Are you by any chance tired of those same overly curated beaches packed with tourists fighting each other for that perfect Insta selfie?
Well, my friends, I’ve got the perfect pint-sized FILIPINO PARADISE for you: welcome to magical Malapascua!
Nestled off the north coast of Cebu, this off-the-radar paradise is home to lavish lagoons and lush jungles, all tied together by exceptionally friendly locals and an unparalleled food scene.
Because it’s such a small island, finding the right place to stay can be something of a hassle, especially in peak season. Don’t worry though: I wrote this wonderful piece of guidance about where to stay in Malapascua to help you get the best bang for your buck!
Let’s get into it.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Backpacking the Philippines and headed to Malapascua? Cool! Looking for a charming corner away from the crowd? I have listed my top 3 recommendations for where to stay in Malapascua.
Best Hotel in Malapascua: Tepanee Beach Resort
One of my favorite places to stay in Malapascua, Tepanee Beach Resort provides direct access to the beach – perfect for taking in the sun whenever you want!
Guests can take their pick from Standard Rooms or cozy Cottages with delightful views. The hotel also features a restaurant and a spa where you can enjoy a soothing body treatment.
Best Inn in Malapascua: Malapascua Budget Inn
True to its name, the Malapascua Budget Inn offers dorm rooms for as low as $12 per night. Located close to both Bounty and Logon beaches, this epic hostel in the Philippines boasts free Wi-Fi as well as a shared lounge area and bar.
Private rooms are available for guests who’d like to have their own personal space.
Best Airbnb in Malapascua: Chalet Thresher Shack
Located in a charming, ocean-facing cottage near Langub Beach, this room can comfortably sleep up to three guests.
There’s a king-sized bed that can be separated into two twins, as well as a sofa bed to accommodate an extra person.
After exploring the island, you can always relax on the furnished terrace with sea views.
Logon Beach
Wondering where to stay in Malapascua as a first-time visitor? Well, if you ask me, there’s no better area than Logon, a village that’s centrally located in the interior forested area of the island.
Langub Beach
Also known as Langob Beach, Langub Beach is the place to be if you’d like to be away from those touristy crowds. Because it’s a short drive from the main villages in the south, this place isn’t widely visited, giving you the chance to relax and sunbathe without having to deal with the noise.
Bounty Beach
Nestled on the south of the island, this beach is your getaway to everything fun! Not only are open-air disco parties randomly held in the area every week, but this neighborhood is also speckled with small albeit lively bars where you can mingle with the locals while sipping on an ice-cold Red Horse beer.
Malapascua’s Top 3 Neighborhoods to Stay in
While Malapascua is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Cebu, I can assure you that this tiny island packs a punch! Many say that it’s one of the most beautiful tropical islands you’ll find while backpacking Southeast Asia.
The island is so small that you can very easily walk from one side to the other in under an hour or hop on a tuk-tuk for just around $0.7/person! And by small, I do mean tiny. After all, the island is home to just around 6,200 inhabitants.
If you’ve never been to the island before, I suggest that you drop anchor in Logon Beach, one of the most beautiful Malapascua neighborhoods. Located in south Malapascua, Logon Village is home to plenty of small, family-owned restaurants where you can sample local delicacies. You’ll also enjoy heaps of sun, sand, and Vitamin Sea!
To escape the crowds and enjoy a moment of solitude, you may wish to stay in Langub Beach instead. Located on the other side of the island, there isn’t really much going on in Langub Beach. But given the island’s tiny size, you’ll never be too far from a restaurant or bar.
Now, if you want to hang around a lively Filipino neighborhood, then look no further than Bounty Beach! As the main tourist hub in Malapascua, Bounty Beach is home to everything that’s fun and lively.
Think outdoor disco parties, bars, and heaps of colorful stalls selling everything from souvenirs to freshly prepared delicacies. One of the best things about staying in Bounty Beach is that it offers easy access to the other islands in the vicinity.
