Malapascua Island Tourist Traps

This is not exactly a tourist trap, but more like locals trying to trap tourists into buying their goods or services. The locals on the island have caught on to the fact that tourists are an easy source of money. (and are easy to rip-off). If you do not want to buy anything, it can get very tiresome. About 2 or 3 times every day, a woman would come to my bungalow offering massages or pedicures. The same woman!! I got really tired of telling her nicely, "no thank you, maybe tomorrow" it was getting quite stressful for me, and this was supposed to be a relaxed holiday! So, you have to be really firm, say "No thanks. And please don't ask me again". Or, they will keep asking and keep asking!! Otherwise, just book the massage and do it, and perhaps she won't bother you anymore after that. Also there are men who try to convince you to go snorkeling with their group, or want to take you on 'tours' of the island...

I found it rather irritating because I came to the island to relax and take things easy, and here were people coming up to me when I was trying to sleep or read a book on the beach, and trying to sell their services to me. I much prefer the services to be available, so that I can contact them when I choose to.

If that's not a big deal to you, or be more firm than I was, then perhaps you will not find it as fustrating as I did.