Getting to Moalboal: Your Complete Guide
Moalboal is one of Cebu’s most popular beach destinations, famous for its year-round sardine run, world-class diving, and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Located on the southwestern coast of Cebu Island, getting there is straightforward once you know your options.
Distance from Cebu City: Approximately 90 km Travel time: 2.5-3.5 hours depending on traffic and transport choice
Quick Summary: Transport Options
| Method | Travel Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private van/car | 2.5-3 hours | ₱3,500-5,000 | Families, groups, convenience |
| Bus (Ceres Liner) | 3-4 hours | ₱180-220 | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
| Rental car | 2.5-3 hours | ₱2,000-3,500/day | Flexibility, multiple stops |
| Grab/taxi | 2.5-3 hours | ₱2,500-3,500 | Small groups, one-way trips |
Option 1: Private Van Transfer (Recommended)
Best for: Families, groups, those arriving on late flights, and anyone who values convenience
How It Works
Most Moalboal resorts can arrange private transfers directly from Mactan-Cebu International Airport or anywhere in Cebu City. A driver meets you at arrivals (or your hotel), handles your luggage, and drives you directly to your resort.
Typical Pricing
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | 1-3 passengers | ₱3,000-3,500 |
| Van | 4-6 passengers | ₱3,500-4,500 |
| Large van | 7-10 passengers | ₱4,500-6,000 |
Note: Prices are typically per vehicle, not per person - making this very economical for groups.
Advantages
- Door-to-door service
- No transfers or waiting
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Can stop for lunch or ATM along the way
- Luggage is secure
- Driver knows the route
- Available 24/7 (including late-night flights)
How to Book
Through your resort: Contact your accommodation before arrival. At Hale Manna, email stay@halemanna.com or message via the contact page.
Third-party services: Various transfer services operate on Cebu. Your hotel can recommend trusted providers.
Option 2: Bus (Ceres Liner)
Best for: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, those who enjoy local experiences
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get to Cebu South Bus Terminal
The Cebu South Bus Terminal is located on N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City (not to be confused with the North Bus Terminal).
From Mactan Airport:
- Taxi/Grab: ₱300-400, 45-60 minutes
- MyBus: ₱50, but requires transfer at SM City Cebu
From Cebu City hotels:
- Taxi/Grab: ₱100-200 depending on location
Step 2: Find the Moalboal Bus
Look for Ceres Liner buses with “MOALBOAL” or “BATO via BARILI” displayed on the front.
Bus Details:
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
- First bus: Around 5:00 AM
- Last bus: Around 8:00 PM
- Type: Non-aircon (cheaper) or aircon available
Step 3: Buy Your Ticket
Tickets are purchased at the terminal counter. Simply board and show your ticket when allowed to.
Fare: ₱180-220 depending on aircon/non-aircon
Step 4: The Journey
The bus travels south through:
- City of Talisay
- Municipality of Minglanilla
- City of Naga
- City of Carcar (good stop for lechon!)
- Municipality Barili (mountain crossing)
- Municipality Moalboal
Total time: 3-4 hours depending on traffic and stops
Step 5: Getting to Your Resort
Tell the conductor your destination so they announce when to get off. From Moalboal town proper, take a:
- Tricycle: ₱100-150 to Basdaku/Saavedra resorts
- Habal-habal (motorcycle): ₱80-100
Bus Travel Tips
- Sit on the right side - Better views of the coast on the descent to Moalboal
- Bring snacks and water - No guaranteed stops, mint candies help if you have motion sickness
- Use the toilet before boarding - Buses don’t have toilets, but there may be official stops with paid restrooms (usually ₱5-10)
- Keep belongings close - Bags go overhead or on your lap or in the understorage area of the bus
- Have exact change - Conductors may not have change for large bills
- Download offline maps - Track your progress if you’re unsure about stops
Option 3: Rental Car
Best for: Those wanting flexibility, planning multiple stops, or staying for an extended period
Rental Options
Several car rental companies operate at Mactan Airport and in Cebu City:
- International chains (Avis, Budget, Hertz)
- Local operators (CITI Car, etc. often cheaper)
Daily rates: ₱2,000-3,500 depending on vehicle type
Self-Drive Route: Cebu City to Moalboal
- Start: Mactan Airport or Cebu City
- Take: SRP (South Road Properties) coastal road
- Continue: Through Talisay and Minglanilla
- Pass: Carcar City (consider stopping for famous lechon)
- Cross: Mountains via Barili (winding but scenic road)
- Descend: To Moalboal on the western coast
- Navigate: To Basdaku/Saavedra or Panagsama depending on your resort
Google Maps/Waze: Works well for navigation. Search for your resort name directly.
