Malapascua Island, Philippines - Some of the friendliest people I met were on the island of Malapascua in the Philippines – we didn’t want to leave! Everyone seemed to genuinely appreciate having us on the island. Tourism can be a double-edged sword. The influx of money can do wonders for a local economy, but it often strips that town of its own culture (I’m talking to you Thailand, specifically Phuket).
So while tourism isn’t new to them – people have been coming to Malapascua to see Thresher Sharks for years, it’s VERY difficult to get to, and it didn’t always offer electricity. It’s still difficult to get there, but thanks to some generators, the island now has 24 hours of electricity in most hotels. It’s new enough that you see signs advertising that they have 24 hours of electricity; it reminded me of old motels growing up that would advertise on signs that they have color TV. Ooooh!
my new friends on Malapascua island, Philippines
Raymond takes in the view from Blue Coral, our hotel. It was 1500 php per night, so at 750 php that's $17/night for each of us (most I'd spent on lodging in weeks!)
Notice the Rum+Coke pricing. 60 php, or 50 php for a double Rum+coke, or 40 php for a triple. I thought it was an error but they confirmed - apparently the rum costs less than soda. - We obviously ordered the triple.
Malapascuan BBQ - suspend a metal rack from a triangle tent of 3 bamboo sticks with a fire pit beneath it.
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