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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Malabo
Cultural and financial centre of Equatorial Guinea.
Located on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, Malabo is the main city in Equatorial Guinea. It features an interesting mix of Spanish colonial and modern buildings; among these, the Cathedral of Santa Isabel stands out, with shades of blue that blend into the tropical sky. Other colonial-era buildings are still used to serve the needs of both locals and tourists. As far as eating, seafood is king, and you must not leave without trying the speciality of the city, grilled fish. Coffee and cocoa are another important part of the local food scene, as these are two of the top local products exported.
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Ibis Malabo Hotel
If you want great international cuisine with local touches, don't miss this hotel restaurant.
Traditional and international fusion.
Not all the top hotel restaurants are prohibitively expensive. A good example is the Ibis Hotel, located about five kilometers from the Malabo Cathedral. It serves up one of the most varied culinary offerings in town, with different pasta dishes and grilled meat and fish, among other specialities. The local touch comes courtesy of the numerous sauces that complement the dishes. A plus: the air conditioning works relatively well, and there's a modern bar where you can cool off at any time of day with a drink.
La Luna Restaurant
One of the best-known in town for its location, food and architecture.
A crowd-pleasing restaurant.
One of the best known tourist restaurants in Malabo is La Luna, opposite the town harbour. It's certainly eye-catching, with a stylish design in which nothing is left to chance: from the two round towers on the main building to the wall surrounding the complex, punctuated by arches throughout, as well as the interesting outdoor décor featuring giant coloured pots. In addition, the outdoor tables are set around a large swimming pool, and it's also one of the places in Malabo where the air conditioning works best. The food does not disappoint either, with buffet breakfasts and fish specialities, pasta, rice, vegetables or fried plantain, all at relatively affordable prices and with spectacular views overlooking the bay.
Drinks
Fine beers and wines are available in Malabo, but do try the typical local drinks.
Traditional or international. It's up to you.
Until a few years ago it was quite difficult to find top spirits (whiskey, gin or rum) in many of the villages on the island of Bioko. That was not the case in Malabo, where hotels and many of the bars and restaurants have always offered imported liquors and European wines and beers, including known brands such as San Miguel, Heineken, Cruzcampo or Tuborg. What has always been more complicated (and this has not changed) is to find these drinks cold enough, due to high local temperatures and the poor cooling capacity of some bars and restaurants. If, by contrast, you prefer to try the typical drinks of the country, the options are palm wine and the alcohol-free Malamba juice made from sugar cane.
Typical Food of Equatorial Guinea
Snake, monkey or turtle are just some of the exotic dishes you can try.
Only for the daring of palate.
Although the cuisine of Equatorial Guinea has points in common with the Spanish, there are a number of culinary secrets that you can only discover during your visit to Malabo. First, a condiment called andok, as well as the typical sauces of the country (which are used for almost everything), prepared from peanuts or yams. Another peculiarity of the local cuisine is a taste for game meat, with animals as varied as the crocodile, snake, monkey, antelope, pangolin, porcupine, roe or sea turtles appearing on menus. Given that fishing is the only source of livelihood for most Guineans, it is not surprising that its most traditional dish is the pepesup, a very spicy fish soup. Other typical dishes from the sea are lobster or bilolá (a huge snail typical of the country).
Sofitel Malabo Sipopo le Golf
Golf and cocktails, anyone? This luxury hotel makes it possible.
A hotel with a view.
The Sipopo coastal area has emerged in recent years as the most exclusive tourist destination around Malabo. Proof of this is the luxury Sipopo Congress centre, as well as some of the hotels nearby. One is the Sofitel Malabo Sipopo le Golf which, as its name suggests, boasts an 18-hole course. Its modern facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts and even a private beach, as well as three other restaurants and many bars. The menus combine the French and local cuisines, with specialities such as croquettes, sausages, fried plantains and seafood. For their part, the bars offer a large selection of cocktails and fruit juices, apart from spectacular views of the beach.
Hilton Hotel
Whether sleeping or just dining, a great place to stop in Malabo.
Luxe lodging in Malabo.
Even if it's out of your budget, you might want to take a spin around the Hilton Hotel, one of the most exclusive places to park your bags in Malabo. Located at kilometer 7 of the airport road, the restaurant is usually packed with tourists who are not willing to substitute pork or beef for unusual wild game. Apart from its Italian-flavoured menu and sublime wine list, there are other attractions: The first is the Aqua Bar and Grill, a luxurious bar next to the hotel pool where you can enjoy grilled dishes, pizzas or sandwiches, all accompanied by various fruit cocktails. At night, try the piano bar, an exclusive venue where you can savour the finest liquors to the sound of music.
Bar Miramar
Fish is one of the top specialities of this old restaurant.
A traditional restaurant near the port.
One of the most traditional establishments in Luba is Bar Miramar, a small restaurant next to the city port. Fish is the house speciality, mainly beaked and bream. Wild game dishes such as grombif, very typical of Equatoguinean cuisine, are also available. This word comes from the Castilian adaptation of the English expression 'ground beef' and refers to a sort of wild rat served roasted and not overly appealing to the eye. Other typical dishes are chuchu chucu (porcupine) or sea turtle, served only at certain times of year. The truly hopping day here is Saturday, when a disco operates in an adjacent room.
