Malapascua Island Travel Guide: Cebu City to Malapascua Island (2025 Update)
Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo
Sharing with you my experience on how to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City. It is my third time here on the island of Malapascua so I guess I’ll share my experience how to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu.
Tucked off the northern tip of Cebu, Malapascua Island is a tiny slice of paradise famous for thresher shark diving, white sand beaches, and a laid-back island vibe. If you’re looking for a peaceful beach getaway or a world-class dive experience, Malapascua is calling your name.
Where Is Malapascua Island?
Malapascua is a small island in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu. Despite its size, it’s one of the best diving destinations in the Philippines, especially for spotting thresher sharks at Monad Shoal.
Taking a flight from Manila to Cebu
If you’re from Manila or from a different country, you need to take a flight to Cebu. When you arrive in Cebu City, go to the North Bus Terminal and look for the bus with a sign going to BAGAY via MAYA. You must go to Maya Port and tell the driver or dispatcher that you will go to Malapascua Island.
How to get to Malapascua Island from Mactan Cebu International Airport?
To get to Malapascua Island from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), follow these steps:
1. Travel from Mactan-Cebu Airport to the North Bus Terminal
Option 1: Taxi or Grab (Fastest & Convenient)
- Take a taxi or Grab from the airport to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
- Travel time: 30–45 minutes (depends on traffic).
- Fare: Around ₱250–₱400.
Option 2: MyBus + Taxi/Jeepney (Cheaper)
- Ride MyBus from the airport to SM City Cebu (₱50, ~30 minutes).
- From SM City Cebu, take a taxi (₱100–₱150) or a jeepney to the North Bus Terminal. Follow the steps below.
How to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City?
To get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City, follow these steps:
1. Travel to Maya Port
By Bus:
- Go to the North Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
- Take a Ceres bus or a van bound for Maya Port (Daanbantayan).
- Travel time: 4–5 hours
- Bus fare: Around ₱200–₱250 (aircon)
- Van fare: Around ₱250–₱300
By Private Car:
- Drive north via Central Nautical Highway to Maya Port, Daanbantayan.
- Travel time: 3.5–4 hours
2. Take a Boat from Maya Port to Malapascua
Public Boat:
- Regular passenger boats leave from Maya Port to Malapascua from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Travel time: 30–45 minutes
- Fare: Around ₱100–₱200 per person
- If there are not enough passengers, you may have to pay extra or wait for more people.
Private Boat:
- If you arrive late or want a faster trip, you can hire a private boat for ₱1,500–₱2,500.
3. Arrival at Malapascua
- Boats usually dock at Bounty Beach or Logon Beach, where resorts and accommodations are nearby.
How to get to Malapascua Island from Bantayan Island?
1. Take a Ferry from Bantayan Island to Hagnaya Port (Mainland Cebu)
- Go to Santa Fe Port in Bantayan Island.
- Take a ferry to Hagnaya Port (San Remigio, Cebu).
- Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
- Fare: Around ₱200–₱350 (depending on the ferry company)
2. Travel from Hagnaya Port to Maya Port (Daanbantayan)
- From Hagnaya Port, hire a tricycle or habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to the San Remigio bus stop (~₱20–₱50).
- Take a bus or van heading north to Maya Port (Daanbantayan).
- Travel time: 1.5–2 hours
- Fare: Around ₱100–₱150
3. Take a Boat from Maya Port to Malapascua Island
Public Passenger Boat
- Runs from 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Travel time: 30–45 minutes
- Fare: ₱100–₱200 per person
- If there are not enough passengers, you might need to wait or pay extra.
Private Boat
- If arriving late, you can hire a private boat for ₱1,500–₱2,500.
4. Arrival at Malapascua
- Boats usually dock at Bounty Beach or Logon Beach, near resorts and dive centers.
Top Things to Do in Malapascua Island
1. Scuba Diving with Thresher Sharks
Malapascua is the only place in the world where you can dive with thresher sharks daily. Monad Shoal is the hotspot.
- Early Morning Thresher Shark Dive in Malapascua with PADI 5* Center
- Nitrox Essentials: Course in Malapascua with PADI 5* Center
- Deepen your dive: PADI AOWD Course in Malapascua with 5* Dive Center
- Monad & Gato Island Dive: Deep Adventure with PADI 5 Star Centre
- Mastering Nitrox Basics: Training in Malapasqua with PADI 5* Center
Read More: Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua: A Must-Do Dive Experience in Cebu, Philippines
2. Island Hopping Tour
Visit nearby gems like:
- Kalanggaman Island
- Langob Beach
- Coral Garden
- Dakit-Dakit Islet
Related Article: Photos – The Beauty of Kalanggaman Island
3. Snorkeling and Freediving
Clear waters and coral reefs make Malapascua perfect for underwater exploration even without a tank.