1. Logon Beach – Best Place to Stay in Malapascua for your First Time
Wondering where to stay in Malapascua as a first-time visitor? Well, if you ask me, there’s no better area than Logon, a village that’s centrally located in the interior forested area of the island.
One of the best things about staying in Logon is that you’ll be away from the noise and bustle of Bounty Beach (Malapascua’s main tourist hub) while still being close to some of the best restaurants on the island.
This barangay is also home to Logon Beach, famous for its silky shores and glistening turquoise waters. In fact, if you hit the beach early morning, you can spot local fishermen bringing their colorful trawlers to shore. As you stroll across the beach, keep your eyes peeled for starfish, shells, crabs, and small fish swimming in the tide pools.
This gorgeous Filipino island is brimming with breathtaking areas – don’t miss the highlight—Logon Beach.
Best Hotel in Logon Beach: Tepanee Beach Resort
If you ask me, this is easily one of the best places to stay in Malapascua – and for good reason!
Infused with gorgeous beach vibes, this hotel offers private beach access, perfect for enjoying a dip in the ocean whenever the mood strikes.
Guests can take their pick from Standard Rooms or cozy Cottages with delightful views. After spending the day on Logon Beach, you can always treat yourself to a massage at the spa before enjoying a meal at the onsite restaurant.
Best Hostel in Logon Beach: Malapascua Budget Inn
You certainly don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a comfy stay in Malapascua – as evidenced by the Malapascua Budget Inn!
With dorm rooms starting as low as $12 per night, this place will get you the hostel experience you crave without breaking the bank.
Offering free WiFi, the property provides an onsite shared lounge and a bar. It also lies close to both Logon and Bounty beaches
If you’d rather have your own personal space, rest assured that the hostel also has private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Families and groups may always opt for the Quadruple Room, Family Room, or Private Barkada Dormitories.
Best Airbnb in Logon Beach: Chief’s Villa
Located in one of the best areas in Malapascua, Chief’s Villa 1 offers an unrivaled experience, only a brief 10-minute drive from the picturesque Logon Beach.
Guests can expect classic home comforts, including a modern, well-equipped kitchen that they can use to rustle up a quick meal.
This space offers a generously sized bedroom with a queen bed and a double bed. If you need to squeeze in more guests, there’s also a hammock and four-floor mattresses.
Things to See and Do in Logon Beach
- Spend a day on Logon Beach, a crescent-shaped beach known for its fine powdery sand and gorgeous turquoise lagoon. This beach is one of the best swimming spots in Malapascua.
- Visit the Lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the northern coastline. You’ll need to hike a steep path to reach the island.
- Wander Guimbitayan village, home to a hidden beach.
- Check out the nearby Mangrove Preserve.
- Head to Bantigue Cove which is a 15-minute drive from Logon Village.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Langub Beach – Where to Stay in Malapascua on a Budget
Here’s another gorgeous Malapascua neighborhood that lends itself really well to fans of the great outdoors!
Also known as Langob Beach, Langub Beach is the place to be if you’d like to go off the beaten track. Because it’s a short drive from the main villages in the south, this place isn’t widely visited, giving you the chance to relax and sunbathe without having to deal with the noise. The soft white sand and palm trees only complete this image of tropical perfection!
Bear in mind that Langub Beach is a bit isolated, so there’s not much to do around. While it’s perfect for travelers who want to slow down their travels and build a deeper connection with their new space, you’ll only find a couple of bars and eateries in the vicinity.
Then again, Malapascua is pretty tiny, so you can very easily reach all the amenities that lie on the other side of the island with just a 10 to 15-minute drive!
Best Hotel in Langub Beach: Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort Malapascua
One of the rare few hotels in Langub Beach, Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort Malapascua lies right in front of the beach!
What I like the most about this hotel is that it offers an extensive choice of rooms for all budgets.
In addition to Deluxe Queen or Twin rooms, you’ll also find Family Rooms with four beds. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can always opt for an Attic Room or even a bed in a mixed Dorm room.
WiFi can be a bit choppy at times, but the views and proximity to the ocean make up for it!
