How to Get From Moalboal to Malapascua

The easiest way to get from Cebu City to Maya Port is by bus from the North Bus Terminal. Two companies operate this route: Ceres Bus and White Stallion Express (formerly Cebu Rough Riders).

Ceres buses run daily, starting as early as 01:30, with the last trip leaving at 21:00. White Stallion Express has fewer trips — five on weekdays between 05:20 and 15:20, and just two on weekends at 15:30 and 16:30. Just keep in mind, neither company sticks to a strict schedule, so it’s best to get there early.

The bus journey from Cebu to Maya Port takes around 4 hours, but don’t be surprised if it runs longer. Buses often stop to pick up passengers along the way. About halfway through, there’s usually a short break where you can grab a snack or use the toilet.

A seat on an air-conditioned Ceres bus costs around $5.30 (320 PHP). Make sure to get off at the New Maya Ferry Port, the departure point for boats to Malapascua.

Ferries from the New Maya Port to Malapascua sail daily from 07:00 to 16:00. Often, you'll run into touts who’ll tell you the public boats have stopped running and try to sell you a private ride instead. Don’t fall for it! As long as you arrive within the official hours, public boats are still your best bet and usually leave every 30 minutes or once they’re full.

When you get to the port, head to the far end to find the ticket booth. Here’s what you’ll need to pay:

• Fare: $3.30 (200 PHP)
• Terminal fee: $0.30 (20 PHP)
• Environmental fee: $2 (120 PHP) for foreign tourists / $1.20 (75 PHP) for local tourists

The ride to Malapascua takes around 45 minutes, and you’ll arrive at the island’s main Boat Station.

If you’re travelling in a big group or just prefer to take a private ferry, we recommend asking your hotel for assistance. They can usually give you better rates than what you'd get directly at the port. The private ferry can fit 10 to 15 people.

In Cebu City, you can catch a minivan to Maya Port at the North Bus Terminal. It's about 5 km from South Bus Terminal. The easiest way to get there is via MyBus, which costs $0.50 (30 PHP).

You can get a minivan seat to Maya Port for around $5.80 (350 PHP).

Vans don’t leave until they’re full, though, so the 4-hour journey can feel pretty cramped. If you’re tall or travelling with a lot of luggage, you’re probably better off taking the bus.

At Maya Port, you’ll need to take a ferry for the final leg to Malapascua. Ferries sail daily from 07:00 to 16:00.

Public ferry costs include a $3.30 (200 PHP) ticket, a $0.30 (20 PHP) terminal fee, and an environmental fee of $2 (120 PHP) for foreigners or $1.20 (75 PHP) for locals. That's a total of $5.60 (340 PHP).

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

From the New Maya Port to Malapascua, you have a choice to take a public or a private ferry.

Expect to pay $5.60 (340 PHP)  for a public boat. This includes a ticket for $3.30 (200 PHP), a $0.30 (20 PHP) terminal fee, and an environmental fee of $2 (120 PHP) for foreigners or $1.20 (75 PHP) for locals. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

If you prefer a private ferry, you can get one for around $33 (2,000 PHP).