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 to enjoy the waters of Moalboal. For the best diving visibility, visit between November to May.
3 ways to get from Cebu to Moalboal
There are three ways to travel the distance of 85 km (53 miles) from Cebu to Moalboal: by bus (4 hours), van (3 hours) and taxi (3 hours). The journey takes between 3-4 hours and the quickest way is by van. The lowest priced tickets start from 170 PHP ($3.00) for the bus.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.
Cebu to Moalboal by Bus
Ceres Bus is the most popular company operating the Cebu to Moalboal route. You can easily spot them by their distinct yellow colour. Ceres buses bound for Moalboal are available as early as 03:00 in the morning.
You can choose from two kinds of buses:
A non-airconditioned bus ticket costs 170 PHP ($3.00) while an air-conditioned bus ride costs 210 PHP ($3.70). You can buy your ticket from the counter or directly from the bus conductor.
The bus journey from Cebu to Moalboal takes around 4 hours.
Departure and arrival station
Buses depart from South Bus Terminal, right next to CityMall in Cebu City centre.
The bus stops at Moalboal Bus Station, beside the public market. From here, you can get to your hotel with a motorbike taxi for 50 PHP ($0.80) or a tricycle for 150 PHP ($2.60).
Cebu to Moalboal by Van
If you’re on a budget but in a hurry, you can take a public van from Cebu to Moalboal. Vans don’t make as many stops as the bus so they can do the journey in around 3 hours.
It’s important to know that vans usually don’t depart until they are full.
With very little legroom, the trip may be more than a bit uncomfortable. Also, they charge for an extra seat if you’re carrying big pieces of luggage.
Vans are available from 04:00 to 19:00 with tickets starting from 180 PHP ($3.20). Be aware that drivers sometimes try to charge foreign tourists more.
Departure and arrival station
The last time we checked (July 2023) vans operating from Cebu City to Moalboal now depart from South Bus Terminal, the same as the buses. Don’t confuse this for the V-Hire South Terminal, which has now been converted into a food park.
Vans drop off passengers at Moalboal town centre, usually at the V-Hire Terminal across the Municipal Hall.
Cebu to Moalboal by Taxi
If you want to travel comfortably and don’t mind paying more, hiring a taxi is a good option.
We recommend booking your ride beforehand through Klook. This way, you can expect a nice car with a good driver. Rates start from 3,900 PHP ($69.00) for a 3-seater sedan from Cebu City or Cebu Airport to Moalboal.
Check Private Transfers with Klook
You can also hail a regular taxi from the airport or within Cebu City. Be prepared to haggle because taxi drivers rarely use the metre for long-distance trips. They will also try to give a higher rate when negotiating with foreigners.
For reference, a reasonable rate for a private transfer from Cebu to Moalboal is around 3,000 PHP ($53.00).
Can I book a Grab from Cebu to Moalboal?
Grab is available in Cebu City and is a good way to get to nearby destinations, like Cebu Airport. However, Grab is not licensed to operate in Moalboal.
Sure, you can try booking a Grab ride on the app. And you might get excited to see a cheaper quote compared to the rates provided above — around 2,500 PHP ($44.50). But the question is, will any driver accept your booking?
The most likely answer to that question is no. It will be difficult to find a driver who’ll accept that fare, knowing that they won’t be able to get a passenger on the way back. It’s more likely that they’ll try to negotiate and ask for double the price, meaning you’ll also pay for their trip back to Cebu City.
In conclusion, it will be better to book a taxi from Cebu to Moalboal via Klook.
Our favourite 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
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
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
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Moalboal
What is the distance from Cebu to Moalboal?
The distance from Cebu to Moalboal is 85 km (53 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cebu to Moalboal?
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Moalboal is by van and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Moalboal?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Moalboal is by bus with ticket costs starting from 170 PHP ($3.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cebu 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!
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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.
Thanks for this super helpful article. We opted for the bus afree reading this and found it super easy to navigate! We got the air conditioned option on a Saturday at 9.20am. The cost was 208 pesos pp and took 4 hours – a very comfortable journey.
Thanks for this info Ellie, it’s super helpful. We’ve updated the price for the air-conditioned bus thanks to this. I’m glad it was a comfortable trip, and I hope you had a great time in Cebu!
May I know that any bus or jeepney from Cebu airport to South Bus terminal?
Hi Roger, taxis are available at the airport, but fares might be expensive. A budget-friendly option is to take MyBus outside the airport arrivals hall going to SM City Cebu. At the parking lot at SM, ask for the jeepney going to South Bus Terminal.
Hi I was wondering if there is usually disruption to the bus service over the Christmas and new year period? I was looking to travel straight from my flight from Cebu that lands at 3pm on 28th Dec. Thanks in advance
Hi there Marie. Usually, bus trips are fewer or unavailable only on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 (PH holidays). Your trip is between the Christmas and New Year periods, so it’s likely that there are regular bus trips.
