What to expect when visiting 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!
2 ways to get from Moalboal to Bohol
There are two ways to travel the distance of 120 km (75 miles) from Moalboal to Bohol: by bus & ferry via cebu city (5 hours) and bus & ferry via argao (8h40m). The journey takes between 5h - 8h40m and the quickest way is by bus & ferry via cebu city. The lowest priced tickets start from 430 PHP ($7.50) for the bus & ferry via argao.Where to stay in Bohol?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bohol at the bottom of this page.
Moalboal to Bohol by Bus & Ferry via Argao
Another option to travel from Moalboal to Bohol is via Argao.
There is no direct public transport available from Moalboal to Argao, so you will need to take two bus trips. Otherwise, you can take a direct but more expensive taxi.
With this option, you’ll have to take three different buses and a ferry to get from Moalboal to Bohol.
Step 1: Moalboal to Carcar by Bus
Because there are no buses operating directly from Moalboal to Argao, you will first have to make a side trip going north to the town of Carcar. Ceres Liner and Librando operate aircon and non-aircon buses for this route.
You will need to take a bus with a signboard that says “Cebu City.” These buses operate 24 hours, but there might be fewer buses travelling late at night. You can hail a bus anywhere along the main road in 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. You can pay for your ticket onboard.
Step 2: Carcar to Taloot, Argao by Bus
Upon arrival at Carcar, you’ll need to transfer to another bus bound for 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 onboard.
From your drop-off point, Taloot Wharf is only about 200m away. You will see signages that will direct you to the port.
You can also rent a tricycle from Carcar to Argao for about 200 PHP ($3.50). However, travel time may take a bit longer than the bus and the ride might be cramped if you’re travelling with bulky luggage.
Step 3: Argao to Loon, Bohol by Ferry
Lite Ferries offers two daily trips from Argao to the town of Loon in Bohol daily.
Only economy class is available for this route. This means there will be no air-conditioning, but you can enjoy the nice sea breeze. Also, note that these ferries are mainly used to transfer goods, not people. You will still have a comfortable ride, just don’t expect too much.
The ferry ride from Argao to Loon takes 2 hours and costs 210 PHP ($3.60).
The last time we checked (July 2022), Lite Ferries is not available for online booking. Tickets can only be bought at the port office.
Departure and arrival port
Ferries depart from Taloot Wharf in Argao.
They dock at Catagbacan Port in Loon, about 35 km north of Tagbilaran City.
Bus & Ferry via Argao options from Moalboal to Bohol
Step 4: Loon to Tagbilaran by Bus
From Catagbacan Port in Loon, you’ll have to take a bus to get to Tagbilaran City. Walk about 700m towards the main road and hail any bus with a signboard that says “Tagbilaran.”
This bus ride takes around an hour and ticket prices start from 50 PHP ($0.80).
The buses park at Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City.
Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island
Is your hotel on Panglao Island? If yes, then you’ll have to take another 40-minute transfer from Tagbilaran City. You can take a bus, a jeepney, or a taxi. Fares start from 50 PHP ($0.80).
Moalboal to Bohol by Bus & Ferry via Cebu City
Although a bit more expensive, it is much easier to travel by bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City. You only need to take a bus straight from Moalboal to Cebu City and then transfer to a ferry bound for Bohol.
Another advantage of this route is that you have more ferry choices, as opposed to the ferry schedule via Argao, which only has 2 departures daily.
Total costs when taking the combined bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol start at 590 PHP ($10.50).
Step 1: Moalboal to Cebu City Pier 1 by Bus
From Moalboal city centre, you can hail a bus bound for Cebu City. These buses pass by every 20-30 minutes.
Tickets cost 170 PHP ($2.90) for ordinary buses and 200 PHP ($3.50) for aircon buses. You can pay for your ticket onboard.
For more info, check out our page on how to get from Moalboal to Cebu.
Departure and arrival point
There is no specific bus stop in Moalboal. You can hail a bus anywhere along the main road.
Buses park at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City centre. From here, you can take a tricycle to Cebu Pier 1, which is 2 km away.
