What to expect when visiting Malapascua
Malapascua is a beautiful island just a few kilometres off Cebu’s northernmost tip. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and heavenly resorts, it is most famous for the consistent sighting of thresher sharks.
These protected species can be seen lurking around the island all year round. Swimming with them still needs some luck, though! We recommend diving between sunrise to 09:00 for the best chance of swimming with thresher sharks in Malapascua.
3 ways to get from Cebu to Malapascua
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Cebu to Malapascua by bus + Boat (4 hours 45 minutes), minivan + Boat (4 hours 45 minutes) and taxi + Boat (4 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 4 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi + boat. The lowest priced tickets start from 460 PHP (€7.40) for the bus + boat.Where to stay in Malapascua?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Malapascua at the bottom of this page.
Cebu to Malapascua by Bus + Boat
To get from Cebu to Malapascua at an affordable rate, you will first need to take the bus from the city to Maya Port. From here, you can take a boat to Malapascua.
Step 1: Cebu to Maya by Bus
Ceres Bus and Rough Riders are the main companies operating from Cebu to Malapascua via Maya. Their buses, both non-aircon and airconditioned, are available 24 hours a day.
You can reach the port faster (about 4 hours) with a non-aircon bus because they travel non-stop from Cebu City to Maya. Aircon buses make a lot of stops and can take 5-6 hours to complete the journey.
Bus ticket prices start from 260 PHP (€4.20) – 360 PHP (€5.80) for non-aircon and aircon, respectively.
Departure and arrival station
All buses bound for Maya depart from the North Bus Terminal outside SM City Cebu.
Ceres Bus and Rough Riders have different arrival points. We recommend taking a Ceres Bus since its last stop is the Maya New Ferry Port, where you can catch a boat bound for Malapascua.
Rough Rider buses can only take you up to the Old Ferry Terminal in Maya. This terminal is still 2 km away from the New Port, so you will have to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to get there.
Step 2: Maya to Malapascua by Boat
At the New Ferry Port, walk towards the end to find the ticket booth. A ticket costs about 200 PHP (€3.20) for foreigners, and a bit less for locals. The latest prices are posted in the ticket booth.
There are no specific schedules for departures. Boats leave when they are full or have about 15 passengers.
Public boats operate from 06:30 to 16:30. Don’t be easily swayed by touts who say that there are no ferries operating if you arrived in the port between these hours.
Some operators also offer private boat rides for 1,500 PHP (€24).
The boats dock at Maya-Malapascua Boat Station on the island’s southwest coast. Note that when the tide is low, the boats do not make it all the way to the shore. You may need to hire a small rowing boat, which costs 20 PHP (€0.30) per person.
Cebu to Malapascua by Minivan + Boat
If you want to get from Cebu to Malapascua fast, you can take a minivan via Maya. Combined minivan and boat costs start from 550 PHP (€8.90) and travel time is around 4 hours 45 minutes.
Step 1: Cebu to Maya Port by Minivan
The advantage of taking a van is that they travel faster than air-conditioned buses. Minivans depart when they are full, and that usually doesn’t take too long. It’s worth noting that they might be a bit cramped for taller passengers and those carrying bulky luggage.
At the North Bus Terminal, take a van with a sign that says “Maya.” These minivans make a few stops along the way to drop off passengers. The last stop is at the New Maya Port, from where you can easily transfer to a boat bound for Malapascua.
A minivan ride costs around 350 PHP (€5.70). Keep this rate in mind because some drivers try to charge more for foreign tourists. You can reach Maya Port in about 4 hours.
IMPORTANT: All vans going to Maya Port pass by Bogo City to drop off and pick up passengers. After that, it continues on its way to the northern tip of mainland Cebu. Make sure to pick a van with the end destination as Maya Port because there are also vans that operate only up to Bogo City.
Step 2: Maya Port to Malapascua by Boat
Walk towards the end of the New Maya Port to buy a boat ticket that costs around 200 PHP (€3.20). If you’re in a group, you can also consider renting a private boat for 1,500 PHP (€24).
