Mabad-on (Mambahi) Reef
A tidal reef and sandbar off Tingko Beach that surfaces at low tide and vanishes under a lagoon at high tide.
The overview
About Mabad-on (Mambahi) Reef
Mabad-on Reef, marked as Mambahi Reef on Philippine maritime charts, is a tidal reef and coral island sitting just offshore from Tingko Beach in Alcoy. At low tide it exposes a walkable sandbar and shallow reef flat; at high tide it disappears almost completely under a small, deep lagoon. The reef is reached by a short boat ride from Tingko Beach, and its shifting appearance is part of the draw, with a coral garden and patches of reef fish visible in the shallows around it. Because the site is small and tide-dependent, most visits are brief add-ons to a beach day at Tingko rather than a standalone destination. There is no development on the reef itself, and visitors need to bring their own snorkeling gear since none is rented out on site. Boatmen based at Tingko Beach can take small groups across and back, with timing built around the tide for the day.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Tide-exposed sandbar and reef flat
- Coral island setting just offshore
- Short boat ride from Tingko Beach
- Marked as Mambahi Reef on maritime charts
- Shallow reef fish and coral patches
- Best combined with a Tingko Beach visit
- 1 Check the tide schedule before heading out, since the reef is only walkable at low tide. Bring your own snorkeling mask and fins, as rentals are not reliably available. Agree on the boat fare with the boatman before departing, and wear reef-safe footwear to avoid coral cuts. Location approximate — confirm on arrival.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a bus or van bound for Oslob or Bato and get off at Tingko Beach in Alcoy (about 2.5-3 hours). From the beach, arrange a short boat ride out to Mabad-on Reef with local boatmen.
Nearby on the chart
Where to stay & eat nearby
Tingko Beach
₱Alcoy
Popular white sand public beach with cottages and day-use facilities.
View & BookMarlin's Beach Resort
₱Alcoy
Beachfront resort at Tingko Beach with rooms and cottages.
View & BookVictoria Beach Resort
₱Alcoy
Affordable beachfront resort with clean rooms at Tingko Beach.
View & BookAlcoy Seafood Restaurants
₱Alcoy
Local eateries serving fresh daily-caught seafood and grilled specialties.
View & BookKeep exploring
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Entrance Fee
Free access via Tingko Beach; boat rental to the reef negotiable with boatmen, roughly PHP 200-500 depending on group size.
Opening Hours
Daylight hours, tide-dependent
Duration
1-2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time to Visit
Low tide, morning to early afternoon; dry season for calmer seas.
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