Tipolo is a small and cozy resort right at the heart of Pangasama beach in Moalboal. It offers excellent location, close to everything and just a bit off the main area of nightlife. That way, you can easily get anywhere you want but still go back to your room and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The resort is extremely well maintained and clean, especially its rooms which are simple but elegant. Most importantly, it provides visitors to Moalboal a chance to stay at a prime location for very affordable prices. It’s by far the best budget accommodation in Moalboal, especially if you book a long time in advance.
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Tipolo was established back in 2007 by owner Jochen Hanika, a German who has been living in the Philippines since the early 90s. From there, he also operates his other business, planet action, which offers a multitude of tours throughout the whole Moalboal area. These tours include a variety of canyoneering routes, mountain biking, horseback riding and trekking trails. We work closely with Jochen and can provide substantial discounts for any tour booked through us.
Following Planet Action’s success, many independent tour operator started popping up in Moalboal. Locals who have no experience or understanding of safety are offering the same tours for extremely low rates. That is exactly the reason why we only work with Jochen and why we also wholeheartedly endorse his resort – because we are 100% sure you will get a professional and caring treatment.
If there’s one thing that Tipolo is missing its a swimming pool. It could have been very nice to be able to relax a bit at the pool with a drink. On the plus side, rooms are equipped with both AC and a ceiling fan, free WiFi and a very comfortable bed. All rooms also have a small balcony you can sit at, or you can go to the viewing deck instead. From there, you get a stunning view of the ocean and it’s especially recommended to sit there with a cold beer and watch the sun go down.
So, there are enough ways to relax at Tipolo even without a pool. But honestly, most people who visit Moalboal should find themselves very busy all day long. Apart from the adventure tours offered on site, a multitude of dive clubs are just outside the resort’s doors and will happily take you on diving or island hopping tours. Alternatively, you can always just snorkel and swim at the Tipolo house reef instead.
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While Tipolo is undoubtedly a beach resort, in all fairness it doesn’t really have a beach like the one you’ll encounter in places like Boracay or even Mactan. Sadly, this is the case with most resorts in Moalboal, especially the ones on Pangasama. You can go take a swim at the nice clean waters, or sit at the viewdeck with a drink – but don’t expect a white sand beach here.
Lastly, there are the resort facilities. While they are certainly nothing luxurious, they do meet the strict standards of quality which reflect with everything this establishment does. The restaurant is one of the best among hotels in Moalboal, and prices are extremely fair. Same goes for the spa service, even though the selection is quite basic, you only pay 6$ per hour and can choose to take it either outside in the garden area or in the comfort of your own room.
All things considered, we would never hesitate to recommend the Tipolo resort to anyone visiting Moalboal. Since this place isn’t famous for luxury all inclusive resorts anyway, it’s better to choose your accommodation with 2 things in mind: value for money and consistency of quality. Tipolo resort excels at both aspects, you always get your more than what you paid for and there’s no chance you will leave disappointed.
The 2 Villa rooms are much newer and better equipped. They both have a flat screen TV with satellite receiver. There is no seaview from these rooms, but they are still located just 25 meters away from the ocean.
You can choose between a queen size bed or two single beds, and another single bed can be added upon request. Each room has a nice verana in the middle of the garden, overlooking the ocean.
