Malatapay is a small, out of the way coastal town in the depths of Negros, central Visayas. It is most famous for its huge Wednesday food market and also has a quintessential tropical beach.
The village of Malatapay is south of the provincial capital of Dumaguete and not far from Zamboangita, but is a bit of a pain to get to. Boats run out to idyllic Apo Island from Malatapay while the resort of Malatapay itself is farther along the track and comes with many hotel resorts overlooking the beach.
The market can be checked out before taking a boat over to Apo Island as it is near the main pier. Malatapay Market is a buzzing place featuring fishermen and local farmers selling their produce, along with everyday items such as cheap clothing and toys. Several good restaurants are within the market, the best of which is the open-air seafood restaurant which has the freshest and tastiest dishes around.
Getting There & Away
Dumaguete City Airport is the gateway to southern Negros and to Malatapay. It is a little over an hour’s flight from Manila and is about 30kms north of Malatapay via national road and unsealed road.
Things to Do
Malatapay Attractions
- Malatapay Market
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This bustling market only takes place on wednesday and it is worth coming just to eat here and take in the bustle.
- Malatapay Beach
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An idyllic looking typical tropical beach accessed by steps with white sands backed by palm trees. the snorkeling and swimming here are good.
Side trips from Malatapay
- Apo Island
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Has some of the best diving in the philippines in its many marine sanctuaries and is accessible from malatapay pier.