What to expect when visiting Cebu
Cebu is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines’ Visayas region. Often, it is the gateway to the province’s world-famous gems — diving in Malapascua, sardine run in Moalboal, canyoneering in Alegria, and swimming with whale sharks (butanding) in Oslob.
But if you have at least an extra day, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend it here. Cebu City played a huge role in the country’s history. You can learn all about it with a visit to Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro. In for a food trip? You will find the best lechon (the Philippines’ iconic roasted pig) in Cebu City!
5 ways to get from Siquijor to Cebu
There are five ways to travel the distance of 170 km (106 miles) from Siquijor to Cebu: by ferry + bus via dumaguete (7-8 hours), flight (currently not operating) (40 minutes), ferry (1h40m-3h10m), ferry via tagbilaran (4-7 hours) and ferry + bus via liloan (6 hours). The journey takes between 40 minutes - 8h and the quickest way is by flight (currently not operating). The lowest priced tickets start from 545 PHP ($9.50) for the ferry + bus via liloan.Where to stay in Cebu?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cebu at the bottom of this page.
Siquijor to Cebu by Ferry + Bus via Liloan
When travelling the opposite route from Cebu to Siquijor, you have the option via Liloan Port with Maayo Shipping. This port is in Santander, the southernmost town of Cebu.
For this route though, the ferry heads to Bato Port instead, 5 km away from Liloan Port. There’s no ferry from Siquijor heading to Liloan in Cebu.
Taking this route is a good option if you plan on exploring the province’s southern wonders, like Oslob and Moalboal.
Step 1: Siquijor to Bato Port by Ferry
Maayo Shipping is the only ferry company operating from Siquijor to Bato Port in Cebu. The ferry departs at 13:00 every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, plus a 16:00 trip every Sunday.
A one-way ticket costs 275 PHP ($4.80) and travel time is around 2 hours.
Ferry + Bus via Liloan options from Siquijor to Cebu
Ferries depart from Larena Pier. So if you’re coming from the tourist centre in San Juan, it’s best to make an appointment with a tricycle driver to make sure that you are picked up at least an hour before ferry departure time.
You can either buy your tickets at the port or contact Maayo Shipping for early booking.
Step 2: Bato Port to Cebu City by Bus
The ferry arrives at Bato Port on the southeast coast. To take the bus to Cebu City, you can take a tuk-tuk outside the port to Bato Bus Station for just 20 PHP ($0.30).
Here, you will find a number of buses bound for various towns in the province. You will see their final stop at the signage in front of the bus. For this route, you can take the bus from Bato to Cebu that passes by Oslob or Barili. Tickets start from 270 PHP ($4.70).
See here the schedule for the buses heading to Cebu South Bus Terminal:
Ferry + Bus via Liloan options from Siquijor to Cebu
If you’re bound for another destination in the province, simply ask around which bus route is the best for your destination. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding a bus bound for Oslob, Moalboal, or even Kawasan Falls in Badian.
Alternative Option: Combined Ferry + Bus with Sugbo Urban Transit
For this route, Sugbo Urban Transit offers a combined ferry + bus trip from Siquijor to Cebu via Bato Port.
From Larena Port to Cebu South Bus Terminal, travel time is 7 hours. You need to buy your own ferry ticket for 275 PHP ($4.80), and then the bus ticket costs 345 PHP ($6.00).
The company is partnered with Maayo Shipping for the ferry ride, so the bus is available only on the days there are ferry trips. The bus departs the port at 13:00 on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Then on Sundays, the bus departs at 16:00.
See this schedule:
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- Larena Port to Bato Port – 13:00-16:00
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- Bato Port to Cebu South Bus Terminal – 16:00-20:00
You can reserve your tickets by calling the number on the Sugbo Urban Transit page.
Siquijor to Cebu by Ferry + Bus via Dumaguete
Another option to get from Siquijor to Cebu is through a combined ferry and bus via Dumaguete. This requires more transfers and a longer travel time, but it might be a good alternative in case you run out of tickets for the abovementioned options.
Step 1: Siquijor to Dumaguete by Ferry
Aleson and Montenegro Shipping Lines operate daily ferries from Siquijor Port to Dumaguete. You need to buy the tickets directly from their ticket outlet near the port because they’re not available online. Hotel staff can also help you book ferry tickets. Travel time is around 2 hours.
If you want to reach Dumaguete faster and in an air-conditioned cabin, you can also take an Oceanjet fastcraft for 510 PHP ($8.50). The journey takes 1 hour and you can book your ticket online through BookAway.
Online booking when travelling between Siquijor and Dumaguete can be especially helpful on weekends or during peak season (March to June).
Ferry + Bus via Dumaguete options from Siquijor to Cebu
All ferries depart from Siquijor Pier near the tourist area and dock at Dumaguete Port.
Step 2: Dumaguete to Cebu by Bus + Ferry
From Dumaguete Port, you’ll have to take a short tricycle ride to Ceres Bus Terminal, located some 2 km south.
Ceres Bus offers multiple trips from Dumaguete to Cebu. It’s not a simple bus ride, though. You’ll have to make a short ferry crossing as well. Here is how your trip will look like:
Total travel time from Dumaguete to Cebu is around 6 hours.
