Visiting the Philippines means island hopping and enjoying its many incredible tropical destinations. Deciding on which islands to visit can be difficult, as there are so many great options out there.
If you are looking for a completely remote and undeveloped island escape, you have to visit Malcapuya Island.
Malcapuya Island is one of the most idyllic islands near Coron and one of the best island hopping tours you can take from Coron.
This small destination is sparsely populated, offering visitors an unbeatable tropical experience! Malcapuya Island is closely located next to Banana Island and Bulog Dos.
These are all easy to reach from Coron and are often visited all together on a package day trip. However, if you really want to experience all that Malcapuya has to offer, staying overnight is ideal.
If you are one of the lucky few tourists that get to visit this island paradise, this is the guide for you!
I put together this ultimate guide to help you make the most out of your trip, including information on how to get there, what to pack, what to expect and more. I hope you enjoy this stunning island as much as I did!
Before you go, have you got everything you need for your Philippines trip? If not, check out here my Philippines packing tips!
Table of Contents
About Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is the ultimate destination for those looking for soft sandy beaches, clear warm waters, all with a totally secluded appeal.
This place has possibly the best long sandy beach in the Coron, with various private little beaches and coves tucked away around the island.
Malcapuya has some beautiful rocky cliffs and unique formations that offer incredible views over the island. When visiting this island, expect to be surrounded by unspoiled nature and total peace.
Malcapuya is a pretty undeveloped place, and its appeal is really in its untouched natural surrounds. When I say that Malcapuya is undeveloped, I really mean it!
There are only a couple of families that live on this island. Other than a small shop selling coconuts to drink, there really isn’t much else going on.
Where is Malcapuya Island?
Malcapuya Island Coron is located just off the south-western coast of Culion in the Philippines. The island is about 1.5 hours’ boat ride away from Coron Town, which is the best place to reach the island from.
Although Malcapuya is not too far away from busy areas, a trip to this island offers a complete escape, as you really feel removed from the rest of the world when visiting.
| READ MORE: 15 ABSOLUTELY STUNNING PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES |
How to get to Malcapuya Island
The best way to get to Malcapuya Island is from Coron, Palawan. You can catch a flight straight into Busuanga (USU) in Coron through a few major airlines.
Once here, you can catch a van straight into Coron Town, which is about 30 minutes away. Once in Coron Town, there are various tour operators that offer trips out to the island.
I recommend taking a guided tour which includes pickup from downtown Coron, as well as a visit to the Bulog Dos sandbar and lunch at Banana Island.
I usually stay away from guided tours but every island hopping trip I did in the Philippines was great, with lovely grilled fish lunches and fun crew to keep you entertained.
You can also rent a boat privately and ask them to take you just to Malcapuya Island but why not make the most of a tour and visit a couple more awesome beaches in the same day?
Click here to book your tour to Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island Accommodation
Malcapuya Island charges an entrance fee of 250 PHP (Philippine peso, the local currency) per person to visit, as do surrounding islands Bulog Dos and Banana Island.
If you do an organised tour these are included in the tour price. While Malcapuya Island does offer dreamy unspoiled beauty, an overnight visit here will not involve any kind of glamorous hotels or luxuries.
The island has some small huts available along the beaches, which can be rented for around 750 PHP per person. These are really basic huts with a mattress on the floor and removed restrooms with open-air showers.
There are also some simple houses to rent on the island that offer a few more comforts, such as private bathrooms and comfortable beds.
If you really love being out in nature, then camping on the island is also a popular choice. You can even bring your own hammock and secure it between two coconut palm trees for a really exciting Malcapuya Island experience.
I’m not big on camping, but after camping on the beach in the Surin Islands in Thailand I can guarantee that sleeping under the stars and swaying palms of a tropical island is definitely a special experience.
Malcapuya Island has no electricity, so be prepared for this if you are camping (don’t forget a power bank to charge your phone – how are you going to take beautiful photos otherwise?) Most accommodation will be equipped with a generator to provide you with basic power.
For a true desert island escape away from busy tourists and developments, Malcapuya Island, Coron, Palawan is one of the best places to go!
What to do on Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is a paradise for those wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful natural beauty.
This is the ideal destination for those wanting to swim in shimmering turquoise waters, enjoy world-class beaches, and slow down into the laidback island lifestyle.
The first thing that just about any visitor to Malcapuya Island will do is head to the famous soft sandy beach.
This island boasts an impressive stretch of shining white beach – the absolute perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the warm clear waters. The sand here is famous for being particularly fine.
Click here to see the latest prices and availability for Malcapuya Island tours!
Malcapuya Island is a great place for snorkeling and swimming with marine life. If you enjoy nature and getting outdoors, then you can also take short treks through the lush island landscape.
This will take you past some stunning views and incredible bursts of scenery. Malcapuya Island is usually visited by day trips and tours, which will allow you to experience this place with the help of a guide.
If you are looking for a convenient way to explore the island’s best spots, then consider one of these tours. They should also take you to the surrounding beaches as well.
There are plenty of activities you can do in Malcapuya, however, the best thing to do here is to just relax! We loved exploring the beautiful beaches, swimming, and taking it easy under the sun.
What to bring with you to Malcapuya Island
As this tropical island is so undeveloped, it is best to be prepared if you are visiting Malcapuya overnight. Here are some things to remember to take with you on your adventure.
- A sleeping bag or hammock if you plan on camping out
- Mosquito repellant
- Plenty of sunblock
- A comfortable backpack (packing light is a huge helper)
- Drinking water and snacks
- A flashlight
- Toiletries
- A power bank (remember there is no real electricity here)
Final thoughts on Malcapuya Island
Malcapuya Island is an unforgettable destination! This magnificent place has one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan, and is the perfect place for a relaxing and removed island escape.
If you want to beat the crowds and experience a true island adventure, then Malcapuya Island in Coron is the place to visit! You can also go island hopping in El Nido and Siargao, but Malcapuya Island is special.
I hope you will find this guide useful in planning your trip to Malcapuya Island, it was one of my favourite places we visited during our 3 weeks in the Philippines and hope you will love it too!
Looking for more Philippines travel tips? Check out these guides:
- Where to swim with sardines and turtles in Cebu (DIY & Free!)
- How to spend 5 awesome days in Cebu Island
- Everything you need to know about canyoneering in Kawasan Falls, Cebu
- Hiking Osmena Peak – the highest peak in Cebu Island
- The best places to explore by kayak in El Nido
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