There’s no doubt that staying in Moalboal is the best place to base yourself if you’re looking to go on outdoor adventures in Cebu.
But what most people don’t realize is that Moalboal is quite a big area! It’s located on a peninsula, with a few distinct areas, each with its own vibe. And whether you’re visiting Cebu for its beaches, waterfalls, or diving, where you stay in Moalboal can make or break your trip.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best areas to stay in Moalboal based on our experience there. I’ll also share my top picks for hostels, hotels, and resorts in each one.
Whether you’re visiting for two days or two weeks, this guide will help you figure out the best place to stay in Moalboal that actually fits your needs.
Best Areas to Stay in Moalboal
Panagsama Beach
Panagsama Beach is the hub of tourism in Moalboal. It’s where the famous sardine run is located, as well as tons of accommodations and restaurants. It’s also the only place where there are bars and nightlife in Moalboal. When most tourists talk about Moalboal, they are probably talking about this area.
But Panagsama does have its downsides. Like any touristy area, it can feel chaotic at times. And of course, everything tends to cost a bit more there. It is a tourist area, after all. But without a doubt, Panagsama is the most convenient place to stay in Moalboal and where I’d recommend for most travelers.
White Beach
White Beach (Basdaku Beach) sits on the northwestern side of the Moalboal Peninsula, about a 15-minute motorbike ride from Panagsama. It’s the nicest beach in Moalboal, and because of that, a bunch of accommodations have started to pop up around the area.
Many of the resorts lining White Beach are relaxation-oriented to go along with the vibe of the place. It can be a good place for a more “get away from it all” kind of vibe, but be prepared to motorbike or catch a tricycle anytime you want to do something besides lie out on the beach.
Tongo Point
Tongo Point is on the southern tip of the Moalboal peninsula. The coast surrounding it is a popular dive area, with a few dive resorts there to serve that crowd. It’s definitely a quiet corner of Moalboal with dive resorts, guest houses, and not much else.
If you’re coming to Moalboal to dive, staying at one of the resorts in Tongo Point will set you up for that experience. But there are pretty much no restaurants or shops in Tongo Point, so be prepared to motorbike or catch a tricycle when you need to go out and get something.
Moalboal Town
Moalboal town is the area along the main highway. It’s not near the beach, but staying there does have its benefits.
First, it’s the local area of Moalboal, so if you’d rather shop at local markets and eat at local restaurants, then this is the spot to do it.
It’s also the transportation hub of Moalboal, and where the bus stop is. So if you’re using Moalboal as a base to explore Cebu, then it will cut down your travel time by a bit. But keep in mind, it’s not really a place that’s geared toward tourism, so there isn’t a social scene there.
Where to Stay in Panagsama Beach
3 Sisters Guest House 2
3 Sisters Guest House 2 is where we stayed during our time in Panagsama Beach.
It’s a simple and comfortable place without trying to be anything fancy. The rooms are clean, and the AC worked really well. They also serve breakfast, which we ordered every morning before heading out on our adventures.
It’s located a little off the main road, so it’s quieter than staying right in the middle of things. But it’s only a 10-minute walk to the main area around Panagsama Beach.
The property is set up like a little compound. It felt secure. The front gate gets locked at night, but there’s always someone there to let you in. We could also park our motorbike inside, which was super convenient.
Overall, 3 Sisters Guest House 2 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a place in Moalboal that’s low-key, walkable, and affordable.
Maayong Hostel
Maayong Hostel has a mix of accommodations depending on your style and budget.
First, they have tropical bungalows with outdoor showers for that island vibe.
Second, they have private rooms that honestly feel more like a boutique hotel stay.
And of course, they have a hostel dorm with privacy curtains and lockers for backpackers.
The vibe is social but mellow. It’s not really a party hostel. Instead, it’s more of a place to meet other travelers and plan a snorkeling or waterfall adventure.
Maayong Hostel is located close enough to the action in Panagsama, but just far enough away that you can actually sleep at night. It’s within walking distance to Panagsama Beach and even closer to all the bars, but the space itself feels relaxed.
Chief Mau
If you’re looking for a social hostel right in the middle of everything, Chief Mau is where it’s at. It’s located right on the main strip at Panagsama Beach, and is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars.
They have both hostel dorms and private rooms, all with AC. The dorms are clean and spacious. It’s a setup that works well if you’re a backpacker, especially if you want to meet people.
Their private rooms are massive, with a desk, a balcony, and a closet. Like your own private retreat.
And if you don’t feel like leaving the property, Chief Mau also has a bar and restaurant on-site, plus a common area with hammocks, a pool table, and plenty of space to hang out.
