I just want to share one of the best trips I’ve ever had — our Malapascua trip last May 11 this year. Malapascua is an island in the northernmost part of Cebu, Philippines, part of the municipality of Daanbantayan, about 3–4 hours if you are coming from Cebu City. To reach it, we had to take a bus to Maya Port and then ride a small boat to the island.
Even though we only stayed there for two days and one night, it was really unforgettable. It wasn’t even a planned trip at first. Me and my friends, who are also my classmates back in second year, had been planning to go on a trip for months. But every time we planned something, it never pushed through. This one was different. It felt so unexpected, but it finally happened — and I’m so happy that it did.
Honestly, it still makes me smile when I think about how random that trip was. We were just talking about how we needed a break from school, and then someone mentioned Malapascua. I didn’t even expect we’d actually go, because you know how it usually goes — “sabot-sabot lang” but no one takes it seriously. But this time, everything just worked out. Maybe because we all needed it — that quick escape from the stress and tiredness of school.
We knew we had to ride a boat to reach the island, so we already expected it to be a long ride. It was really fun and excited. When we got to the pier, I could already feel the island vibes — people carrying bags, the smell of the sea, and the sound of the waves. We were lucky because when we arrived, the boat was about to leave. If we were late for even a few minutes, we could’ve missed it. So we were all rushing and laughing, trying to catch the boat while carrying our bags.
The trip on the boat was fun. The wind was strong, and we were talking about random things — our crushes, funny classmates, and just life in general. It felt like we were already free from school for a while. After some time, we finally saw the island from afar, and it looked beautiful. The water was so clear and blue, and I couldn’t wait to step on the sand.
When we arrived at Malapascua, we took a motorcycle ride to our resort because it was quite far from the pier. We stayed at JuanJuana Resort, which only cost ₱500 per person. It was a barkada-type room — simple, clean, and just enough for all of us. I really recommend it for groups who are traveling on a budget.
We were all so tired from the trip because imagine — we still had classes in the morning and afternoon that day. We were all worried that we might not make it to the pier, but thankfully, our class ended early, and by 3 PM, we were already on our way. As soon as we arrived at the resort, we went straight to our room, unpacked our things, and rested for a bit. We brought canned goods, noodles, and snacks to save money. It was our little “budget traveler” moment.
That night, we decided to go to the beach to chill. The wind was strong, and it was a bit cold, but the place was so peaceful. We found a nice spot by the shore where we could just sit, talk, and listen to the sound of the waves. We laughed, told stories, and even shared some deep talks. It was one of those moments where you just feel thankful to have good friends around.
There were many beautiful resorts around — some were elegant, others were simple and aesthetic. But for me, it didn’t matter where we were. What mattered was that we were all together, just enjoying the night without thinking about school or problems.
The next morning, we woke up early because we planned to visit Langub Beach, also known as North Beach. We rode motorcycles again, and the fare was ₱50 per person. The best part? The entrance was free. When we arrived, I was speechless. The view was breathtaking. The sand was so white, the water was crystal-clear, and it felt like a hidden paradise.
We stayed there for about three hours. Some of my friends swam even though the sun was so hot, while others took pictures and just enjoyed the moment. I couldn’t stop looking at the scenery — it was so peaceful and calming. It felt like time stopped for a while.
My favorite spot there was the Twin Coconut Tree. It’s one of the most famous places in Malapascua, and I totally understand why. It’s the perfect place for photos, especially if you love aesthetic views. I took a lot of pictures there because it just looked so beautiful — the white sand, the blue sky, and the coconut trees swaying with the wind.
After enjoying Langub Beach, we went back to the resort to rest before going home. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet. It felt bitin because there was still so much to explore, but we didn’t have much time or money left. I told myself that when I go back, I’ll stay for at least three nights so I can explore more and enjoy everything without rushing.
When we got back to the pier, I looked at the island one last time before we rode the boat. I felt a little sad, but also grateful. It was such a short trip, yet it gave me so many happy memories. From rushing after class, to catching the boat, to laughing on the beach — everything about it was worth it.
That trip reminded me how important it is to take a break sometimes. Life can be stressful, especially with school and responsibilities, but moments like that make everything lighter. Malapascua will always have a special place in my heart because it wasn’t just about the beach — it was about the friendship, laughter, and memories we made together.
I know that someday we’ll go back there when we have more time and enough money. For now, we just need to stay at home because of the earthquake aftershocks, but I’m sure everything will be okay soon. Why not start planning our next trip while we wait? I’m hoping that someday, when we all have more time (and more money), we’ll go back again. For now, I’ll just hold on to those memories and look forward to our next adventure.