How to Get From Cebu to Malapascua

Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express (formerly known as Cebu Rough Riders) are the main companies operating from Cebu to Malapascua via Maya.

Ceres buses run daily, starting as early as 01:30, with the last trip leaving at 21:00.

If you're travelling on a weekday, White Stallion Express offers five departures between 05:20 and 15:20. But on weekends, they only run two trips, one at 15:30 and the other one at 16:30.

You can reach the port faster (about 4 hours) with a non-aircon bus because they travel almost 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 range from $4.20 (255 PHP) for non-aircon and aircon, respectively.

Departure and arrival stations

All buses bound for Maya depart from SM North Bus Terminal outside SM City Cebu.

Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express 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.

White Stallion 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.

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 transfer to a boat bound for Malapascua.

A minivan ride costs around $5.80 (350 PHP). Keep this rate in mind because some drivers try to charge more for foreign tourists. You can reach Maya Port in about 4h - 4h 30m.

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.

Drivers rarely use the taxi meter for long-distance trips like this. They offer a fixed price, and you can negotiate. For reference, taxi fares usually start at $58 (3,500 PHP) 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 12GoAsia or Klook

There is also an option to book a private car via 12GoAsia or Klook. Rates start from $64 (3,900 PHP) for a one-way taxi ride that fits 3 people.

That’s a bit more expensive than taking a regular taxi, but this service is more convenient with accommodating drivers and comfortable cars.