How to get from Moalboal to Bohol

Why visit Bohol?

Bohol is a beautiful combination of lush jungles and turquoise waters in the Philippines’ Central Visayas region. It is one of the country’s more classic destinations, so don’t be surprised to find many locals looking for adventures here any time of the year.

The island first became popular for its Chocolate Hills, but there’s so much more you can do and explore in Bohol. Cruise along the Loboc River, snorkel or dive near Balicasag Island, and explore Bohol’s centuries-old churches. If you’re lucky or persistent, you can also spot the Philippine tarsier, which is endemic to the region!

There are 2 ways to travel the 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Moalboal to Bohol. You can choose between the bus and ferry via Cebu City and bus and ferry via Argao. The journey takes 5 to 7 hours and the quickest way is by bus and ferry via Cebu City. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus and ferry via Argao with tickets starting at 500 PHP ($8.60).

To get from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City, take a bus with a sign that says Cebu City. Buses leave regularly throughout the day. Once in Cebu City, you can head to the port and catch a ferry to Bohol.

This route gives you more flexibility with ferry schedules since there are several daily departures from Cebu City to Bohol.

Total costs when taking the combined bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City start at 590 PHP ($10.10).

Buses to Cebu depart from Moalboal Bus Terminal, about 200 metres from the Municipal Hall. It’s a small, informal stop with just a few rows of chairs by the roadside.

You don’t have to wait at the terminal, though. You can also catch a bus along the main road. A popular spot is right in front of Jollibee Moalboal, directly across from the Municipal Hall. Hail a bus with a sign that says “Cebu City.”

Tickets cost 170 PHP ($2.90) for ordinary buses and 210 PHP ($3.60) for air-conditioned buses. You can pay for your ticket onboard.

Buses park at South Bus Terminal in Cebu City centre. For more info, check out our page on how to get from Moalboal to Cebu.

Where to catch the ferry in Cebu City

Ferries from Cebu City to Bohol depart at either Cebu Pier 1 or Cebu Pier 3.

• Cebu Pier 1 is about 2.5 km away from South Bus Terminal, and a tricycle ride costs around 70 PHP ($1.20).
• Cebu Pier 3 is a bit farther at about 4 km from the bus station. For a more convenient ride, you can book a Grab taxi, with fares starting from 170 PHP ($2.90).

Several ferries sail daily from Cebu City to Bohol. You can choose from three ferry companies: Oceanjet, FastCat and Lite Shipping. Check whether your ferry departs from Pier 1 or Pier 3.

In Bohol, there are two main arrival ports. If you’re headed to the tourist centre on Panglao Island, it’s best to take a ferry bound for Tagbilaran City Port. From there, you can get to your hotel in Panglao via a 40-minute bus or taxi. A bus ticket costs 70 PHP ($1.20), while taxi/Grab rates start at around 400 PHP ($6.90).

Tubigon Pier is a good option if you’re going to the northern part of Bohol or bringing a car. Both car ferries and high-speed ferries operate on this route, so you can pick what suits your trip best.

Cebu Pier

Economy

Tubigon

01:00

2h

03:00

04:00

2h

06:00

07:00

2h

09:00

10:00

2h

12:00

13:00

2h

15:00

16:00

2h

18:00

19:00

2h

21:00

22:00

2h

00:00

Lite Shipping

From 430 PHP ($7.40)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

430 PHP ($7.40)

01:00

2h

03:00

04:00

2h

06:00

10:00

2h

12:00

13:00

2h

15:00

16:00

2h

18:00

19:00

2h

21:00

22:00

2h

00:00

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

445 PHP ($7.60)

07:00

2h

09:00

Check on BookAway

You can travel by bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Argao, but this route takes a bit more effort. There’s no direct bus from Moalboal to Argao, so you’ll need to take two separate buses to get there. A direct taxi is an option too, though it costs more.

With this option, you’ll have to take three different buses plus a ferry to Bohol.

First, head north to the town of Carcar. Ceres Liner and Librando operate air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses on this route.

Look for a bus with a signboard that says “Cebu City.” These pass by every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, although there may be fewer buses later at night. You can hail one anywhere along the main road in the Moalboal town centre.

Get off at the rotunda in Carcar. You can also ask the bus driver or conductor to drop you off at the bus stop for buses bound for Argao.

Considering traffic, the bus ride from Moalboal to Carcar can take about 1.5 hours. Ticket prices start at 100 PHP ($1.70) for an ordinary bus, and you can pay the conductor once you’re on board.

Once you arrive in Carcar, transfer to a southbound bus heading to Oslob, Alcoy or Dalaguete. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Taloot Public Market in Argao.

Travel time from Carcar to Argao is about 40 minutes, and a ticket costs 70 PHP ($1.20). You can pay for your ticket on board.

From your drop-off point, the Port of Taloot is only about 200m away. You will see signage that will direct you to the port.

You can also rent a tricycle from Carcar to Argao for about 200 PHP ($3.40). However, travel time may take a bit longer than the bus, and the ride might be cramped if you’re travelling with bulky luggage.

Lite Ferries operates multiple daily trips from Argao to the town of Loon in Bohol.

These are cargo ships, but they do accept passengers. Depending on the vessel, you can choose either an economy or standard seat.

These seats don’t have air conditioning, but you’ll get a nice sea breeze during the trip. Just keep in mind that these ferries are mainly for transporting goods, so the setup is pretty basic. You will still have a comfortable ride, just don’t expect too much.

The ferry ride from Argao to Loon takes 2h. Tickets cost 230 PHP ($3.90) for economy and 260 PHP ($4.50) for standard. There’s also a terminal fee of 50 PHP ($0.90).

For this route, Lite Ferries is not available for online booking. You’ll need to buy your ticket at the port office. Also, note that departure times aren’t always followed, as they depend on cargo loading.

Departure and arrival ports

Ferries depart from Taloot Wharf in Argao.

They dock at Catagbacan Port in Loon, about 35 km north of Tagbilaran City.

From Catagbacan Port in Loon, you’ll have to take a bus to get to Tagbilaran City. Walk about 700 metres towards the main road and hail any bus with a signboard that says “Tagbilaran.”

The bus ride takes around an hour, and ticket prices start from 100 PHP ($1.70).

Buses park at Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City.

Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island

Is your hotel on Panglao Island? From Tagbilaran City Port, it’s about 20 km or a 40-minute ride to the tourist centre in Panglao.

Here are your transport options:

• Jeepney – 50 PHP ($0.90)
• Bus – 70 PHP ($1.20)
• Grab or taxi – from 400 PHP ($6.90)
• Private transfer via BookAway – from 660 PHP ($11.30)