4. Sunbathe at Bounty Beach
Malapascua’s main beach is the perfect spot to relax, sip fresh buko juice, or catch golden sunsets.
5. Visit the Lighthouse and Cliff Jump
Head to the Malapascua Lighthouse and try cliff jumping at Lapus Lapus Cliff for a thrill.
Where to stay in Malapascua Island?
Budget
Mid-range
Luxury
Read More: Malapascua Island Hotels and Accommodations
Where to Eat in Malapascua
- Amihan Restaurant – Italian & Filipino cuisine
- Ristorante Angelina – Best pizza and pasta on the island
- The Craic House – Irish pub with vegetarian options
- La Isla Bonita – Local seafood favorites
Best Time to Visit Malapascua
- Dry Season (December to May) – Best weather for island hopping and diving
- March to May – Peak diving season with calm seas and better visibility
Places to Visit in Cebu and Other Things To Do
Cebu City
- Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Cebu City (2025 Edition)
- MyBus PH Cebu Route Updates
- The Best Flower Farms in the Philippines: A Blooming Travel Guide
- Adventure Cafe and Zipline in Balamban, Cebu
- That Amsterdam Feeling at Sirao Flower Farm in Cebu, Philippines
- My First Discovery Scuba Diving Experience at Kontiki Dive Resort
- RAFI-KAC Now Open to Serve the Public
- Lakwatsa sa Sugbo 2014
- Best Place to Do an Open Water Diver Course Cebu
- Top Summer Destinations in Cebu (2025 Travel Guide)
Cebu South
- Camotes Island Travel Guide
- Food Trip in Camotes Island
- Throwback Travel – Timubo Cave in Camotes Island, Cebu
- Throwback Travel – Lake Danao Park in Camotes Island, Cebu
- Throwback Travel – The Bay View Park in Camotes Island, Cebu
- Mangodlong Rock Resort in Camotes Island, Cebu
- Santiago Bay Garden and Resort in Camotes Island, Cebu
Related Articles:
- Malapascua Island Hotels and Accommodation – Where to Stay?
- Pictures of Thresher Sharks Malapascua Island
- Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua: A Must-Do Dive Experience in Cebu, Philippines
- Malapascua Island Travel Guide: Cebu City to Malapascua Island (2025 Update)
- The Beauty of Kalanggaman Island Tours Photos
- Best Place to Do an Open Water Diver Course Cebu
Is that island hopping to kalanggaman?
yes island hopping
Perfect! That gives me a reason to go back. No one told me about that the first time i went there. So i guess i dont have to go to palompon to get there. Tnx for the info. Do u have any recomendation where to charter a boat for the side trip to kalanggaman?
A lot of locals will just introduce you a trip to Kalanggaman Island. I went there alone then suddenly a guy told me about this trip if I’m interested. Also at Bounty Beach, you will see them advertising or approach you. It’s everywhere, you can ask anyone. 😀
Thank you for the useful info. Planning a trip to Calanggaman Island this April. I see you were having lunch at the island, is there a restaurant located there? 🙂
Hi Jerah, there is no restaurant there. From Malapascua Island you just need to pay P800 with snorkeling gear and mask plus lunch. The men from the boat will cook the lunch for everyone.
Also, what time does the boat from Malapascua to Kalanggaman leave and go back?
It leaves in the morning at 8:30 or 9 and it goes back at 3PM.
I can’t wait for our trip! Thank you Roxanne 😀
WElcome! 🙂
800 per head or for the boat?
800 pesos yes but better bring more than 1K for the entrance fee of Kalanggaman Island.
Hi roxanne, I’m travelling alone this holy week and my destination is kalanggaman. Do you know any other options aside from cebu – malapascua – calanggaman?
Hi Skyflakes, maybe you want to go to Ormoc, Leyte then go to Palompon, Leyte and take a boat ride to Kalanggaman Island. I’ve never been to Leyte though.
Hi Roxanne,
I came across your blog and find it informative. If it is OK, I would like to ask question. By any chance, would you know if there are any banca/rides that will take you to Calanggaman for an overnight stay? If there is one, would you know the rate and possible contact information?
Any input would be appreciated. Thank you. 🙂
Hi Peddie,
If you’re from Malapascua Island, you can ask the locals there if they will fetch you back from Kalanggaman island. Yes it is possible for an overnight stay there. You just need to negotiate with the boat owners. I really don’t know the rate.
Roxanne
Hi Rox
how much is the entrance fee to kalanggaman and is lunch part of the 800 fee you pay for the boat ride going there
Hi Lyn, it’s 150 pesos 🙂
Hi Rox,
Is 800 to kalanggaman back and forth? Is the lunch part of 800? Thank you 🙂
Hi Jeanne, yes 800 is good for the day tour with lunch. add 150 pesos for the entrace. thanks.
hi Ms. Roxanne. Do you have a contact# of the boatman that brought you to kalanggaman?i’ve asked the person from our accomodation, sabi dw 500 for the boat, 350 for the lunch and 500 for the island fee.