If by any chance there are no buses that day, you can head to V-Hire South Terminal in Junquera St. You can look for the cheaper shared minivans or rent a private minivan that will get you to Moalboal much faster and more comfortably. You’ll have more options here because the vans don’t operate under one company, unlike the bus. Safe travels!
Hello, I see information on your site indicating that both buses and vans run frequently well into the evenings from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Moalboal. My questions are: 1) Does the reverse route have similar timings? What times do the vans and buses go from Moalboal back to Cebu? 2) Are online or in-person reservations required and/ or possible for the buses or vans ahead of time? Thank you!
Hi Igor, buses and vans are both a common mode of transport for this popular route. Buses are available every 30 minutes on both routes. For Moalboal to Cebu, our most recent info is that the buses are available from 04:00-18:00.
As for vans, they don’t have specific departure times because they leave only when the van is full. Also, online booking is not possible for both buses and vans. You can buy your bus tickets only at the station. If you want to secure your seat, you can go to the bus station the day before to purchase your ticket.
I hope this helps!
Hey I am having a difficult time figuring out the times for buses between Cebu and moalboal and vice versa. Some websites say the last ones leaves at 2pm, while others say the last leaves as late as 11pm. Does anyone have a definite answer on scheduling ? Thanks so much.
Hi Chris, unfortunately, the Ceres website doesn’t include a schedule for Cebu to Moalboal and vv, so we can’t provide the exact schedule on our page. But we asked a local tour guide in Cebu for the schedule of the buses, and here’s what we gathered:
As of December 2022,
– Cebu to Moalboal: 2AM to 9PM
– Moalboal to Cebu: 4AM to 6PM
Buses are available every 30 minutes. This is a very popular route, so it’s likely that they have trips from early morning until evening. To be sure, you can go to the bus station the day before to ask for the bus schedule from the guard or the office.
Hallo
Ich möchte morgen gerne mit einem van von Cebu City nach Moalboal fahre.
Wie finde ich heraus wann die Vans anfahren ?
Hey Cassandra, unfortunately, we couldn’t answer your question before your trip, but we hope it all worked out. Thanks to the popularity of this route from Cebu to Moalboal, vans and buses depart frequently. Vans are available from 04:00 to 19:00 and leave when full. Alternatively, there are also Ceres buses available from 06:00 to 23:00, operating at a 30-minute interval. Enjoy the Philippines!
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.
Is there any Bus company that leaves South Terminal as early as 4am? I’ve seen Ceres schedule online, and I think their first trip is at 6am.
Hi, Princess! From what we know, the earliest bus from Cebu to Moalboal departs at 06:00 in the morning while the first van trip is at 06:30. We hope this helps and do let us know how your experience went! Safe travels!
Hi, what is the earliest time for the van’s schedule heading to Moalboal?
Hello. thank you for posting this. I just bought a ticket with AC and it cost 198, not 150, just wanted to let you know!
Hi, Jon! Thanks for that very valuable feedback! We have now updated this route with the new bus rates. Thanks so much and safe travels!
Hi There. My question is their a van services that picks you up at Cebu airport shared van that takes you to Moalboal
Hello Wayne, yes there is a van service from Klook that picks you up in either Cebu City or Mactan, which includes the airport. The driver will text you about the exact arrival time so an easy transfer is guaranteed. Just click the button from the table in this post and you’ll find the booking page for this route from Cebu to Moalboal. Safe travels!
Hi. Is there a van going to Moalboal that takes passengers after 8pm? If so, where?
Hello Agnel,
As you might have already found out, currently the Ceres bus only operates till 2pm. If you arrive in the evening, it would be best to take a taxi straight from Cebu Airport to Moalboal. With Grab, you can already book a taxi from 350 PHP for a 2-seater, or around 450 PHP for a 4-seater.
While visiting in the Philippines is it appropriate to discuss price for service in advance with taxis, Jeepneys etc and what is an appropriate tip %?
Hi Jo! When taking a taxi, you should definitely agree on a price beforehand or ask if the driver runs a meter. Grab is also a good option when travelling in Cebu. Jeepneys are public vehicles, so you can just tell the driver where you’re going and they will give you a fixed fare. Tip is not mandatory in the Philippines, but highly appreciated. If you are highly satisfied with their service, then you can give whatever amount of tip you think the driver deserves. Have a great trip!
Do the buses from Cebu to Moalboal also go on Sunday? With the same frequency?
Hi Bas, I sent the company an email with this question, but haven’t got a reply yet. I think you will be fine though. Just head to the main station and as long as you are not arriving after 8pm, there will likely be buses waiting for you. When I get a reply from the company, I will let you know ASAP.
Hi Bas! Sorry for the late reply. I reached out to Ceres Bus company but unfortunately, I didn’t get a reply back. I think they will also run on Sundays, but the service might stop earlier (only till 18:00). If you arrive after, you can probably still find a van company or book a taxi with Grab.