Philippines

How to get fromMalapascua to Moalboal

Want to explore the 2 best ways to travel from Malapascua to Moalboal? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 170 kilometers (106 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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What to expect when visiting Moalboal

Moalboal is a small yet vibrant resort town on the west coast of Cebu Island. World-famous for its sardine run, here you can swim with millions of sardines — just a few metres off the shore!

It also boasts a vibrant coral wall, making it a popular diving destination. The best part? You won’t have to swim far or rent a boat, some of Moalboal’s best underwater worlds can be found metres from the shore. For the best diving visibility, visit between November and May.

2 ways to get from Malapascua to Moalboal

The 2 ways to travel the distance of 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Malapascua to Moalboal are by: bus (8 hours 15 minutes) and taxi (6 hours 45 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 6 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 620 PHP (€10.10) for the bus.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

8h 15m

From 620 PHP (€10.10)

Taxi

6h 45m

From 5,100 PHP (€83)

Where to stay in Moalboal?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Moalboal at the bottom of this page.

Malapascua to Moalboal by Bus

Duration: 8h 15m

Costs: 620 PHP (€10.10)

Duration: 8h 15m

Costs: 620 PHP (€10.10)

Travelling by bus from Malapascua to Moalboal involves 1 boat and 3 bus rides.

Although this may seem like a lot of transfers, it is less complicated than you think. Just follow the step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Malapascua to Maya Port by Boat

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 PHP (€1.60)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 PHP (€1.60)

From Malapascua Island, boats depart for Maya Port every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 16:30. A ticket costs 100 PHP (€1.60) for the public boat. If you prefer a private boat, you can ask your hotel for assistance.

Note that private boats will definitely be more expensive, but a good alternative if you’re travelling in a group of 10 to 15 people.

The boat ride takes about 45 minutes.

Departure and arrival port

Ferries depart from the Boat Station on Malapascua Island. They dock at the New Ferry Port in Maya.

Step 2: Maya Port to Cebu by Bus

Duration: 4.5 hours

Costs: 200 PHP (€3.30)

Duration: 4.5 hours

Costs: 200 PHP (€3.30)

From Maya Port, you can simply transfer to a bus bound for Cebu City. Ceres Bus and Rough Riders are the 2 companies operating this route.

Both aircon and non-aircon buses are available. Note that aircon buses make a lot of stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way. If you’re in a hurry, it would be better to take a non-aircon bus.

Tickets cost 170 PHP (€2.80) for non-aircon buses and 230 PHP (€3.80) for aircon buses. The bus ride from Maya to Cebu City takes about 4.5 hours.

Buses park at the North Bus Terminal, within the perimeters of SM City Cebu.

Getting from Cebu’s North Bus Terminal to South Bus Terminal

From Cebu’s North Bus Terminal, you’ll need to get to the South Bus Terminal, from where buses bound for Moalboal depart from.

The cheapest way to do this would be to take a MyBus, which you can also find within SM City Cebu. Ticket prices start from 25 PHP (€0.40) and the journey takes about 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 300 PHP (€4.90).

Maya Port to Cebu by Van

Another way to get from Maya Port to Cebu City is by van. A van seat costs 200 PHP (€3.30) and the trip takes 4 hours. The van also parks at the North Bus Terminal. Keep in mind that vans in the Philippines don’t provide a lot of legroom, so the journey may be a bit cramped.

Step 3: Cebu to Moalboal by Bus

Duration: 3 hours

Costs: 320 PHP (€5.20)

Duration: 3 hours

Costs: 320 PHP (€5.20)

Also for the route from Cebu City to Moalboal, Ceres Bus is the most trusted company. You can easily find its yellow-coloured buses at the South Bus Terminal.

You can choose to take a non-aircon bus for 170 PHP (€2.80) or an air-conditioned bus for 200 PHP (€3.30). Travel time is around 320 PHP (€5.20).

Make sure to ask your driver or bus conductor to drop you off at Moalboal town centre. If you have a landmark for your hotel, tell them that too.

If your hotel is located along Panagsama Beach, you will need a tricycle or motorbike transfer from the main road. Rates start from 150 PHP (€2.50) and 50 PHP (€0.80), respectively.

Cebu to Moalboal by Van

A quicker yet still affordable way to travel from Cebu to Moalboal is by van. Vans rarely make stops along the way, so the journey takes just about 2.5 hours. You can get a seat for 180 PHP (€2.90).

Vans depart from GT Express Terminal in Cebu City and drop you off at Moalboal town centre.

Malapascua to Moalboal by Taxi

Duration: 6h 45m

Costs: 5,100 PHP (€83)

Duration: 6h 45m

Costs: 5,100 PHP (€83)

Travelling by taxi from Malapascua to Moalboal is more expensive, but saves you a lot of hassle. It is a good alternative for small groups, especially those travelling with kids.

