Malapascua Island Misadventure

Loacation: An island NE of Cebu province, 4 hours from Cebu City Northern

Bus Terminal, where you have to ride on the 50 or 60 pesos per trip , non

aircon bus, but dependable, Rough Rider for a real rural experience.

After reaching Maya wharf, where there are supply stores selling

inexpensive mineral water, and other daily use. Then take a banka ride from

any of the resort represented there for free, or take a 15 pesos one way

ride to this island paradise. Part of the island with pure white sparkling

sand, as what Lonely Planet claimed "That is what Boracay used to be" . Most

of the island resort and restaurant are operated by friendly Europeans. They

make good home baked bread and pizza. But there is a well advertise, with

numerous signboard, sticking out in different part of the island, a

restaurant named "La Isla Bonita" (brown skinned and dogs, OFF LIMITS!).

Operated by a cultish-like German , unfortunately when I entered his

restaurant , I almost got kicked out by him. Luckily , I was being saved by

some boat-building islanders around that area. Oh yeah, the Malapascuan

Islanders do build beautiful boats and spearguns.

The island is very layback, suitable for relaxing, and recharging

your energy (if u come from the city).

It is also very suitable for religious cult practice, and sunrise/set

meditation for your health.

Activity:

1.. Ocean kayaking is very adaptdable in the NW corner of the island

where there are small islets and rocks near the shoreline. Unsinkable kayaks

are being rented out by numerous resorts, they are very happy to give you

simple instructions and safety features. And the price is right.

2.. Snorkeling activity on the N side of the island where you'll find

a lighthouse. A motorized banka cost between 200-300 pesos, depends on the

time, will bring you there. The coral on that side are lively and intact,

where you'll find aggresive clownfish spitting on your mask. The rest of the

island , you'll find only dead coral.

3.. Scuba Diving- There is only one dive operator owned by Malapascua

Island Dive Resort. Claimed to be sanctioned by PADI and PCSSD. But they

dont know the meaning of hanging a spare tank in remote area diving! The

location of the resort and the rooms are nicely situated on the SE white

sand corner. But when you take your meal there, beware you may swallow some

flies.

The scuba diving was led by one divemaster called Mike, with his

sexy lovebird as dive assistant. He is a Jesus Christ- lookalike, and a

naturalist who love tropical fish so much, that on land he keeps on browsing

on his fish book.

The bald-headed, stomach polluted, unfit dive operator, PREFERS

to do exploration dive as a pretext than to arrange fun diving for his

client. I learned my lesson and wasted 3-days time over there.

The sea lane from Malapascua to Gato island is protected by

the watchful eyes of the Cebu College of Fisheries, so the area have a great

potential of becoming a remote area dive destination. If only there are

proper

fun-dive operator move in for the scuba diving business who wont belittle

and discriminate the local Pinoy diver, otherwise the place will not be like

Boracay, but will become a total wasteland in due time.

Ding, the dive adventurer