Costs
What Malapascua actually costs
Real ranges in pesos for rooms, meals, boats and dives, with a converter so you can think in your own currency. Cash rules here; plan it before you arrive.
Rule of thumb
A day on the island, three ways
Room plus food and drink, added up from the tables below. Dives, boats and transfers come on top.
Budget
~₱850 per day- Dorm bed or fan room
- Three meals at local eateries
- Two local beers
- Bottled water
Mid-range
~₱3,650 per day- Air-con room with private bath
- Three restaurant meals
- Two beers at a bar
- Bottled water
Comfort
~₱7,900 per day- Beachfront or luxury resort
- Three beachfront meals
- Two drinks at sunset
- Bottled water
Accommodation
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget hostel / dormper nightFan rooms, shared bathrooms, basic facilities | |||
| Mid-range resortper nightAC, private bath, some with pool | |||
| Beachfront resortper nightDirect beach access, better amenities | |||
| Luxury resortper nightPremium suites, full-service spa, dive center |
Activities
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thresher shark diveper diveEarly morning dive at Monad Shoal | |||
| Fun dive (certified)per diveVarious dive sites around Malapascua | |||
| Open Water coursefull coursePADI/SSI certification, 3-4 days | |||
| Island hopping (Kalanggaman)per personFull day trip with lunch, stunning sandbar | |||
| Snorkeling tripper personHalf day, equipment included | |||
| Massage (1 hour)per sessionBeach massage to resort spa |
Food and drink
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street food / local eateryper mealLocal carinderia, rice meals, BBQ | |||
| Restaurant mealper mealTourist restaurants, Western and Filipino cuisine | |||
| Beachfront diningper mealSeafood platters, sunset dining | |||
| Beer (local)per bottleSan Miguel, Red Horse | |||
| Cocktailper drinkMixed drinks at bars and resorts | |||
| Water (1.5L)per bottleBottled water from shops |
On Island
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental feeone-timeSometimes collected at port, one-time charge | |||
| Scooter rentalper daySmall island, walking is easy too | - | ||
| Laundryper kgDrop-off laundry services | |||
| Mobile data (SIM)prepaid loadGlobe or Smart SIM, signal can be spotty |
Transport
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Cebu → Maya)per personCeres Liner from North Bus Terminal, 3-5 hours | |||
| Ceres Bus (Cebu → Maya)per personCeres Liner from North Bus Terminal, 3-5 hours | |||
| Van hire (Cebu → Maya)per vehiclePrivate door-to-door, 3-4 hours | - | ||
| Public boat (Maya ↔ Malapascua)per person30-45 min crossing, 6AM-5PM | |||
| Private boat charterper tripUseful for late arrivals or groups | - |
Prices last reviewed 25 Mar 2026. Ranges, not quotes: high season, group size and how you book all move the number.
Questions people ask
Is Malapascua expensive?
It can be done on a backpacker budget with dorm beds and local eateries, or comfortably at mid-range resorts. Diving is the main extra cost.
Can I pay by card on Malapascua?
Mostly no. Resorts, dive shops and restaurants are largely cash only in pesos. Some accept GCash. Bring cash from Cebu.
Are there ATMs on Malapascua?
Yes, but they depend on power and connectivity and are often down. Do not rely on them.