Ferry + Bus via Dumaguete options from Siquijor to Cebu
Siquijor to Cebu by Ferry via Tagbilaran
If you’re thinking of making a short stopover in Bohol or just want more flexibility, you can also book your ferry rides separately.
The same ferry companies offering combined tickets operate on this route.
Step 1: Siquijor to Tagbilaran by Ferry
From Siquijor to Bohol, only Oceanjet operates a ferry trip daily. This ferry departs from Siquijor Pier at 08:20 and arrives at Tagbilaran at 10:20. You can book a ticket via BookAway starting at 910 PHP ($16.00).
Lite Shipping offers cheaper tickets at just 495 PHP ($8.50), but their ferries are available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Unlike the OceanJet ferry, this ferry departs from Larena Pier on the north.
Ferry via Tagbilaran options from Siquijor to Cebu
Visit our page for Siquijor to Bohol for more details.
Step 2: Tagbilaran to Cebu by Ferry
When taking the ferry from Bohol to Cebu, you have more ferry choices: Oceanjet, Supercat, and Lite Shipping.
OceanJet and SuperCat both take 2 hours with rates starting from 910 PHP ($16.00) for tourist tickets. While cheaper, Lite Shipping takes 4 hours on this route.
You can also book your ticket via BookAway, but make sure you choose a ferry departing from Tagbilaran City. Other ferries depart from Tubigon and Getafe Ports which are 1.5-2 hours away.
Ferry via Tagbilaran options from Siquijor to Cebu
For more details and ferry schedules, check out how to go from Bohol to Cebu.
Siquijor to Cebu by Ferry
If you want to get from Siquijor to Cebu entirely by sea, the fastest way is to take a ferry to Tagbilaran in Bohol and then transfer to another ferry going to Cebu.
For this route, you can buy your tickets via combined booking or separate (DIY) bookings.
We recommend booking a combined ticket with OceanJet because it is cheaper and avoids the hassle of organizing a second ferry trip. Ticket prices start from 2,000 PHP ($35.50) for a tourist seat.
Departure and arrival port
For the first leg of the journey, the ferry will depart from Siquijor Pier and arrive at Bohol’s Tagbilaran Pier after 1.5 hours.
In Tagbilaran, you’ll have a little over an hour to stretch your legs and grab a bite before boarding another ferry bound for Cebu International Port. This leg of the journey takes about 2 hours.
OceanJet ferry schedule from Siquijor to Cebu via Tagbilaran
Ferry tickets with Lite Shipping
Lite Shipping is another company operating ferries from Siquijor to Cebu. Although cheaper, these are slower roll-on roll-off ferries, which take 7 hours to complete the journey.
The ferry departs at 19:00 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from Larena Pier on the north. You’ll arrive at Cebu Pier 1 at 02:00.
A tourist class ticket costs 880 PHP ($15.00) on 12GoAsia, while cheaper standard tickets can be bought only at the port.
Siquijor to Cebu by Flight (Currently not operating)
Pre-pandemic, travelling via chartered flight directly from Siquijor to Cebu is the fastest, but also the most expensive option.
Air Juan used to offer one flight daily. The flight would depart Siquijor Airport at 14:00 and arrive at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at 14:40. The fare for an economy one-way ticket cost 4,500 PHP ($80.00).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Cebu
Whilst we wouldn’t recommend spending too long in Cebu City, there might be a night or two where you need to relax and recover from a long journey. We’ve selected the perfect places for you to do just that.
Our favourite stays in Cebu are great value for money, comfortable and run by amazing staff. Check them out below!
Seda Central Bloc Cebu - Treating Yourself
Area: Cebu City centre — approx. 10-minute drive to Cebu City business area and Ayala Centre Cebu Mall
If you want to spend your time in Cebu surrounded by ultimate comfort, then Seda Central Bloc is where you need to book. The rooftop pool and bar offer spectacular views of the city. You have to come watch the sunset here!
The rooms are sleek and modern, containing anything you could possibly need. Every morning you can visit their gym after enjoying the delicious complimentary breakfast.
- Rooftop bar and swimming pool
- On-site gym
- Sleek and elegant design
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Goldberry Suites and Hotel - Mid Range
Area: Cebu City centre — approx. 5-minute drive to Cebu City business area and Ayala Centre Cebu Mall
Goldberry Suites is another spot in Cebu where you can’t complain about the price tag. The rooms are elegantly designed with small touches that make them feel that little bit more luxurious.
The staff are extremely helpful, especially the security guard who will always put a smile on your face.
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Great showers
- Elegant rooms
- Good location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Felix Residences - Budget Friendly
Area: Mandaue City centre — approx. 15-minute drive to main Cebu City centre
Felix Residences is exceptional value for money. The standard of everything is much higher than you’d expect for the price tag. The rooms are comfortable, clean and modern, with the beds being the highlight of most people’s stay here. You’ll sleep like a baby!
The staff are great, offering a service that makes you feel well looked after from the get go.
- Very comfortable beds
- Clean and modern rooms
- Great staff
- Amazing value for money
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Siquijor to Cebu
What is the distance from Siquijor to Cebu?
The distance from Siquijor to Cebu is 170 km (106 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siquijor to Cebu?
The fastest way to get from Siquijor to Cebu is by flight (currently not operating) and takes 40 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Cebu?
The cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Cebu is by ferry + bus via liloan with ticket costs starting from 545 PHP ($9.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siquijor to Cebu. 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.
