Travel Guide Malapascua Island

North of the island of Cebu lies a small paradise for divers, the island of Malapascua (population 6,500). Undeveloped until twenty years ago, it has seen very rapid development in just a few years, slowed by the passage of typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which devastated much of the island, but has since picked up again. This tiny confetti of beautiful white sand beaches has no paved roads; you can get around on foot - the island covers an area of 3 kilometers by 1 kilometer - or by taxi-scooter.The main reason for coming to Malapascua is to dive, and in particular to observe a species of shark endemic to the region, the thresher sh ark, at the famous Monad Shoal site (25 m deep, 15 minutes by banca). The dive takes place in the early hours of the morning, around 5 a.m., the best time of day to catch a glimpse of the thresher shark as it grooms! The reefs closest to the coast have been damaged by dynamite fishing, but some areas are still preserved, such as the outskirts of Gato Island. Despite the island's unpleasant interior (litter) and chaotic beachfront, Malapascua retains its charm and relaxed lifestyle, especially in low season.