Getting to Moalboal
Everything you need to know to reach this coastal paradise on Cebu's southwest coast.
Moalboal · Southwest coast of Cebu Island
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Flying to Cebu
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is an international gateway serving domestic and international destinations. Fly to Cebu, then take ground transportation to Moalboal.
From Manila
About 37 daily nonstop flights from NAIA to Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
From Davao
About 7 daily flights from Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Mindanao.
From Iloilo
About 5-6 daily flights from Iloilo International Airport (ILO) in Western Visayas.
International Flights
Direct international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Dubai, Doha, and more.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA)
Terminal 1 for domestic, Terminal 2 for international flights
Airport Hotlines
- Customer Service: +63 32 494 7000
- Domestic: 0917 154 0883
- International: 0917 173 6711
Official Links
Check Flight Status
Domestic Airlines:
International Airlines:
After landing at MCIA, you'll need ground transportation to Moalboal. See options below.
From Mactan-Cebu Airport
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, connected to mainland Cebu by three bridges. The CCLEX (Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway) via Cordova connects directly to Cebu City's South Road Properties (SRP), bypassing Mandaue and Cebu City proper.
Options from the airport to Moalboal (approximately 90-100 km):
Taxi to South Terminal + Van
Taxi/Grab to Cebu South Bus Terminal (₱300-400), then van to Moalboal (₱180-250).
Tip: Most budget-friendly option if traveling solo. Straightforward route.
Direct V-Hire/Van
Some vans pick up from the airport area. Limited availability.
Tip: Ask your accommodation if they can arrange airport pickup or recommend a van service.
Private Transfer
Pre-arranged pickup at arrivals. Direct to your accommodation in Moalboal.
Tip: Book through your resort or use reputable transfer services. Worth it after a long international flight.
From Metro Cebu
Metropolitan Cebu (Metro Cebu) is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Philippines, comprising 13 local government units: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, and the municipalities of Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Cordova, Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, and Danao.
All public transport to Moalboal departs from Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) in Cebu City. V-hires use a sub-terminal at the back of CSBT.
Private Transfer
Door-to-door service from your hotel in a van, AUV/SUV, or sedan. Safest and most comfortable option.
V-Hire (UV Express)
Public utility vans (UV Express) that go directly to Moalboal. Faster than buses with fewer stops. Not to be confused with private van transfers.
Bus
Air-conditioned and non-AC buses bound for Bato via Barili (not via Oslob). Ceres Liner is the most prevalent operator. More legroom than vans.
Self-Drive Rent-a-Car
Rent a vehicle and drive yourself from Cebu to Moalboal. Freedom to stop anywhere and travel at your own pace.
Arriving in Moalboal
Buses and vans drop you at Moalboal Bus Stop beside the public market in the town center. From there, it's a short tricycle ride (₱100-150) to Panagsama Beach or White Beach. Many accommodations can arrange pickup if you let them know your arrival time.
From Negros, Siquijor & Bohol
Coming from neighboring islands? Several ferry routes connect to Cebu, with onward travel to Moalboal by bus or van.
From Bohol
Tagbilaran & Tubigon to Cebu City
Tagbilaran → Cebu City
⛴️Fastcraft only (no vehicles). Check in 30 mins before departure.
Book tickets →Tubigon → Cebu City
⛴️Cheaper alternative. V-hire available from Tubigon to Tagbilaran.
Tagbilaran → Cebu City
⛴️Slower but can transport vehicles. Overnight trips available.
From Negros Island
Dumaguete & San Carlos routes
Sibulan (Dumaguete) → Liloan (Santander)
⛴️Shortest crossing from Negros. From Santander, bus/van to Moalboal (~2 hours).
San Carlos → Toledo City
⛴️RORO ferries available for vehicles. From Toledo, ~1.5 hours to Moalboal.
From Siquijor
Via Dumaguete or Bohol
Siquijor → Dumaguete → Cebu
⛴️Connect via Dumaguete, then ferry to Santander or bus to Cebu City.
Larena (Siquijor) → Tagbilaran (Bohol)
⛴️Alternative: via Bohol then ferry to Cebu.
💡 Ferry Travel Tips
Book ahead during peak season (December-May) as ferries can sell out, especially on weekends.
