Why Choose Basdaku or Saavedra Over Panagsama?

Most visitors to Moalboal automatically head to Panagsama Beach - the backpacker hub with dive shops, bars, and a busy social scene. But if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxing experience, the Basdaku and Saavedra areas offer something different.

Basdaku (also spelled Basdako) is home to White Beach, a long stretch of powdery sand that’s perfect for families. Saavedra is the barangay just north, where resorts sit along a peaceful coastline with direct access to house reefs and coral gardens.

Here’s our guide to the best resorts in this quieter side of Moalboal.


1. Hale Manna Coastal Gardens

Location: Basdaku, Saavedra Best For: Families, groups, couples seeking value Price Range: Mid-range (₱₱) Google Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 (505 reviews)

Hale Manna is a family-run beach resort whose name means “House of Good Energy” - and the vibe lives up to it. What sets it apart is the combination of value and safety: kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and life vests are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis (no hourly fees).

What We Love:

  • Seasonal sandy beach - Hale Manna gets a sandy beach during certain times of year
  • Safe swimming area - the coastline here has a long stretch before the drop-off (Moalboal’s fringing reef), unlike other parts of Basdaku/Saavedra where the drop-off is just meters from shore
  • Beautiful house reef with coral gardens and a floating raft for snorkeling
  • Filtered seawater pools - two saltwater pools with slides
  • Expansive gardens - day huts, open spaces, and greenery throughout the property
  • 14 rooms from seaview cottages to barkada rooms for groups of 8
  • Event-friendly - open spaces for team buildings, weddings, and group gatherings
  • Pets allowed in select rooms (subject to pet policy)

Room Options:

  • Ohana Seaview Cottages (1-6 persons) - private bungalows with sea views
  • Superior Rooms (1-3 persons) - main house with garden views
  • Family Rooms (4-6 persons) - spacious rooms, some with kitchens
  • Barkada Rooms (7-8 persons) - large rooms for friend groups

Good to Know: Breakfast is included in all rooms. The restaurant serves Filipino and international dishes. It’s a 3-hour drive from Cebu City, and they can arrange airport transfers.

👉 View all rooms | Book direct


2. Club Serena Resort

Location: Along White Beach, Basdaku Best For: Couples, honeymooners Price Range: Luxury (₱₱₱₱) - one of the higher-priced options in the area Google Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 (335 reviews)

Club Serena markets itself as a luxury boutique resort, perched on coral rocks with views of the Tañon Strait. The property underwent renovation in 2022 and now features 16 suites and villas spread across 1.3 hectares.

What We Love:

  • Elegant design with private balconies
  • Two pool areas
  • On-site spa and massage services
  • Paddleboards and kayaks available for rental

Good to Know: The resort caters more to couples than families. Airport transfers are available at ₱4,500 per vehicle. The on-site restaurant serves international cuisine.

👉 See on Google Hotels


3. Dolphin House Resort

Location: Perched on a cliff, far end of Saavedra coastline Best For: Divers, families Price Range: Luxury (₱₱₱₱) - among the most expensive in the area Google Rating: ⭐ 4.0/5 (259 reviews)

Dolphin House is a well-established resort in Saavedra with 26 rooms, including spacious bungalows up to 750 sq ft. They have their own dive center and a good reputation for diving holidays. Note that this is a clifftop property - no sandy beach access.

What We Love:

  • On-site dive center (PADI certified)
  • Large bungalows with separate living areas
  • Outdoor pool and children’s pool
  • Tennis court
  • Free breakfast included

Good to Know: Popular with European divers and returning guests.

👉 See on Google Hotels


4. Ravenala Beach Bungalows

Location: Along White Beach, Saavedra Best For: Snorkelers, budget travelers Price Range: Mid-range (₱₱) Google Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 (253 reviews)

Ravenala is a small, intimate property with just 7 bungalows featuring eco-friendly bamboo furniture. It’s right on the beach with a house reef where guests report seeing sea turtles daily.

What We Love:

  • Direct beach access with excellent house reef
  • Eco-friendly bamboo bungalows
  • Free breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly (on request)
  • On-site restaurant and bar

Good to Know: Limited rooms mean you should book early. The vibe is rustic and laid-back - perfect for travelers who prioritize nature over luxury.

👉 See on Google Hotels


5. Blue Orchid Resort

Location: Farthest from White Beach (past Hale Manna) Best For: Divers Price Range: Mid-range (₱₱) Google Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 (167 reviews)

Blue Orchid is a dive-focused resort that caters primarily to serious divers. Located past Hale Manna, it’s the farthest property from the White Beach area. There’s no sandy beach, but seaside areas are available for lounging and sunbathing.

What We Love:

  • PADI 5-star dive center on-site
  • Beachfront property with natural landscaping
  • World-class diving instruction
  • Elegant accommodations
  • Strong reputation among dive enthusiasts

Good to Know: Blue Orchid is cash only - no credit cards accepted. The resort is about 8km from Moalboal town center, so it’s quiet and secluded. If you’re primarily here for diving and want a luxury experience, this is a solid choice.

👉 See on Google Hotels


How to Choose the Right Resort

ResortGoogle RatingReviewsBest ForSandy BeachPoolFree Sea GearPrice
Hale Manna⭐ 4.5505Families, groupsSeasonal ✓2 poolsYes (all free)₱₱
Ravenala⭐ 4.6253Budget snorkelersWhite BeachNoNo₱₱
Blue Orchid⭐ 4.5167DiversNo (rocky)YesDive gear₱₱
Club Serena⭐ 4.2335CouplesWhite BeachYesYes₱₱₱₱
Dolphin House⭐ 4.0259DiversNo (clifftop)YesNo₱₱₱₱

Getting to Basdaku & Saavedra

From Cebu City or Mactan Airport, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive south. You can:

  • Hire a private van - Most resorts can arrange transfers (around ₱3,500-5,000 one way)
  • Take a bus - Ceres Liner from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal, then tricycle to your resort
  • Rent a car - Drive via SRP, then through Carcar and Barili

Once you’re in the Basdaku/Saavedra area, most attractions are within a short tricycle or habal-habal ride.


Final Thoughts

The Basdaku and Saavedra stretch of Moalboal offers a different experience from the busy Panagsama area. It’s where families, groups of friends, and couples go when they want to actually relax - not just party.

If you’re looking for the best value with free sea amenities and a genuine “good energy” vibe, we’d love to welcome you at Hale Manna. But any of the resorts on this list will give you a great Moalboal experience.

Ready to book? Check room availability at Hale Manna or contact us with questions about the area.



This guide was written by Hale Manna Coastal Gardens, a family beach resort in Basdaku, Moalboal.