Discover paradise in the South of Cebu
We all know about the pristine shores of Boracay and Palawan, but how about the crystal blue waters and wide shorelines of Moalboal? If you’re in search of the best white sand beaches that are not Boracay or El Nido, come to the small yet lively coastal town of Moalboal, perched at the southwest tip of Cebu Island.
Although not as big or known as other beaches, Moalboal is well-loved for its fantastic diving sites and rich ecosystem. It offers the most stunning and surreal views onshore and under the sea, where you can fulfill your dreams of going for a sardine run and swimming along shoals of fish, pawikan, and squid. Check out Klook’s list of the five best beaches in Moalboal!
Photo Source: @princesscabotaje on Instagram
COVID-19 PSA: Before packing those bags, make sure to check Cebu’s COVID-19 travel guidelines and health and safety regulations!
Add these to the itinerary, ASAP! Here are 5 best beach destinations in Moalboal:
- Basdaku White Beach
- Panagsama Beach
- Saavedra Beach
- Matutinao Beach
- Lambug Beach
1. Basdaku White Beach
Photo Source: @withsaltypassports on Instagram
With a name that literally means “big sand” in Bisaya, Basdaku is home to one of the longest shorelines in Cebu. Stretching over 1 kilometer long, Basdaku in Moalboal features fine white sands and translucent waters to rival Boracay!
Photo Source: @maryjoygahera on Instagram
Here, there are TONS of activities to do, so you’ll never get bored. From catching up on some much-needed vitamin sea to stargazing at night―this South Cebu beach is one for the books! With a minimal entrance fee of only P10 to P20, visitors can enjoy dipping into Moalboal’s widest and finest coastline.
Klook tip: Don’t go home without experiencing Basdaku Moalboal White Beach’s spectacular sunset! Have a beer and chillax at your cottage or camping tent while watching the sky transform into stunning purple and orange hues.
2. Panagsama Beach
Photo Source: @iammenchoyy on Instagram
Keen to experience a quiet island escapade? Join locals at Panagsama Beach, a mere 16-minute ride away from Basdaku, Moalboal. For beach lovers looking for a retreat from the bustling crowds of tourists in Cebu, Panagsama—also known as Basdiot—is the beach for you.
Photo Source: @whereareyounao on Instagram
At a glance, it may seem like Panagsama is your typical neighborhood beach, but, unknown to many, its charms lay in its lively underwater scene. Populated by beach resorts and diving schools, the beach is the prime spot for snorkeling in Moalboal. Because it’s a jump-off point for Pescador Island, you can meet plenty of sea critters and experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to go on a sardine run, where you’ll be surrounded by huge schools of swimming sardines in Cebu’s cleanest waters. And while at it, keep your eyes peeled for jumping dolphins!
*Entrance to Panagsama Beach is FREE of charge.
Book your island adventure to Panagsama Beach and Pescador Island in Moalboal with Klook and discover what’s under the sea today!
3. Saavedra Beach
Photo Source: @wonderppaauu on Instagram
Another diving spot in Moalboal is Saavedra Beach. Part of a privately owned beachfront resort in Badian, Saavedra offers vacationers even more privacy. This small yet private beachfront is for those who want to enjoy Panagsama Beach all to themselves.
Photo Source: @laurie_ville on Instagram
Open to resort guests only, the tiny corner of Panagsama has everything you need. Divers can count on finding coral reefs teeming with sardines and families of sea turtles, just a few steps away from Saavedra Beach Bungalows’ pristine shores. Beach lovers will also love the peaceful ambiance of the veranda and native-style cottages that decorate the beachfront. At its shores, you can enjoy brilliant sunset views over sandy coastlines.
4. Matutinao Beach
Photo Source: Matutinao Beach & Cottages Facebook Page
Enough of sea diving adventures! If you came to Moalboal to relax and recharge, take a vibe check at Matutinao Beach. Just 40 minutes away from Panagsama, you can reach the quiet island paradise of Matutinao, where cool blue to emerald green waters await you.
Dine and unwind as you drink in the sight of swaying coconut trees that’ll lull you to sleep. Once you’re ready for action, take a trip to Kawasan Falls and make a big splash at Moalboal’s famous cliffs. Besides beautiful views, its location is convenient too! Matutinao Beach is only a 16-minute walk to Kawasan Falls and a 9-minute drive to Zaragosa Beach in Badian.
*The beach is open to Matutinao Beach Resort guests and canyoneering tours only.
Experience Cebu Canyoneering and cliff jumping at Kawasan Falls by booking with Klook!
5. Lambug Beach
Photo Source: @mermaidfritz on Instagram
One of the South Cebu beaches that you shouldn’t miss out on is Lambug Beach. Unlike the remote Panagsama Beach, Lambug Beach in Badian boasts a lively scene. For island lovers who want a change of pace, this white sand beach—dubbed as “Cebu’s Little Boracay”—is the perfect choice. While it’s well-known among locals, it’s not as crowded or teeming with tourists. There’s plenty of space to move around and bask in Lambug’s unspoiled beauty.
Photo Source: @sightsandpalate on Instagram
Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, freediving, sunbathing, camping, and starfish counting. Beachgoers can also flock to Lambug due to its proximity to Kawasan Falls. Only a 10-minute jog to the well-known falls, the beach is the next best spot to cool off. You can rent a cottage for only P400 to P500 for an entire afternoon.
*Since Lambug is a public beach, the entrance is FREE of charge.
Best time to visit Moalboal
Beach season is never over, especially on the sunny island of Cebu! That said, to make the most out of your vacation, it’s best to avoid the rainy season when the waters get too murky for a nice swim.
If you’re planning to take a trip to the best South Cebu beaches, then save the date for summer. Anytime between January and early June is the best time to visit this coastal haven, so you can freely swim, snorkel, and see the sardines, coral reefs, and sea turtles in all their glory.
Getting there
Via commute
What we love about Moalboal is that it’s an easy trip going from Cebu City. Here’s how:
- If you head to Cebu South Bus Terminal, you’ll find Ceres buses that directly drop you off at Moalboal via Bato route for only P150.
- The entire bus ride takes about two and a half to three hours long, depending on the road traffic.
- From the bus stop or Moalboal’s Town Hall, you can ride a tricycle or adventure riding a habal-habal to the South Cebu beaches of Basdaku and Panagsama.
Via private car
If the commuting life isn’t for you, no worries! Klook has you covered! Enjoy a private intercity transfer from Mactan to Moalboal with Klook’s exclusive deal. You can select from a sedan, SUV, and van for your personal transport. This is ideal for those traveling in big groups!
Aside from Moalboal, Klook will take you to the neighboring towns of Oslob, Alegria, and Hagnaya Port for more sights to see.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels.
