How to get fromMalapascua to Cebu

What to expect when visiting 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!

3 ways to get from Malapascua to Cebu

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 115 kilometers (71 miles) from Malapascua to Cebu are by: bus (4 hours 45 minutes), Shared minivan (4 hours 45 minutes) and taxi (4 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 4 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 460 PHP ($7.90) for the bus.

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 06:30 to 16:30, with a 30-minute interval. A ticket costs 200 PHP ($3.40) for a public boat.

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 ferry costs about 1,500 PHP ($26). 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 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 18:00. A bus ticket costs 260 PHP ($4.50) - 360 PHP ($6.20), 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 station

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 Rough Rider buses are parked.

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

If you want to get from Malapascua to Cebu fast, you can take a minivan from Maya. Combined minivan and boat costs start from 550 PHP ($9.50) and travel time is around 4 hours 45 minutes.

From the Maya-Malapascua Boat Station, you can take a boat to the New Maya Port for 45 minutes. A ticket costs 200 PHP ($3.40) per person. You can also rent an entire boat for 1,500 PHP ($26).

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 ($6) and travel time is around 4 hours. Vans park at Cebu City’s 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 if you’re headed straight to the 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. A ticket costs 200 PHP ($3.40) and travel time is 45 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 ($60). Be prepared to haggle because most drivers will try to charge more.

You can also pre-book your ride via Klook, which offers comfortable cars with professional drivers. Rates start from 4,400 PHP ($76) for a one-way trip for up to 3 people.