Siquijor to Moalboal
Leaving from...
Going to...
What to expect when visiting 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 to enjoy the waters of Moalboal. For the best diving visibility, visit between November to May.
2 ways to get from Siquijor to Moalboal
There are two ways to travel the distance of 100 km (62 miles) from Siquijor to Moalboal: by ferry via Liloan (4 hours 30 minutes) and ferry via Dumaguete (4h 10m - 4h 40m). The journey takes between 4h 10m - 4h 40m and the quickest way is by ferry via dumaguete. The lowest priced tickets start from 585 PHP ($10.40) for the ferry via liloan.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 Liloan
Travelling from Siquijor to Moalboal via Liloan Port is simpler than the other option. The only tiny disadvantage is that ferries are not available daily.
Step 1: Siquijor to Liloan Port by Ferry
Maayo Shipping operates 4x a week from Siquijor to Liloan. These ferries are available on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. A ticket costs 200 PHP ($3.60) and travel time takes 2 hours.
Departure and arrival port
Ferries depart from Siquijor’s Larena Pier. If you’re coming from the tourist centre in San Juan, you’ll have to rent a tricycle to Larena Pier. Rates start from 500 PHP ($8.90). Allot at least an hour for the tricycle ride.
Ferries dock at Liloan Port in Santander, Cebu’s southernmost town.
Step 2: Liloan to Moalboal by Bus
There are no direct buses from Liloan to Moalboal. From the port, you’ll first need to take a tricycle to Bato Terminal. The ride takes about 20 minutes and shouldn’t cost more than 150 PHP ($2.70).
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 for a non-aircon bus is 85 PHP ($1.50). There are also air-conditioned buses available, with a slightly higher ticket price.
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 you have booked your accommodation at Panagsama Beach, you will need another transfer from Moalboal town centre. A 10-minute ride with a motorbike taxi starts at 50 PHP ($0.90). But if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it would be better to take a tricycle, which costs 150 PHP ($2.70).
Siquijor to Moalboal by Ferry via Dumaguete
The journey from Siquijor to Moalboal via Dumaguete includes a lot of transfers. The advantage is that this gives you more flexibility in schedules. Unlike the route via Liloan, this option has several departures daily.
Step 1: Siquijor to Dumaguete by Ferry
Ferries operate several times from Siquijor to Dumaguete daily. The first trip is at 06:00 and the last trip departs at 19:30. The ferry journey takes 1h - 1h 30m.
Ticket prices from Siquijor to Dumaguete start from 130 PHP ($2.30).
Departure and arrival port
There are 2 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 250 PHP ($4.40) to 300 PHP ($5.30). You can also ask your hotel if they offer a cheaper or even free transfer.
All ferries dock at Dumaguete Port.
Ferry schedule from Siquijor to Dumaguete (via Larena Pier)
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, about 7 km away.
It normally costs 100 PHP ($1.80) 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 20 minutes.
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 1.5 hours from 04:30 to 22:30. Travel time is around 20 minutes and a ticket costs 70 PHP ($1.20).
Step 4: Liloan to Moalboal by Bus
Similar to the first option, you’ll need to take a tricycle from Liloan Port to the bus terminal in Bato, from where you can hop on a Ceres Bus to Moalboal.
Ask to be dropped 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 more or less 2.5 hours.
Combined fares for the final leg of this journey start at 385 PHP ($6.80). See here the complete breakdown of expenses:
- Tricycle from Liloan Port to Bato Bus Terminal: 150 PHP ($2.70)
- Bus from Bato to Moalboal town centre: 85 PHP ($1.50)
- Tricycle from Moalboal town centre to Panagsama Beach: 150 PHP ($2.70)
Our favourite 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Siquijor to Moalboal
What is the distance from Siquijor to Moalboal?
The distance from Siquijor to Moalboal is 100 km (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 dumaguete and takes 4h 10m - 4h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal?
The cheapest way to get from Siquijor to Moalboal is by ferry via liloan with ticket costs starting from 585 PHP ($10.40).
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!
Routes from Moalboal
Most popular routes in Philippines
Was this post helpful?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 4.9 / 5. Vote count: 10
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post didn't meet your expectations.
Your feedback is very valueable to us
What was missing in this post? (TIP: If you want us to reply to your feedback, you can leave your email in this text box.)
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.
- Explore more
- Routes from Moalboal
- Most popular routes in Philippines