How To Get From Cebu To Moalboal: 3 Different Ways

Are you traveling from Cebu to Moalboal?

Whether you prefer to travel by bus, shared mini-van, or taxi, in this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get from Cebu to Moalboal.

As one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Philippines, Moalboal is a must-visit destination for many travelers.

Famous for its legendary sardine run and adrenaline-fueled canyoneering, this coastal town has long been a magnet for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Perhaps you’re wondering what’s the quickest way to reach Moalboal from Cebu City? Or perhaps you want to know your cheapest option?

Keep reading as I reveal all travel options to get from Cebu to Moalboal, as well as the updated schedule and fare.

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How To Get From Cebu City to Moalboal: Step-By-Step

There are 3 main ways to get from Cebu City to Moalboal, depending on your budget and the level of comfort you’re after.

By private transfer/taxi

A Cebu to Moalboal taxi or private transfer would be the quickest and most comfortable way to make the journey.

Whilst this is the most expensive option, it can be pretty affordable if you are traveling as a group.

To guarantee yourself the best price, and a trusted driver, I would recommend booking your private transfer through Klook.

This is a totally hassle-free option with pick-up from your hotel, airport, or bus station.

Prices for a 3-seater Sedan start from roughly $70.00. There are also options for an SUV or van depending on your group size.

✅ Book your Cebu City to Moalboal transfer in advance here

If you do choose to hail a taxi from outside the airport without pre-booking, be prepared to haggle. For reference, this journey should not cost you more than 3500 PHP ($63).

Can you get a grab from Cebu to Moalboal?

Whilst Grab is a fantastic way to get around the city, I would not recommend it for the Cebu to Moalboal journey.

Prices on Grab may seem lower than a private transfer or taxi. You may see prices for 3000 PHP ($54) or cheaper.

However, it is important to know that Grab does not operate in Moalboal.

It is therefore highly unlikely that a driver will accept, as they would not be able to make the return journey back to Cebu with a passenger.

In the case that Grab does accept, you run the risk of them increasing the price or doubling it to account for the return journey back to Cebu.

If you are hoping to take a Cebu to Moalboal taxi, your best option is to book your transfer with Klook.

By bus

A bus from Cebu to Moalboal is the cheapest and most common way to make this journey.

Step 1: Getting to Cebu South Bus Terminal

Reaching the Cebu South Bus Terminal is the first step to get from Cebu City to Moalboal.

From Cebu Pier

Cebu Pier 1 is located about 10 minutes from the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

• Take a taxi or Grab for 150 PHP ($3)
• Take jeepney route 02B from Cebu Pier to the Bus Terminal for 12 PHP ($0.22)

👉 You can check out all the jeepney routes for Cebu here

From Mactan-Cebu International Airport

To get from Cebu Airport to Moalboal, you will have to reach Cebu City first – there is no direct bus.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is about 30 minutes from Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Taking a taxi for 300 PHP ($5.50) is the easiest and quickest option.

However, if you’re on a budget, you can take a bus and a jeepney. The steps are as follows –

• My Bus operates a bus every 30 minutes from Cebu Airport to SM Cebu City (shopping center) for 50 PHP ($0.90)
• Once you have arrived at SM Cebu City, you will need to take a jeepney 01K to Elizabeth Mall
• You will then have a 5-minute walk to the bus terminal

✅ Short on time? Check out this combined Island Hopping & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Tour for the main Moalboal highlights

Step 2: Cebu City to Moalboal Bus

Once you arrive at Cebu South Bus Terminal, you will purchase your ticket from the ticket counter. Unlike most places in the Philippines, you do not pay directly on the bus.

Ceres Bus is the main company that operates this route.

There is no fixed Cebu to Moalboal bus schedule, the following buses depart when they are full at the following times –

• Direct to Moalboal – every 3 hours
• Bato via Barili – every 30 minutes

It is most likely that you will take the Bato via Barili service.

The Cebu City to Moalboal bus fare depends on the bus you take –

• Non-airconditioned bus – 170 PHP ($3)
• Air-conditioned bus – 210 PHP ($3.80)

The first trip departs at 3:00 AM and the last trip at 6:30 PM. The journey time is roughly 3 – 4 hours.

When you arrive in Moalboal, the bus will drop you on the main road, outside Jollibee. If you are staying in the Panagsama Beach area, you will have to take a tricycle to your accommodation.

This will take a further 10 minutes and should cost you no more than 150 PHP ($2.70). If you prefer to walk, this will take about 40 minutes.

By shared van

A Cebu to Moalboal van is also a possibility for those in a hurry without the hefty price tag.

A shared minivan is the faster option as it makes fewer stops than the bus. The journey time is roughly 2 – 3 hours.

However, like the buses, the vans only depart when they are full. This may not be most convenient for those in a rush.

Furthermore, this would be the least comfortable option as there is very little legroom and you are packed in like sardines. If you have lots of luggage, you would be expected to pay for an additional seat.

These vans also depart from Cebu South Bus Terminal and cost roughly 180 PHP ($3.30).

