Cebu Area GuideNalusuan Island, Cebu, Philippines
Marine sanctuary, floating cottage, and island hopping from Mactan
Nalusuan Island is a tiny coral island and marine sanctuary located in the Camotes Sea approximately 45 minutes by pump boat from Mactan Island. It is best known for its overwater floating cottage resort — the iconic image of a single bamboo cottage perched on stilts above the shallow turquoise reef — and for the marine sanctuary's excellent snorkelling with sea turtles, colourful reef fish, and sea garden corals. The island is managed as a private eco-resort and is regularly included as a stop on Mactan island hopping tours. Day visitors pay an entrance fee and can rent snorkelling gear, use the facilities, and order seafood from the floating restaurant.
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questions & answers
Can I stay overnight at Nalusuan Island?
Yes — Nalusuan Island Resort offers limited overwater cottage accommodation for overnight stays. The experience is rustic but unique: sleeping directly over the reef in a bamboo cottage with no motor vehicles or noise. Rates are higher than mainland options; book well in advance as capacity is very limited. Day visitors pay a separate entrance and environmental fee.
How do I visit Nalusuan Island?
The easiest way is to join a Mactan island hopping tour that includes Nalusuan — these are widely available through resort tour desks and boat operators at Buyong Beach or Marigondon in Mactan. A private pump boat charter from Mactan can also go directly to Nalusuan. Travel time is approximately 40–50 minutes from Mactan. The island charges an entrance fee (approximately ₱100–₱200 per person) that goes toward the marine sanctuary.