Moalboal to Siquijor: Step-By-Step Instructions [UPDATED 2024]

Heading to Siquijor after Moalboal? Want to avoid returning to Cebu City?

You’ll be pleased to know that it’s entirely doable!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to get from Moalboal to Siquijor, including maps, the updated schedule, and fares.

Siquijor Island has been gaining popularity as a must-visit destination in the Philippines, and for good reason.

The easiest way to get to Siquijor Island is by direct ferry from Cebu City.

However, for many people, Siquijor is the next stop after Moalboal or Oslob, so returning to Cebu City isn’t always convenient.

Fortunately, if you’re in Moalboal, you can reach Siquijor by heading south via Dumaguete.

I did this journey myself and while it may seem complicated at first glance, it is pretty straightforward and inexpensive if you follow the steps below.

Keep reading to discover exactly how to get from Moalboal to Siquijor.

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Moalboal to Siquijor: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the full post, below is an overview of everything you need to know –

STEP 1: Moalboal to Liloan Port

Bus from Moalboal to Bato (2 hours)
Tricycle to Liloan Port (10 minutes)

STEP 2: Liloan Port to Dumaguete OR Liloan Port to Siquijor direct (inconvenient times)

Ferry from Liloan Port to Sibulan Port (30 minutes)
Tricycle from Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port (15 minutes)

The ferry times from Liloan Port to Siquijor Direct are super inconvenient – I would not recommend this option.

STEP 3: Dumaguete to Siquijor

Ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor (2 hours – book here)

How to get to Siquijor via Dumaguete

Heading from Moalboal to Siquijor via Dumaguete is the cheapest and most straightforward option.

Although it involves many steps, the ferry schedules are super regular and no pre-booking is required. It is much simpler than it seems.

If you’re traveling to Siquijor from other popular destinations in the Philippines, you can check out my full How To Get To Siquijor Guide.

STEP 1: Moalboal to Liloan Port

If you are staying in the main tourist hub of Moalboal, near Panagsama Beach, you will need to get to the main road to take the bus south to Liloan Port.

Note: This is Liloan Port in Santander and is not to be confused with the Liloan Port in Cebu City.

If you came from Cebu City, then this will be where you got off the bus arriving in Moalboal. You can walk to the main road in 45 minutes or take a tricycle.

Tricycle to Moalboal Bus Terminal: 8 minutes, 150 PHP ($2.60, split between 2)

Although it’s called Moalboal Bus Terminal on Google Maps, there is no clear bus stop.

You will see people gathered on the side of the road outside Jollibee. Just ask some locals to check you’re in the right place.

There is no definite timetable but the bus passes roughly every 30 minutes. You want to take the Ceres Aircon Bus heading south to Bato.

Bus from Moalboal to Bato: 1.5 – 2 hours, 136 PHP ($2.40)

You will stop at the Bato Talisay-Samboan Bus Terminal, where the bus terminates. Once you arrive at the Bato Bus Terminal, you will have to take a tricycle to Liloan Port.

Tricycle from Bato Bus Terminal to Liloan Port: 7 minutes, 150 PHP ($2.60, split between 3)

If you can find someone going in the same direction to split the rickshaw price with, this is a great way to bring the cost down. We split with another girl so only paid 50 PHP each.

For more money-saving tips, you can read my full post How To Avoid Overpaying For Taxis & Rickshaws Abroad.

STEP 2: Liloan Port to Siquijor Direct OR Liloan Port to Dumaguete

Once you’ve arrived at Liloan Port, you have a couple of options.

I would recommend the second option, as the ferry times are much more convenient and regular. Not so much pre-planning or waiting around is required.

Option 1: Liloan Port to Siquijor Direct (inconvenient times)

There is a direct ferry from Liloan Port to Siquijor (Larena Port) run by Maayo Shipping Lines.

However, the inconvenient departure times mean this is not an option I would recommend.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays this ferry departs at 2 AM. On Sundays, this ferry departs at 7 AM.

Fare: 200 PHP ($3.50)
Time: 2 hours

The buses from Moalboal to Bato do not start running until 3 AM. If you do choose this option, you will have to travel to the port the evening before and wait at the ferry terminal.