L'Entrecôte
From sushi to pizza: something different in Malabo.
Delicious and varied international cuisine.
If you want to enjoy fine international cuisine in Malabo, it is best to visit any of the major hotels in the city. One of the most exclusive is L'Entrecôte, located downtown in the Hotel 3 de Agosto. You'll love the varied menu's specialities from all over the world, especially the Mediterranean pizzas (try the ones with meat and an unusual black pepper sauce). Spectacular grilled meat and seafood, served with a hot terracotta bowl in which diners can cook their steaks, chops and prawns to their liking. In addition, L'Entrecôte houses Malabo's first sushi bar, Le Bistrot Zen, and also includes a French-style barbecue by the swimming pool.
Imagine Restaurant
One of the trendy spots in town to enjoy fine dining and wines.
Haute Cuisine in Malabo.
The Malabo 2 neighbourhood has a restaurant in line with the modern image that this new expansion of the Equatorial Guinean capital hopes to convey. The luxurious Imagine restaurant, located near the UN building, has an area of 10,000 square feet, more than half of which are occupied by a restaurant with capacity for five hundred people. It is, therefore, a place designed for large events, such as business lunches or international events, but also weddings, communions and baptisms. Its extensive menu includes specialities of Spain (such as paellas or sausages and cold cuts), Italy (different pasta options) and Equatorial Guinea (green rice with bilolá or antelope pâté). The wine list is even more Spanish, with many fine vintages from Ribera del Duero, La Rioja and Navarre.
Café Malabo Lounge Bar
Food plus a mojito, in a fab setting. What's not to like?
A stop for a snack.
Malabo is full of bars where you can enjoy a quick bite. One of the latest is Café Malabo Lounge Bar, located in Independence Avenue, with a youthful, relaxed atmosphere and a menu that includes all kinds of snacks and tapas. It is not an overly big menu, but is highly recommended for breakfast, a light lunch or an afternoon snack. The atmosphere improves markedly on weekends, when the restaurant offers all kinds of cocktails, the Cuban mojito being one of the most popular. In addition, a local orchestra plays at night, with a repertoire featuring African and Latin American rhythms.
Cosmetics Stores
For those into keeping up (personal) appearances, you must visit one of these shops.
Beautiful both inside and out.
The people of Equatorial Guinea care about their appearance and like to use all manner of skin creams to maintain it. At least, that's what you would conclude from the large number of commercial establishments specialising in the sale of cosmetics that abound in the streets of Malabo. Some resemble chains such as Juteco or Bodybell; in the case of Caroline's Cosmetics, a small shop in Liberty Avenue, you can find an assortment of cosmetics, perfumes, and hair products. Another interesting option is Rosanhavaj Cosmetics in Parques de África Avenue, which sells natural hair products and creams of all sorts. More unusual is the selection at AJM Cosmetics in King Street in Malabo, where the cosmetics and perfumes (with well-known brands such as Fa, Heno de Pravia or Sanex) sit alongside watches and bracelets.
EGTC Shopping Centre
All types of goods in a modern international-style shopping centre.
International products and much more.
The Equatorial Guinea Trading Company (EGTC) is one of the most important distribution companies in the central African country. Its origins are in a small grocery store that opened in 1987 in Malabo. Since then, its growth has been such that already there are numerous establishments throughout the country, as well as two large shopping centres. One of these is located in the district of Ela Nguema, in the Fishtown Rotunda. This is a huge retail space of almost 55,000 square feet, stocking imported products mainly from France, Italy, Holland and Spain. The food selection includes meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, although you will also find cosmetics and personal care products. It also has its own bread oven and even sells all kinds of household items, ranging from furniture to appliances.
Rial Shopping Centre
Shopping and a movie? This is the place for you.
This proper shopping centre won't disappoint.
One of the clearest signs that Equatorial Guinea has gotten in recent years on the bandwagon of modernity: the opening of its first Western-style shopping centres. Malabo is home to one of them, Rial Mart, located in the Rotunda of Good Hope. In this huge space there is room for almost everything, including a supermarket with all kinds of food, drinks and cleaning products. Structurally it also resembles new Spanish commercial complexes, with a design that combines some of the usual elements of classical architecture, such as columns and balusters, with bright colours such as pink or green. The building also hosts many dining options, including pizzerias and cafés, plus a huge movie theatre (with the obligatory stall selling popcorn), hairdressers and even a beauty salon.
The Malabo Central Market
Food, souvenirs, clothing… you'll find it all here.
Open-air stalls with everything you could imagine.
Like most Central African capitals, Malabo has a huge outdoor market that brings together hundreds of people to do their daily shopping. The huge central market is located in the heart of the city, from the end of Patrice Lumumba Avenue up to La Paz Stadium and the Los Angeles neighbourhood. In its hundreds of stalls, you can find absolutely everything from vegetables, meat and fresh fish, to preserves, cosmetics, tabacco, drinks, textiles and clothing (with a significant amount of counterfeit clothing brands ). As usual in this type of market, there is order in the chaos, so that different trades such as cobblers, seamstresses or hairdressers are grouped together.
