Wondering how to go to Malapascua Island in Cebu? The best way you can get there is via Cebu City, but there are other ways to get there too.
In this article, several routes are covered:
- How to go to Malapascua Island from Cebu City
- How to go to Malapascua Island from Cebu Airport (Cebu-Mactan International Airport)
- How to go to Malapascua Island from Bantayan Island
Gearing up for your Malapascua trip? Read our Malapascua Island Travel Guide 2023 to get the most updated information!
How to Go to Malapascua Island From Cebu City 2023
The Cebu City to Malapascua Island route is the most common of all. You have at least 3 options for this route — by bus, van, or chartered taxi/van.
Option #1: By Bus
- Go to the NEW Cebu North Bus Terminal at the SM City Cebu parking area right beside MyBus Terminal.
- Take a Ceres bus to Maya Port, Daanbantayan. Fare is 220 PHP (~4 USD) for non-aircon and 250 PHP (~5 USD) for aircon. Travel time is about 4 hours.
- Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the bus drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
- Proceed to the boat ticket stand. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: Buses in Cebu City leave as early as 2:00 am. Leave as early as possible. The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
Option #2: By Van
- Go to Cebu North Bus Terminal at SM City Cebu.
- Take a van to Maya Port. Fare is 250 PHP (~5 USD). Travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the van drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
- Proceed to the boat ticket stand. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: Vans in Cebu City leave as early as 3:00 am. Leave as early as possible. Vans don’t leave until they get full. Each van carries around 12 passengers, so it could get too tight inside. If you have a big bag or luggage, the space inside is limited.
The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
Option #3: By Chartered Taxi or V-Hire
Whether you come from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) or anywhere in Metro Cebu, you can ask any taxi if they can drive you to Maya Port. Regular sedan taxis can carry up to 4 passengers. Premium black SUV taxis can accommodate up to 7 passengers.
Chartered taxis to Maya Port cost around 3,000-4,500 PHP (~55-82 USD) one way, depending on your negotiation skills.
If you are a bigger group, a van for hire (V-Hire) can carry around 12 people. The best way to find vans for hire is at Cebu North Bus Terminal beside SM City Cebu.
You can ask van conductors or drivers directly. Vans for hire to Maya Port cost around 4,500-5,000 PHP (~80-91 USD) one way.
Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the taxi/van drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
Then take a ferry to Malapascua Port. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
How to Get from Cebu Airport to Malapascua Island
There’s no direct transportation from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Malapascua Island. However, there are ways to get around it.
Option #1: By Bus or Van (More Budget-friendly Option)
- Get on MyBus outside the arrival gate. This will bring you to the MyBus Terminal at SM City Cebu. Fare is 50 PHP (~1 USD). Travel time is 30-45 minutes. NOTE: MyBus operates between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm at 20 minutes intervals.
- Proceed to the NEW Cebu North Bus Terminal right beside the MyBus Terminal. Take a Ceres bus or van to Maya Port, Daanbantayan. Bus fare is 220 PHP (~4 USD) for non-aircon and 250 PHP (~5 USD) for aircon. Travel time is about 4 hours. Van fare is 250 PHP (~5 USD). Travel time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the bus/van drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
- Proceed to the boat ticket stand. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: Buses and vans from Cebu City leave as early as 2:00 am and 3:00 am, respectively. Leave as early as possible. The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
Option #2: By Chartered Taxi (More Convenient Option)
Outside the airport’s arrival gate, you can find two taxi stands — one queue for yellow taxis or airport taxis, and at the back of yellow taxis are regular/premium taxis.
You can charter a regular/premium taxi to drive you to Maya Port in Daanbantayan.
Regular sedan taxis can carry up to 4 passengers. Premium black SUV taxis are bigger and can take up to 7 passengers.
Yellow taxis are more expensive for no reason. Better avoid them.
Chartered taxis from Cebu airport to Maya Port can cost around 3,000-4,500 PHP (~55-82 USD) one way. Negotiate if you must.
Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the taxi drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
Then take a ferry to Malapascua Port. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
Option #3: By Van for Hire (V-Hire) (Good for Up to 12 People)
- Get on MyBus outside the arrival gate. This will bring you to the MyBus Terminal at SM City Cebu. Fare is 50 PHP (~1 USD). Travel time is 30-45 minutes. NOTE: MyBus operates between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm at 20 minutes intervals.
- Beside is Cebu North Bus Terminal. Find vans for hire there. Ask van conductors or drivers directly to drive you to Maya Port. V-Hire costs 4,500-5,000 PHP (~80-91 USD) one way.
- Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the van drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
- Proceed to the boat ticket stand. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
How to Go to Malapascua Island From Bantayan Island
You have two options to get from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island — by ferry and bus, which is more budget-friendly, and by outrigger boat (“bangka”), which is faster and more expensive.
Option #1: By Ferry and Bus
- Take a Ceres bus from Santa Fe Port to Don Pedro junction in Bogo City. Tell the driver and conductor to drop you off at Don Pedro junction. Fare is 305 PHP (~6 USD) for the ferry from Santa Fe Port to Hagnaya Port and 40 PHP (~0.8 USD) for the bus. Travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Take a tricycle to Maya Port. Fare is 30 PHP (~0.5 USD) per head or 150 PHP (~3 USD) to charter the whole tricycle. Travel time is 30 minutes.
- Proceed to the Tourism Office just a few meters away from where the tricycle drops you off to pay the 75 PHP (~1.5 USD) environmental fee.
- Proceed to the boat ticket stand. Fare is 200 PHP (~4 USD). Travel time is 30 minutes.
NOTE: The first boat trip from Maya Port to Malapascua Port is 5:30 am and the last is 5:30 pm. The first boat trip from Malapascua Port to Maya Port is 5:30 am and the last trip is 5:30 pm.
Option #2: By Chartered Boat
Ask your hotel’s front desk where you can charter a boat from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island. You can also go to Santa Fe Tourism Office to arrange the boat transfer.
Chartered boats from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island can cost 2,500 PHP (~50 USD). Travel time is about 2 hours.
You can get a cheaper price if you are with other passengers. Boats can take up to 6 people.
Better leave in the morning when the wind and water are calmer.
How Many Hours from Cebu to Malapascua Island
The total travel time from Cebu to Malapascua Island runs between 5-6 hours, depending on the mode of transportation, the time you leave Cebu, and the traffic. If you leave early in the morning (between 2:00 and 4:00 am), you may cut your travel time to 5 hours.
Vans are generally faster than buses by 30 minutes. You might want to take a van if you are pressed for time.
Malapascua Island Fare From Cebu 2023
- Cebu City to Maya Port fare – 250 PHP (~5 USD)
- Maya Port to Malapascua Port fare – 200 PHP (~4 USD)
- Environmental fee at Maya Port – 75 PHP (~1.5 USD)
- Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) in Malapascua Island fare – 30 PHP (~0.5 USD)
In Summary
It’s easy to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City. If you are coming from Manila, you only need to fly to Cebu airport and follow the instructions here to get to the island.
Got more questions? Leave them in the comments. I would love to answer them!
