What to expect when visiting Siquijor
Siquijor is one of the Philippines’ most magical islands, literally. It is home to a lot of local legends — some spooky, some fascinating. And if you talk to the right people, you might even learn about some of these stories on your visit!
The island itself looks like a fairytale land, with all its golden beaches, turquoise waters, 3-tiered waterfalls, and the 400-year-old “enchanted” balete tree. And because it enjoys fewer tourists compared to other nearby islands, you can have a more intimate time with nature in Siquijor.
2 ways to get from Moalboal to Siquijor
There are two ways to travel the distance of 100 km (62 miles) from Moalboal to Siquijor: by ferry via dumaguete (6h40m-7h10m) and ferry via liloan (7 hours). The journey takes between 6h40m - 7h10m and the quickest way is by ferry via dumaguete. The lowest priced tickets start from 585 PHP ($10.00) for the ferry via liloan.Where to stay in Siquijor?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Siquijor at the bottom of this page.
Moalboal to Siquijor by Ferry via Liloan
Travelling from Moalboal to Siquijor via Liloan has fewer transfers, but can be a bit tricky because most ferries depart in the middle of the night on most days.
Step 1: Moalboal to Liloan Port by Bus
Same with the first option, you’ll need to head out from Panagsama Beach to Moalboal town centre. At the main road, hail a bus going to Bato Terminal. From here, you can get a tricycle to Liloan Port.
See here a summary of costs:
As of July 2022, buses operating from Moalboal to Bato are available only from 03:00 in the morning to 18:30 in the evening. The connecting ferry departs from Liloan at 02:00 in the morning every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
This means that if you’re taking the bus to Bato, you’ll have to depart from Moalboal in the early evening and wait a few hours for your connecting ferry at Liloan Port.
If you’re travelling on a Sunday though, you’ll just have to take an early morning bus to arrive at Liloan Port before 07:00 in the morning.
Step 2: Liloan to Siquijor by Ferry
Maayo Shipping operates the only ferry that goes straight from Liloan to Siquijor. This ferry is available 4x a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can get an open-air seat for 200 PHP ($3.50) and the journey takes 2-3 hours.
Departure and arrival port
The ferry departs from Liloan Port in Santander, Cebu’s southernmost town.
The arrival port is Larena on Siquijor Island. You can arrange a pick-up beforehand from your hotel, but there are also a lot of tricycles waiting for passengers at the port. You can rent a tricycle from Larena to the main tourist area of San Juan for about 500 PHP ($8.50).
Ferry via Liloan options from Moalboal to Siquijor
Moalboal to Siquijor by Ferry via Dumaguete
The journey from Moalboal to Siquijor via Dumaguete involves more transfers than the alternative option. However, there are also more ferries operating on this route, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to schedules.
Step 1: Moalboal to Liloan Port by Bus
If you are staying around Panagsama Beach, you first need to head to the bus stop in Moalboal town centre. You can take a tricycle for 150 PHP ($2.60) or a motorbike taxi starting at 50 PHP ($0.80).
From the bus stop, hail a Ceres Bus heading to Bato Bus Terminal. Ticket prices start from 85 PHP ($1.40) for a non-aircon bus. Air-conditioned buses are also available for a slightly higher price. The bus journey to Bato takes around 2 hours.
Bato Terminal to Liloan Port
From the bus stop in Bato, you’ll have to take a tricycle to get to Liloan Port. Rates start from 150 PHP ($2.60) for the 30-minute journey. Make sure you agree on a price before hopping in!
Step 2: Liloan Port to Sibulan Port in Dumaguete by Ferry
From Liloan Port, ferries depart for Sibulan Port every 1.5 hours from 04:30 to 22:30. A ferry ticket costs 70 PHP ($1.20) and travel time takes only 20 minutes.
Step 3: Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port by Tricycle
From Sibulan Port, Dumaguete Port is about 7 km away. The most convenient way to travel this distance is by tricycle, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.
A tricycle ride to Dumaguete Port costs between 100 PHP ($1.70) and 150 PHP ($2.60), depending on your haggling skills.
Another option is to take a jeepney, which is much cheaper at 10 PHP ($0.10) per person. However, the jeepney does not go straight to the port. It drops you off at the main road, from where you’ll need to walk about 1 km to the port.
Step 4: Dumaguete to Siquijor by Ferry
From Dumaguete, you can reach Siquijor in 1-2 hours, depending on which ferry you take. Ferries for this route are available daily from 05:30 to 19:10.