Hi Jen,
I don’t have any contact because it was one of the boatmen who approached if I love to go to Kalanggaman island. Say 800 pesos for boat, lunch… 150 is the island fee.
Hi Ms Roxanne! 🙂 I suppose the 800php boat ride to Kalanggaman is roundtrip na din back to Malapascua? Sorry, haha! I’m thinking of getting one way ticket to Cebu and one way ticket from Tacloban na. What do you suggests? 🙂 I hope to hear from you soonest! xx, Cathy
yes the 800 pesos is round trip to Malapascua. One way ticket to Cebu and Tacloban is fine.
Do you have villa sandra’s contact info? Thanks…
Hello, I don’t have the contact # of Villa Sandra. You can send them on their Facebook page. I wonder if I put a link on the blog post.
Hi! 🙂 the 800(boat,lunch) plus 150 for the entrance wg0hich makes it 950. Is that per person po? 🙂 thanks!:)
Yes it is per person 🙂
Hi! Would you know if the trip to Kalanggaman from Malapascua is daily or only during weekend? Thanks
Hi Aileen! It’s daily 🙂
Hi. Do you think my plan is possible?
Take the tour from Malapascua to Kalanggaman but stay at Kalanggaman overnight?
Would you know if there will be any available boats which will take us to Palompom the next morning? Thank you! 🙂
Hi JM! Sorry for the late response. Yes it is possible to take the tour from Kalanggaman from Malapascua and stay overnight. But I have no idea about taking the boat to Palompon the next morning. The best thing is talk to people there as guests on the island are from Kalanggaman. Ask them if it’s possible to take the boat with them. Who knows you’ll be friends with them? 😀
Hi Roxanne! Do you have any contact person from Malapascua so we can reserve a boat on July 2 from Malapascua to Kalanggaman?😊
HI Munchkeen, i dont have any contact person but you can directly negotiate the boatmen there. 🙂
Hi Roxanne. Is there any restaurant or even small sari-sari store in Kalanggaman island? to buy stuff like beer or cocktails while enjoying the island.
Hi Mimi,
Wala pong restaurant or store kasi napaka virgin nang island and it is better this way. Just bring food and drinks with you, mas masaya if you’re with friends or family sa isang boat. 😄
I will be travelling alone po. Is it safe to go to Kalanggaman Island alone? How many hours is the boat ride from Malapascua to Kalanggaman island? Thank you for your previous reply 🙂
Hi,
Ok lang to travel alone sa Kalanggaman Island as you will be with other people naman. 3-4 hrs ride from Malapascua Island. You are welcome! 🙂
hi, thanks fo rall the information, i have one doubt, i have to reserve with anticipation the tour or i can buy it the same day early in the morning??? and the same question to go from cebu to malapascua and to come back, i have to buy tickets before or i can do it when i arrive there??? thanks again!!!
May contact number po kau dun sa babayaran ng 800p for kalanggaman island from malapascua??? Pwede po makuha..
Hi! Wala po akong contact. On the spot lang po dun tapos marami naman sila dun nag offer.
Hello! Do you know what time the first boat from Malapascua to Maya leaves in the morning? We are heading to Puerto Princesa fro Cebu at 2PM and are wondering if it is possible to leave Malapascua the same morning, really early? Thanks in advance!
Hi Josefine, I don’t know the time of the first boat but it depends on how many locals will go back to mainland Cebu. If I were you, I won’t leave the same morning, I’d rather leave Malapascua before the day my flight to Palawan.
there is pleanty boats that will take you even from maya you can go to kalanggaman depending how many people you are with would depend the price if you go to mark butcher meat shop in maya they will take you with the boat
Hi. May I ask if the boatmen in Malapascua still offer island hopping to Kalanggaman Island even if Im alone?
Hi I was alone but with other people so no problem.
hi, do i need to have reservations for Kalanggaman Island tour, or is it easy to find locals that offer a trip there? 🙂
Hi Ophelia,
A local offered me a Kalanggaman trip the day before the scheduled tour. 🙂
hi,
thank you sa blog! sobrang helpful 😊
ask ko lang po, nung ng travel ka po 2 days 1 night trip po ba ito or whole day trip? mornign sa malapascua afternoon sa kalanggaman? or one day sa malapascua the next day ung kalanggaman?