Arrive 30-45 minutes early for check-in, especially for fastcraft services.
Bring motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness; seas can be rough during habagat (southwest monsoon).
RORO ferries (Roll-on/Roll-off) can transport vehicles but take longer than fastcraft.
Check weather conditions — ferries may be cancelled during typhoons or rough seas.
Terminal fees (₱15-30) are usually separate from ticket price.
Getting Around Moalboal
Once you arrive, here's how to get around town and explore the area.
Moalboal LGU
Tricycle to White Beach
Moalboal LGU
EUF Checkpoint in Saavedra
Environmental User Fee
Visitors to tourist areas pay a small Environmental User Fee (EUF) at barangay checkpoints. This funds marine conservation, beach cleanups, and sanctuary maintenance.
Tourist Rest Area
A Tourist Rest Area facility along the national highway in Moalboal provides comfort rooms, shower facilities, charging stations, and rest pavilions for visitors heading to the town proper. Learn more →
Tricycle
Motorized three-wheelers, the main transport within Moalboal. Fares are regulated by Municipal Ordinance.
Fares are set by ordinance. See the fare table below for prescribed rates.
View FaresTrisikad (Pedicab)
Human-powered three-wheelers for short trips around town. Eco-friendly option.
Great for short distances within the Poblacion (town center) area.
View FaresHabal-habal
Motorcycle taxis for quick trips or reaching areas tricycles can't access.
Negotiate fare before riding. Wear a helmet if provided.
Scooter Rental
Rent your own scooter to explore Moalboal and nearby areas freely.
Available at Panagsama Beach. Helmet and basic insurance usually included.
Tricycle & Trisikad Fare Rates
Regulated by Municipal Ordinance No. 004-2022 — ensuring fair and standardized fares for passengers.
Tricycle Fares
| Route | Fare |
|---|---|
| Poblacion to Saavedra | ₱20 - ₱35 |
| Poblacion to Tuble | ₱15 - ₱20 |
| Poblacion to Basdiot (Panagsama) | ₱20 - ₱30 |
| Poblacion to Tunga | ₱15 - ₱20 |
| Poblacion to Lanao | ₱20 - ₱30 |
| Poblacion to Bugho | ₱15 - ₱40 |
| Poblacion to Busay | ₱50 - ₱100 |
| Poblacion to Tomonoy | ₱15 |
| Tomonoy to MNHS | ₱20 |
| Poblacion to Balabagon | ₱20 |
| Poblacion to Balabagon School | ₱20 |
* Fares are for the full route, both ways (vice versa)
Trisikad (Pedicab) Fares
Best for short trips within the town center (Poblacion).
Report Fare Violations
The Moalboal LGU encourages reporting fare violators to help protect passengers and maintain fair transport pricing.
Looking to rent a scooter or book a tour? Check out local rental shops and tour operators.
Browse Things to Do & Rentals →Pro Travel Tips
Book Transfers in Advance
Especially during peak season (December-May), arrange your transport ahead of time to avoid waiting. Many resorts and dive shops can help arrange this.
Arrive Before Dark
Last public transport leaves Cebu around 6 PM. Plan to arrive in Moalboal before sunset so you can easily find your accommodation.
Bring Cash
ATMs in Moalboal can run out or have connection issues. Withdraw enough pesos in Cebu City or at the airport before heading south.
Motion Sickness?
The coastal road has some winding mountain sections. Take medication beforehand if you're prone to car sickness.
Pack Light for Vans
V-hires can be cramped with 12-14 passengers. If you have bulky luggage, you may need to pay for an extra seat. Sit near the driver for more comfort.
What to Do When You Arrive
Find a Place to Stay
Resorts, hostels, homestays for every budget
Book a Dive
See the sardines, turtles, and Pescador Island
Grab Some Food
Restaurants, cafes, and beachside bars
Explore Activities
Tours, rentals, wellness, and more
Travel Tools
Weather, tides, currency & emergency contacts
Need Help Planning?
Many resorts and dive shops in Moalboal can help arrange your transportation. Contact your accommodation for personalized assistance, or explore our directory.
Want to know more about Moalboal? Check out our Factbook for history, geography, and local information.
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