Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mtmelton]

Has anyone every been there? and what was it like? I have a ticket to Cebu and was thinking about going here for diving.

[wormholes101]

Small island, not much light life but very good diving. Threshers, perhaps mantas and if you're very lucky, a whale shark. Also a good selection of smaller life, plenty of critters.

I will going back for a second visit in December.

[redhed]

I thought Malapascua was really nice, it's more tourist oriented than some of the other small islands, but it's done well. You can only do so much with no roads.....if you like chilling on beautiful beaches, eating fresh fruit, and having options for cheap accomadation and eats then you can't go wrong. Seems to be medium-good diving, especially if you're into the above mentioned threshers. I say go now, when I was there in august there was a huge barge parked on the main beach with about 75 men (non-locals) carrying cement blocks off and loading them onto another truck to cart across the island. This went on for 72 hours and then the barge left, presumeably to go fetch another load. I guess a major Japanese (I was told) corporation is building a megaresort there. This will change the entire island I think. I mean they are building the first road just too build, it won't be pretty what follows that influx of $$.

[mtmelton]

Hmm, I might have to reconsider. I was just going there for the diving and that is pretty much it. I heard or read about the megaresort there so I guess they are already starting to build. Is it worth it to go there or just go to another island? I was going there to do the Shark dives with TSD. but if anyone knows of another place I would appreciate the advice.

[redhed]

I am not a diver. So when I say that the diving is medium good I am talking out my ass. I only know what the divers tell me whilst I sip rum in the evenings. That being said, my understanding is that the shelf off of Malapascua is one of, if not the only place that will virtually guarantee Thresher sightings. Something about being a deepwater sharks coming up to cleanse themselves or something. A dive enthusiast will be able to tell you more.

[mtmelton]

Anyways, thanks for the info about it. Sounds like a good place to check out anyways. At least I can get some relaxation time there.

[Yaya]

I've read that Malapascua is the new Boracay, but I'm worried that there's not enough nightlife and Internet access. Anyone been there lately?

[ttompatz]

[slothrop]

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[BoholDiver]

The island is like 2 km by 4.5 km, and in a shitty location.

It'd better be damn good. I probably wouldn't go there.

A mega-resort? That'll ruin the island in a hurry.

[nmh03]

There isn't really any nightlife to speak of, but there is internet available at Thresher Shark Divers --a computer in their shop and wireless at the restaurant/bar upstairs (where there are also awesome desserts). Another resort had internet access, too, I just can't remember the name. Sunsplash or something.

As of Christmas this year, the 'mega-resort' has not been built, so go to this island and enjoy it while you can. It's small, really pretty and relaxing.

[canale226]

I found Malapascua to be pretty awesome. The diving was excellent, and the locals seem very relaxed and cool. If you went to Malapascua and thought the beaches were shit, you must've just flown in from Bora Bora... as I found them quite good for basic sunbathing. There is decent snorkeling just off the beaches as well. Its cheap, the diving is good, and its not too difficult to get to. It beats the hell out of Bohol/Panglao in my opinion. Go and have some fun. If you stay at Hippocampus, tell them I said "hey hey"

[thedrizzle]

I went to Malapascua this summer Went for about four days myself before I met friends in Cebu. It is definitely NOT the new Boracay. Boracay is crazy with partying and nightlife, this is a quiet little island. The beach is good - there are areas where there's a lot of seaweed, but not down towards the tip of the island where I stayed. Accommodation was a little bit pricey for being a tiny island, 500-600 PHP or so for a night in a budget room, but that was my only real compliant. Diving was pretty awesome I thought - went three times and got to see the Threshers and White Tip Sharks, but if you don't see them you might be a little disappointed. Locals were nice and very helpful as well.

I ended up taking a taxi there because I got in so late and mistakenly had thought the Cebu airport was big enough that I could find a place to crash out for a few hours, but took the Bus back and it was not nearly as bad as one of the other posters made it out to be. Had a few stops, but nothing extraordinary.