About the ride from Cebu City to Moalboal
Travelers figuring out how to get from Cebu City to Moalboal can choose between a minivan or a car.
Covering the 85-kilometer (52-mile) distance will take approximately three hours.
However you choose to reach the southern part of Cebu island, you’ll soon be relaxing on the beach, topping up that tan, or diving into the jungle to discover a waterfall or mountain peak.
What is Moalboal like?
Moalboal is a great place to base yourself when exploring the southern part of the province of Cebu.
The area is famous for its vibrant marine life (hello, sardine run), awe-inspiring scenery, and crystal-clear waters. With dozens of adventures within a short motorbike ride away, it’s a paradisaical destination you’ll never forget visiting.
Explore some of the Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls, including the Kawasan Falls, trek into the jungle, and hike to one of its peaks to watch sunrise or sunset.
Top three activities in Moalboal
This magical place is ideal for exploring the surrounding area. Whichever direction you head in, unmissable attractions await discovery.
Go waterfall-hunting! The area is home to an array of mesmerizingly beautiful falls.
Make it an adventure and set aside a day or two to hit all four: Kawasan Falls, Aguinid Falls, Inambakan Falls, and Binalayan Falls (otherwise known as the Hidden Falls).
Take a hike. For a sedate adventure, try hiking to Oseman Peak or Casino Peak.
Osmena Peak is the ideal location to watch the sunrise over the hills, and Casino Peak has unbeatable views of the entire region. However, the latter is a two-hour drive from the center of Moalboal, so set aside plenty of time to finish the hike before the sun goes down.
Work on your beach hopping skills. Stay in the center of Moalboal with a visit to Panagsama Beach, where lucky people can swim with turtles right off the shore.
White Beach is another crowd favorite, thanks to its cerulean waters and white powdery sand. Bars and restaurants are scattered around the beach, offering tasty drinks and delicious local cuisine.
How do I get from Cebu City to Moalboal?
You’ve got two options for traveling from Cebu City to Moalboal: minivan and car.
Both are very safe and reliable and take about three hours. The most crucial factor to consider is the number of people you are traveling with. If you’re in a group of more than five people, you’ll need to hire a minivan. If less, then a car will work.
Here are all the details:
By private minivan
Air-conditioned minivans typically hold between nine and twelve passengers, making it the ideal choice for large groups. It usually takes just under three hours to reach the town.
The price is the same whether you travel with five passengers or twelve, starting at $110 per van. If your group is small, try recruiting a few more to cut the costs even further.
Minivan drivers will pick you up at the airport in Cebu City (Mactan Airport-CEB) before dropping you off at your hotel in Moalboal.
You can also set your own schedule and request rest stops at your convenience.
Minivan amenities include:
Rest stops upon request
English speaking staff
Up to 7-10 kg (15-22 lbs) luggage per passenger if every seat is taken.
By private car
A private air-conditioned car transfer takes two to three hours to reach Moalboal, depending on whether you hit traffic and how many stops you make.
You’ll be picked up at the Cebu City airport and dropped off at any hotel in Moalboal. Some companies offer hotel pick-up as well.
The downside to hiring a car is that it only fits three to five people. However, this could still be perfect for anyone traveling solo with a higher budget and a desire for space.
The price of a private car transfer is the same regardless of how many passengers, so recruit a couple of friends to cut the cost. Cars start at $73.
Car amenities include:
Rest stops upon request
English speaking staff
Up to 10 kg (22 lbs) of luggage per passenger if every seat is taken
The best things about the ride from Cebu to Moalboal
The drive out of Cebu City is not the most exciting ride. Still, you’ll see mesmerizing views of the Philippines’ countryside.
Speed past lush green rainforests and see snatches of the Bohol Strait as you edge closer to Moalboal.
Don’t break your neck trying to get a window seat, though. It’s only a three-hour journey, and you’ll see all the incredible sights when you arrive.
When is the best time to visit Moalboal?
The best time to visit Moalboal is from December to May during the dry season. These months invite the driest weather without the humidity becoming overly intense. You’ll enjoy your adventures in and around Moalboal without being interrupted by rain.
How many days should I spend in Moalboal?
Set aside at least four to five days to enjoy Moalboal fully. The area is small, but with so many wonders within driving or walking distance, it’s worth staying a few extra days to explore the rest of southern Cebu from here.
Stay for up to a week if the area enchants you because you won’t run out of things to do.
Otherwise, four days is enough to tick off all the top sites and fit in a beach day.
Where should I go after Moalboal?
Next, hop over to Bohol to the east to continue your island-hopping adventure through the Philippines.
Head to the capital of Tagbilaran to start your adventure and explore from there. Alternatively, head west across the Tanon Strait to the larger island of Negros.