Where to Stay in Basdaku White Beach
Ravenala Beach Bungalows
Ravenala Beach Bungalows is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a low-key beach vacation in Moalboal. It’s tucked away at a quieter end of White Beach, but with its own section of beach reserved for guests only.
The vibe at Ravenala is simple and peaceful. It’s not a big, fancy resort. The space consists of bungalows with lots of plants and enough space to actually relax. There’s also a restaurant on-site, and staying there includes complimentary breakfast.
All in all, Ravenala Beach Bungalows is a great choice if you’re looking for quiet beach time in Moalboal.
Astillo’s Guest Houses
Astillo’s Guest Houses is the kind of place that you can settle in for the long haul. It’s tucked away in a quiet part of Moalboal and feels more like staying at a friend’s house than a hotel.
The rooms there are spacious, modern, and actually set up with long stays in mind. They have comfy beds, strong AC, solid Wi-Fi, and some even have a desk if you’re working remotely.
The property is peaceful and super clean, and there’s a nice little garden and outdoor area where you can chill with your coffee in the morning. They even have motorbikes for rent, so it’s literally a one-stop shop when you arrive in Moalboal.
That said, its location is a bit out of the way. Definitely not walking distance to anything. But if you’re renting a motorbike (which is honestly a good idea in Moalboal anyway), you’re golden.
Overall, Astillo’s Guest Houses is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful base in Moalboal.
Moalboal Bamboo Guest House
Moalboal Bamboo Guest House is the place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget. It feels like an island hideout that’s tucked into a quiet garden. The place is built in a traditional Filipino style of bamboo and nipa. It’s a simple place surrounded by plants, birds, and bunnies hopping around the garden.
The rooms are basic, and if you’re okay with a shared bathroom situation, it works just fine. The outdoor toilets and showers are kept pretty clean, since the staff use them too. It’s very much “close to nature” living.
All in all, Moalboal Bamboo Guest House is ideal if you’re looking for local vibes and want to keep things simple.
Where to Stay in Tongo Point
Turtle Bay Dive Resort
If you’ve come to Moalboal for diving, it doesn’t get much better than staying at Turtle Bay Dive Resort. The resort sits right on the water, with a jetty for diving and snorkeling from, and a shallow area where you can jump in a kayak or go for a swim.
The place is really set up to make your diving experience as frictionless as possible. They operate their own PADI Dive Center that offers dive courses for both beginners and advanced divers.
Their rooms are clean and spacious, with hot showers and comfy beds. You can literally roll out of bed, grab breakfast, and be on the dive boat minutes later. During your downtime, relax at the pool or get food and drinks delivered to your room.
If your goal in Moalboal is to get as much diving in as possible, then Turtle Bay Dive Resort is a solid pick.
Sambag Hideaway Bungalows
Sambag Hideaway Bungalows is a quiet, peaceful spot that’s right on the water. The bungalows are simple but clean, with comfy beds, air-conditioning, hot showers, and big verandas facing the garden.
The property has a private ocean access, which is the perfect place to snorkel from. The reef in front of the property has lots of fish, colorful coral, and even turtles.
Your stay includes a complimentary breakfast each morning that comes with fresh fruit platters. There’s also snorkel gear and scooters for rent, and laundry service if you need it.
Overall, Sambag Hideaway Bungalows is a top pick if you’re after a peaceful oceanfront stay that has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Allba’s Homestay
Allba’s Homestay is the best place in Moalboal to get oceanfront accommodation on a budget.
The property consists of simple wooden bungalows. It has more of an old-school traveler vibe. Each room is private and has a little veranda. The on-site restaurant serves homemade Filipino dishes.
There’s Wi-Fi, but it mostly works best near the front desk. But if you’re there, it’s probably not to scroll Instagram. It’s to snorkel in warm water, eat good food, and maybe pet a few of the friendly dogs and cats that roam the property.
Because it’s located in Tongo Point, you’ll want a scooter to get around, but rentals are available right at the homestay.
Overall, Allba’s Homestay is the perfect low-key spot if you want ocean access on a budget.
Where to Stay in Moalboal Town
Rufana Suites
If you’re looking for something more like a proper hotel, Rufana Suites is your best bet.
It’s in Moalboal town, close to the mall, shops, and restaurants, which makes it super convenient, especially if you just don’t want to be in the middle of the chaos down at Panagsama. But you can go to the beach when you’re ready since the hotel runs a free shuttle to Panagsama.
