Malapascua Island – Where Is It?

Malapascua Island, one of the favorite island getaways of island vacations enthusiasts and among the best vacation spots in the world and best family vacation destinations suitable for family beach vacation goers and host of a number of couples resorts and best family resorts especially if you are looking for a white sand beach resort fronting crystal clear water suitable for island water sports,  is situated off the coast of the town of Daanbantayan in the southern part of Cebu, Philippines. The tiny island can be reached via a four-hour public utility bus ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Maya Port within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu for a Php 165.00 fare and, afterwards, riding on a passenger boat for a 30-minute voyage to the island at a fare of PhP 80.00.

The 137.7-hectare Malapascua Island. Photo courtesy of www.gotomalapascua.com.

Malapascua Island – Why I Visited The Place

My eyes glowed with excitement when my brother, whom I fondly call “Ingko” Ben Sangco told me about the beauty of Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines. As he related the beautiful spots of the place, as told to him by his best friend, Emmanuel Manalili of the Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort, I told to my self… “now I know where to go to apply my newly acquired knowledge on basic photography.” It is worthy to mention that I had just graduated from the April 15-17, 2011 Cebu Basic Photography Workshop held in Cebu City and sponsored by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation in cooperation with the Cebu Photo Works! Typical of a soldier who have had just finished the jungle warfare training, I wanted to go to the battlefield immediately to put into acid test my knowledge on the basic photography rule of FEWCD which stands for Focus, Exposure, White Balance, Composition and Decision. After packing my Nikon D 7000 camera, lap top and  few belongings into my backpack, I boarded a south-bound bus with MAYA signboard and embarked on a trip that started at exactly 6:48 in the morning of April 17, Monday. We were traveling on a paved road passing through various towns until we reached Bogo City Bus Terminal at exactly 9:40. An hour later, we reached the port of Maya…

The Maya Port

I chanced upon a cargo boat bearing the name Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort and I asked the operator if “Sir Maning” Manalili was in the island which he answered affirmatively. As I was about to walk towards the ticket booth, the operator invited me to ride on the cargo boat as they were leaving towards Malapascua Island. Without batting an eyelash, I jumped overboard and, after a few minutes travel I was breathing with excitement as the distant island came nearer to my eyes…

Distant view of Malapascua Island seen from the cargo boat

As we were moving a little bit slower, we arrived Malapascua Island exactly 45 minutes after we left the port and I almost shouted “Oh! it’s paradise…” when this beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort was caught by my watchful eyes. . .

Alluring beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort . . .

As I was walking towards the resort’s bunk house where the staff were taking lunch, I was fascinated with the resort’s swimming pool but chose to shot it at the appropriate time.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sir Maning Manalili instructed his aide Ricky Ducay to tour me at the resorts amenities and facilities. The amiable Ricky then showed me the way towards the Deluxe Rooms and was really fascinated to see these place capable of hosting members of the royal family . . .

A romantic scene at the De Luxe Room featuring the twin queen-size beds . . .	Another view of the De Luxe Room's twin queen-size beds. . .
The De Luxe Room featuring the partially-covered floor-to ceiling windows . . .	The De Luxe Room with fully exposed floor-to-ceiling windows. . .

I was then ushered to the Presidential Suites and was awe-inspired upon seeing these . . .

The Presidential Suite viewed from the door . . .	The Presidential Suite seen from another corner . . .
The floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample sunlight to the Presidential Suite . . .	The breath-taking view of the veranda, beach and water scenery as viewed from the Presidential Suite . . .

After taking a rest for a while, I embarked on the trip around Malapascua Island. And this was the sight that first struck me . . .

A European tourist sleeping soundly under the shade of a coconut tree enjoying the feel of the powdery-white sand on his back . . .

I was able to befriend a motorcycle driver who willingly toured me around the island. Our first stop was at the light house and I was so struck and awed upon viewing this . . .

Bird's Eye view of Sitio Guimbitayan Beach

Heading to our next destination, we passed by a building labelled “Pilar’s Residence Haven By Sea” . . .

The Malapascua Island residence of former Miss Philippine's Pilar Pilapil. . .

We then proceeded to Bamboo Resort and managed to take shots of alluring views . . .

Concrete rails on rocky coastlines . . .

The Bantay Dagat Guard House standing proud atop Lapus-Lapus Islet . . .

The other side of Malapascua Island - its rugged coastlines fronting the azure seas . . .

We rushed to Bantigue Beach to catch the Malapascua Island sunset . . .

Malapascua Island's Bantigue Beach . . .

My best shot so far on Malapascua Island sunset . . .  comments please from my co-basic photography workshop participants and professors.

