How to get from Siquijor to Moalboal
Why visit Moalboal?
Moalboal is a small yet vibrant resort town on the west coast of Cebu Island. World-famous for its sardine run, here you can swim with millions of sardines — just a few metres off the shore!
It also boasts a vibrant coral wall, making it a popular diving destination. The best part? You won’t have to swim far or rent a boat, some of Moalboal’s best underwater worlds can be found metres from the shore. For the best diving visibility, visit between November and May.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Siquijor to Moalboal?
There are 2 ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance from Siquijor to Moalboal. You can choose between the ferry via Bato and ferry via Dumaguete. The journey takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry via Bato. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry via Bato with tickets starting at 410 PHP ($6.90).
Where to stay in Moalboal?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Moalboal at the bottom of this page.
Siquijor to Moalboal by Ferry via Bato
You can travel from Siquijor to Moalboal by taking a ferry to Bato Port, followed by a bus ride to Moalboal. The only downside is that ferries on this route don’t operate every day.
Step 1: Siquijor to Bato Port by Ferry
Maayo Shipping operates ferries from Siquijor to Bato six times a week. Trips sail from Tuesday to Saturday at 13:00, with an additional trip on Sunday at 16:00.
A ticket costs 275 PHP ($4.60), and the travel time is around 2h.
Ferries depart from Larena Pier on Siquijor’s northern coast. If you’re coming from the tourist centre in San Juan, you can take a tricycle to Larena Pier for around 500 PHP ($8.40). The ride takes about an hour, so it’s best to leave early.
The ferry docks at Bato Port – Samboan in southern Cebu.
Step 2: Bato to Moalboal by Bus
At Bato Terminal, you can take a Ceres Bus (you can find it easily with its bright yellow colour) to Moalboal town centre. The bus ride takes 1.5-2 hours and the fare starts at 135 PHP ($2.30).
There is no official bus stop in Moalboal. So make sure to ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at the town centre.
Getting from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach
If your accommodation is near Panagsama Beach, you will need another transfer from Moalboal town centre. A motorbike taxi takes about 10 minutes, and fares start at 50 PHP ($0.80). But if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it’s better to take a tricycle, which costs 150 PHP ($2.50).
Siquijor to Moalboal by Ferry via Dumaguete
The journey from Siquijor to Moalboal via Dumaguete includes several transfers — 2 ferries, a tricycle, and a bus. The advantage is that this gives you more flexibility in schedules. Unlike the route via Bato, this option has several departures daily.
Step 1: Siquijor to Dumaguete by Ferry
Ferries sail several times from Siquijor to Dumaguete daily. The journey takes 45m - 1h 30m, depending on the type of ferry.
Ticket prices from Siquijor to Dumaguete start from 245 PHP ($4.10) for the slower car ferries. If you’re in a hurry, several high-speed ferries are available, but they cost a bit more.
There are two ferry ports on Siquijor Island: Siquijor Pier and Larena Pier. Most ferries bound for Dumaguete depart from Siquijor Pier, which is also nearer the tourist area of San Juan.
A tricycle from San Juan to Siquijor Port costs 300 PHP ($5), while a minicab ride starts at 500 PHP ($8.40). You can ask your hotel if they offer a cheaper or even free transfer.
All ferries dock at Dumaguete Port.
Step 2: Dumaguete to Sibulan Port by Tricycle
You will find a lot of tricycles waiting for passengers outside Dumaguete Port. Hail one and ask for a ride going to Sibulan Port, which is about 7 km away.
It normally costs 200 PHP ($3.30) to get to Sibulan Port, although some drivers might try to charge higher. Make sure you agree on a price before setting off for the journey that takes 20m.
Step 3: Sibulan Port to Liloan Port by Ferry
From Sibulan Port, you can get a ferry bound for Liloan Port. These ferries are available every 1 to 1.5 hours from 04:30 to 20:00.
Travel time is around 20m, and a ticket costs 140 PHP ($2.30), including the terminal fee.
