We often get asked, “what is the best way to get to Malapascua?”
To help future guests who may have the same question, we have outlined some options for you here.
The easiest way to get here is by private transport. We pick you up at your door step and bring you right to our resort (arrival in Cebu by 1.30pm latest). We check your progress along the way and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
If you decide on this option the pricing for the service is listed below. All you have to do is give us the time and location of the pickup and we will call the contractor and arrange everything.
Private Transfer Prices 2024/2025
Prices include vehicle and boat
- 1 Pax : P7,128 per person one way
- 2 pax : P3,564 per person one way
- 3-5 pax : P2,596 per person one way
- 6-9 pax : P2,068 per person one way
- 10 pax + : P1,881 per person one way
As private transfers to Malapascua are all run by local transport companies we advise that prices are subject to change although tend to remain fairly steady.
For budget-friendly travelers or those who seek adventure along your journey, there are public transport options, detailed below.
CEBU TO MAYA (port at the north of Cebu)
By Taxi
If you catch a taxi from the airport or from Cebu City, most drivers will be willing to negotiate a price for a trip to Maya. The price can vary depending upon the driver, but expect to pay around 3500PHP per trip, unless you are a seasoned bargaining machine. Standard of vehicle varies wildly, as does drivers skill/regard for ‘normal’ road rules.
By Ceres Liner Bus
At the bus terminal located at SM Mall in Cebu City, there are loads of Ceres Liner buses that head to various destinations throughout Cebu. Hop on a bus headed to Maya. The trip will cost about 250PHP (non-AC) or P300 (AC) per person and the journey will normally take somewhere between 4.5-6 hours. Ceres Liner departs SM City Bus Terminal roughly every 30 minutes, starting at 2am. Some buses have Wifi onboard, although it is unreliable and dependent on signal throughout your journey. The bus will stop once for a toilet/stretch/snack break – just make sure you remember your bus number as many other Ceres buses may be parked – don’t get on the wrong bus! Also be sure that your bus doesn’t depart without you!
If you fancy a more “local” experience, a Ceres Liner is the way to go.
By “V-hire” Mini Van
The V-hire vans are air conditioned mini-vans, and unlike Ceres Liner, make NO stops along the way to pick up passengers. Look for the white vans parked at the SM City Bus Terminal. For this option the trip is much shorter, ranging from 3-4 hours and costs around PHP350 per person. The disadvantage of V-hire is that departure time is unpredictable and you may have to wait up to an hour at SM City Bus Terminal before the van is full enough to depart. Another disadvantage is that the driver will cram every last person onto the van, so if you are one of the last ones to board you will be squeezed into the back row where you will be sitting skin-to-skin with your neighbours and where AC will hardly reach. The trick is to try to grab a seat in the first row or even the front seat, where you are closest to the air con vent and there is most leg space!. Driver speed/quality also varies greatly, and sometimes is not for the faint of heart!
Maya to Malapascua
Public ferries depart Maya New Port roughly every 30 mins, however, if arriving later in the day you may have to wait until there are enough passengers to make the trip happen, or you may be asked to pay for a “special trip”. Normal ticket price is P200, and for a special trip with less passengers the total should be around P2,300 divided between all passengers. Make sure the price is completely agreed before the boat departs. Once on the boat, the crossing takes approximately 45 minutes to the paradise of Malapascua.
There is Government entry fee of P95(Local)/P140(Foreigner) which needs to be paid when registering at the Tourism Office in Maya.
Ferries are not allowed to cross after dark, so you should consider 5.30pm the very latest to attempt a crossing. If you are late to Maya and are forced to spend the night there D&N Lodge and Arriyus Apartelle are good options very near to the port.
Once you reach the port in Malapascua, there are plenty of motorbike taxis that can bring you to Evolution for around P50.
So as you can see, there are many options available to get you to our little paradise, take your pick!
Evolution Diving Resort
Malapascua Island,
Malapascua, Daanbantayan,
Cebu