Handicrafts
Want a souvenir? Take one of these hand-carved figures home.
Local crafts make the best souvenirs.
At the central market in Malabo as at many other shops in town, you can acquire typical crafts of Equatorial Guinea. The selection is not as much as you might expect given that mahogany, ebony and rosewood run rampant in the country's forests. Among the best items you can find are the statues made by the Fang tribe, which usually consist of naked characters with their arms crossed over the chest and a pensive face. Apart from these, most crafts sold in Equatorial Guinea come from Cameroon, Nigeria and Congo. Among the most typical: malachite necklaces and bracelets, as well as ebony masks and statuettes. If you buy ebony, do scratch the wood to make sure you're not getting a cheap imitation (if the black colour fades, it's fake).
Small shops and groceries
You'll find almost anything you need on the streets of Malabo.
What you need and when you need it.
Walking through the streets of Malabo you will find a huge number of family-owned shops. They are, for the most part, groceries and small shops owned by both locals and Lebanese immigrants; in the former, you can purchase all kinds of edibles, fresh, dry, canned and frozen. They are similar to the traditional food shops that until a few years ago existed in most Spanish cities. Naturally, the range of brands is quite limited. As for the shops, they are similar to the 'all for one euro' places one can find in Spain nowadays, selling almost everything from food to cleaning supplies to clothing and utensils. Few neighbourhoods in Malabo don't have one or more of stores, and you need not worry about schedules, as they open early and close late.
Comercial Santy
Quality imported good for your stay in the city.
Quality products for your stay in the city.
Apart from the Martínez Brothers Group, this food-distribution chain is the largest of the six or seven that exist in Equatorial Guinea. As in the case of the Spanish company, much of Santy's products are imported from overseas. The chain has a store in Malabo on Liberty Avenue where you can find a variety of interesting products. Offerings include meat and fish (mainly frozen) and fruits and vegetables (mostly imported), such as apples, oranges, onions or potatoes. There are also refrigerated sections for dairy, deli and frozen products. The variety of brands is not precisely great, although much higher than that in most food stores in Equatorial Guinea.
sale of fish
In a place like this, it is logical that the most abundant thing is good fish.
To the rich fish!
The island of Bioko goes through its particular dry season between the months of November to March. During this time of the year there is an abundance of fish, the production of which constitutes the main industry of the city of Malabo. Fish is a good that is easily acquired in the Equatorial Guinean capital, since a multitude of women sell it on the street after having bought it from the fishermen, and in some of the surrounding towns they are the ones who go directly from house to house offering their products. It is also possible to find good pieces in fishmongers and markets, although it is better to be careful because many of these establishments lack convenient refrigeration systems. One of the usual places for selling fish is the part of the large central market in Malabo that borders the peripheral neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Muankaban Supermarket
Another way to discover daily life in Malabo.
Shopping in Malabo.
For decades, the Martínez Brothers Group was the only western-style supermarket chain in Equatorial Guinea and, of course, offered the greatest variety of products. The situation has been changing for a while now and new stores are starting to thrive, driven by the country's oil wealth. One of the latest establishments to open its doors was the Muankaban supermarket, located in the Paradise neighbourhood of Malabo. Such a milestone naturally drew several government personalities, including Vice President Ignacio Milam Tang, who attended the opening ceremony to highlight the importance of entrepreneurial Guineans beginning to launch their own business ventures. In this store you can find all kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as meat, sausages, oils, beverages and soft drinks.
Martínez Brothers Supermarkets
Spanish and local products, to make yourself a great meal.
Shopping in a Spanish supermarket.
In Malabo it is also possible to find supermarkets like those that exist in Spain. In fact, one of the largest chains in the country, Martínez Brothers Group, is Spanish. Behind this wholesale food distribution company is a family from the Canary Islands. Their first store opened in 1940 in the city of Bata, the largest on the mainland. Over time, the Martínez Brothers opened more and more stores, including three in Malabo, to the point that they even started to export their "typical Spanish" products to the neighbouring countries of Cameroon and Gabon. Such has been the growth in recent years that the company has begun to diversify its business by launching catering, appliances, and logistics divisions, as well as an oxygen factory. More information at www.martinezhermanos.com.
Cultural Centre of Spain in Malabo
Promoting Spanish culture, mixed with the local.
One of the top cultural forces in the city.
Located between the airport and the historical core of Malabo, this is one of the largest cultural centres in the capital. Its origin as the Cultural Centre of Spain dates back to 2003 (until then it was known as the Hispanic-Guinean Cultural Centre). Its main objectives include the dissemination of Spanish culture, cooperation between different cultural traditions, and to support local artists and intellectuals. It also does important work in favor of the fight against poverty, modernisation of the Equatoguinean economy, the promotion of democratic values, equality between men and women and respect for the environment. The CCEM also holds regular art exhibitions in which the works of young local artists are usually presented. It also offers workshops for artistic and cultural education as well as film screenings, games, music or theatre.