Step 4: Liloan to Moalboal by Bus
At Liloan Port, take a tricycle to Samboan-Bato Bus Terminal, from where you can hop on a Ceres Bus to Moalboal.
Ask the driver to drop you off at Moalboal town centre. Here, you can hail a tricycle or a motorbike taxi to your accommodation. This final leg of the journey takes around 2h 30m.
Combined fares for this part of the trip start at 435 PHP ($7.30). Here’s a quick breakdown of the expenses:
- Tricycle from Liloan Port to Bato Bus Terminal: 150 PHP ($2.50)
- Bus from Bato to Moalboal town centre: 135 PHP ($2.30)
- Tricycle from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach: 150 PHP ($2.50)
Best places to stay in Moalboal
Moalboal is a paradise for marine life, and that’s what you want to be focusing on — finding the best snorkelling trips, witnessing the Sardine Run if you’re there at the right time.
If you’re looking to stay close to the action, we recommend staying close to Panagsama Beach. It’s the main town boasting a lively atmosphere. This is where most of our favourite stays are located.
Your time shouldn’t be spent finding the right hotel. We’ve done that for you:
Secret Paradise Moalboal - Treating Yourself
Area: Next to Panagsama beach, only a 1-minute walk
The name says it all for this place. It actually does feel like a secret paradise, hidden amongst its green gardens and away from the business of the town. All of the rooms are centred around a large and inviting swimming pool that even has tables in the water.
Secret Paradise feels like a mini resort, whilst still maintaining an intimate vibe.
- Huge swimming pool
- Tropical paradise
- Spacious and quirky rooms
- On-site bar
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Vailtin Home Point - Mid Range
Area: Basidot — approx. 10-minute drive to Moalboal town centre
Slightly out of town and surrounded by lush greenery, Vailtin feels like a secluded bubble from the outside world. Especially when you’re relaxing in the pool and soaking up the sun.
The rooms are spacious and offer all of the amenities you could need. The staff here will also ensure that all of your needs are satisfied.
- Outdoor pool
- Tropical garden areas
- Great staff
- Nice location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Maayong Hostel - Mid Range
Area: Panagsama Beach — approx. 10-minute walk to famous Moalboal Sardines Run
Whether you choose the funky bamboo bungalows or the dorm rooms, you’ll love your stay at Maayong Hostel. The bungalows feel like little oases with their tropical outdoor bathrooms and peaceful design.
When you’re not making the most of your bungalow, there are plenty of spots to hang out in throughout the hostel — the bar, restaurant, chill out areas with hammocks and bean bags. The vibe here is perfect!
- Quirky bamboo bungalows
- Dorm beds with curtains
- Bar, restaurant and chill out areas
- Great vibe
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Garden Village Resort - Budget Friendly
Area: Panagsama Road — approx. 10-minute walk from the centre town
You’ll be blown away that Garden Village Resort is a budget friendly option. Not many places for under $30 offer a swimming pool, bar and a good restaurant.
The bungalows are relatively basic but still provide everything you need and offer great value for money. The affordable price does mean that you compromise on location a little. Here you’ll be a 25-minute walk or a 6-minute drive from the centre of town.
- Large swimming pool
- Relaxing pool area
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Cute cottages
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
RNA Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Area: Just outside Moalboal town — approx. 15-minute drive from the town centre
RNA Guesthouse is a great budget option in Moalboal. The rooms are basic, but have everything you need. They’re the perfect place to rest your head and get a good night’s sleep.
The hosts are what give this place a few extra gold stars. They are incredibly helpful and will make sure you have the best time in Moalboal.
- Great value for money
- Helpful hosts
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Good location
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siquijor to Moalboal. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Siquijor to Moalboal
What is the distance from Siquijor to Moalboal?
The distance from Siquijor to Moalboal is 100 kilometre (62 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal?
The fastest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal is by ferry via Bato and takes 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal?
The cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal is by ferry via Bato with ticket costs starting from 410 PHP ($6.90).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
