A hidden gem in the Philippines, Malapascua is renowned for its stunning beaches and relaxed island vibes. It’s a paradise for scuba diving, and snorkeling, with the chance to dive with thresher sharks. If you’re planning a trip from Cebu to Malapascua, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information. Discover the best transportation options, travel times, and essential tips to make your journey hassle-free!
BEST WAY TO BOOK CEBU TO MALAPASCUA
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? No problem! If you want to know how to get from Cebu to Malupascua, 12GO is the most simple and reliable way to book a Cebu-Malapascua transfer. After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and won’t overpay or wait in line to book in person. Simply click below for the best way to travel to Malapascua from Cebu.
HOW TO TO GET FROM CEBU TO MALAPASCUA
In this blog post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about getting from Cebu to Malapascua. Firstly I’ll cover the different overland travel options and their prices, and then, I’ll explain how to get to your final destination via ferry. At the end of the blog, I’ll also outline the reverse journey from Malapascua to Cebu, as well as another common travel route from Bantayan to Malapascua.
KEY POINTS: GETTING FROM CEBU CITY TO MALAPASCUA
Firstly a few key points…
- The first part of the journey from Cebu City to Malapascua is getting to the North Tip of Cebu Island, Maya Port. This can be done via a 4-6 hour public bus ride or a 3-hour private taxi.
- It’s easier to book a taxi in advance. You’ll get the best rate for the most direct route. You’ll also have a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. For this reason, I recommend booking online with 12GO.
- The second part of the journey is the ferry from Maya Port to Malapascua. You’ll take an outrigger boat for the 35-minute boat ride to Malapascua. It runs hourly from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.
- Ensure you have enough cash before traveling to Malapascua, as most establishments on the island require cash payment.
Now that we’ve covered those points, let’s look at the details of how to get from Cebu to Malapascua.
STEP ONE: CEBU CITY TO MAYA PORT
There are two ways to get from Cebu City to Maya Port:
By Bus: This is the most popular option and takes 4-6 hours of travel, and costs between 200-300 pesos, or $3.50 – $5.50 USD. The buses depart from Cebu North Bus Terminal on Logarta Avenue, close to SM Cebu City Mall. The buses run 24/7, with air-conditioned buses departing once per hour. Non-air-conditioned buses depart every half hour. And while the air-conditioned bus may seem like the better idea, it can take up to two hours longer since it stops along the route.
By Taxi: This is the fastest ferry route from Cebu City to Maya Port and takes 3 hours of travel, and costs between $120 – $150 USD (6700 – 8,400 pesos). You can get the best rate by booking direct on 12GO. There are options to book a 4-person taxi for $120 or a 12-passenger van for $150 USD. The taxi can also pick you up directly at the airport, your hotel, or port of arrival, making your direct transit more convenient.
STEP TWO: MAYA PORT TO MALAPASCUA BY FERRY
Once at New Maya Ferry Port, you can book tickets directly at the ticket booth on the pier. The Ferry operates from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and takes 35 minutes. The cost is 200 pesos plus a 120 peso environmental fee, making the total 320 peso-ride less than $4 USD. The boat is a traditional outrigger vessel and generally departs once it reaches its 15-passenger limit.
If you arrive late, it’s possible to book a private boat ride for around 2000 pesos ($36 USD). But if not, you can easily find overnight accommodation nearby. Personally, I recommend Suba Beach Nipa Huts for its easy island vibes and great value.
HOW TO GET FROM BANTAYAN TO MALAPASCUA
It’s quite popular for tourists to visit both Bantayan and Malapascua. After all, they’re the two island gems of North Cebu. To travel from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island, you have two primary options: a direct boat, or a combination of ferry, bus, and boat.
By Direct Boat: This is the fastest option, takes 2 hours of travel, and costs around 900 pesos, or $16 USD. Simply head to the main street in Santa Fe on Bantayan Island, where you’ll find tour desks offering boat rentals. It’s recommended to inquire at least a day in advance.
By Ferry, Bus, and Boat: This is the cheapest option, takes 4-5 hours of travel, and costs around 400 pesos, or $7 USD. I personally wouldn’t recommend the hassle of taking 3 modes of transport over 1 for the savings of $9, but to each his own!
- Ferry: Take a ferry from Bantayan Island to Hagnaya Port on mainland Cebu. The ferry ride lasts approximately 1 hour and costs around 150 PHP ($2.70) plus a terminal fee of 10 PHP ($0.20).
- Bus: From Hagnaya Port, catch a bus or tricycle to Don Pedro crossing, where you can take a bus heading to Maya Port. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and costs around 75 PHP ($1.30).
- Boat: Upon reaching Maya Port, board a boat to Malapascua. The boat ride takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around 100 PHP ($1.70) per person.
That’s it for my guide on how to get from Cebu to Malapascua! If you’re interested in checking out some of the beautiful beach resorts in the area, try my Best Beach Resorts in North Cebu guide! And if you’re traveling to other islands, try my Cebu to Bohol guide for the easiest travel routes in the Central Visayas. Happy exploring!