The National Library
All the literature of Equatorial Guinea in one building, to be preserved and enjoyed.
The literature of Equatorial Guinea.
The building that since 2009 houses the National Library of Equatorial Guinea is located in the centre of Malabo, in what was formerly the home of late local sculptor Leandro Mbomio Nsue (known as the Black Picasso). The complex was thoroughly renovated and currently houses about 60,000 titles. The goal of the National Library is to host all literary works and manuscripts that have been written by national authors, as well as international titles that make mention of Equatorial Guinea. There is also space for an art collection, with paintings by Ghutty Mamae and sculptures by the aforementioned Leandro Mbomio Nsue; an extensive cultural programme which aims to conserve the history of the country through writings and photographs rounds out the cultural offer.
Cultural Institute of French Expression
Another sign of the cultural aspirations of the people of Malabo.
French art and culture in the city.
This institution was founded in 1985 with the aim of teaching the French language in what had been the only Spanish colony in the area, thus bringing it closer to most neighbouring countries. The centre complements its teaching mission with artistic and cultural activities that include occasional exhibitions of painting and sculpture, along with clothing or traditional African masks. The Cultural Institute of French Expression collaborates in different musical events and carries out initiatives to promote sustainable and respectful behavior with regard to the environment among Guineans. A good example is the ecological carnival launched last year with the aim of sensitising the local population on the importance of treating urban waste in an appropriate manner.
Museum of Modern Art of Equatorial Guinea
The top venue in Malabo to appreciate local and African art.
Art both modern and traditional.
Despite what its name suggests, this museum located in the centre of Malabo is home not only to some of the best contemporary art works of Equatorial Guinea. The collection also includes many interesting works of traditional African crafts, including from the colonial era, both from local artists and artists from other parts of the continent. The main objective of the exhibition is to help spread the culture of the different African peoples through art, while providing a better understanding of their vast artistic and cultural heritage. The museum is also an important launch pad for new artists, who are offered a space in which to present their work and the possibility of collaborating with leading cultural institutions around the world.
Festivals of Equatorial Guinea
Best way to get to know the local culture: through music and dance.
The fun never ends.
Enjoying a traditional music show is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Equatorial Guinea. On the island of Bioko numerous festivals are held throughout the year, featuring mostly local dance and music. Among the most impressive are the dances of the Fang people, one of the ethnic groups who inhabited the country before the arrival of Europeans. The dancers move to the absolutely frantic rhythms of the tam-tam (a kind of African drum). The ethnic Bubi dances are far more calm, and the dancers wear amazing decorations and traditional costumes. You can enjoy these shows in any season, but especially on October 12 (Independence Day), November 17 (Feast of St. Elizabeth) and April 27 (Cocoa Feast, in Rebola ).
Nightlife
If you want to enjoy Malabo's nightlife, this is the place.
Time to party.
Like many African capitals, Malabo enjoys an intense nightlife. There are numerous places to dance and enjoy good music, mainly on weekends. Most of them are located in the vicinity of Acacio Mañé Street, lively establishments combining the atmosphere of European pubs with the essence of typical African beach bars. One of the most traditional is Chapas Bar, a piano bar located near the Cultural Centre of Spain in Malabo; it's often packed early in the evening, as it's a great place for the first drink of the night. If you decide to continue the party at a nightclub, the possibilities are also many. A good option is Candy on Africa Street, a wooden disco-pub whose musical offering is dominated by Anglo-Saxon rhythms.
The Bioko Monkeys
Love wildlife? There's plenty on the island, right in its natural habitat.
Some friendly locals you'll meet along the way.
Around Malabo there are no safaris, as elsewhere in Central Africa; however, most of the wooded areas of the island of Bioko are inhabited by several species of monkeys. You'll find them in places like Pico Basile or Mount Cameroon, among them the drill, red colobus, black colobus, the white nose and the blue face monkeys. These are not particularly large species, so you'll see them easily in their natural habitat while walking along the paths that cross these forest areas. Make no noise and keep your distance, as these animals tend to avoid contact with humans. As is the case with sea turtles, poachers are a problem; their flesh is much appreciated hereabouts, so that it often ends up for sale in many of the municipal market stalls in Malabo.
Malabo International Hip Hop Festival
If you happen to be in the country at the time, this is a music festival not to miss.
The power of music.
Music and dance are two of the great passions of the people of Equatorial Guinea. Along with traditional African rhythms, in recent years Latin American music has become fashionable and is now present in most clubs in Malabo. Hip hop has also won many followers, among other things, thanks to the success of the Malabo International Hip Hop Festival, which in November 2013 held its sixth edition. The event, sponsored by the US Embassy in Equatorial Guinea and organized by the Cultural Centre of Spain in Malabo, the Cultural Institute of French Expression (ICEF) and the Equatorial Guinean Cultural centre, each year brings together the best rappers from Guinea and other parts of the world. Closely related to urban culture, the festival also hosts dance performances and workshops on musical creation, studio postproduction and even break dancing.
