Wondering how to get to Malapascua Island? A tropical paradise famous for Thresher Shark diving and picturesque islands, this is one not to be missed off your Philippines itinerary. Many travellers and tourists start their journey in Cebu which is the main hub of the Visayas region and then make their way from Cebu City to Malapascua.
Island hopping in the Philippines can be notoriously expensive and difficult, however we’re here to help on your travel days. This guide will compare the cheapest and best ways to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City, first of all getting to Maya Port which is in the north of the Cebu mainland, then a ferry from Maya Port to Malapascua.
Depending on what type of traveller you are, whether you’re backpacking or holidaying with your family, different travel options are more or less suited. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to get to Malapascua from Cebu City, paradise awaits!
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How To Get To Malapascua Island Map
Most Convenient Route from Cebu City to Malapascua Island
Without having to read the blog, this is the easiest and most convenient way to get from Cebu City to Malapascua:
- Private Taxi to Maya Port
- Public Ferry or Private Taxi Boat to Malapascua (tickets available at Maya Port)
Where Is Cebu In The Philippines?
The Philippines is home to over 7,000 islands making it tricky to navigate as a tourist, the island of Cebu is the hub of the central region of the Visayas. Cebu City is seen as the alternative main city of the Philippines alongside Manila and is often the gateway for travellers seeking paradise. From Cebu, you can pretty much get connecting transport to anywhere in the Philippines making it a great stop on any backpacking itinerary.
Where Is Malapascua Island?
Malapascua is a small island to the north of Cebu, made famous for the unique opportunity to dive with Thresher sharks, one of the only places you can do it in the whole world. This paradise island is also worth visiting if you don’t dive, with stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water and great vibes, the perfect island life.
Read More on The Best Places To Stay In Malapascua Island
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How To Get To Malapascua Island: The Routes Summary
Cebu City To Malapascua Island
The optimal route to get from Cebu City to Malapascua Island will first involve overland transport to Maya Port, for this you’ll have a choice of transport depending on your budget. Once you arrive, you’ll then need to make your way from Maya Port to Malapascua Island via ferry. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Malapascua from Cebu City:
Cebu City To Maya Port
Public Bus
4-5 Hours
From $3.50pp
Shared Van
3-4 Hours
From $6.50pp
Private Taxi
3-4 Hours
From $67pp
Bus
For most backpackers and travellers, the best option will be the public Ceres Liner bus bound for Maya Port, taking 4-5 hours and costing only ₱200-300 ($3.50-5). The bus departs from the Cebu North Bus Terminal near the SM Cebu City Mall, with both aircon and non-aircon options. The buses run 24/7 to Maya Port, with the non-aircon buses departing every 30 mins vs aircon every hour. Depending on the time of day, the non-aircon option might be the better option as the aircon bus has more frequent stops meaning it can take much longer.
Shared Van
The other popular option is a shared van, which will take only 3-4 hours however might be more cramped. These will cost ₱300-400 per person and leave from the same Cebu North Bus Terminal as the buses. The driver may also charge slightly more if you have large luggage, during our travels getting around the Philippines, we preferred these to the buses as they were much quicker.
Private Taxi
Alternatively you could get a private taxi to the Port, however this will cost a considerable amount more due to the long distance. This is a good option if you’re travelling in a group of 4-5 or a family with young kids who appreciate the comfort and aircon of a taxi, the prices are still considerably cheaper than the west (₱4000 / $67).
Prices are much cheaper in the Philippines than other countries, the 4 hour Private Taxi is only $67
Maya Port To Malapascua Island
Public Ferry
35 Mins
From $3.50pp
Private Taxi Boat
30 Mins
From $34pp
From Maya Port to Malapascua, you’ll then need to get the public ferry taking 30-40 minutes with the first boat running at 7am and finishing at 5:30pm. This may vary depending on how many people need the ferry on the day so we recommend leaving enough time spare. The ferry tickets are currently only sold at the port and the cost is ₱200 plus a ₱120 environmental fee.
Alternatively, if you arrive after the last ferry has left, you can also get a private boat to complete your journey from Cebu City to Malapascua, which might be the preferred option for groups and families. The private taxi boat should cost no more than ₱2000 ($34).
Discover all of our top spots and hidden gems in our Philippines Travel eGuide
Cebu City to Malapascua Island Journey Summary
The total journey time from Cebu City to Malapascua Island should be 6-8 hours and the cost will vary based on if you choose the public or private transport options.
Many travellers choose to travel straight from Cebu airport to Malapascua, so it makes sense to choose the 12Go pre-booked transport option. The taxi will bring you straight to Maya Port from your flight and then it’s only the short ferry left to get to Malapascua.
Manila To Malapascua Island
Flight to Cebu
1.5 Hours
From $20-150 pp
In order to get from Manila to Malapascua, you’ll first need to get to Cebu City. The reason it can be so costly to travel the Philippines is because of these internal flights which add up quickly, however they are by far the easiest way to travel between the major cities. From Cebu to Malapascua, you can just follow the steps above.
Other Destinations
Similarly to Manila, in order to get to Malapascua Island from any other tourist destination in the Philippines, it makes sense to do so via Cebu City as there aren’t many public transport options from other directions. Here are some of the most popular travel routes:
Siquijor To Malapascua
To get from Siquijor to Malapascua, first make your way from Siquijor to Cebu City, we recommend the Direct Ferry (4-5 hours, $35) as the easiest option.
Once you’ve made it to Cebu City, then just follow the steps above to get from Cebu City to Malapascua Island. The same also applies to get from Malapascua to Siquijor, just do the steps in reverse.
Siargao To Malapascua
To get from SIargao to Malapascua, first make your way from Siargao to Cebu City, we recommend the Flight (1 hour, $20-150) as the easiest option, however it is also possible via multiple ferries (12 hours, $31).
Once you’ve made it to Cebu City, then just follow the steps above to get from Cebu City to Malapascua Island. The same also applies to get from Malapascua to Siargao, just do the steps in reverse.
Bohol To Malapascua
To get from Bohol to Malapascua, first make your way from Bohol to Cebu City, we recommend the Direct Ferry (2 hours, $16) as the cheapest and most convenient option.
Once you’ve made it to Cebu City, then just follow the steps above to get from Cebu City to Malapascua Island. The same also applies to get from Malapascua to Bohol, just do the steps in reverse.
Arrival & How To Get Around Malapascua Island
When you first arrive at Malapascua Island, you’ll most likely want a trike or habal-habal to your hotel with your bags if it’s too far to walk. It’s truly an island living paradise as there are no cars and most things are within walkable distance.
The best way to get around Malapascua is by rental scooter (or walking) which will give you the freedom to drive around wherever you like.
Read More on Where To Stay In Malapascua Island
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Best Time To Visit Malapascua Island
Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
- Agree on taxi prices upfront – when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
- Take it slow – don’t feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
- Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
- For a checklist of what’s needed to pack for your trip, read: Philippines Packing List
