Karlo Pacana
How I Found The Most Romantic Spot in Malapascua: Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort in Malapascua
(Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines) – So I am spending my first few weeks of summer here in this prison i call Malapascua (sarcasm). I’m slowly becoming a local here. I actually and unintentionally am using the words “igbao and baras” instead of the usual “ibabaw and balas”. Translated meaning “on top and sand”. This maybe is the result of being very friendly to the locals, always present to “diskorals” (local disco) and other barrio events.
View from my Veranda
I also was able to startup my tiny lechon business with my partner, Dennis. I call it Malapascua CHON + BBQ. I was also flattered when Out of Town Blog Team offered me an opportunity to cover the best resorts on the island for summer. I told him I was more than eager to do it, better yet excited.
My Veranda with a view
Relaxing Spot
So last Monday, March 23, I woke up as early as 9AM (imagine that) to scour all the ten resorts in the island from Maldito Resort up to Evolution’s The Craic House. You can’t believe how “freezing hot” it was, kidding. Luck was on my side when Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort opened its doors for me for an overnight stay for free, with which I was really hesitant at first (quite the opposite).
Ocean Vida Resort Malapascua Island
Comfy Bed @ Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort in Malapascua
Thanks Sven! Anyway, I believe that Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort (check rates) is one of the best in the island. Not to mention that they are really pro-active in their environmental preservation campaign, their room furniture and fixtures are also intricately designed with abaca and rattan material which supports local industries.
My Bed for a night
Coffee with this view
This is the reason why it has been rated number one in Malapascua for four consecutive years by TripAdvisor. But wait, there’s more, no big deal really. It is just among Agoda’s top twelve hotels in the Philippines side by side with Shangri-la and Marriot among other big hotel chains. When you see the sun-colored love chairs and rattan hammocks on its beachfront, you will absolutely fall in love with the place.
My favorite spot
I love how it accentuates with the sand and the crystal clear waters paired with a picturesque view of the most romantic sunset on the island while sipping happy-hour buy one take one cocktail with the love of your life besides you. No doubt, this is the reason why most of their guests extend their stay or at least return for the nth time.
Beach Front of the Resort
Ocean Vida Resort (resort info) is also home to the competent and highly nominated Sea-Explorers that caters to first time divers, aspiring dive masters, and those pursuing careers as dive instructors. So if you want to see Thresher Sharks, Manta Rays, and glow in the dark marine species, please sign up and take me with you. So before I take my afternoon nap, here are some snapshots of everything this place has to offer.
Beach Beds anyone
You can reach Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort (online reservation) from Mactan Cebu International Airport in 3-4 hours. If you are travelling as a group, you can arrange for a private transfer from the airport directly to the Malapascua through [email protected].
No Plastic at Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort
If you are traveling alone and looking for a little adventure, you could ride the local jeepney or ride a cab to North Bus Terminal in Mandaue and pay approximately 400 pesos. Ask for a van for hire to Maya Pier and pay 300 pesos including heavy luggage placement. Ask for a pump boat going to Logon, Malapascua and pay 200 pesos.
My Veranda
Aerial View of Malapascua Island
When you reach the island, ride a motorbike and just say Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort and pay 20 pesos. Better have an early reservation in as it is always fully-booked especially during peak summer months. Go to ocean-vida.com to get the best deals and also see everything they have to offer like their restobar and other amenities, island hopping to Kalanggaman Island and other fun activities that I failed to cover.
My Turista Shot
If you have clarifications, you can always contact me. I’ll happily oblige as long as you take me with you to Ocean Vida’s happy hour. Talk to you soon strangers. I’ll go find another resort to sink my teeth in.
Happy Summer!
Ocean Vida Beach and Dive Resort (book now)
Address: Bounty Beach Logon, Daanbantayan, Malapascua Island Cebu
Phone:(032) 234 0248