South-South Traveling Film Festival of Equatorial Guinea (FECIGE)
A cultural initiative that in its first edition was very well received.
Independent film festival.
The first edition of this event was held in 2012, heir to the Equatorial Guinea African Film Festival, organized by the Spanish Cultural Centers of Malabo and Bata during the previous two years. The objective of FECIGE is to bring a selection of independent African and Ibero-American films to the different Equatoguinean populations, through projections in schools and outdoors that are accompanied by workshops, talks and other cultural activities. This interesting festival also includes the Ceiba Awards for the best film production in the country, which grants the winner the privilege of participating in the Cordoba African Film Festival (FCAT). The main venues for the event on the island of Bioko are the Cultural Center of Spain and the Equatoguinean Cultural Center, both located in Malabo, and the Rebola House of Culture.
White Sand Beach
The name may not be exactly accurate, but if you're looking for an idyllic beach, look no further.
One of the loveliest beaches in the country.
On the road to Luba, just over 25 miles from Malabo, you'll find what is for many the most beautiful beach on the island of Bioko — at least, of those accessible by road. The wide, quarter-mile long beach doesn't do honor to its name, as the sand is not white, but it's light-coloured enough. Completing the picture: the many canoes that are always 'parked' in the sand (some of them almost collapsed) and a small river about halfway down the promenade. Beyond the sand, you'll witness a typically local landscape of coconut, banana, and papaya trees, as well as thatched houses belonging to the neighbouring village of Arena Blanca, which has experienced some growth in recent times thanks to tourism.
By Sea to Ureka
Exploring the island by boat is a great way to enjoy the landscape.
A different kind of excursion for adventure lovers.
One of the most interesting sea crossings on the island of Bioko runs from Ureka to Luba and vice versa. There are different alternatives, depending on how adventurous you are, as well as your budget: from a modern motor boat or a Zodiac inflatable boat, to a modest canoe. Keep in mind that on stormy days there may be no boat service. The journey begins in Luba Bay, where you enjoy a wonderful view of the city, the great Caldera and to the left the Isle of Parrots. Continuing south you'll see a number of small coves, beaches and villages on the cliffs. The tour continues through an area of caves called the Seven Doors, on to Punta Oscura and finally to the pristine beaches of the south.
Quince Beach
A day on the beach near Malabo, with watersports included.
An ideal beach for snorkeling.
Fifteen kilometers (9 miles) is the distance that separates this beach from the centre of Malabo, hence its name. You can get there easily by taxi, taking the Luba road out to the turnoff for the beach (conveniently signposted). Unlike other coastal areas of the island of Bioko, where the mosquitoes are constant and almost unbearable, in Playa del Quince they are much less bothersome (especially when there is a good breeze). If you are not an experienced swimmer, don't go too far from shore; it's not a dangerous beach, but you should be careful, as there are many rocks at one end. It is also one of the best areas around Malabo for snorkeling, as the water is clear and many species of colourful fish make their home here.
Seis Beach
The beach near Malabo is a great place to get away from it all and relax.
Time to soak in the sun.
Located about six kilometers (3.7 miles) from Malabo (hence its name), this is one of the closest beaches to the capital. Any taxi driver can take you there for a few francs, though he may possibly drop you at the beginning of the foot path that runs to the beach to avoid the mud. This is one of those beaches that disappears at high tide; if you happen to arrive just then, don't worry: there is a small sandy clearing down the road. When the tide goes out, you will behold an essentially volcanic beach of fine black sand, with plenty of trees around (including a few coconut palms). The beach ends at a small river, where an old boat has been stuck for years.
Sea Turtles
For nature lovers, a unique experience.
An unforgettable natural experience.
One of the most beautiful spectacles of nature can be seen on the island of Bioko during the first months of the year. That's when the Green, Laud and Carey sea turtles come out of the water to bury their eggs in the sand. At the sedate pace you would expect from a turtle, they open a hole in the sand, lie in it, fill it with eggs and re-cover it with sand, before going back out to sea. All this can be seen (quietly, with lanterns and a local guide) in Ureka and the surrounding beaches in the south of the island. Another easier option is to visit the beaches during the day and see the tracks left by the turtles. Keep in mind that these species, like other sea turtles, are highly endangered (in Equatorial Guinea they are caught for human consumption).
Parrot Island
An excursion by boat to discover a paradisiacal deserted island.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the place for you.
To visit this part of the island of Bioko you have to go to the town of Arena Blanca and, once there, take a canoe. Nothing to worry about, because the journey is short, cheap and safe, as the sailors can perfectly determine the state of the sea with a glance at the sky. As you approach the island you'll see its sharp silhouette and rock formations. To find a good place for a swim you may have to walk a while, since the beaches are rather hidden. You will enjoy a stint in paradise, surrounded by trees and birds and countless shells in the sand. It's very peaceful, too, as the island is uninhabited, apart from small groups of friends who spend the odd weekend there.
Visiting Ureka
Wear a raincoat to visit this interesting village and discover another way of life.
A very different way of life.
