
Inspiring Story
Picture waking up to the gentle rustle of coconut palms, stepping outside your door onto a sun-dappled garden terrace, and walking just two minutes to reach pristine white sands. A traveler arrived on Malapascua Island exhausted from city life, seeking an escape where time slows down. At this quiet retreat, they found peace wandering paths filled with exotic flowers, spending mornings tracking thresher sharks, and evenings watching the sky turn purple from a private bamboo bed balcony.
Holiday Getaways
This property is ideal for Holiday Getaways tailored to budget-conscious divers, backpackers, couples, and independent solo travelers who prioritize a quiet, peaceful base away from noisy beachfront crowds.
Pros
- Quiet central location surrounded by lush tropical gardens
- Affordable fan and air-conditioned room options with private terraces
- Friendly, accommodating staff and unique fresh water showers
- Serves a mix of local dishes and unique Austrian culinary specialties
Cons
- Located slightly inland, requiring a short walk to reach the beach
- Standard fan rooms can get quite warm during hot summer months
- No swimming pool on site
- Lacks elevators, making upper floor rooms less accessible
In-Depth Spotlights
Our In-Depth Spotlights reveal that room rates typically range from 15 to 30 USD per night depending on whether you choose a standard fan unit or a deluxe air-conditioned space. When compared to luxury beachfront options like Buena Vida Resort or Ocean Vida Beach Resort, this property offers incredible savings, providing a tranquil garden sanctuary at a fraction of the cost.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating 7.4 out of 10
- Service 8.1 out of 10
- Facilities 7.2 out of 10
- Value for money 7.7 out of 10
- Cleanliness 7.8 out of 10
- Location 6.9 out of 10
Solving the Travelers Problem
Many travelers worry about the loud beachfront music and premium costs associated with staying on Malapascua Island. This resort solves that problem by providing a pocket of absolute silence and affordable comfort tucked away from the main strip, while remaining close enough to let you walk to major dive centers and dining spots within minutes.
Travel Guides, Safety, Scams, and Packing
Malapascua Island is generally safe, but travelers should watch out for over-inflated prices on boat transfers and unaccredited dive guides. Always negotiate transport fares beforehand. Bring cash, as ATMs on the island can be unreliable. Pack mineral-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, a lightweight raincoat, sturdy reef shoes, and universal power adapters.
Transportation Tips
Fly into Mactan-Cebu International Airport, then take a taxi or bus north to Maya Port. From Maya Port, board a public outrigger boat to Malapascua Island. The resort is located just a few minutes away from the main boat drop-off point.
Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive on Malapascua Island, check into your garden room, and watch the sunset at Bounty Beach.
- Day 2 Wake up early for a thresher shark dive at Monad Shoal, followed by an afternoon exploring the Malapascua Lighthouse.
- Day 3 Join an island hopping and snorkeling tour to the Japanese Wreck, ending the day with Austrian specialties at the resort restaurant.
Local Food and Local Attractions
Enjoy fresh seafood, grilled pork belly, and traditional Filipino adobo at local eateries. For a unique twist, try the home-cooked Austrian dishes at the resort bar. Must-visit local attractions include the powdery sands of Bounty Beach, snorkeling at the Japanese Wreck Marine Sanctuary, and diving at Monad Shoal.
Events and Festivals
Experience the annual Fiesta of Nuestra Senora Virgen de los Desamparados celebrated every May, featuring colorful street decorations, local dances, food feasts, and vibrant community assemblies.
Things to Know and Trivia
The resort opened in 2008 and stands out as one of the few properties on the island historically celebrated for providing fresh water showers. The island itself is famous worldwide as one of the only places where rare thresher sharks can be spotted consistently every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the check-in and check-out time at the property? Check-in begins at 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, and check-out is strictly until 12:00 PM.
- Does the resort feature free internet access? Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided for guests in public resort areas and rooms.
- How far is the accommodation from the nearest beach? The property is a short 2-minute walk from the coastline and roughly 10 minutes from Bounty Beach.
- Are pets allowed to stay at this property? No, pets are not permitted inside the resort facilities.
- What types of rooms can guests book? Travelers can choose between Standard Fan Rooms, Deluxe Fan Rooms, and Deluxe Air-Conditioned Rooms.
- Does the resort have its own restaurant? Yes, there is an on-site restaurant serving local Filipino cuisine, fresh seafood, and Austrian specialties.
- Can the front desk staff assist with tour bookings? Yes, the 2-hour front desk and tour desk help organize diving, snorkeling, and island hopping trips.
- Is there a swimming pool on the premises? No, the property does not feature a swimming pool, but the ocean is just a short walk away.
- What forms of payment are accepted on site? The resort accepts cash along with major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
- Is a laundry service available for guests? Yes, dry cleaning and laundry services can be arranged through the front desk staff.