Option 2: Liloan Port to Dumaguete

Traveling to Siquijor via Dumaguete involves an extra step, but the ferry schedule is much more regular and convenient.

There is no direct ferry between Liloan Port and Dumaguete Port.

At Liloan Port, purchase a ticket to Sibulan Port also located on Negros, about 15 minutes from Dumaguete Port.

There is a ferry more or less every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, as the route is covered by two companies.

Cuadro Alas Fastcraft – 20 minutes, 120 PHP
Maayo Shipping – 30 minutes, 70 PHP

Ferry from Liloan Port to Sibulan Port: 20 minutes, 120 PHP ($2.10)

Top Tip: If you have a student card, then be sure to show this for discounts.

Once you arrive at Sibulan Port, you will need to take a tricycle to Dumaguete Port. The tricycle drivers wait right outside.

Tricycle from Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port: 15 minutes, 180 PHP ($3.15, split between 2)

STEP 3: Dumaguete to Siquijor (with ferry schedule)

The final part of the journey from Dumaguete to Siquijor Port is very straightforward. You’re on the home stretch.

Note: Siquijor Port is not the same as Larena Port. Larena Port is the port you would dock in if you came from Cebu City or Bohol.

There are a few different ferry options to get from Dumaguete to Siquijor, ranging in price and journey time. You can compare the companies and schedules below.

Currently, only Oceanjet can be booked online in advance here. All of the others can be booked at the port directly.

Ferry, Fare & Time	Dumaguete to Siquijor	Siquijor to Dumaguete
OceanJet Fast Craft (book online here) Fare: 450 PHP Time: 50 minutes	7:20 AM 7:10 PM	6:00 AM 6:00 PM
Aleson Shipping Fare: 200 PHP Time: 1.5 hours	6 AM 1:30 PM Mon-Sat	8 AM 6 PM 10 AM Mon-Sat
Montenegro Shipping Fare: 455 PHP Fast Craft 234 PHP RoRo Time: 1 hour Fast Craft 2 hours RoRo	6:50 AM – Fast Craft 7:00 AM – RoRo 10:00 AM – RoRo 11:00 AM – Fast Craft 2:00 PM – RoRo 3:30 PM – Fast Craft 6:00 PM – RoRo	7:30 AM – RoRo 9:00 AM – Fast Craft 10:00 AM – RoRo 1:00 PM – Fast Craft 2:00 PM – RoRo 4:30 PM – RoRo 5:00 PM – Fast Craft
Atlantis Yohan Fare: 200 PHP Time: 1 hour	6:00 AM 9:00 AM 1:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:45 PM	5:40 AM 9:45 AM 2:00 PM 5:45 PM 8:45 PM

Dumaguete to Siquijor ferry: 2 hours, 200 PHP ($3.50)

When you arrive at Siquijor Port, you will then have to take a tricycle to your accommodation, which will most likely be in San Juan.

Tricycle from Siquijor Port to accommodation in San Juan: 15 minutes, 200 PHP ($3.50, split between 2)

Must Read: ULTIMATE SIQUIJOR TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: Budget & Itinerary

Total cost & time

In total, the journey time is about 6 – 9 hours, when you account for ferry wait times and food stops.

I would recommend leaving yourself the whole day. We left Moalboal at about 10 a.m. and arrived at our accommodation in San Juan at about 7 p.m.

This cost roughly 820 PHP ($14) each.

Here, we split the tricycle costs between two people, but the more of you there are, the cheaper it will be.

Note: when traveling around the Philippines, you can always expect to pay a terminal fee (and sometimes an environmental fee) at the ferry ports. This is usually about 20 PHP.

Is there a direct ferry going from Cebu to Siquijor?

There is a direct ferry from Cebu City to Siquijor run by Lite Shipping three times a week.

This departs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 1:00 PM and can be booked here.

Fare: 605 PHP Standard Class, 770 PHP Tourist Class
Time: 10 hours

As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Siquijor can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.

Can you do a day trip from Cebu to Siquijor?

Due to the long ferry time from Cebu to Siquijor, a day trip would not be possible.

However, if you are short on time, there is a fantastic day trip from Dumaguete.

