MALAPASCUA
About The Location
Malapascua became famous fairly recently, only in the early 1990s as a dive destination. Prior to this, the island was known for its wide white sand beach, known as Bounty Beach; it has also become known for its beautiful coral gardens, coral walls and excellent local dive spots, as well as further-out sites including Gato Island, Monad Shoal, and Kemod Shoal. Monad Shoal is an underwater plateau where thresher sharks and manta rays can regularly be sighted.
Most of the islanders derive their livelihood from tourism, while some still rely on subsistence fishing and farming.
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Similar to other islands, natives were dependent on fishing as a source of livelihood. Agricultural products such as corn and rice were supplied from neighboring islands, such as Cebu and Leyte. With the population increasing and fish stocks dwindling, tourism came to the rescue. Nowadays, the majority of islanders either directly or indirectly make a living out of tourism, which is developing rapidly. The growth of tourism has also increased local immigration to the island, thus the demand for housing. The lack of a pier for bigger boats – due to financial constraints – is keeping a brake on construction growth.
About The Dive Sites
The number-one dive site of Malapascua is Monad Shoal, a natural cleaning station for fish located 7.8 kilometres from the island (30 – 35 minutes boat ride). The shoal is a rather unremarkable long rock stump at the edge of a 200 metres drop and has a flattish top at a depth of 20 to 24 metres. The site is best known as the only place in the world where thresher sharks can be seen regularly at and just before sunrise. They use the seamount as a cleaning station for bluestreak and moon cleaner wrasse to remove ectoparasites such as gnathiids from their skin and clean their gills and mouths. The shoal also attracts other pelagic fish such as devil rays and eagle rays. Manta rays and hammerheads are seasonal.
About Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort
Malapascua Exotic Island Dive Resort was the first dive shop established on Malapascua and continues to lead the pack with excellent service,
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We have 5 different types of well-maintained rooms, all of which have private bath, balcony and 24 hour power year round.
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Our highly acclaimed international restaurant offers an extensive range of mouth-watering dishes from fresh salads and sandwiches served on freshly baked bread to local Philippine and international specialties. Our acclaimed breakfast menu offers a wide choice from homemade pancakes to freshly made croissants and is available all day long. The coffee corner boasts the best and freshest brewed coffee on the island. Treat your self to a cappuccino, latte or iced coffee while relaxing in our garden setting. Or if you prefer sample a draft San Miguel beer from our fully stocked bar, the only place on the island where draft beer is available. Our exotic wok, sizzling dishes and new tabletop grill are favorites amongst our guest.
During high season our weekly buffets are always a highlight. We cater for large groups with set menus; buffets or A La Carte packages, special functions and BBQ boat trips are also possible. We can also cater beach wedding, birthday party, seminars or convention. Dive packages can include breakfast; half board or full board packages.