Best Guesthouse in Langub Beach: The Be One Guesthouse
Located just a 9-minute drive from Langub Beach, The Be One Guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Malapascua for budget travelers!
Offering both dorm and private rooms, the guest house is set just a short distance from the Lapus Lapus Cliff and the Divelink Cebu Diving Center. Plenty of shared outdoor spaces are available for taking in that delightful sunshine!
Best Airbnb in Langub Beach: Chalet Thresher Shack
Okay, this charming cottage isn’t exactly on Langub Beach as such, but it’s just a 12-minute drive away!
Best of all, you’ll get to save money for more beer and seafood by crashing in this cozy private room for three.
The bedroom has a king-sized bed that can be split into two singles if needed. There’s also a sofa bed and a furnished terrace with ocean views.
Things to See and Do in Langub Beach
- Grab your diving gear and explore the colorful underwater world around the island.
- Head to the Lapus Lapus Cliff which offers stunning ocean vistas. This spot is commonly used by the locals for cliff diving.
- Dive or snorkel to the shallow Japanese shipwreck that dates back to WWII.
- Visit the nearby Gugma Beach, a secluded beach accessible via a small footpath.
3. Bounty Beach – Best Place to Stay in Malapascua for the Nightlife
Last up on my list of best places to stay in Malapascua is Bounty Beach, which just so happens to be the ultimate tourist hotspot on the island!
Nestled on the south of the island, this beach is your getaway to everything fun! Not only are open-air disco parties randomly held in the area every week, but this neighborhood is also speckled with small albeit lively bars where you can mingle with the locals while sipping on an ice-cold Red Horse beer.
If you feel like exploring, you can always island-hop over to nearby destinations like Lapus-Lapus Island.
Best Hotel in Bounty Beach: Hippocampus Beach Resort
Refurbished in 2018, the Hippocampus Beach Resort lies smack on Bounty Beach!
With numerous room configurations to suit various budgets, the hotel offers interesting onsite amenities like SSI-certified scuba diving.
After exploring the island, you can always treat yourself to an onsite massage before enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the bar.
Best Resort in Bounty Beach: AABANA Beach & Watersport Resort
Why share a dorm room when you can book a single room at the AABANA Beach & Watersport Resort for as little as $20 per night?
Facing Bounty Beach, this hotel has an onsite restaurant that features both local and international dishes.
In the morning, you can always treat yourself to a continental breakfast before heading out to explore nearby spots like Logon, Bool, and Langub beaches.
Best Airbnb in Bounty Beach: Casa Nova
Perfect for groups of four, this beautiful bungalow offers all the comforts of home right on the edge of Bounty Beach.
One of the top places to stay in Malapascua, this space suits six people. If you get the group together, you’ll have a vacation of a lifetime.
Everyone gets comfy beds, and a kitchen to cook up the best Filipino dishes. But why cook when you’re so close to all the best restaurants, too!?
Things to See and Do in Bounty Beach:
- Dance the night away at the outdoor disco, held in different locations each Saturday evening. Since the location’s always changing, your best bet would be to ask a local to help you find it.
- Enjoy happy hour at Pirates Bar, located 50 meters from the Hippocampus Beach Resort.
- Island-hop to Los Bambos Beach, Dakit-Dakit Island, Lapus-Lapus Island, and Coral Garden.
- Take a dip in the clear waters of Rock Beach, also known as ‘Camino’ by the locals.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Malapascua
Do you need travel insurance? ABSOLUTELY!
Before you head off on the trip of a lifetime, make sure one mistake can’t ruin it all. Get that travel insurance and enjoy the trip.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Malapascua
From the moment I stepped foot on its impossibly beautiful shoreline, the island totally had me hooked! The fact that there are some pretty scenic places to stay in Malapascua only adds to the island’s charm.
Are you still having trouble deciding where to lay your head? Well, honestly, I have to recommend Tepanee Beach Resort first. This is a truly incredible retreat in the heart of one of Malapascua’s best areas: Barangay Logon!
And if you have some extra time to spare, why not consider an epic backpacking trip across the Philippines?
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