Cebu City to Moalboal travel time

The Cebu City to Moalboal travel time is totally dependent on the mode of transport you take –

• Cebu to Moalboal bus – 3 – 5 hours
• Cebu to Moalboal van – 2 – 3 hours
• Cebu to Moalboal taxi or private transfer – 2 hours (book here)

However, these are rough travel times. Things like traffic, the weather, and just simple bad luck can make the journey longer.

👉 As a rule of thumb, when traveling around the Philippines, I will leave myself the entire day to get from one destination to the next

Where to stay in Moalboal

I would recommend staying in the area around Panagsama Beach when visiting Moalboal.

This is where you will find the best restaurants, buzzing nightlife, and of course, the spectacular sardine run just meters from the shoreline.

Chief Mau Hostel (recommended)

The best Moalboal accommodation for budget backpackers and solo travelers.

Chief Mau is the ultimate social hostel, with amazing communal areas for socialising and meeting other travelers.

They also have many board games, darts, a pool table, and beer pong nights. As well as hosting movie nights and parties, you can also book your tours directly through the hostel.

Choose between shared dorms or a private room with a balcony. The dorms are spacious with plenty of storage and concrete beds that do not make any noise.

Located in the heart of Panagsama minutes from the beach, you cannot beat it for location.

Prices start from $17.00 for dorms per night.

Marz Inn Moalboal

The best budget-friendly Moalboal accommodation for couples or families – this is where I stayed.

Reasonably priced and clean rooms available, with aircon, a private bathroom, and a hot shower.

Excellent location just 5 minutes from Panagsama Beach but in a quiet area. Welcoming hosts can help with booking tours. Free drinking water provided.

Prices for a private room start from $25.00 per night.

Secret Paradise

The best luxury accommodation in Moalboal.

Deluxe private rooms with air conditioning, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, and flat-screen TV. Perfect location just 2 minutes from Panagsama Beach.

This hotel features a stunning outdoor swimming pool and garden oasis, a delicious Asian-inspired restaurant, and a bar.

Prices start from $88.00 per night.

FAQs

How much is a taxi from Cebu City to Moalboal?

If you choose to take a Cebu City to Moalboal taxi, this should cost no more than 3500 PHP ($53).

However, to save yourself the hassle of haggling and guarantee yourself a safe driver, I’d recommend booking your private transfer in advance.

This will set you back roughly $70.00.

✅ Book your Cebu City to Moalboal transfer in advance here

Is there a bus from Cebu Airport to Moalboal?

No, there is no direct bus from Cebu Airport to Moalboal.

You will first have to take a taxi from the airport to Cebu South Bus Terminal for roughly 300 PHP ($5.50). From there, you can take a bus to Moalboal.

How much is the bus fare from Cebu City to Moalboal?

The Cebu City to Moalboal bus fare depends on the bus you take –

• Non-airconditioned bus – 170 PHP ($3)
• Air-conditioned bus – 210 PHP ($3.80)

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How long is the bus from Cebu to Moalboal?

The Cebu to Moalboal bus takes roughly 3 – 5 hours.

How long should I spend in Moalboal?

How many days should I spend in Moalboal?

I would recommend spending at least two nights in Moalboal.

Spend day one exploring Panagsama Beach and nearby Pescador Island by snorkeling or diving – witness the iconic sardine run, turtles, and other marine creatures.

✅ Book your Sardine Run & Pescador Island tour in advance here

On day two, you cannot miss canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. This is one of the best day trips in the Philippines for thrill-seekers and waterfall lovers.

✅ Book your Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in advance here

➡️ Full Post: 10 Essential Things To Know Before Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Moalboal also has some pretty amazing restaurants and cafes. As well as the main tourist spots, it is well worth taking some time to explore Moalboal’s culinary scene.

If you benefit from time on your Moalboal itinerary, as well as exploring the Panagsama Beach area, leave some time to relax at White Beach too.

➡️ Must Read: How To Spend 1-3 Days in Moalboal: The Ultimate Itinerary

What makes Moalboal famous?

Moalboal has gained fame as having one of the richest marine habitats and some of the most abundant marine life in the whole of the Philippines.

This has transformed Moalboal into the snorkeling and diving capital of Cebu.

➡️ Must Read: Pescador Island Moalboal: Ultimate Snorkeling & Diving Guide

Recreational divers and adventure-seeking backpackers flock to Moalboal to witness the world’s second-biggest sardine run just meters from the shoreline.

Is it worth going to Moalboal?

Moalboal is absolutely worth visiting!

Conveniently located near the tourist hub of Cebu, Moalboal is a haven for adventure activities, snorkeling, and diving!

With the growth of tourism in recent years, Moalboal has also become home to some delicious restaurants, trendy cafes, and buzzing nightlife spots!

➡️ Recommended: Moalboal Nightlife Guide: Top 5 BEST Bars

Getting from Cebu to Moalboal: Final Thoughts

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Well, there you have it! This post has detailed exactly how to get from Cebu City to Moalboal, whether you’re traveling from the airport or the city itself.

Traveling from Cebu to Moalboal is straightforward, with options to suit every budget and preference.

If you have made this journey, I would love to hear from you – drop me a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler