Flew to Philippines to see these sharks 🦈
If diving with thresher sharks has been on your bucket list, Malapascua is *the* place to do it. It's one of the very few places in the world where you can reliably see thresher sharks in the wild thanks to their regular visits to cleaning stations at Kimud Shoal. Watching these elegant sharks glide past with their unbelievably long tails was honestly one of the coolest dives I've ever done. 🥹💙
Here's everything you need to know if you're planning a trip!
✈️ Getting there (from Singapore)
• Scoot to Cebu, Cebu Pacific back
💰 Flights: ~S$300+ return
From Cebu Airport:
🚗 Private transfer to the port (~3 hours)
🚤 45-minute speedboat to Malapascua
💰 Private transfer: ~S$170 per car (including the speedboat)
We arranged the transfer through our hotel, and it was incredibly smooth. We were picked up straight from the airport, driven to the port, hopped onto the speedboat, and arrived on the island without any stress. Definitely worth it if you're travelling in a group.
🏨 Where we stayed
📍 Buena Vida Resort
Loved staying here! It's centrally located, comfortable, and even has its own in-house spa, which was perfect for unwinding after multiple days of diving.
🤿 Diving
Dive centre: Evolution
Over 5 days, we completed 9 dives with the highlight being the famous Kimud Shoal thresher shark dive. The early wake-up call was definitely worth it as we were the first divers to arrive and had the place to ourselves for awhile before the other dive boats started coming in. We saw multiple thresher sharks cruising gracefully through the blue. They're surprisingly elegant and much cuter than I expected!
Between dives, we spent time relaxing at Evolution's beachfront area with a drink in hand. Such a peaceful vibe with crystal-clear water and no crowds.
🍳 Food
Breakfast at Beta became our daily routine. Great coffee, generous portions, and genuinely delicious food.
💭 How many days do you need?
We stayed 5 days but 2-3 full days is probably enough.
Malapascua is a very small island, and aside from diving, there isn't a huge amount to do. Three days gives you enough time for several dives (including multiple chances to see the threshers), while still leaving room to relax by the beach.
If you're a diver, Malapascua absolutely deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary. The journey is slightly long, but seeing thresher sharks in their natural habitat makes every hour of travel worth it. 💙
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If you've ever dreamed of diving with thresher sharks, Malapascua Island in the Philippines offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Known for its pristine waters and abundant marine life, this island attracts divers worldwide due to the rare opportunity to encounter thresher sharks at Kimud Shoal's cleaning stations. These sharks are drawn to the area daily to have parasites removed by cleaner fish, making their appearances predictable and allowing divers to observe their elegant behavior safely. From personal experience, the trip to Malapascua requires some planning but is entirely worth it for diving enthusiasts. Arranging transfers through your accommodation ensures a hassle-free journey from the airport to the island — combining private car rides and speedboat crossings. This seamless transition is especially beneficial when traveling in groups. Staying at a centrally located resort like Buena Vida allows easy access to dive centers and local amenities. After long dive days, relaxing at the in-house spa is a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. The dive operations are well-organized, with early morning dives at Kimud Shoal offering the best chance to see threshers undisturbed before other boats arrive. During downtime, the beachfront area by the dive center provides a tranquil setting to enjoy crystal-clear waters with a refreshing drink, far from crowded tourist spots. Food options such as Beta's café provide hearty breakfasts and excellent coffee, fueling days packed with diving adventure. While Malapascua is a small island with limited activities aside from diving, spending 2 to 3 full days there is sufficient for both multiple thresher shark sightings and some leisure time by the beach. The journey might be a bit lengthy from major hubs, but the reward of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat justifies every minute spent traveling. For divers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime underwater encounter combined with a laid-back island atmosphere, Malapascua delivers an exceptional experience. Planning ahead with reliable travel transfers and choosing comfortable lodging makes the trip even more enjoyable. Ultimately, witnessing thresher sharks glide gracefully underwater is not just a dive but a magical memory to cherish forever.