Check out the bus option for more details.
Cebu to Malapascua by Taxi + Boat
Travelling in a small group from Cebu to Malapascua? You can also take a taxi to Maya Port and then transfer to a boat to Malapascua Island.
Step 1: Cebu to Maya Port by Taxi
Drivers rarely use the taxi metre for long-distance trips like this. They offer a fixed price and you can negotiate. Fares start at 3,500 PHP (€57) for the almost 4-hour journey.
When taking a taxi from Cebu to Maya, it’s best to ask for your hotel’s assistance in finding a trusted driver. Ask to be dropped off at the New Ferry Port in Maya.
Get a private transfer with Klook
There is also an option to book your taxi via Klook. Rates start from 4,400 PHP (€71) for a one-way taxi ride that fits 3 people.
That’s more expensive than taking a regular taxi, but this Klook service gets really good reviews for its accommodating drivers and comfortable cars.
Step 2: Maya Port to Malapascua by Boat
From Maya Port, you can then take a ferry to Malapascua (the same 45-minute ferry described in the first option).
A ferry ticket costs 200 PHP (€3.20) for a public boat. Private boats are also available for 1,500 PHP (€24).
Best places to stay in Malapascua
Malapascua is a place for beach-lovers and diving enthusiasts. We’ve made sure that our favourite stays are accommodating for those kinds of travellers: whether it’s having an on-site dive shop or being moments from the sea.
Most people spend 1-2 nights on Malapascua Island, searching for the famous Thresher sharks. Will you be doing the same?
Here are our favourite stays in Malapascua, and trust us, they’re good ones!
Tepanee Beach Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Logon beachfront — approx. 10-minute walk to Logon town proper
Tepanee Beach Resort cares for their guests, but they also care for the environment. They’re currently carrying out coral restoration and making sure that the running of the hotel has no impact on the water of Malapascua.
Here, you’ll find the perfect tropical getaway with a private beach, colourful and spacious rooms, bamboo beds and a spa.
- Private beach
- Environmentally conscious
- Quirky design
- Tasty breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Angelina Beach Resort and Italian Restaurant - Mid Range
Area: Logon beachfront — approx. 10-minute walk to Logon town proper
Angelina Beach Resort has an excellent Italian restaurant! Can life get much better than that? Ending your days by the beach with a tasty and flavourful pizza, bliss!
The rooms are beautifully designed and incorporate quirky touches of nature throughout.
- On-site Italian restaurant
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Close to the beach
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Avila’s Horizon Dive Resort - Budget Friendly
Area: Langub Beach — a minute walk to Malapascua Island North Beach
Ever tried diving? Whether you’re already an advanced diver or have never been diving before, this is the place to try this incredible sport. Amazi Homestay has an on-site dive shop and is only seconds from the sea.
Once you’re tired from a day of diving, you can retreat to your clean and comfortable room. Or, if you’ve still got some energy in you, why not enjoy a game of pool?
- On-site dive shop
- Metres from the beach
- Clean and cosy rooms
- Dorm and private rooms available
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Malapascua
What is the distance from Cebu to Malapascua?
The distance from Cebu to Malapascua is 115 kilometers (71 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cebu to Malapascua?
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Malapascua is by taxi + boat and takes 4 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Malapascua?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Malapascua is by bus + boat with ticket costs starting from 460 PHP (€7.40).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cebu to Malapascua. 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!
Routes from Malapascua
Most popular routes in Philippines
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.
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.
Bonjour
Merci pour tous ces conseils, nous seront à Cebu puis Malapascua en Janvier.
Après notre petite semaine à Malapascua, nous irons à Bohol, nous avons l’intention de revenir à Maya et prendre la direction du Port de Cebu en Taxi quelle est la durée du trajet ?
Hello Pierre, I recommend checking out this route on how to travel from Cebu to Bohol by ferry. For the way back you can check out this guide.