The rooms are big, clean, and comfortable with strong AC, blackout curtains, and even a balcony. And there’s also a pool that’s perfect for cooling off.
The hotel serves complimentary breakfast, and they also have free coffee, juice, and water all day. The staff really go out of their way to help with everything from booking tours to ordering food or arranging transport.
But overall, Rufana Suites is a solid choice if you’re looking to stay in a traditional hotel in Moalboal away from the beach party scene.
Jah’s Anemone Dive Guesthouse
Jah’s Anemone Dive Guesthouse is a clean, quiet place that feels more like a hidden home than a guesthouse.
It has just 3 guest rooms and is built around a central garden. The property is secured by a gate, and they also have scooter rentals on-site. There’s also an ATM outside, which, if you’ve been to the Philippines, you’ll know is handy because it’s primarily a cash-based society.
The rooms are simple but well thought out. Comfortable bed, powerful AC, fast Wi-Fi, and a hot shower. They even have extras like a hairdryer, body wash, and a mini fridge.
It’s really a one-stop shop. You can just walk over from the bus stop, rent a scooter on-site, grab cash from the ATM, and then be off on your adventures.
Overall, Jah’s Anemone Dive Guesthouse is the kind of spot you stay at if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable base to explore Cebu.
Laguno Hostel and Guest House
Laguno Hostel and Guest House is split between a hostel dorm and a separate guesthouse down the road with bigger private rooms.
The hostel side has a few dorm rooms that are simple and clean. It’s a pretty chill setup overall. Not a party hostel, but still friendly and welcoming.
The guesthouse rooms are spacious and have a nice little garden space to relax in. Even if you’re staying in the guesthouse, you can hang out in the hostel’s common area or use the shared kitchen.
The property is also close to local markets and cheap food spots, which makes it an even better choice for keeping your costs down.
Overall, Laguno Hostel and Guest House is a solid, budget-friendly option for staying in Moalboal.
How to get to Moalboal
If you’ve just landed in Cebu City, your first course of action is to get down to Moalboal. It’s the perfect base for exploring waterfalls, going canyoneering, and swimming through the famous sardine run.
But getting from Cebu City to Moalboal isn’t exactly straightforward. The airport doesn’t have a direct bus to Moalboal, and the town is a good 3–4 hours away.
In our experience, the best way to get to Moalboal is by bus. The process is a little complicated, but doable for most people. Even if it’s your first time in the Philippines.
I detail the entire process in the blog post below:
Read our full blog post: How to Get from Cebu City to Moalboal: Complete Travel Guide
How to get around Moalboal
Without a doubt, the best way to get around Moalboal is by motorbike. Everything is spread out enough that walking isn’t practical and biking can get tiring quickly, especially in the heat. On a scooter, you’ve got full freedom. You can hit up all the waterfalls, beaches, and hikes on your own time without having to rely on anyone else.
That said, if you’re staying right in Panagsama, you technically don’t need one. The beach, dive shops, restaurants, and bars are all within walking distance. And if you want to go to Kawasan Falls, for example, it’s easy to join a day tour.
If scootering isn’t your thing, there are also tricycles. It’s basically the local version of a taxi. You’ll find them waiting near tourist areas, or you can flag one down on the road. They’ll get you where you need to go, no problem, but the rides can add up if you’re moving around a lot.
What to Pack for Cebu
- Water Shoes: If you plan to go canyoneering, a solid pair of water shoes like these are needed. If not, you can always wear crocs or even your sneakers if you don’t mind them getting wet!
- Snorkel: With sardine run in Moalboal and whale shark watching in Oslob, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one for the best experience! Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of… questionable quality.
- Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I’ve even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn’t work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Cebu.
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Cebu! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Cebu Google Maps Locations
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Need more Cebu travel ideas?
During our 7-day adventure in Cebu, we found some of the island’s most stunning natural wonders—milky blue waterfalls, limestone hikes, and incredible snorkeling spots. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Start your planning here: Cebu Travel Guide
- Our Ultimate Guide to Cebu: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Cebu
- Our Moalboal accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Moalboal
- Our favorite waterfall (+ secret adventure) in Cebu: Inambakan Falls
- Hike to the highest point in Cebu: Osmeña Peak
- Our favorite hike in Cebu: Casino Peak
- Our favorite day tour in Cebu: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
- The hottest hot spring we’ve ever visited: Mainit Hot Spring
- How to see the Moalboal Sardine Run without a tour
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching Complete Guide
- How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal
- How to get from Moalboal to Oslob
- How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines
I hope you enjoyed our guide to places to stay in Moalboal, Cebu. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
