How to get from Moalboal to Malapascua

Why visit Malapascua?

Malapascua is a beautiful island just a few kilometres off Cebu’s northernmost tip. Surrounded by white-sand beaches and heavenly resorts, it is most famous for the consistent sighting of thresher sharks.

These protected species can be seen lurking around the island all year round. Swimming with them still needs some luck, though! We recommend diving between sunrise to 09:00 for the best chance of swimming with thresher sharks in Malapascua.

There are 3 ways to travel the 170 kilometre (106 miles) distance from Moalboal to Malapascua. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and taxi. The journey takes 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 980 PHP ($16.70).

Travelling by bus from Moalboal to Malapascua involves several transfers, but it’s pretty straightforward as long as you follow this step-by-step guide.

If you’re staying near Panagsama Beach, you will first need to head to Moalboal town centre to get a bus bound for Cebu City.

Tricycles to the main street are available for 150 PHP ($2.60), but you can also take a motorbike taxi for 50 PHP ($0.90) if you don’t have a lot of luggage. Ask the driver to drop you off anywhere along the highway where buses pass by.

Ceres Bus is the main operator for this route. You can easily spot them with their bright yellow colour. The signboard at the front of the bus should say “Cebu City.” These buses are available as early as 03:00 in the morning, with buses passing by every 30 minutes.

A non-air-conditioned bus ticket costs 170 PHP ($2.90), while an air-conditioned ride costs 210 PHP ($3.60). The journey to Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal takes about 4 hours.

Getting from Cebu’s South Bus Terminal to the North Bus Terminal

Buses bound for Maya Port depart from Cebu’s North Bus Terminal, about 5 km away from the South Bus Terminal.

The easiest way to get there is by taking MyBus, which loops around the city every hour. The ride takes around 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 30 PHP ($0.50).

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 320 PHP ($5.50). 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: 200 PHP ($3.40)
• Terminal fee: 20 PHP ($0.30)
• Environmental fee: 120 PHP ($2) for foreign tourists / 75 PHP ($1.30) 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.

From Moalboal to Malapascua, you’ll need to take two minivan rides and a ferry.

For the first leg of the journey, hop on a minivan from Moalboal to Cebu City for around 180 PHP ($3.10). The seats can feel a bit cramped, but vans usually make fewer stops than buses. You’ll reach the city in about 3.5 hours, around 30 minutes faster than the bus.

You’ll find shared vans parked near the Moalboal Bus Terminal, close to the Municipal Hall. You can get here by tricycle for 150 PHP ($2.60) or by motorbike taxi for 50 PHP ($0.90).

Most vans drop passengers off at Cebu’s South Bus Terminal, but always double-check with the driver before you hop in.

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 30 PHP ($0.50).

You can get a minivan seat to Maya Port for around 350 PHP ($6).

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 200 PHP ($3.40) ticket, a 20 PHP ($0.30) terminal fee, and an environmental fee of 120 PHP ($2) for foreigners or 75 PHP ($1.30) for locals. That’s a total of 340 PHP ($5.80).

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

Travelling in a group? You can take a taxi from Moalboal to Malapascua, or at least until Maya Port.

A private transfer from Moalboal to Maya Port is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5h 30m, and rates start from 7,000 PHP ($120) for a 3-seater car when you book via 12Go.Asia.

You can also ask your hotel for private taxi recommendations. But since it’s quite a long journey, you might have a hard time finding a taxi driver offering reasonable rates.

Make sure you tell the driver to drop you off at the New Maya Port, where you will find the ferries bound for Malapascua.

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

Expect to pay 340 PHP ($5.80)  for a public boat. This includes a ticket for 200 PHP ($3.40), a 20 PHP ($0.30) terminal fee, and an environmental fee of 120 PHP ($2) for foreigners or 75 PHP ($1.30) for locals. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

If you prefer a private ferry, you can get one for around 2,000 PHP ($34).