How to get from Moalboal to Bohol

Why visit Bohol?

Bohol is a beautiful combination of lush jungles and turquoise waters in the Philippines’ Central Visayas region. It is one of the country’s more classic destinations, so don’t be surprised to find many locals looking for adventures here any time of the year.

The island first became popular for its Chocolate Hills, but there’s so much more you can do and explore in Bohol. Cruise along the Loboc River, snorkel or dive near Balicasag Island, and explore Bohol’s centuries-old churches. If you’re lucky or persistent, you can also spot the Philippine tarsier, which is endemic to the region!

There are 2 ways to travel the 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Moalboal to Bohol. You can choose between the bus and ferry via Cebu City and bus and ferry via Argao. The journey takes 5 to 7 hours and the quickest way is by bus and ferry via Cebu City. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus and ferry via Argao with tickets starting at 430 PHP (€6.70).

Although a bit more expensive, it is much easier to travel by bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City. You only need to take a bus straight from Moalboal to Cebu City and then transfer to a ferry bound for Bohol.

Another advantage of this route is that you have more ferry choices, as opposed to the ferry schedule via Argao, which only has 2 departures daily.

Total costs when taking the combined bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol start at 590 PHP (€9.20).

From Moalboal city centre, you can hail a bus bound for Cebu City. These buses pass by every 20-30 minutes.

Tickets cost 170 PHP (€2.60) for ordinary buses and 200 PHP (€3.10) for aircon buses. You can pay for your ticket onboard.

There is no specific bus stop in Moalboal. You can hail a bus anywhere along the main road.

Buses park at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City centre. From here, you can take a tricycle to Cebu Pier 1, which is 2 km away.

For more info, check out our page on how to get from Moalboal to Cebu.

Ferries operating from Cebu City to Bohol are bigger and faster than the ones coming from Argao. You can also choose from two arrival ports in Bohol, depending on where you’re headed on the island.

There are at least three ferry companies operating this route: Oceanjet, FastCat and Lite Shipping.

All ferries depart from the main passenger port in Cebu City, Cebu Pier 1.

In Bohol, there are two arrival ports. If you’re headed to the tourist centre on Panglao Island, it’s best to take a ferry bound for Tagbilaran City Port. From here, you can get to your hotel in Panglao via a 40-minute jeep or taxi.

If you’re bound for the northern part of Bohol or if you’re travelling with a car, you can take one of the car ferries that dock at Tubigon Pier.

You can travel by bus from Moalboal to Bohol via Argao.

There is no direct public transport available from Moalboal to Argao, so you will need to take two bus trips. Otherwise, you can take a direct but more expensive taxi.

With this option, you’ll have to take three different buses and a ferry to get from Moalboal to Bohol.

Because there are no buses operating directly from Moalboal to Argao, you will first have to make a side trip going north to the town of Carcar. Ceres Liner and Librando operate aircon and non-aircon buses for this route.

You will need to take a bus with a signboard that says “Cebu City.” These buses operate 24 hours, but there might be fewer buses travelling late at night. You can hail a bus anywhere along the main road in Moalboal town centre.

Get off at the rotunda in Carcar. You can also ask the bus driver or conductor to drop you off at the bus stop for buses bound for Argao.

Considering traffic, the bus ride from Moalboal to Carcar can take about 1.5 hours. Ticket prices start at 100 PHP (€1.60) for an ordinary bus. You can pay for your ticket onboard.

Upon arrival at Carcar, you’ll need to transfer to another bus bound for Oslob, Alcoy or Dalaguete. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Taloot Public Market in Argao.

Travel time from Carcar to Argao is about 40 minutes and a ticket costs 70 PHP (€1.10). You can pay for your ticket onboard.

From your drop-off point, Taloot Wharf is only about 200m away. You will see signages that will direct you to the port.

You can also rent a tricycle from Carcar to Argao for about 200 PHP (€3.10). However, travel time may take a bit longer than the bus and the ride might be cramped if you’re travelling with bulky luggage.

Lite Ferries offers two daily trips from Argao to the town of Loon in Bohol daily.

Only economy class is available for this route. This means there will be no air-conditioning, but you can enjoy the nice sea breeze. Also, note that these ferries are mainly used to transfer goods, not people. You will still have a comfortable ride, just don’t expect too much.

The ferry ride from Argao to Loon takes 2h and costs 210 PHP (€3.30).

The last time we checked (July 2022), Lite Ferries is not available for online booking. Tickets can only be bought at the port office.

Departure and arrival port

Ferries depart from Taloot Wharf in Argao.

They dock at Catagbacan Port in Loon, about 35 km north of Tagbilaran City.

From Catagbacan Port in Loon, you’ll have to take a bus to get to Tagbilaran City. Walk about 700m towards the main road and hail any bus with a signboard that says “Tagbilaran.”

This bus ride takes around an hour and ticket prices start from 50 PHP (€0.80).

The buses park at Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City.

Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island

Is your hotel on Panglao Island? If yes, then you’ll have to take another 40-minute transfer from Tagbilaran City. You can take a bus, a jeepney, or a taxi. Fares start from 50 PHP (€0.80).