Step 2: Cebu City to Bohol by Ferry
Ferries operating from Cebu City to Bohol are bigger and faster than the ones coming from Argao. You can also choose from two arrival ports in Bohol, depending on where you’re headed on the island.
There are at least three ferry companies operating this route: Oceanjet, FastCat and Lite Shipping.
Departure and arrival port
All ferries depart from the main passenger port in Cebu City, Cebu Pier 1.
In Bohol, there are two 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 here, you can get to your hotel in Panglao via a 40-minute jeep or taxi.
If you’re bound for the northern part of Bohol or if you’re travelling with a car, you can take one of the car ferries that dock at Tubigon Pier.
Bus & Ferry via Cebu City options from Moalboal to Bohol
Ferry schedule from Cebu City to Tubigon Port, Bohol
Fares start from 950 PHP ($16.50) for fastcrafts bound for Tagbilaran City Port and 420 PHP ($7.00) for car ferries bound for Tubigon Pier.
Check out our page on how to get from Cebu to Bohol for more details.
Our favourite places to stay in Bohol
Bohol offers a great standard of accommodation no matter your budget. Even if you’re a budget traveller, you can still snag yourself a place with a pool. And for those able to splash the cash a little bit more, prepare to be wowed by the secluded beachfront stays available in Bohol.
Panglao Island is the main place to stay in Bohol. This is where you’ll find a lively town, beautiful beaches and world-class diving and snorkelling sites. Most of our favourite stays are in Panglao, but some of them are in more remote locations ideal for a relaxing retreat.
Three Little Birds Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Near Anda White beach, approx. 10-min drive from Anda town
Three Little Birds Resort oozes tropical vibes, with its bamboo cottages and lush vegetation thriving everywhere. In the middle of the resort is your own watering hole in the form of a refreshing swimming pool.
To make things even more idyllic, you’ll be staying right by the beach. It’s a hard choice between splashing around in the pool or relaxing on the beach.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Unique bamboo cottages
- Stunning rooms
- Close to the beach
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Fox & The Firefly Cottages - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Loboc town centre
You’ve probably never stayed anywhere quite like here. The unique cottages make you feel like you’re staying in a luxury treehouse surrounded by nothing but nature. And unbelievably, things get better. The private balconies offer views of the nearby rice paddies.
If this isn’t relaxing enough for you, you can head down to their deck that overlooks Loboc River. For the unforgettable experience you get here, you’d expect to pay a lot more. This place is great value for money.
- Unique and beautiful cottages
- Incredible views
- River deck
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Tamarind - Mid Range
Area: Approx. 10-minute drive from Panglao Town and Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Tamarind is fantastic. The rooms offer way more space than you need. They’re modern, clean and all of them come with a private balcony overlooking the pool. Oh yeah, there’s a large pool that is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and palm trees.
Tamarind’s location is also hard to beat. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. Perfect for burning off all the food you’ve been eating as there are so many great restaurants nearby.
- Private balcony
- Swimming pool
- Nice garden area
- Great location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Nautilus Hostel & Hammocks - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This hostel has a very cool and unique vibe that brings together comfort and nature. With plants and bamboo everywhere, the hotel’s design creates a peaceful ambience. Throw in plenty of hammocks and hanging seats, and it’s idyllic.
The complimentary breakfast brings everyone together in the morning and makes it super easy to meet other travellers here.
- Cool design
- Beautiful gardens
- Sociable vibe
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Siman Panglao - Budget Friendly
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive to Panglao town and 10-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This place does not feel like a budget option, so if it’s available, make sure to snap it up as quickly as you can. The rooms are spacious and overlook the large pool that sits at the centre of the hotel.
The staff do everything to accommodate your needs and make sure that you feel at home.
- Large swimming pool
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Helpful staff
- Private terrace
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Moalboal to Bohol
What is the distance from Moalboal to Bohol?
The distance from Moalboal to Bohol is 120 km (75 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol?
The fastest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol is by bus & ferry via cebu city and takes 5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol?
The cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol is by bus & ferry via argao with ticket costs starting from 430 PHP ($7.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Moalboal to Bohol. 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.
