Malapascua: Cebu’s Resorts Island Destination
Malapascua, is a Spanish word for “Bad Easter”, not “Bad Christmas.” How it got its name then? It was so named by Spanish missionaries in 16th century after a stormy day that befell on Easter Sunday while they were approaching the island from Cebu mainland crossing the 8-kilometer channel that separates between them.
Today, Malapascua is a beautiful, sleepy island, with white sandy beaches, lush green palm trees and surrounded by clear blue waters and inhabited by charming and hospitable islanders. Strolling barefoot along its white powdery sand beach is a good exercise to see the island’s extensive beachfront. The clear turquoise water that surrounds the island is teeming with marine life. A WWII Japanese shipwreck that lies in the bottom but shallow water can be found near the northern tip of the island. A lighthouse stands tall on the promontory also near the northern reaches of the island.
Except for a few motorcyles that crisscross the narrow pathways around the island transporting people and goods, Malapascua is still free from pollutions that grip modern towns and cities today. Although there are occasional videoke joints in some resorts, they don’t usually blare out loud. The locals are friendly and like to say hello and chat. They may even invite you to their homes for dinner, or at least to sit down, join them singing songs and playing guitar, and toast each other with a rum and coke.
Most resorts in the island offer a wide range of accommodation options from simple to air-conditioned rooms and cottages that almost proximate five-star service. One can stay in a room for the price of two decent meals in some of the island’s upscale restaurants. Most rooms and cottages are clean and well-maintained. Generally accommodation is relatively cheap compared to other popular dive destinations anywhere in the country.
Malapascua is a diving destination so dive resorts are aplenty in the island and finding a dive package that suit your budget can be so easy. Just a few minutes off the island are various dive spots that are ranked as some of the world’s best.