Daily costs per person in US dollars. Moalboal is one of the best-value adventure destinations in Southeast Asia — world-class diving and snorkelling at backpacker prices.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: PHP (Philippine Peso) (ATMs in town, cash preferred for activities)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6–15 | $18–45 | $60+ | Dorms → fan rooms → AC beachfront |
| Food | $4–10 | $10–20 | $25+ | Carinderias → beach restaurants → seafood BBQ |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–15 | $20+ | Habal-habal → tricycle → private van |
| Activities | $5–15 | $25–50 | $60+ | Shore snorkel → canyoneering → dive course |
| Entry Fees | $1–3 | $3–8 | $10–15 | Beach fees, waterfall entrance, marine fees |
| Daily Total | $20–45 | $50–120 | $160+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → beachfront comfort |
Money-saving tips
Snorkel from shore for free
The sardine run, sea turtles, and house reef are all accessible free from Panagsama Beach. You do not need to pay for a boat trip to see Moalboal's best underwater attractions — just walk into the water.
Eat at local carinderias
Local eateries one block back from Panagsama Beach serve rice meals, adobo, and grilled fish for PHP 60–120 — half the price of beachfront restaurants for the same Filipino food. Look for places where locals are eating.
Book canyoneering direct
Kawasan Falls canyoneering costs PHP 1,500–2,500 booked through Panagsama operators. Resort packages charge PHP 3,000–5,000 for the same trip. Walk-in bookings at the canyon start point are cheapest but require your own transport.
Share a habal-habal
Motorcycle taxis (habal-habals) are the main transport — PHP 50–100 for short trips, PHP 200–300 to Kawasan Falls. Split costs by sharing with fellow travellers or arrange group transport through your hostel.
Dive here — it is cheap
Moalboal is one of the cheapest dive destinations in the world. PADI Open Water courses cost $280–350 USD, fun dives from PHP 1,200. Equipment rental is included. The marine life rivals destinations costing 3x more.
Bring essentials from Cebu
Sunscreen, medications, and specialty items are more expensive or unavailable in Moalboal. Stock up in Cebu City before taking the bus. Local shops have basics but limited selection at higher prices.
