Where to Stay in Malapascua Island Philippines: My Top Areas & Best Hotels in 2025

Diving with sharks in Malapascua Island, Philippines, definitely wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card but it still happened. I hadn’t even heard of Malapascua when I first planned my Philippines trip, but you know how it goes, plans change, new places come up, and diving with thresher sharks quickly made its way onto my list.

Traveling around the Philippines usually takes a bit of planning. Between buses, minivans, ferries, and the occasional flight, just “figuring it out when you get there” can get chaotic fast. 

I’ve been writing a few travel guides based on my experience in Malapascua to help make your trip smoother, especially when it comes to the practical stuff like getting there and choosing where to stay in Malapascua.

This post is all about where to stay in Malapascua, my favorite dive resorts, hotels, and budget-friendly options. The island is small, so there aren’t really distinct neighborhoods to worry about. I’ll keep things short and to the point, because honestly, picking where to stay here doesn’t need to be complicated.

Where to Stay in Malapascua: My Experience

Let me start things with my own experience in Malapascua, because I always find that’s the best way to give you a real sense of a place.

I visited during Easter, which is Holy Week in the Philippines, and wow… it was packed. Everything was fully booked, so we ended up in an eco-hostel in North Malapascua. It was super cute, with thoughtful details and the absolute sweetest owners, but I’ll be honest, after a few nights in a wooden hut with no air conditioning, I was ready for a proper room and a bit more comfort.

So after three nights, we moved back down to Malapascua Town and stayed in a dive resort, which I really enjoyed. Much comfier, and it made things way easier for diving.

The island itself is tiny, you can probably walk from the southern tip to the northern end in about 45 minutes. Since it’s so small, I’m just dividing things into two areas: Malapascua Town (in the south), which is more built up and where most dive shops are, and North Malapascua, which is more jungly, relaxed, and local-feeling.

Both have their charm, but if you’re here to dive (which, let’s be honest, most people are), I’d definitely recommend staying in Malapascua Town. It just makes life easier because that’s where most of the dive shops and dive resorts are.

Best Areas to Stay in Malapascua Island

Like I mentioned earlier, Malapascua is small, so small that I honestly debated whether I even needed to write a whole “where to stay in Malapascua” guide. But after staying in two very different parts of the island, I figured it’s still helpful to break it down.

For simplicity’s sake, I’m dividing the island into just two areas: Malapascua Town (the south) and North Malapascua. If you open Google Maps and zoom in, you’ll see what I mean, there’s really not that much ground to cover.

Malapascua Town

The south of the island is the most built-up area, and this is where you’ll find Bounty Beach, the island’s main beach strip lined with dive shops, dive resorts, restaurants, and bars. It’s also where the port is, so it’s the main arrival point for most travelers.

I stayed here for part of my trip and personally, I think it’s the best place to stay, especially if you’re diving. It’s convenient, there’s more going on, and you’ve got a lot of accommodation options, from budget to boutique.

North Malapascua

North Malapascua is a completely different vibe. It’s not built up at all, and we stayed up here in an eco hostel surrounded by local homes and jungle. Life is quieter, more rural, and honestly, it gave me one of the best glimpses into real island life in the Philippines.

There aren’t many restaurants or hotels up north, but the beaches are beautiful and if you’re traveling on a budget, this is where you’ll find the cheaper stays. It’s peaceful, local, and pretty special if you’re looking for something a little different.

1. Dive Resorts & Hotels in Malapascua Town

• Tepanee Beach Resort
• Hippocampus Beach Resort
• Evolution Dive & Beach Resort
• Buena Vida Resort & Spa
• Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort

Buena Vida Resort & Spa // The Best Boutique Hotel in Malapascua

This is Where to Stay in Malapascua with Family!

Buena Vida Resort is probably the most ..well, I’ve gotta be careful saying this, Bali-ish place to stay in Malapascua. It’s beautifully designed, super peaceful, and just has that calm, tropical boutique vibe.

There is a scuba shop on site, but diving isn’t really the main focus here. This place is more about unwinding and relaxing. There’s a spa, a little pool, and even a yoga shala. The rooms are stylish, thoughtfully done, and of course, come with air conditioning.

I think this is the perfect spot to treat yourself after a few days of early mornings and scuba tanks. Book a couple of nights here, slow down, and just relax.

Book Here: Buena Vida Resort & Spa

Tepanee Beach Resort // The Best Hotel in Malapascua Island

Where to Stay in Malapascua for Couples!

Tepanee Beach Resort is probably the best hotel in Malapascua. It’s located close to the port but sits on its own little private beach, slightly tucked away from the rest of town. That gives it a much quieter, more secluded vibe which I really loved.

The resort offers comfortable private rooms with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, but if you’re booking here, go for one of the cottages. They come with a private balcony overlooking the ocean, and they’re absolutely worth it.

My personal favorite part is, that  Tepanee is located right next to a marine sanctuary. You can literally just walk into the water from the resort and start snorkeling. There’s tons of fish, and even a local group of baby blacktip reef sharks that hang around there. It’s seriously so cool and totally worth it staying there.

Book Here: Tepanee Beach Resort

Hippocampus Beach Resort // Best Dive Resort in Malapascua

Hippocampus Beach Resort is right on Bounty Beach, and on the resort grounds, you’ll find Devocean Divers, my go-to dive shop in Malapascua. If you’ve read any of my other Malapascua guides, you already know I did all my dives with them and highly recommend the shop.

