A sweet escape awaits at Moalboal
Ravenala Beach Bungalows is situated at the heart of White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu.
One of the many pleasures of life is discovering unintended consequences and new places. The Ravenala Beach Bungalows in Moalboal, Cebu is one such property.
The small resort has actually been operating for over two decades. But when Boracay shut down last year, the volume of business began to escalate, especially among Europeans and other foreigners looking for that quiet, rustic, beachside property.
Moalboal itself has been a known scuba diving destination for many years, primarily due to the small, offshore pinnacle called Pescador Island—known for its steep walls, crystal visibility, schools of shimmering sardines and the occasional thresher sharks or whale sharks that cruise the calm waters between Cebu and Negros.
Beachside bungalows feature a small patio for lounging.
These days, the sardines have migrated closer to the Cebu mainland, off Panagsama Beach, which is a booming tourist hotspot. Panagsama can get crowded though, so for those looking for a quieter option, White Beach in Moalboal is an alternative. Just a 10-minute boat ride away, this part of the Moalboal coast has far less traffic and less number of resorts.
Ravenala is located at the heart of White Beach. The pocket resort only has nine beachfront rooms and an additional two family rooms. All rooms are airconditioned, have a spacious bath with a hot shower, and feature a small patio for lounging.
Scattered around the resort are two dining areas, a beachfront bar, a spa and dive center. Kayaks and water scooters are also available to explore the extensive White Beach shoreline.
Ravenala is known for its excellent service, which starts with an airport transfer service and tourist assistance to access the other destinations around Cebu, including the whale sharks in Oslob, motorbiking, canyoneering, trekking to Osmeña Peak, and day excursions to the four known waterfalls in the southwestern part of Cebu.
The beachfront bar (above) is the best place to view the sunset. Sardine bait ball (left) off Moalboal, Cebu.
The resort’s owner, Teresita Schaap, has been a scuba diver since the ’70s, and today, still occasionally leads dive groups around. Everyone calls her Babie, and her personal touch is evident in all the little details around Ravenala, from the flowering plants in the gardens to the friendly dogs that have the run of the beach and the resort. Even the turtles in the Ravenala house reef would be friendly with her, as she has been releasing turtles into the area annually for years.
To contact Ravenala, email [email protected] or call Teresita at 09173248680.