Hi Scarlet,
I arrived afternoon sa Malapascua then the next day pumunta ako nang Kalanggaman island tapos uwi agad sa hapon.
hi all,
good day! if you need a boat from bogo to kalanggaman, you can drop by on our website ” cebuislandexplorers.simplesite.com.
more power to itravelrox!!!
thanks,
louie
Hi id like to know if, how many hours ung travel from malapascua to kalanggaman?
and pwede kaya ng overnight sa kalanggaman?
Im thinking ksi if i can arrange the flight this way
Manila – cebu
Tacloban – Manila
Pro if okay nman na sa return ticket na lang sa cebu then why not.
What do u suggest?thanks
Hi,
It’s 3-4 hours from Malapascua to Kalanggaman. Pwede naman from Manila to Tacloban ka tapos van ride to Palompon, Leyte then return ticket Tacloban to Leyte.
Hi po…possible ba na day tour lang ang malapascua+kalamgaman? thanks
Hi Diane, staying for a night in Malapascua is possible, the next day you can go to Kalanggaman island for a day tour. I stayed 3 days and 2 nights there minimum.
hi po… we’ll arrive in malapascua early saturday morning… makakakuha kaya kami agad ng pumpboat to kalanggaman? or need pa namin magpareserve??
I don’t think you can get a pumpboat to Kalanggaman right away. It depends on the schedule.
Hello Roxanne,
Do you have an idea how much the entrance fee of a foreigner, someone told me that local and foreigner’s rate are different.
Looking forward to your response.
Thank you.
Mads
Hi Mads,
800 for local, 1000 for foreigners.
Hi roxanne, im travelling with my kids aged 7 and 4, safe ba na magdala ng bata from malapascua to kalanggaman? Tnx
Hi Kristine,
I’ve read somewhere that there is no trip from Malapascua to Kalanggaman island anymore. I’m not sure if it’s true. If Kaya ba Nang mga kids mo 3-4 hours sa boat ok Lang naman.
Hi, are there trips ba from Kalanggaman to Malapascua. I’m coming from Tacloban kasi and I want to side trip to Malapascua. I’m not sure if the Kalanggaman trips from Palompon will cover the Malapascua. As far as I’ve read, wala. Thank you and you have very beautiful pictures.
Hi, I never heard of side trip from Kalanggaman island to Malapascua.
Actually, haha. I wanted to try something new sana but apparently, it’s not possible. But thank you!
Yeah walang direct eh but from Leyte you can take the ferry to Bogo then go to Malapascua pero hassle na.
Hi po. Ok lang ba pumunta ng malapascua ng walk in, no reservation as well as sa villa sandra guest house. Magkano magstos. Tnx
Yes walk in Lang ako dati. 300 pesos per person, pwede rin mag hammock. Less than 1000 pesos Lang if super tipid Tapos beach ka Lang.
Ok ba ang blue coral resort as to location, then September punta ko. Di ba maalon yon. Any idea how much ang boat for island hopping. Aside from water activity ano pa pwede gawin sa isla. Tnx
Hi I’ve never been to Blue Coral resort. You can get around the island with a motorbike. You can snorkel and scuba dive if you like.
HI George, I was able to stay sa Blue coral resort last week and the location is really good. 🙂
Hi rox, I saw an advisory that they will not cater boats outside tacloban and must contact ecotours Is it true? We are planning to go to kalanggaman via malapascua. Do they still cater tours from malapascua?thank you
Yes they still cater the last time I was there but depends on how many people will go.
You’ve made such a great adventure in Malaspascua and Kalangaman Island..
Do you have an idea of the earliest boat trip from malapascua to maya port pag pabalik na ng cebu city?
Marami sa morning. Pina ka late nila is 3PM. Pwede ka mag tanong sa locals. I usually get out of the island at 3PM. 🙂
i plan on staying there for a couple of weeks, and i work remotely so i need good internet connection. did your accommodation have a reliable wifi or did you use mobile data?
My accommodation at Villa Sandra Guesthouse my nice connection naman.
hi rox
We will go to kalanggaman this comin24 but we would also like to leave malapascua that day goin bavk to maya port. So what time is the last trip of the boat goin to maya port from malapascua.
Thank you
Hello, at 3PM po yong last boat.
maam/sir may idea po ba kayo if mag tent and hammock lang dun sa island?
Yeah dala Lang kayo if Meron dun kayo stay sa Villa Sandra Guesthouse
Kalanggaman via Cebu for only 1500/pax (Joined Tours)
For Group Tours availability:
Malapascua Island Hopping 350/pax
Contact Emil- 09152653631/ Shandra – 09956229201
http://www.facebook.com/seatosummittravel
https://www.facebook.com/nomadlistadventuresph
http://www.nomadlistadventures.com
Hi do
U know any boat men thatll private tour from Maya port -kalanggaman and back?
Hello po! No idea po any boat mean from Maya Port to Kalanggaman. But what I do is go to the place and ask a local there. Puro on the spot kasi ako.