If you visit Ureka, do bring a good raincoat, as this part of Equatorial Guinea is one of the rainiest areas in the world. The rain is the result of the clash of clouds from the west with the volcanoes of the Caldera and the Collado de Belebu. In Ureka, 20 miles south of Malabo, you will find a small town in the Bubi style, with a few wooden houses with their palm- thatched roofs. The most interesting points of the visit are the 'wueca' (a building that serves as the tourist office), the small waterfalls and ponds that are suitable for swimming, and the church, which also serves as a school. The tourist-friendly population of Ureka mainly engages in fishing, hunting and agriculture.
Biao Lake
The lake in the crater and its beautiful fauna will leave you speechless.
Another marvel of nature.
One of the natural wonders around Moka, this lake in a huge volcanic crater 6500 feet above sea level is almost 2300 feet across. Among its attractions, apart from truly spectacular views, are the grebes that make their home here. These picturesque birds of prey are noted for the golden feathers adorning the usually black head. As in the case of Iladyi waterfalls, you should not visit this part of the island of Bioko in short sleeves, as it rains quite often and sometimes temperatures can drop to 60 degrees or less. It is without doubt one of the best places on the island to enjoy a moment of peaceful communion with nature.
The Iladyi Waterfall
If you want to get up close and personal with Nature on this island, don't miss this excursion.
Whatever you do, don't try to see the end of the waterfalls.
Very near Moka you'll find this natural paradise, but come with appropriate clothing, as it does get cool here. The lush vegetation along the way is truly a feast for the eyes. You can see the Iladyi waterfall from several lookout points, always from above. Some are dangerous and slippery, so you should go with someone who knows the area. A legend of the Botuku tribe says that whoever tries to see the end of this waterfall may end up falling into the void, because only the spirits are free to stick their noses where they please.
Moka, the Bubi capital
A Bubi king gave it his name, Nature did the rest... and you can enjoy the views.
The most impressive landscapes on the island.
Located 40 miles south of Malabo, near Luba, this city is the cultural and spiritual capital of the Bubi tribe. The name comes from Mookata, a king who came to govern virtually the entire island in two distinct periods: from 1835 to 1845 and from 1875 to 1898. The Spanish settlers had great difficulty establishing relations with this monarch, the first to succeed being the religious orders. The city lies at an altitude of 4300 feet and is one of the most beautiful parts of Bioko, with hills more typical of Scotland or Asturias. On the green meadows you will see the unusual typical houses of the 'Bubi', built of logs and reed leaves, many now in ruins.
The Luba Caldera
An excursion up to the volcano's crater. Only for the adventuresome!
A volcanic landscape.
Ninetten miles southwest of Malabo, Luba is the second most important town on the island of Bioko. Its name comes from a Bubi tribal chief who became famous in the city (then called San Carlos) for his violent opposition to the colonial authorities in what was then called Santa Isabel (Malabo today). Most activity is concentrated in the port, which hosts the boats that come and go to Malabo and other parts of the island. Apart from some residences from the colonial era, the main attraction is the Caldera de Luba. During the arduous climb to this huge volcanic crater you will pass several wooded areas as well as the towns of Ruiché and Belebú Balachá. At an altitude of 2600 feet, its inhabitants remain dedicated primarily to livestock and agriculture.
Visiting Rebola
In this cool town near Malabo you'll discover the most typical side of the country.
Small town, big culture.
This is the first village on the road from Malabo to Riaba. With fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, it is located on a small hill crowned by a church from which you can enjoy magnificent views of the town. You'll find plenty of houses typical of Equatorial Guinea on the hillside, with yellow walls and red and brown roofs. Among its main attractions is a large ceiba tree of South American origin, which sports beautiful reddish flowers. The Cacao Festival, held every April 27, is also quite popular, with hundreds of people singing and dancing through the streets, while going through the village from house to house.
Visiting Basilé Peak
Jaw-dropping views of the island, as well as a different kind of day in Malabo.
A dormant volcano.
A favourite with tourists in Malabo is the path that leads up to Pico Basile, known in colonial times as the Pico de Santa Isabel and to the inhabitants of the island of Bioko as 'the Peak', plain and simple. It is has a height of 9900 feet and is the largest of the three volcanoes on the island. During the ascent you can stop in front of the statue of the Virgin Bisila. At the summit, you will enjoy spectacular views of both the island and the mainland, including a small part of the Cameroonian coast. The mountain is named after the village at the base of the mountain, Basile, of Bubi origin. In the late nineteenth century, this area experienced a period of some splendour, as some of the most relevant political authorities of the Spanish colonial government resided here.
The New Stadium
Another symbol of the modernisation of Malabo: the sports complex that hosts the African Nations Cup.
Sports in Malabo.
Since 2007, Malabo's modern football (soccer) stadium has been seating more than 15,000 spectators, and it has already recorded several milestones throughout its short history. Located in the neighbourhood of Atepa, a few miles from the city centre, it was one of the headquarters of the 2012 African Nations Cup 2012 in the men's category. Moreover, the female Equatoguinean team was crowned champion of all Africa in this same venue four years earlier after winning the final against South Africa. The stadium is part of a charming complex which includes a sports hall, tennis courts, lap pool, training grounds with artificial grass, as well as handball and football courts. The hundred-room Malabo Hotel de Federaciones rounds out the complex. You may visit these facilities every day of the week.