So if you’re coming here to dive, whether you’re getting your Open Water or Advanced certification, or doing the thresher shark dive (which is absolutely worth it), this is a super convenient place to stay.

The resort itself is also great. It has its own beachfront restaurant and garden, and the rooms come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and ocean views. You’re basically right where everything happens, so it just makes life easier.

Book Here: Hippocampus Beach Resort

Evolution Dive & Beach Resort

Evolution Dive Resort is tucked away from the busy Bounty Beachfront, over on the far east coast of the island (the ferry port is on the west side, if that helps you picture it).

The location is a big plus, it’s quieter, more relaxed, and the whole place is set right on the beach surrounded by palm trees, so you really get that proper island vibe. It feels a bit more secluded but in a good way.

The rooms are pretty simple, not luxury by any means but they’ve got everything you need. I didn’t personally dive with them, but I’ve heard great things, especially from people doing the thresher shark dives. So if you’re looking for a chill, beachy dive resort away from the main strip, this is a pretty good option for you.

Book Here: Evolution Dive & Beach Resort

Ocean Vida Beach & Dive Resort // One of  My Favorite Dive Resorts in Malapascua

Ocean Vida Malapascua is easily one of my favorite dive resorts in Malapascua Island. The rooms are big, super clean, and nicely designed, plus, many of them face the beach, so you get some dreamy ocean views right from your bed.

The resort has a beautiful garden area too, which adds a bit of calm and gives the place a more tucked-away vibe, even though you’re still right near the busy beachfront.

But the beachfront is the real highlight. You’ve got bean bags, lounge chairs, and a beach bar where you can grab breakfast, happy hour cocktails, or dinner with your toes in the sand. At night, they light the beach with tiki torches, and it’s honestly the perfect spot to hang out with a drink.

Book Here: Ocean Vida Beach And Dive Resort

2. North Malapascua Hotels & Dive Resorts

• Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort Malapascua
• Georgia’s Neverland Hostel

Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort Malapascua

Avila’s is pretty much the only proper dive resort up in the north of Malapascua, and it’s located right on White Sand Beach. The setting here is stunning, the sand really is that powdery white, and the water is crystal clear and super refreshing.

It’s way less busy up here compared to the south, so the whole vibe is much more laid-back and secluded. The resort itself has simple but comfortable air-conditioned rooms with everything you need. There’s also a great beachfront area with sunbeds, a bar, and a restaurant which is perfect for hanging out and enjoying the quiet island atmosphere.

Book Here: Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort Malapascua

Georgia’s Neverland Hostel // One of the Cheapest Hotels in Malapascua

Georgia’s Neverland Hostel is easily the cheapest place to stay in Malapascua—we only paid around $10 USD a night for a private room. The setup is super charming, with little wooden huts surrounded by palm trees, and the owners were incredibly helpful. They arranged our ferry transfer and even an amazing snorkel tour, which I’d totally recommend.

That said, comfort is basic. You’re staying in simple wooden huts with no enclosed rooms or air conditioning. The showers are outdoors, kind of in the jungle—it’s definitely a proper eco stay. Super cool if that’s your vibe, but just know what you’re signing up for.

Book Here: Georgia’s Neverland Hostel

FAQs About Staying in Malapascua Island Hotels

Is there good scuba diving in Malapascua?

Yes, scuba diving is the main reason most people come to Malapascua. The island is famous for early morning dives with thresher sharks, which is a pretty rare thing to tick off your list. There are also wreck dives, macro spots, and coral gardens if sharks aren’t your thing.

When is the best time to visit Malapascua?

The dry season runs from March to May, and that’s when you’ll get the best conditions with clear skies, calm seas, and good underwater visibility. I went during Holy Week, which was beautiful but absolutely packed. So if you can, avoid major holidays too.

How to get to Malapascua Island?

It takes a bit of effort, but it’s straightforward. From Cebu City, you take a bus or private transfer to Maya Port, then hop on a boat to Malapascua. The boat ride is short, but plan your timing well, boats don’t run late in the day, and you don’t want to be stranded in Maya overnight.

Is Malapascua worth visiting?

Definitely. It’s small, beautiful, and still has a bit of that “hidden gem” feel, just without being completely off the map. It’s perfect if you want a laid-back island with great diving, lovely beaches, and a mix of rustic charm and decent beach resorts.

What is the best dive resort in Malapascua?

If you’re all about diving, I’d say Hippocampus Beach Resort with Devocean Divers is a great combo, it’s super convenient and well-run. Ocean Vida is another favourite of mine, especially for its beachfront bar setup.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels Malapascua

Like I’ve said before, when it comes to where to stay in Malapascua, I’d go for the south of the island, specifically around Malapascua Town. It’s more built up, there’s actual infrastructure, and you won’t have to walk 20 minutes through coconut groves just to find dinner. The north is lovely, very local and very raw, but for me, it’s a bit too remote. That said, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves an eco-hut, cold showers, and total peace and quiet, the north might be exactly what you’re after.

But if you want to be near the dive shops, decent restaurants, a handful of beach bars, and other travelers, then staying near Bounty Beach is the move. Places like Hippocampus and Ocean Vida are right on the sand and super central. That stretch of beach is also surprisingly clean with no floating flip-flops or plastics, and the snorkeling right off the shore is actually kind of underrated.

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