This could be a great addition to your Philippines itinerary after visiting nearby Moalboal or Oslob.

Where to stay in Siquijor

The best area to stay in Siquijor is San Juan.

This is the main tourist hub and where you will find all the main bars, restaurants, hostels, and guesthouses.

Stella’z Guesthouse

Best low-budget option with a choice of dorms or private rooms, centrally located in San Juan.

This is where we stayed and I would highly recommend it.

Each room comes with an aircon, a mini-fridge, a kettle, and a hot shower. Each room also has a private terrace area with a table and drying rack.

They also have reasonable scooter rental.

Prices start from $7.00 for a shared dorm room and $29.00 for a private room per night.

CHECK PRICES

Mandala Tribe Treehouses

One of the most unique and one-of-a-kind accommodations in Siquijor. A great option for couples or small groups.

Embrace jungle living in these rustic treehouses surrounded by nature. Excellent location near Paliton Beach.

Treehouses come with an outdoor shower, aircon, and a little balcony. Breakfast is included and served to your room each morning.

Private cabins start from $60.00 per night.

CHECK PRICES

Coco Grove Resort

The best luxury Siquijor resort. Centrally located in San Juan on 800 meters of private beach.

A choice of native-style cottages or villas set in lush gardens or on the beachfront. Amazing sunset views.

The resort has three swimming pools, a beachfront restaurant and bar, and a spa.

Coco Grove offers many amazing tours and recreational activities, such as a day trip to Apo Island on their very own private yacht!

Prices start from $100.00 per night.

CHECK PRICES

What to do on Siquijor Island?

Siquijor is a relatively small island, however, there are heaps of natural attractions and cultural sites to enjoy.

It is one of the best destinations for those wanting to escape crowds of tourists and enjoy nature in its purest untamed form.

Some of the best things to do are –

Waterfall hopping – Cambugahay Falls, Kawasan Falls, Lugnason Falls
Beach bumming – Paliton Beach, Salagdoong Beach
Marine sanctuaries – Tubod Beach, Tulapos Marine Sanctuary
Cultural sites – Lazi Church, Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Day trip to Apo Island

Moalboal to Siquijor: Best Things To Do On Siquijor Island

Full Post: Top 13 BEST Things To Do In Siquijor

How many days do you need in Siquijor?

I would recommend at least 3 days in Siquijor.

Compared to other more touristy destinations in the Philippines, Siquijor does not attract hoards of tourists.

Moalboal to Siquijor: Sunset at Paliton Beach Siquijor

Must Read: How To Spend 3 Days in Siquijor: DIY Travel Itinerary

Therefore, be sure to leave yourself enough time to bask in the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings without rushing to tick things off.

We stayed for 5 nights which was the perfect amount of time for the main Siquijor tourist spots, hidden gems, and relaxation.

FAQs

Is there a direct ferry from Liloan to Siquijor?

Yes, there is a direct ferry from Liloan to Siquijor.

However, due to the departure times, this is not the most convenient option.

On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays this ferry departs at 2 AM. On Sundays, this ferry departs at 7 AM.

The buses from Moalboal to Bato do not start running until 3 AM. If you do choose this option, you will have to travel to the port the evening before and wait at the ferry terminal.

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How many hours from Liloan Port to Dumaguete?

There is no direct ferry between Liloan Port and Dumaguate.

Firstly, you have to take a ferry from Liloan Port to Sibulan Port (located on Negros) – this takes about 30 minutes.

You then take a tricycle from Sibulan Port to Dumaguete Port – this takes about 15 minutes.

To get from Liloan to Dumaguete therefore takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour in total.

Philippines Essentials Packing List

How long is the ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor?

Depending on the ferry you take, the journey can take anywhere between 50 minutes – 2 hours.

Check out the entire schedule here.

This post has covered exactly how to reach Siquijor Island from Moalboal, so there is no excuse for skipping Siquijor when visiting the Philippines.

If you liked this post and are heading to Siquijor, then feel free to check out some of my other helpful guides below –

If this post was helpful and you made this journey yourself, I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a message on Instagram and let me know how it went @smallgirl_bigbackpack.