PS : Cette réponse est rédigée en anglais pour être utile aux voyageurs du monde entier. Je recommande d’utiliser Google Translate pour traduire cette réponse en espagnol.
Hi Maarten! What a great blog!
Our flight from the US lands in Cebu City at 11:30pm. What place do you recommend for just a quick overnight before we take the taxi to Maya Port the next morning?
Thank you!!
Hi B Anderson! If you’re taking a taxi to Maya Port the next day anyway, it would be best to spend the night near the airport so you can have a good rest. Hidden Hill Hotel is just 5mins away by taxi from the airport. Their rates start at $26 for a deluxe queen room. Their rooms are simple but clean, and they receive good reviews. Safe travels and have a great time in Cebu!
Is there much places too stay near the port if i miss the last ferry
Hi Danny! Yes, you can find several resorts near Maya Port. Among the nearest is Suba Beach Nipa Huts. They offer comfortable rooms for just 600 PHP ($11)/night. Nothing fancy, but pretty good for the price! It’s located about 2km from Maya Port, a 30-min walk or 5-min taxi ride. Hope this helps! Safe travels!
Hi Maarten,
Your content is very useful for the travelers who will visiting in Malapascua Island. But for now, there’s a Van from the North Bus going direct to Maya port so its easy to take a ride ass well.
thanks
Jill
Hello Jill,
Thanks a lot for your feedback. We will double-check all info and update the page with the new information next week! Safe travels!
Hallo,
wenn man wegen Ebbe letztendlich evt. ein Ruderboot benötigt, ist es samt Scooter nach Malapascua zu traveln offenbar gar nicht sinnvoll bzw. machbar,oder?
Grus Karsten
Hi Karsten, the public boats from Maya Port to Malapascua Island are just small pump boats. These are outrigger canoe boats (bangka) with a small engine, which means it’s not possible to load motorcycles onto them. Instead, you can rent a motorcycle once you arrive on the island.
PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.
Hi, very informative read here.
Kindly advise if it’s a taxi ride to New Maya Ferry Terminal, the fare is per journey fare, or per person fare ?
many thanks.
Fr. Mr. Yeo, SIngapore.
Hello Yeo, the quoted fare is for a private taxi and not per person. If you will be with 3 people it will only cost around $15pp.
very helpful! will start packing. 🙂
any suggestions after malapascua?:)
thanks! You could look into Bantayan. Really nice beaches and not many tourists yet. Or otherwise, have a look at Moalboal, Siquijor or Bohol.
Hi Maarten,
Great Blog!
May I know if I am able to arrange a taxi ride from Cebu International Airport to Maya Port? Thank you.
Hi Chun! Thanks! Sure you can order a Grab from Cebu Airport bringing you to Maya Port or ask one of the taxi’s at the airport. They might charge a higher fare as it is less likely for them to find someone for their return trip. It would be awesome if you could share the fare you eventually paid! Safe travels!
Thanks for this very detailed manual.
I’m sitting on that bus right now and it helped me quite a bit.
Local non AC Bus seems good 😉
Awesome! Glad to hear the info was useful. If you have anything to add, let me know! Safe travels!
Hello, any idea if it will it be possible to make this trip on Maundy Thursday and the return trip on Easter Monday? (Cebu to Malapascua)
Thank you 🙂
Hi Sibel! Yes, it’s very possible. But just a note, beaches are very popular in the Philippines during the Holy Week, so there might be long queues for buses and ferries. I would suggest taking the trip early morning of Maundy Thursday just to be sure! On Easter Monday, it would be better to leave the island in the afternoon. Hope this helps!
Hi, . Do you know what time is the latest bus from Cebu bus station to Maya port?
Our plan is to travel midnight to Maya port and take the first boat out into Malapascua in the morning. Thanks.
Not a bad idea! Buses to Maya port run 24h and ferries start running from 6:30 (at least if they are full). Just take in mind that you probably have to wait a bit before you can check into your hotel after you arrived in Malapascua.