Fares start from 130 PHP ($2.20). You can buy your tickets at the port. But when travelling on a weekend or in summer, we highly recommend taking advantage of the option to book an Oceanjet ticket online via BookAway.
Departure and arrival port
All ferries depart from Dumaguete Port.
There are 2 arrival ports on Siquijor Island: Siquijor Pier and Larena Pier. If you’re staying in the main tourist area of San Juan, make sure you board a ferry that docks at Siquijor Pier.
It’s best to ask your hotel beforehand if they offer a free or cheaper pick-up. If they don’t, you’ll have to take a tricycle. When going to San Juan, fares start from 250 PHP ($4.40) from Siquijor Pier and 500 PHP ($8.50) from Larena Pier.
Ferry via Dumaguete options from Moalboal to Siquijor
Ferry schedule from Dumaguete to Siquijor (via Larena Pier)
Our favourite places to stay in Siquijor
Siquijor is a stunning island, so your accommodation needs to match that vibe, right? Even on a budget you can enjoy sea views! Siquijor is a place for snorkelling, but also relaxation, so there are plenty of accommodations trying to maximise this — think luxury beach resorts where your bed is only seconds from the sea.
San Juan is the main hub of the island, offering plenty of accommodations, beautiful beaches and access to most of Siquijor’s tourist attractions.
Here are our favourite stays in Siquijor:
Nakabalo Guesthouse and Restaurant - Treating Yourself
Area: Cang Obao, San Juan — approx. 5-minute drive to the town centre
It will be hard to find a better view than the one at Nakabalo Guesthouse. The sunset from the infinity pool overlooking the jungle is magical. And after sunset, you can enjoy a fabulous meal in the on-site restaurant.
The rooms are special and incorporate nature into their design. Some of them also have private balconies with incredible sea views.
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Spacious and unique rooms
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Coco Grove Beach Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Tubod, San Juan beachfront — approx. 5-minute drive to town proper and restaurants
This 5-star resort offers the ultimate level of luxury. You couldn’t get much closer to the beach than here — 10 steps and you’re in the water.
There are also three swimming pools including a kids’ pool, a relaxing pool with a jacuzzi and an Olympic-sized pool overlooking the beach. And there’s even a swim-up bar to sort you out with drinks and snacks without leaving that glorious water!
- Right by the beach
- Three swimming pools
- Incredible staff
- On-site spa
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Aquamare Beach Camp Resort - Mid Range
Area: Sandugan Larena — approx. 10-minute drive to Poblacion Norte town centre
The best way to describe this place is unique. They offer dome-shaped tents with all the luxury that you would expect from a normal room. Once you’ve drawn back the curtains on your dome and enjoyed the view, you can go for a morning swim at the private beach right in front of the resort.
Or spend your time splashing around in the pool and devouring the delicious food that’s served in the restaurant. Here you’ll be situated in the northern part of the island, away from the main tourist hub of San Juan.
- Dome-style glamping
- Private beach
- Delicious restaurant
- Swimming pool
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Cliff Garden - Budget Friendly
Area: Tag-ibo, San Juan — approx. 5-minute drive to Tubod Beach
How does a room with a sea view sound to you? Perfect, right? Not many budget-friendly accommodations offer that kind of luxury.
Cliff Garden is decorated in a bohemian style which matches perfectly with the beach vibe. Nearby, you’ll find some great beaches for snorkelling.
- Bohemian vibe
- Guaranteed sea views
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Great hosts
Double rooms costs $15-$30 per night
Chekesh Casa - Budget Friendly
Area: Tubod, San Juan — approx. 10-minute drive to town centre and approx. 5-minute walk to Tubod Beach
Chekesh Casa is the place to stay if you’re looking for budget accommodation in Siquijor. The homestay is beautiful, but what makes people really fall in love with this place are the hosts. They are so welcoming and friendly that you’ll feel part of one big family.
The comfortable beds are perfect to roll into after you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant run by the hosts.
- Beautiful gardens
- Lovely rooms
- Amazing hosts
- Great restaurant
Double rooms costs $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Moalboal to Siquijor
What is the distance from Moalboal to Siquijor?
The distance from Moalboal to Siquijor is 100 km (62 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Moalboal to Siquijor?
The fastest way to get from Moalboal to Siquijor is by ferry via dumaguete and takes 6h40m-7h10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Siquijor?
The cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Siquijor is by ferry via liloan with ticket costs starting from 585 PHP ($10.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Moalboal to Siquijor. 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.
