The Coolest Place to Stay in Moalboal – Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal

You know the kind of place you’re supposed to stay for two nights but end up staying for nearly a week?

That’s exactly what Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal is like! Thanks to the people I met there, the vibe and the peaceful lifestyle, my stay in a region where people usually only stay for a short time ended up lasting much longer than planned, and where I even felt a twinge of sadness when it was time to leave.

Planning a trip to Moalboal? This is the coolest hostel you’ll find in the area!

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Why stay at Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal?

If you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel right at home without breaking your piggy bank, this is the place you should book right away.

The location may not be right in the heart of Moalboal, but the hostel offers plenty of other services that more than make up for this minor drawback. Plus, for a restful stay, you couldn’t ask for anything better!

If you’d like to read a more detailed review of my stay, keep scrolling!

Location

Located just outside Moalboal’s bustling tourist center, Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal is still close enough to all the main attractions you’ll want to explore during your stay.

And even though it’s in a more secluded area, everything is easily accessible thanks to one major perk: the free shuttle service.

No need for a scooter or tricycle here! Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and natural surroundings at your leisure!

Vibe

Do you love peace and quiet and don’t feel like spending all your nights partying? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Here, there are no nearby bars that close at 2 a.m. and might disturb your sleep, because Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal is surrounded only by nature and a quiet street.

The hostel isn’t very big, which adds to the serenity and soothing calm of the place, ideal for recharging your batteries after a day of diving or canyoneering.

Everything is also designed to encourage people to socialize and make friends, thanks to its large communal space and kitchen, making it the perfect address for solo travelers!

What are the rooms like?

All rooms are designed in a “container-style” architecture, and while this may not be to everyone’s taste, their simplicity and uncluttered style reflect the no-frills yet warm atmosphere of this hostel.

Rooms range from private rooms to mixed-dormitory rooms; they’re clean, unpretentious, yet cozy, and come equipped with everything you’ll need during your stay.

The only minor drawback I noticed is that the 6 bed mixed-dormitory room might feel a bit cramped for some, but you can easily avoid this by upgrading to the 4 bed mixed-dormitory room (extra $2).

The dorms are furnished with curtains around each bed for more privacy, and you’ll have towels, power sockets, hangers, as well as two pillows (which is quite rare and a real luxury in hostels).

Overall, the room was simple but comfortable.

Note: the toilets and bathroom are located outside the dormitory rooms.

Special Amenities

There are a few special perks that will make your stay at Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal even more exceptional!

First of all, every night around 10 p.m., once the staff at the reception has finished their shift, a security guard is on duty all night, ensuring you have a restful and safe night’s sleep. Not that you wouldn’t feel safe otherwise, but since you’re a bit away from downtown, and the hostel isn’t located on the best-lit street, extra security is always appreciated.

The second huge bonus, and undoubtedly my favorite: the free shuttle! Hop aboard the mini 4×4 which runs every hour from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. taking you to and from the beach, or from the hostel to the bus terminal and back, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m..

➡️ Remember to book it in advance at the reception and enjoy the convenience of this amazing benefit.

Speaking of security, well, you’ll also have access to two lockers during your stay: one outside your room for your bulkiest luggage and one at the head of your bed for your valuables, which can actually easily fit a 20L backpack.

Additionally, if you enjoy cooking, you can take advantage of the large open kitchen and prepare your own meals: whether to save money or simply because you’re a skilled chef. And if not, you can always kick back and relax in one of the nearby hammocks!

And since I’m on the topic of amenities and perks, let me add one little benefit that will delight tired travelers: the check-out until 12 p.m., which means you can sleep in or take your time packing your luggage on the day of your departure if you’re too lazy or drained from your adventures or late nighs (no judgment here).

Last but not least, the hostel also features a cozy rooftop terrace where you can play cards, enjoy the concerto of birds and insects, or even work remotely.

Service

The entire staff is super friendly; not only will they make you feel right at home, but they’re also willing to go above and beyond to ensure you have an amazing stay!

If you need anything, they’ll be happy to help, whether it’s booking a tour or giving recommendations.

They truly live up to the famous reputation of Filipino hospitality and kindness, and this is the kind of accommodation that truly knows how to take care of its guests without intruding on their privacy.

The little extras

Airport shuttle: service available at an extra cost, but you can also choose to go to Cebu by bus, as the bus terminal is less than 10 minutes from the hostel.

Parking: if you’re coming by car or scooter, you can use the parking for free.

Where to eat in Moalboal

Here are a few places worth your time and your taste buds during your stay in Moalboal!

• Ô délices French Bakery: right across the hostel, you can grab breakfast at this French bakery, or even lunch or dinner. A little practical address when you don’t want to move around.
• Chief Mau: hostel and restaurant, Chief Mau is the place to go if you’re looking for something less traditional. The cozy ambience of bean bags and hammocks will delight you as much as their menu.
• Ven’z Kitchen: Filipino cuisine, friendly staff, vegetarian options, and affordable prices.
• Mila’s Restaurant: one of the many addresses where you can eat the delicious Filipino dessert, Halo-halo!

Things to do in Moalboal

Moalboal is particularly famous for its natural landscapes and waterfalls, so I’m going to share some of my favorite things to do in the area.

• Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls (Badian): a sport that combines hiking, cliff jumping, swimming… all while exploring canyons and enjoying the scenery, is what awaits you if you embark on this adventure. Warning: expect fun and adrenaline, but also exhaustion.

• Diving and snorkeling: coral reefs, schools of varied fish, the small town’s ocean boasts an abundance of grandiose marine life, much to the delight of all ocean lovers.

• Sardine Run: Moalboal is famous for its sardine run, as it’s quite easy to see them as they swim very close to shore. Head to Panagsama beach to experience this mesmerizing spectacle.

• Waterfalls-chasing: Mantayupan Falls, Lusno Falls, and other beautiful waterfalls await you!

• White Beach: popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s also an ideal spot for snorkeling.

So why should you book your stay at this hostel right now?

I wasn’t expect anything in particular from Moalboal, since it was more of a last-minute decision than a carefully planned trip, but as soon as I walked through the door of Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal, I don’t know how to explain it, but I knew I’d made the right decision.

The tranquil atmosphere, the kindness of every person I met, and fun I had in this small town are still among my best memories of the Philippines: proof that, often, what makes a destination special is more about the people you meet and experiences you live.

So, if you’re looking for a budget stay, away from the noise but surrounded by kindness and peace, Pig Dive Hostel Moalboal is the perfect choice for you!

Address: Panagsama Rd, Moalboal, Cebu
How to get there: less than 10 minutes by tricycle from the bus terminal
Prices: from $16 to $57 on Booking.com

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