The Port
In just a few years, it's become one of the main ports in the region.
The key to commerce.
Just a decade ago, the port of Malabo offered no greater reason to visit than a cool drink by the sea on the terrace of the Yacht Club. Who could have known that the city would one day build a modern port, designed to become a strategic trade hub between the different African regions, as well as between this continent and Europe and the Americas? That was indeed the goal when the renovation and expansion of the port facilities of Malabo began a few years ago, and the work continues to this today. Little will be left of the old Port of Santa Isabel (the old name of Malabo), which opened in 1956 with a single dock crossed by a breakwater that forced ships to dock stern-in.
Independence Square
Relax in the shade of the palm trees and soak up the local scene.
A place to pause in the historic centre.
Located in the historical centre of Malabo a few steps from the Cathedral, this is the most important square in the city and one of the highlights of the country. It is also a perfect place to take a break in the shade of giant palm trees that embellish the area. You should visit in the morning or after lunch, as these palms tend to attract large numbers of bats at dusk — no small matter, as the bats of Equatorial Guinea (and, in general, almost all animals here) are much bigger than their European cousins. Among the attractions of this plaza, you'll find benches and columns decorated with tiles depicting typical scenes of everyday life of the peoples who inhabited the country before the arrival of European settlers.
Sipopo Convention Centre
This original and very modern building was nominated for several architecture prizes.
A modern building among the trees.
This building, located along the coast of Malabo, is one of the new 21st century symbols of Equatorial Guinea. Built in 2011, it covers an area of almost 110,000 square feet and is surrounded by vegetation. Its modern design earned the Turkish firm Tabanlioglu Architects a nomination to one of the prizes of the World Architecture Festival that same year. The innovative building is surrounded by a gigantic bronze metal casing in the form of a mesh, which acts as a protective shield against the sun. In addition, its glass walls reflect the blue sea and the surrounding greenery, creating a spectacular palette of colours. Inside, one of the highlights is the restaurant with its magnificent views of the ocean.
New Headquarters of Public Radio and Television
Iconic building that represents the future of Malabo.
Signs of modernisation.
Despite having opened in recent years, the headquarters of Equatorial Guinea Radio & Television has become one of the most iconic buildings in the country. First, because it is the result of cooperation with the government of China, with which Equatorial Guinea has been strengthening political and trade links for several years. The giant structure also aims to become the symbol of Malabo 2, a further expansion of the capital which has not yet been completed. And above all, because the building is proof of the current oil-fueled economic strength of the country. Built in a record time of only 10 months, the project had an investment of over 2,900 million CFA francs (USD 5 million / GBP 3.2 million).
The Bisila Virgin
In the midst of nature, a Virgin Mary with tribal markings.
The African Virgin.
Located on the famous Basile Peak, this is the most important religious image of all those on the island of Bioko. It is a peculiar and totally African Virgin, with tribal marks on the face (apparently, to ensure divine protection) and baby Jesus hanging on her back (this is how mothers carry their babies in this part of world). Both figures also sport distinctive bracelets typical of the Bubi people of Equatorial Guinea, made with pieces of conch shell and snake vertebrae, among other unusual materials. The most surprising thing is that the author was a Spaniard, specifically the Tarragona sculptor Modesto Gené Roig. The figure was placed in its current location in 1968 and declared patron saint of the island in 1987, a year after being confirmed by Pope John Paul II as Queen of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malabo.
The Banapá Seminary and Batete Church
Catholicism is present throughout the city; here are some key stops.
Catholicism, Malabo-style.
Apart from the Cathedral of Malabo, these two are the most important religious buildings on the island of Bioko. The first is undoubtedly the famous Claret Church (known to some as the Claret Sanctuary). This beautiful house of worship is currently undergoing a thorough renovation that began in 2009. It's part of a huge architectural complex known as the Banapá Seminary, which includes a boarding school. The complex was built in 1887 to accommodate Banapá Mission, considered the starting point of the Claretian Missionaries' work in Equatorial Guinea. Another of the main Catholic churches on Bioko is Batete Church, whose Gothic design is attributed to the priest Luis Sagarra (as is the case with the Cathedral). Built entirely of wood, it is also being renovated at present.
Patio Magazine in Luba
Where a small town meets the sea.
A day trip to Luba.
Located in the southwestern part of the island of Bioko, the city of Luba has always been linked to the sea. Its economy, based on both fishing and logging, still depends on the port located in the bay of the same name, at the foot of the so-called great Caldera. Most of the buildings in this area date back to the Spanish colonial era. One of the best known of these faces the bay and was built during the early twentieth century, on the initiative of wealthy local merchant Cipriano Maximiliano Jones; it's known as the Patio Magazine, a curious name for an even more peculiar place, as its massive structure is inspired by the shape of the merchant ships plying the route between Luba and Malabo, which were responsible for Jones' great fortune.
