOW TO GET THERE

VIA BOAT
There are regular ferries to Cebu pier from almost all the islands of the Philippines.

VIA AIRLINES
The main gateway for Malapascua is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City. Four international airlines have direct Cebu connections: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines (Silk Air). Mactan/Cebu International Airport is a small, relaxed airport on Mactan Island, about 15 km from the city centre.Three airlines are also flying to Cebu daily – Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

CEBU to MAYA VIA BUS
From the airport take a taxi for about 150 pesos to the Cebu North bus station and get on one of the frequent buses to Maya (e.g. Ceres, the aircon buses are brand-new). These will take you for 95 pesos in 3 ½ – 4 hours on mostly good roads directly to Maya pier at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.

MAYA to MALAPASCUA
At Maya, pier porters are waiting to carry your baggage for a few pesos on one of the outrigger boats servicing Malapascua. At low tide these pump boats cannot come in, so small crafts will ferry you to the boat. Be prepared to get wet feet walking through some shallow water! Regular boats leave for Malapascua until 5 p.m. about every 30 to 60 minutes (fare 40 pesos), as soon as enough passengers are on board. An instant special ride is available for 800 PHP. After 5 p.m. it may be hard to find a boat, so rather plan an overnight stay in Cebu City, when you are late. The boat ride to Malapascua’s Bounty beach will take 30 to 40 minutes. Hippocampus is located at the eastern end of the beach about two minutes walking from the boating point; our boys will give you a hand with your luggage.

In The Philippines - Hotels, Airlines, Beaches and News » best beaches in the philippines

Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

Malapascua Island, Cebu