Step 1: Malapascua to Maya Port by Boat

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 PHP (€1.60)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 PHP (€1.60)

As with the first option, you will first have to take a boat from Malapascua to Maya Port. A public ferry ticket costs 100 PHP (€1.60) and the ride takes 45 minutes.

The ferry docks at the New Maya Port.

Step 2: Maya Port to Moalboal by Taxi

Duration: 6 hours

Costs: 5,000 PHP (€82)

Duration: 6 hours

Costs: 5,000 PHP (€82)

There are always a few taxis parked at Maya Port. You can rent one to take you to Moalboal starting at 5,000 PHP (€82). Drivers might try to charge you higher though as it is very unlikely that they can find any passengers for their return trip.

The taxi journey from Maya Port to Moalboal takes about 6 hours, but you will be passing through some busy roads so don’t be surprised if it takes longer. The good thing is that the taxi will drop you off right at your hotel’s doorstep in Moalboal.

*If you prefer to book a taxi beforehand, you can do so via 12go.Asia. A taxi booked online costs 8,700 PHP (€140). Definitely more expensive, but you’ll be assured of a good car and a trusted driver. Just click the link below.

Check Private Transfers with 12go.Asia

*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (July 2022), 12go.Asia has yet to resume taxi operations from Maya Port to Malapascua. Please check the provided link to see if anything has changed.

Best places to stay in Moalboal

Moalboal is a paradise for marine life, and that’s what you want to be focusing on — finding the best snorkelling trips, witnessing the Sardine Run if you’re there at the right time.

If you’re looking to stay close to the action, we recommend staying close to Panagsama Beach. It’s the main town boasting a lively atmosphere. This is where most of our favourite stays are located.

Your time shouldn’t be spent finding the right hotel. We’ve done that for you:

Secret Paradise Moalboal - Treating Yourself

Area: Next to Panagsama beach, only a 1-minute walk

The name says it all for this place. It actually does feel like a secret paradise, hidden amongst its green gardens and away from the business of the town. All of the rooms are centred around a large and inviting swimming pool that even has tables in the water.

Secret Paradise feels like a mini resort, whilst still maintaining an intimate vibe.

Huge swimming pool
Tropical paradise
Spacious and quirky rooms
On-site bar

Double rooms start from $50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Vailtin Home Point - Mid Range

Area: Basidot — approx. 10-minute drive to Moalboal town centre

Slightly out of town and surrounded by lush greenery, Vailtin feels like a secluded bubble from the outside world. Especially when you’re relaxing in the pool and soaking up the sun.

The rooms are spacious and offer all of the amenities you could need. The staff here will also ensure that all of your needs are satisfied.

Outdoor pool
Tropical garden areas
Great staff
Nice location

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Maayong Hostel - Mid Range

Area: Panagsama Beach — approx. 10-minute walk to famous Moalboal Sardines Run

Whether you choose the funky bamboo bungalows or the dorm rooms, you’ll love your stay at Maayong Hostel. The bungalows feel like little oases with their tropical outdoor bathrooms and peaceful design.

When you’re not making the most of your bungalow, there are plenty of spots to hang out in throughout the hostel — the bar, restaurant, chill out areas with hammocks and bean bags. The vibe here is perfect!

Quirky bamboo bungalows
Dorm beds with curtains
Bar, restaurant and chill out areas
Great vibe

Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Garden Village Resort - Budget Friendly

Area: Panagsama Road — approx. 10-minute walk from the centre town

You’ll be blown away that Garden Village Resort is a budget friendly option. Not many places for under $30 offer a swimming pool, bar and a good restaurant.

The bungalows are relatively basic but still provide everything you need and offer great value for money. The affordable price does mean that you compromise on location a little. Here you’ll be a 25-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from the centre of town.

Large swimming pool
Relaxing pool area
On-site bar and restaurant
Cute cottages

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

RNA Guesthouse - Budget Friendly

Area: Just outside Moalboal town — approx. 15-minute drive from the town centre

RNA Guesthouse is a great budget option in Moalboal. The rooms are basic, but have everything you need. They’re the perfect place to rest your head and get a good night’s sleep.

The hosts are what give this place a few extra gold stars. They are incredibly helpful and will make sure you have the best time in Moalboal.

Great value for money
Helpful hosts
Spacious and clean rooms
Good location

Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Malapascua to Moalboal

What is the distance from Malapascua to Moalboal?

The distance from Malapascua to Moalboal is 170 kilometers (106 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Malapascua to Moalboal?

The fastest way to get from Malapascua to Moalboal is by taxi and takes 6 hours 45 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Malapascua to Moalboal?

The cheapest way to get from Malapascua to Moalboal is by bus with ticket costs starting from 620 PHP (€10.10).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Malapascua to Moalboal. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Abegail

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.

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