Cebu Review | A Quick But Great Cebu Malapascua Experience

Monday, 21st May 2012

A Quick But Great Malapascua Experience

My wife and I was invited by a German resort owner to visit Malapascua for us to do an evaluation of their place for a proposed promotional video. I know that when we talk about white sand beaches we are inclined to compare it with that of Boracay. I have been to Boracay and all can say is that Malapascua has a lot to offer. Its extraordinary long white beach remains unspoiled. The warm and friendly people makes you feel you are just in your neighborhood and a block away from home. It is not yet as crowded as compared to the much publicized and commercialized Boracay.

We had the best experience at Malapascua, however short, not because everything is almost provided for free but because the island is worthy to be visited of. Our accommodation was “in gratis” courtesy of Mr. Markus Metzgerthe, the Sunsplash Resort owner. Being grateful or not, their hospitality is amazing as we are pampered more than what we could ask or expect for. The room we had has an air conditioning unit, a satellite TV and a refrigerator. I guess these are the standard fixtures for all the other rooms at the resort. The resort crew is the most friendly that I can find.

As told by the resort owner, they have had a floating bar where you can enjoy a drink or two and at the same time have a captivating and an unrestricted view of sunset. The floating bar is about 25 meters away from seashore. Unfortunately, the bar was damaged by a typhoon and so we could not get hold of it during that time.

We stayed at the resort for one night and to make use of the time we hired the services of a local “hilot”. Now I know why, the sought after therapeutic effect of the native massage cannot be duplicated by the commercial spa and massage services that are sprouting all over the city. Nothing beats our homegrown massage. Anyway, Sunsplash Resort offer extensive menu but what we like most is the Chicken Fajitas which is served generously. I think a whole chicken is used for one serving alone. Yes, our accommodation is provided for free but the room rate is affordable enough that any budget conscious tourist can afford. Sunsplash Resort is idyllically located near the famed Malapascua Bounty beach.

I have just learned that Malapascua is haven to international divers as it is known for rare sighting of Thresher shark. In fact, it is claimed to be the only place in the world to watch this friendly creature. It is interesting to note that the Thresher shark lives in very deep waters but show up daily at Monad Shoal to be cleaned by cleaner fish. Thats the wonder of nature right before our very own shore. Also, a wreck of World War II Japanese ship is an added attraction for avid divers out there. The Lonely Planet, an international travel magazine, even featured Malapascua for its excellent diving waters.

Thats to sum up our experience at Malapascua. Though our short stay did not provide us time to explore more of the island but it is time well spent . Thanks to Markus for the opportunity for us to visit Malapascua. An experience we will never forget.