Driving Tips
- Mountain section: The Barili crossing has curves - drive carefully, especially at night
- Traffic: Heavy near Cebu City, clear once you pass Carcar
- Gas stations: Fill up in Carcar or before - limited options in Moalboal
- Parking: Most resorts have free parking
Option 4: Grab/Taxi
Best for: Solo travelers or couples who want convenience without pre-booking
Using Grab
Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber equivalent) operates in Cebu. You can book a GrabCar from the airport or city to Moalboal.
Approximate fare: ₱2,500-3,500 one way
Pros:
- App-based booking with fixed price
- Cashless payment option
- Driver ratings and tracking
Cons:
- May have limited availability for long-distance trips
- Surge pricing during peak hours
- Driver may not know exact resort locations
Airport Taxi
Yellow airport taxis at Mactan can take you to Moalboal, but:
- Negotiate price before departing (should be ₱2,500-3,500 or more)
- Confirm driver knows the route
- Less reliable than pre-booked transfers
Arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Terminal Layout
Mactan-Cebu International Airport has two terminals:
- Terminal 1: Domestic flights (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia domestic)
- Terminal 2: International flights and some domestic
Both terminals have:
- ATMs (withdraw pesos before leaving)
- Money exchange
- SIM card vendors (Globe and Smart)
- Taxi and Grab pickup areas
What to Do Upon Arrival
- Withdraw cash - ATMs are available before exit. Moalboal has limited ATMs.
- Get a SIM card - Globe or Smart for data. Costs around ₱300-500 for tourist SIM with data.
- Meet your driver or head to transport area
- Confirm your destination with driver before departing
Travel Time by Departure Point
| Starting Point | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mactan Airport | 95 km | 2.5-3 hours |
| Cebu City (downtown) | 90 km | 2.5-3 hours |
| SM Seaside City | 80 km | 2-2.5 hours |
| Carcar City | 45 km | 1-1.5 hours |
| Oslob | 65 km | 1.5-2 hours |
Returning to Cebu City/Airport
All the same options work in reverse:
- Private transfer: Book through your resort (arrange in advance for early flights)
- Bus: Flag down any bus heading to “Cebu” from the main road
- Rental car: Return to airport or city drop-off point
For early flights: If you have a flight before 9 AM, consider staying near the airport the night before. The 3-hour drive plus airport check-in can be stressful at 3 AM.
Cost Comparison Summary
For a couple traveling from Mactan Airport to Moalboal:
| Option | Total Cost | Convenience | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ₱3,500-4,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Grab | ₱2,500-3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2.5-3 hrs |
| Bus + tricycle | ₱400-500 | ⭐⭐ | 4-5 hrs |
| Rental car (per day) | ₱2,500-3,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 2.5-3 hrs |
Our recommendation: For first-time visitors, private transfer offers the best balance of cost and convenience. For budget travelers with flexible schedules, the bus is a great local experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Moalboal at night?
Yes, the road is paved and well-traveled. However, the mountain section through Barili has curves and limited lighting. Private transfers with experienced drivers are recommended for night arrivals.
Can I stop for food along the way?
Absolutely! Carcar City is famous for lechon (roasted pig) and chicharon (pork cracklings). Many travelers make this a lunch stop. Just coordinate with your driver or allow extra time if taking the bus.
Is there Grab in Moalboal?
Grab availability is very limited in Moalboal. For getting around locally, use tricycles, habal-habal (motorcycles), or arrange transport through your resort.
Should I book my transfer in advance?
Yes, recommended. Especially for:
- Airport pickups (driver will wait for you)
- Large groups
- Peak season (December-May)
- Late-night or early-morning arrivals (especially for South Korean airline flights)
How much cash should I bring?
ATMs in Moalboal are limited and occasionally run out of money. Bring enough cash for your entire stay, or at minimum for several days. Credit cards are accepted at some resorts and restaurants but not everywhere.
Ready for Your Moalboal Adventure?
Getting to Moalboal is half the journey - once you arrive, you’ll find world-class diving, the famous sardine run, stunning waterfalls nearby, and the laid-back beach town atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back.
Choose the transport option that fits your budget and travel style, and you’ll be swimming with sardines in no time.
Need a transfer to Moalboal? Hale Manna Coastal Gardens can arrange private airport transfers for our guests. Contact us to book your transport along with your accommodation, or book your stay directly and we can discuss transfer arrangements.
