How to get from Malapascua to Cebu

Why visit Cebu?

Cebu is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines’ Visayas region. Often, it is the gateway to the province’s world-famous gems — diving in Malapascua, sardine run in Moalboal, canyoneering in Alegria, and snorkelling in Oslob.

If you have a day to spare, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend it here. Cebu City played a huge role in the country’s history. You can learn all about it with a visit to Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro. Love trying good food? You will find the best lechon (the Philippines’ iconic roasted pig) in Cebu City!

There are 3 ways to travel the 115 kilometre (71 miles) distance from Malapascua to Cebu. You can choose between the boat + bus, boat + shared minivan and boat + taxi. The journey takes 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes and the quickest way is by boat + taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by boat + bus with tickets starting at 595 PHP ($9.90).

When travelling from Malapascua to Cebu, you will first have to take a ferry to Maya Port on the mainland. And then, you can transfer to a bus bound for Cebu City.

Boats operating from Malapascua to Cebu via Maya Port are available from 04:30 to 16:30, with a 30-minute interval.

Total fees cost 340 PHP ($5.70).

• • Boat ticket: 200 PHP ($3.30)
  • Environmental fee: 120 PHP ($2) for foreigners and 75 PHP ($1.30) for locals
  • Terminal fee: 20 PHP ($0.30)

If you prefer a private ferry, operators are happy to oblige, but the fare will be much higher as the ferry can fit about 10-15 people. A private boat costs about 2,000 PHP ($33.50). Agree on the price first before boarding the ferry.

Boats depart from the Maya-Malapascua Boat Station and dock at the New Ferry Terminal in Maya.

At the New Maya Ferry Port, you will find buses that will take you to Cebu City. Two well-known companies operate on this route: Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express (formerly known as Cebu Rough Riders).

Bus trips from Maya to Cebu City begin at 01:00 in the morning, so you should have no problem getting one. The last trip departs at 17:40. A bus ticket costs 255 PHP ($4.20) - 360 PHP ($6), depending on whether it’s an aircon or non-aircon bus.

The journey takes approximately 4 hours with a non-aircon bus as they go straight from Maya to Cebu City. Airconditioned buses make a lot of stops and take 5-6 hours to complete the journey.

Departure and arrival stations

Ceres buses depart from the New Maya Ferry Port, so you can easily transfer from your boat to the bus. On the offchance that there are no buses available, you can also take a motorbike taxi to the Old Ferry Terminal, where White Stallion Express buses are parked.

All buses arrive at the SM North Bus Terminal, just beside SM City Cebu.

If you want a quick and comfy ride with air-con from Malapascua to Cebu, you can take a minivan from Maya. Combined minivan and boat costs start from 690 PHP ($11.60) and travel time is around 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes.

From the Maya-Malapascua Boat Station, you can take a boat to the New Maya Port for 35 minutes. You’ll pay around 340 PHP ($5.70) for this boat ride, including the environmental and port fees.

Alternatively, you can get a private boat for 2,000 PHP ($33.50).

For more details, check the bus section.

Vans going to Cebu are available at the New Maya Port. These vans depart when they are full, and that usually doesn’t take too long.

A minivan seat costs 350 PHP ($5.90) and travel time is around 4h - 4h 30m. Vans park at SM North Bus Terminal.

Many tourists prefer taking a minivan because it is faster than an airconditioned bus. But keep in mind that these vans do not have a lot of legroom and may be a bit tight for tall passengers and those carrying big luggage.

If you’re travelling in a group or headed straight to Cebu Airport and don’t want to risk missing your flight, it would be a great idea to take a combined boat and taxi from Malapascua to Cebu.

Also with the taxi option from Malapascua to Cebu, you will first need to take a ferry from Malapascua to the New Maya Port. The total cost per person is 340 PHP ($5.70), including the boat ticket, environmental fee and terminal fee.

Do you prefer a private boat? You can rent one for 2,000 PHP ($33.50).

The boat journey takes about 35 minutes.

You should be able to find a few taxis on Maya Port. But for a guaranteed ride, it’s best to ask your hotel or guesthouse to help arrange a taxi ride for you. Taxis can be costly, but they’re definitely faster and more convenient than taking the bus.

Taxi rates from Maya to Cebu start from 3,500 PHP ($59). Be prepared to haggle because most drivers will try to charge more.

Get a private transfer with 12GoAsia or Klook

You can also pre-book your ride via 12GoAsia or Klook — both offer comfortable cars with professional drivers. Rates start from 3,900 PHP ($65) for a one-way trip for up to 3 people.