There are many hotels in Moalboal, Philippines, so it can be overwhelming to choose which one to stay at during your next trip.
Many of the resorts are not on the actual beach in Moalboal, as the coastline is rocky and rugged. I was looking for a resort that was away from the chaos and noise of the downtown area, plus where my partner could easily dive from, for a seven-night stay.
I decided on the Turtle Bay Dive resort due to the reviews of the dive masters, however, I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful the entire resort is. The staff were very friendly and professional and the rooms were kept clean and tidy all week.
This family-run haven offers a perfect escape from the daily grind, combining top-notch accommodations with world-class diving experiences.
This is not a paid post, I just really enjoyed this property! Let’s “dive” into why you should choose this resort on your next trip to the Philippines!
Turtle Bay Dive Resort
Address: Tongo, Moalboal, 6032 Cebu
Rates: Season Dependent, Starting at $115 USD (6720 Philippine Pesos)
Google Map: Turtle Bay Dive Resort
Arrival at the Turtle Bay Dive Resort
Upon arrival, the staff greeted us with a warm welcome and explained everything thoroughly. They clean the room every day, unless you leave on the Do Not Disturb, and replace towels when you need new ones.
The staff can assist with booking all of your excursions, your laundry, and help you rent scooters.
The resort tallies all of your charges and you get one bill at the end of the stay. You just need to pay for the scooter in cash. You can pay the final bill with a credit card if you so choose.
Comfortable and Scenic Accommodations
The Garden View Deluxe room was very comfortable. The bed comes with four pillows, three blankets, and the mattress was soft. Here is what each room type has to offer:
Garden View Deluxe: Set amidst lush tropical gardens, these rooms feature private terraces, perfect for morning coffee.
Pool View Deluxe: Overlooking the expansive 19-meter pool, these rooms come with balconies to enjoy the tranquil setting.
Sea-View Deluxe: For ocean lovers, these rooms provide breathtaking views of the Tanon Strait right from your window.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a ceiling fan, minibar, tea kettle and a private bathroom with hot and cold showers.
Diving into Adventure
The resort offers scuba diving for those who have at least their open water certification. The on-site PADI 5-Star Dive Center caters to all levels, from beginners to seasoned divers.
Diving Highlights:
House Reef: Just a short swim from the resort, the house reef is teeming with vibrant marine life. My partner spotted several green turtles gracefully swimming by!
Pescador Island: A short boat ride away, this dive site is renowned for its stunning coral formations and diverse sea creatures.
Sardine Run: Witnessing the mesmerizing sardine run was a bucket-list experience.
The dive center offers up to three dives daily, including night dives for those eager to explore the reef’s nocturnal wonders. The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Food and Beverage at the Turtle Bay Resort
The resort has three restaurants. I will say that some of the dishes were a little strange. Their pasta salad was served warm and had large cuts of the classic ingredients, doused in oil, and the hummus was just chopped garlic, however, many of the other dishes were normal.
If you are looking to save money and eat with locals, you can walk to JG’s, which is a five-minute walk from the resort. The restaurant also has an ATM. Google Map
- Bay View Restaurant: Serving a fusion of Asian and European dishes, with fresh seafood as a highlight.
- Sunset Bar: This was not open every day, however, it had a limited menu with pizzas and cocktails to watch the sunset.
- Poolside Bar: There is a happy hour (2 for 1) drinks from 4-5 pm every day. You can also order the entire menu at the bar, not just snacks.
We particularly enjoyed the daily happy hour as that was when most of the other guests would visit the bar so we could make new friends!
Staying Connected at this Cebu Moalboal Resort
Turtle Bay Dive Resort offers Starlink internet, however, it only worked outside of the sleeping rooms. Inside the lounge next to the Bay View Restaurant, there was a long table to set up a work station with power, if needed.
There was little to no cell service inside the sleeping rooms, which includes SMART, the local Philippine cellphone company. My E-sim and local sim both did not work in the rooms at all.
The resort is also equipped with a backup generator, so the one day that the power did go out, we were still able to work.
Activities Beyond Diving
The resort offers two free activities, in addition to assisting you with booking paid excursions.
- Snorkeling: The house reef is perfect for snorkeling, with equipment available for rent for free. Just head to the dive center and ask for the mask and fins.
- Kayaking: Paddle along the coastline and take in the scenic views for free. Just grab one of the kayaks and paddles and walk directly into the water.
- Local Tours: The resort can arrange excursions to nearby waterfalls, cultural sites, and
- Game Room: Next to the pool, you can play ping pong, pool, and darts
Final Thoughts on One of the Best Hotels in Moalboal
My stay at Turtle Bay Dive Resort was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of comfortable accommodations, thrilling diving adventures, and warm hospitality made it a memorable experience.
Whether you’re a diver or simply seeking a serene getaway, Turtle Bay Dive Resort in Moalboal is a destination worth exploring. Pack your bags and dive into an unforgettable adventure!
Philippines Tips
- Water Safety: Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Many venues will have filtered water stations to fill up your reusable bottle.
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Language: English and Filipino (Tagalog) are widely spoken.
- Visa: Most tourists can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Bathroom Etiquette: Do NOT put toilet paper in the toilet! Many places don’t provide any, so always carry tissues or wipes.
- Be Patient: Food takes longer than expected to make, and often items are out. Be patient and flexible when dining.
- Tipping Etiquette: It is not expected as many venues will add a 10% service charge to all checks. If you do not see a service charge, it is typical to round up the bill as a tip.
- Make Reservations: Book your flights and accommodations in advance. Many flights and hotels will be sold out in the peak season.
