Moalboal suspends island hopping

CEBU, Philippines — Island hopping activities in Moalboal, Cebu were suspended yesterday due to rough sea condition.

The suspension was announced by the Moalboal Tourism Office on its social media page. The decision to temporarily suspend the island hopping activities in the town stemmed from the advisory issued by the Philippine Coast Guard about the rough seas conditions in the southwestern seaboard.

In its advisory, Moalboal Tourism Office said the measure is to ensure the safety of their visitors and avoid any sea tragedy.

Island hopping is one of the famous tourism activities in in southern Cebu especially Moalboal because of the town’s rich marine life. Moalboal has three island hopping sites --the Pescador Island, Panagsama beach, and the Tongo point-- where tourists can enjoy the sardines run and turtle watching.

The rate ranges from P2,500 to P7,000 depending on the number of persons in a group.

Recently, Moalboal received two recognitions after Pescador Island was featured as one of Asia's Leading Dive Destinations in 2024 and Panagsama Beach’s being adjudged as one of the best beaches in Southeast Asia by the luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condè Nast.

"This recognition praises the rugged beach’s natural beauty as well as its extraordinary underwater treasures, renowned for the sardine run that gather near Panagsama Beach, with schools of fish in millions moving together in a fascinating display" the Department of Tourism said. — /FPL (FREEMAN)