Trip Idea · intermediateDraft
Philippines Macro Tour
Anilao → Moalboal → Malapascua
Total trip
14 days
Budget range
$2,500–$4,500
Best months
November, December, January, February, March, April, May
The Philippine macro triple crown. Anilao for critter density, Moalboal for the sardine run, Malapascua for thresher sharks at Monad Shoal. All accessible from Manila, all budget-friendly for what you get.
The route
- 014 daysAnilao60.5Philippines · Asia-Pacific
Critter capital of the Philippines. Nudibranchs, frogfish, blue-ringed octopus. 2-hour drive from Manila.
- 025 daysMoalboal60.5Philippines · Asia-Pacific
The sardine run at Panagsama Beach is year-round and you can snorkel it from shore. Pescador Island for wall diving.
- 035 daysMalapascua60.0Philippines · Asia-Pacific
Thresher sharks at Monad Shoal at 5am. This is a specific dive for a specific reason — book with a Monad-certified op.
Logistics
- →Manila → Cebu → Moalboal → Malapascua internal logistics. Build buffer days.
- →Early morning thresher dives at Malapascua — you're in the water by 5:30am.
- →Typhoon season is June–October. Avoid.
Honest verdict
“Best value macro trip on earth. Skip it if you're expecting pristine reefs — the Philippines was overfished hard, and the magic is in what's still there, not in coverage.”