How to get from Bohol to Moalboal

Why visit 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.

There are 2 ways to travel the 120 kilometre (75 miles) distance from Bohol to Moalboal. You can choose between the ferry + bus via Cebu City and ferry + bus via Argao. The journey takes 5 to 8 hours and the quickest way is by ferry + bus via Cebu City. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry + bus via Argao with tickets starting at 480 PHP ($8.10).

We recommend travelling from Bohol to Moalboal via Cebu City if you want more flexible ferry schedules. This option is a few dollars more expensive compared to the route via Argao, but it involves fewer transfers. You’ll only have to take a ferry and a bus.

Combined prices start from 595 PHP ($10) for the journey that takes 5 to 8 hours.

There are two types of ferries from Bohol to Cebu: fast crafts and slower car ferries.

Fast crafts are the most common option and take around 2 hours to reach Cebu City. They’re more expensive, but they save you a lot of time. Oceanjet, FastCat, and Lite Shipping all operate high-speed ferries from Bohol to Cebu.

If you’re travelling with a car or motorbike, your only option is Lite Shipping. Expect the journey to take around 4 hours.

There are two departure ports in Bohol: Tagbilaran and Tubigon. If you’re coming from the tourist centre in Panglao or if you’re travelling with a car, we recommend departing from Tagbilaran City Port because it is nearer. You can get there via a 40-minute jeepney, bus, or taxi from Panglao. Fares start from 50 PHP ($0.80).

If you’re coming from northern Bohol, you can take one of the ferries departing from Tubigon Pier.

Ceres Bus is the main operator for the Cebu to Moalboal route. You can choose between two routes:

• Direct buses to Moalboal leave every 3 hours from 06:00 to 14:00.
• Buses to Bato via Barili run every 30 minutes from 03:00 to 18:30 and make a stop in Moalboal.

The journey takes about 3 hours, but can take longer during peak hours. A ticket costs 170 PHP ($2.90) for ordinary buses and 210 PHP ($3.50) for air-conditioned trips.

Visit our page on Cebu to Moalboal for more info.

Getting from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach

There is no official bus station in Moalboal, so you will only be dropped off along the main road. If you’re staying at the tourist area near Panagsama Beach, you’ll have to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to your hotel.

It’s better to take a tricycle if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. Rates start from 150 PHP ($2.50) for a tricycle ride. Otherwise, you can take a motorbike for 50 PHP ($0.80).

When travelling from Bohol to Moalboal via Argao, prepare to make several transfers — you’ll need to take at least three buses and one ferry.

The entire journey takes a little over 5 hours 10 minutes. Combined fares start from 480 PHP ($8.10).

Ferries to Argao depart from the town of Loon, about 35 km north of Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran City.

To get to Loon, you’ll have to take a bus from Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. A ticket costs around 100 PHP ($1.70), and the journey takes about 1 hour.

Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off near Catagbacan Port in Loon.

Getting from Panglao to Tagbilaran City

Are you coming from the tourist centre on Panglao Island? If yes, then you’ll first have to take a jeepney, bus, or taxi to get to Tagbilaran City. Travel time is around 40 minutes, and fares start from 70 PHP ($1.20).

Lite Ferries operates two daily trips from Loon (Bohol) to Argao (Cebu). The ferry journey takes around 2h, with ticket prices starting at 210 PHP ($3.50).

These ferries are mainly for cargo but also carry passengers. Only open-air economy seats are available, so the setup is very basic. It’s fine for the short trip, but don’t expect much in terms of comfort.

Ferries depart from Catagbacan Port in Loon, Bohol. They dock at the Port of Taloot in Argao, about 40 km east of Moalboal.

In addition to the regular schedule, there are extra sailings every Wednesday and Friday. But keep in mind that departures may be delayed or cancelled depending on cargo availability.

There’s no direct public transport from Argao to Moalboal. So even though the distance between the two towns is only 40 km, you’ll need to take a detour through the northern city of Carcar.

From Taloot Wharf, walk around 200 metres to the main road. There, you can flag down any bus heading to Cebu City. Tell the driver or conductor that you’re getting off at the rotunda in Carcar.

The bus journey from Argao to Carcar takes around 40 minutes, and tickets cost about 70 PHP ($1.20). You can pay directly to the bus conductor.

Alternatively, you can rent a tricycle from Argao to Carcar for around 200 PHP ($3.40). Note that tricycles are much slower than the bus and can feel quite cramped if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

Once in Carcar, transfer to another bus going to Moalboal.

At the Carcar rotunda, ask around to know where exactly you can catch a bus bound for Moalboal. The two well-known companies operating this route are Ceres Liner and Librando.

Buses run regularly throughout the day, but note that there are still a few buses operating at night.

A ticket costs around 100 PHP ($1.70), and you will reach Moalboal in around 1.5 hours.

Getting from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach

At Moalboal, you will be dropped off along the main road. If you’re staying at the tourist area near Panagsama Beach, you’ll need to take an additional tricycle or motorbike taxi to your hotel.

Take a tricycle if you’ve got a lot of luggage. Fares start at 150 PHP ($2.50). Travelling light? A motorbike ride costs around 50 PHP ($0.80).