Malapascua Island sunset viwed from Bantigue Resort . . .

It was already dark when I returned to Malapascua Legend Resort and this sight had caught my attention . . .

Malapascua Legend Water Sport & Resort at Night

After taking a sound sleep at the resort’s bunkhouse, I woke up early in the morning to shot this awe-inspiring view of the resort’s Swimming Pool, the only one of its kind in the island . . .

The turquoise waters of the swimming pool enticing guests to take a quick deep or engage in a languorous swim. . .

I then took time to shot the island’s sunrise . . .

Malapascua Island sunrise . . .

Afterwards, I bid good bye to the very accommodating resort staff. As I walked and headed towards the docking area in Barangay Logon proper, I chanced upon this view . . .

One of Malapascua Island's best beaches situated just a few meters from the wharf with two lovely European ladies enjoying the sun and sand. . .

I then boarded on the passenger boat and headed back to Maya port for my travel back to Cebu City. . .

Sailing away from Malapascua Island on board a passenger boat

Malapascua Island – Final Thoughts

While the Spanish sailors, who were stranded in the island on a Christmas day more than three centuries ago, had cursed the place as they were spending a “bad Christmas” without potable waters available, hence, the name “malapascua,” but my visit to the island was one of the most fulfilling trips in my life. Lots of sea, food, sun, sand and fun in great resorts are the most acceptable ingredients for a very great vacation. In Malapascua  you can find all these attributes in one paradise setting. Vowing to return with my family and spend our island vacations thereat, I strongly encourage visiting Malapascua Island and savoring its beauty yourself.

Island Vacations – What Is It?

Island vacations are island getaways incorporated in the vacation checklist of best vacation spots in the world including family beach vacations at best family resorts and couples resorts. Further, island vacations is not only about island hopping, beach vacations and various forms of island water sports but is also about island sightseeing.

Island Vacations – the Kapihan View Park

Kapihan View Park, situated in Bucas Grande Island on the easternmost part of Surigao del Norte, Philippines, is one of the emerging sightseeing destinations suitable for you who intend to go on island vacations. You need to visit the spot for 3 strong motives:

1. The View. Being a vantage point located atop Bucas Grande Island, the surrounding sight of this island vacations spot stimulate your senses and rejuvenate your soul. Facing the east, you can savor the sun slowly arising out from the bosom of the Pacific Ocean in the wee hours of the summer morning. Turning to the south, you can view the towering ranges of Mt. Legaspi resembling like a watchful giant keeping guard in that part of mainland Surigao. In the late afternoon of a sunny day, you can enjoy watching the horizon turning to crimson and orange as the sun is slowly embraced by the sea. Glancing at the north, you can see the picturesque Siargao Island dubbed as the Philippine’s surfing capital.
2. The Facilities. This promising ecotourism destination proudly hosts the Bayanihan View Deck and Resort. The blend of warm sea breeze and cool mountain air provides ambiance to the open hall ideal for your retreat sessions, social gatherings and seminar-workshops. Meanwhile, delicious and nutritious foods are served according to your wishes. Further, the bath and comfort rooms are attuned to international standards. Furthermore,  the twin-size bedroom with extra bed is perfect for honeymooners and small family vacation goers. Finally, electricity and water are provided 24/7.
3. The People. The tourist spot is being taken-cared of by the members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Incorporated, the biggest and strongest people’s organization in the island noted for nurturing the Filipino tradition of “bayanihan” or helping each other. During the whole year-round, you can observe the group members taking turns in tending the communal farms situated within the vicinity of the view park. If you happen to go there by July,  you can observe them and the other islanders leaving the privacy of their lives and offer their services  for a period of 30 days in the construction of houses and collective farming activities with the house and farm owners shouldering the food and materials expenses while the labor is offered free.

Island Vacations- Final Thoughts

Island and nature lovers like you intending to have respite from work prefer to visit unspoiled hideaway. Hence, come and visit the Kapihan View Park and you can truly conclude that spending island vacations here is truly rest and pleasure.

KAPIHAN VIEW PARK VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The Right Side & Entrance of Bayanihan View Deck and Resort at Kapihan View Park

The picturesque Siargao Island Viewed from the outdoors of Bayanihan View Deck and Resort

The Siargao Surfing Area viewed from the open hall of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

The sprawling Mt. Legazpi in the mainland Surigao on the south of the Kapihan View Park

Close-up photo of the right side entrance of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Bayanihan View Deck & Resort Front View

Left side view of the Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Back View of Bayanihan View Deck & Resort

Twin size bedroom with extra bed for honeymooners and small family vacation goers at the Park.

Doors of Female and Male Comfort Rooms for live-out guests especially the island vacations lovers