Sunset watching in Moalboal

I left Bohol after another sleepless night at the Mad Monkey hostel to catch the 08:20 ferry from Panglao back to Cebu. Since the hostel messed up the booking I shared the ride and we even made a stop at ‘Overgrown Café & Bar’ for really good take-away coffee. The next part of my Philippines trip started out well enough.

Arriving at the pier in Cebu my driver awaited me. Only my second week in the Philippines and I already couldn’t be bothered with public transport anymore. George had driven me two days before to the pier and we struck a deal for a ride to Moalboal (3.500PHP = 57 EUR). Taking the bus would have been course way cheaper, but I didn’t want to wait until I could jump into the sea. Little did I know at that time.

For Moalboal I had splurged and booked a beach resort to get the most out of my stay here. After more than three hours in the car I arrived at the Tipolo Beach Resort and loved my new surroundings right away. The bungalow might have been a bit old, but the little resort looked inviting with its lush plants and its small beach just a few steps away.

Tipolo Beach Resort @Moalboal

Unfortunately I rejoiced too early. After a snack at the resort restaurant, I decided to hit the beach. At this time of the day though there was no shade at all, plus there was broken glass everywhere. Also low tide had started and the sea had moved far out. At least I learned from some other hotel guests, that ‘White Beach’, a very nice beach, was about ten minutes away on scooter. I managed to give it a try two days later and loved it!

White Beach was busy on the weekend, especially in the late afternoon. It’s the best time to come though as there is no shade as well and the sunset is excellent. The beach is excellent though. white and sand, with lots of restaurants and stalls. There are also stray dogs on the beach which will use your towel to relax.

White Beach @Moalboal

Pollybert with new friends @White Beach Moalboal

sunset watching @Moalboal

sunset @White Beach Moalboal

That first afternoon though I walked around Moalboal, organized my laundry, and finally ended up going for a beer at Chilibar. Moalboal was a bit of a disappointment, because there was no beach so to speak of. At the end of the village was another beach, which had been turned into a parking area for stranded boats. So there’s nothing to do in Moalboal itself except go for a drink.

the streets of Moalboal @Cebu

the beach at low tide @Moalboal

To enjoy the sunset you don’t need to take yourself to White Beach though. It’s pretty spectacular in Moalboal already. There are many little restaurants and rooftop bars along the beach, so it’s only a question of preference where you end up. The view is gorgeous no matter where you sit down. The sun goes down behind Negros island and sends up its rays for a long time.

the rooftop bar of my choice @Moalboal