Bank of Central African States
Don't be surprised by this imposing building: it's the headquarters of a regional bank.
A great white building in the middle of Malabo.
This is the local branch of the bank that serves the countries that use the CFA franc, namely, Cameroon, the Central African and Congo Republics, Gabon, Chad and Equatorial Guinea. It's located in the historical centre of Malabo in a huge white Functionalist building surrounded by windows. Upon opening, during the 1970s, this building was the headquarters of the People's Bank of Equatorial Guinea; the situation changed after the coup in 1979 in which Teodoro Obiang Nguema overthrew his uncle Francisco Macias Nguema. From that moment it became the headquarters of the Bank of Equatorial Guinea, until the country became part of the BEAC at Obiang's initiative.
Historic Homes
Don't miss the charms of Malabo's small historic centre.
History comes alive.
Strolling around Malabo you will come across some villas that will truly transport you to another era. Teodolita House is one of these historic buildings, and also among the most beautiful. It is located in the historic centre and is known for its beautiful cream façade, decorated with a long row of brown windows. Dating from 1902, the entire structure is made of wood, including the interior, and was named after a daughter of Joseph Walterio Dougan, one of the wealthiest characters in Malabo. From the same period, you'll also find La Gaditana, a huge green and white home that was part of the so-called Finca Amilivia. A mayor of the city lived there until the 1980's, although they say the house is better known for having housed the original Malabo power plant.
Cultural Centre of Equatorial Guinea
Art and culture come together in this building.
Cultural activities galore.
It was not so long ago that this interesting cultural space, located in the building that for decades was occupied by the Cardinal Cisneros Institute, opened its doors; but in its short life, the Cultural Centre of Equatorial Guinea has already hosted numerous exhibitions related to the cultural traditions of the country, which have included performances ranging from music to theatre, all the way through painting and sculpture or even a selection of dishes from the local culinary tradition. That is in fact the main objective of the Centre: to display and preserve aspects of the indigenous culture of Equatorial Guinea. To this end, the Centre also teaches local languages and offers historical seminars and film festivals. It's a venue for cultural activities nationwide as well, such as the South-South Itinerant Film Festival or the Malabo International Hip Hop Festival.
The Green House
Built in Belgium with American wood and transported to Equatorial Guinea… Interesting, wouldn't you say?
The colour is not the point.
In Maputo, capital of Mozambique, there is a colourful green and white building very similar to this; however, it was built entirely of iron and this one is all made of wood. It's also one of the oldest buildings in Malabo, with an origin dating back to the mid-nineteenth century (the exact date is unknown). Apparently, it was commissioned by the company Ribas i Pradell and built entirely in Belgium out of American wood. Once finished, it was transferred to the island of Bioko, where it housed the Consulate of Portugal. So it remained until the early twentieth century, when it became headquarters of the company Pérez & Sons, which three decades later would hand it over in turn to another Spanish company, Muñoz & Gala. Today it is owned by the Ministry of Culture of Equatorial Guinea.
Elá Nguema Parrish
An interesting place to discover how locals live.
A small and colourful neighbourhood.
Elá Nguema is a small neighbourhood located two miles from the historic centre of the capital. It is also where the poor population of Malabo lives, making the daily return trip to the centre of the capital to make a living. The skyline of the neighbourhood is in no way remarkable, as most of the brightly-coloured houses are lower than the surrounding trees. There is one building, however, that stands above all else: the church of St. Francis Xavier. Flanked by palm trees and two large red and white towers, it's a beautiful temple crowned by a large dome. Inside, don't miss the ceiling murals and paintings of saints and historical founders of the Salesian Order, which governs the church.
Government Buildings
The Presidential Palace, among others, is a building of great architectural value you mustn't miss.
A stroll through the seat of power.
Walking through the historic centre of Malabo, you'll see a number of relatively interesting official buildings. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful are the ones that are located in the Avenida de la Independencia, where the Treasury, the Friendship Palace and the Presidential Palace, seat of government of the nation, are. In this last building the attempted coup of February 2009 took place, during which a group of armed men tried to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang. Close by, the House of People's Representatives is located in a building from 1906 which in its day hosted the institution that was responsible for defending the interests of traders and farmers of the island of Bioko before the colonial authorities. Today it represents the sovereignty of the people of Equatorial Guinea.
The Cathedral
Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, it's one of the most important buildings you will find.
By her towers ye shall know her.
Independence Avenue houses one of the oldest and best preserved buildings in the Equatorial Guinean capital: the Cathedral, where the inhabitants of Malabo worship St. Isabel of Hungary, patroness of the city. This quaint building combines the Gothic style so characteristic of European cities with some distinctly African features. In fact, it is virtually impossible not to see the temple from anywhere in the city; at 130 feet high, it towers above the rest of the much smaller buildings in the historic centre. Construction began in 1897 thanks to contributions from parishioners, companies and authorities, following the plans of the priest Luis Sagarra (supervised and approved, so they say, by Antonio Gaudí). It took almost 20 years, until 1916, for the Cathedral to open.
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