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Bohol is a Visayan island of rolling Chocolate Hills and wide-eyed tarsiers. Most travellers carry straight on to Panglao's beaches once the ferry docks. No option gets you there direct from Moalboal. Going via Argao is the cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol at $8.10 (500 PHP). It takes 5h 10m. The route via Cebu City costs $245 (15,000 PHP) and takes 5-7h.
Distance from Moalboal to Bohol
Moalboal and Bohol are about 85 km (53 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 120 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 5h and 7h.
2 ways to travel from Moalboal to Bohol
There are two ways to travel from Moalboal to Bohol. The journey takes 5h–5h 10m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus and ferry via Argao with tickets starting at $8.10 (500 PHP).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Moalboal→Cebu City Pier 13h
- Cebu→Bohol2h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Moalboal→Carcar1h 30m
- Carcar→Taloot, Argao40m
- Argao→Loon, Bohol2h
- Loon→Tagbilaran1h
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Moalboal to Bohol by Bus and Ferry via Cebu City
To get from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City, take a bus with a sign that says Cebu City. Buses leave regularly throughout the day. Once in Cebu City, you can head to the port and catch a ferry to Bohol.
This route gives you more flexibility with ferry schedules since there are several daily departures from Cebu City to Bohol.
Total costs when taking the combined bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Cebu City start at $9.60 (590 PHP).
Step 1: Moalboal to Cebu City Pier by Bus
Buses to Cebu depart from Moalboal Bus Terminal, about 200 metres from the Municipal Hall. It’s a small, informal stop with just a few rows of chairs by the roadside.
You don’t have to wait at the terminal, though. You can also catch a bus along the main road. A popular spot is right in front of Jollibee Moalboal, directly across from the Municipal Hall. Hail a bus with a sign that says “Cebu City.”
Tickets cost $2.80 (170 PHP) for ordinary buses and $3.40 (210 PHP) for air-conditioned buses. You can pay for your ticket onboard.
Buses park at South Bus Terminal in Cebu City centre. For more info, check out our page on how to get from Moalboal to Cebu.
Where to catch the ferry in Cebu City
Ferries from Cebu City to Bohol depart at either Cebu Pier 1 or Cebu Pier 3.
- Cebu Pier 1 is about 2.5 km away from South Bus Terminal, and a tricycle ride costs around $1.10 (70 PHP).
- Cebu Pier 3 is a bit farther at about 4 km from the bus station. For a more convenient ride, you can book a Grab taxi, with fares starting from $2.80 (170 PHP).
Step 2: Cebu City to Bohol by Ferry
Several ferries sail daily from Cebu City to Bohol. You can choose from three ferry companies: Oceanjet, FastCat and Lite Shipping. Check whether your ferry departs from Pier 1 or Pier 3.
In Bohol, there are two main arrival ports. If you’re headed to the tourist centre on Panglao Island, it’s best to take a ferry bound for Tagbilaran City Port. From there, you can get to your hotel in Panglao via a 40-minute bus or taxi. A bus ticket costs $1.10 (70 PHP), while taxi/Grab rates start at around $6.50 (400 PHP).
Tubigon Pier is a good option if you're going to the northern part of Bohol or bringing a car. Both car ferries and high-speed ferries operate on this route, so you can pick what suits your trip best.
Ferry schedule from Cebu City to Tagbilaran Port, Bohol
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Ferry schedule from Cebu City to Tubigon Port, Bohol
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Fares start from $7.40 (455 PHP) for ferries bound for Tubigon Pier.
Check out our page on how to get from Cebu to Bohol for more details.
Moalboal to Bohol by Bus and Ferry via Argao
You can travel by bus and ferry from Moalboal to Bohol via Argao, but this route takes a bit more effort. There’s no direct bus from Moalboal to Argao, so you’ll need to take two separate buses to get there. A direct taxi is an option too, though it costs more.
With this option, you’ll have to take three different buses plus a ferry to Bohol.
Step 1: Moalboal to Carcar by Bus
First, head north to the town of Carcar. Ceres Liner and Librando operate air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses on this route.
Look for a bus with a signboard that says “Cebu City.” These pass by every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, although there may be fewer buses later at night. You can hail one anywhere along the main road in the Moalboal town centre.
Get off at the rotunda in Carcar. You can also ask the bus driver or conductor to drop you off at the bus stop for buses bound for Argao.
Considering traffic, the bus ride from Moalboal to Carcar can take about 1.5 hours. Ticket prices start at $1.60 (100 PHP) for an ordinary bus, and you can pay the conductor once you're on board.
Step 2: Carcar to Taloot, Argao by Bus
Once you arrive in Carcar, transfer to a southbound bus heading to Oslob, Alcoy or Dalaguete. Ask the driver or conductor to drop you off at Taloot Public Market in Argao.
Travel time from Carcar to Argao is about 40 minutes, and a ticket costs $1.10 (70 PHP). You can pay for your ticket on board.
From your drop-off point, the Port of Taloot is only about 200m away. You will see signage that will direct you to the port.
You can also rent a tricycle from Carcar to Argao for about $3.30 (200 PHP). However, travel time may take a bit longer than the bus, and the ride might be cramped if you’re travelling with bulky luggage.
Step 3: Argao to Loon, Bohol by Ferry
Lite Ferries operates multiple daily trips from Argao to the town of Loon in Bohol.
These are cargo ships, but they do accept passengers. Depending on the vessel, you can choose either an economy or standard seat.
These seats don’t have air conditioning, but you’ll get a nice sea breeze during the trip. Just keep in mind that these ferries are mainly for transporting goods, so the setup is pretty basic. You will still have a comfortable ride, just don’t expect too much.
The ferry ride from Argao to Loon takes 2h. Tickets cost $3.70 (230 PHP) for economy and $4.20 (260 PHP) for standard. There’s also a terminal fee of $0.80 (50 PHP).
For this route, Lite Ferries is not available for online booking. You’ll need to buy your ticket at the port office. Also, note that departure times aren’t always followed, as they depend on cargo loading.
Departure and arrival ports
Ferries depart from Taloot Wharf in Argao.
They dock at Catagbacan Port in Loon, about 35 km north of Tagbilaran City.
Step 4: Loon to Tagbilaran by Bus
From Catagbacan Port in Loon, you’ll have to take a bus to get to Tagbilaran City. Walk about 700 metres towards the main road and hail any bus with a signboard that says “Tagbilaran.”
The bus ride takes around an hour, and ticket prices start from $1.60 (100 PHP).
Buses park at Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City.
Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island
Is your hotel on Panglao Island? From Tagbilaran City Port, it’s about 20 km or a 40-minute ride to the tourist centre in Panglao.
Here are your transport options:
- Jeepney – $0.80 (50 PHP)
- Bus – $1.10 (70 PHP)
- Grab or taxi – from $6.50 (400 PHP)
- Private transfer via BookAway – from $11 (660 PHP)
Our favourite places to stay in Bohol
Bohol offers a great standard of accommodation no matter your budget. Even if you’re a budget traveller, you can still snag yourself a place with a pool. And for those able to splash the cash a little bit more, prepare to be wowed by the secluded beachfront stays available in Bohol.
Panglao Island is the main place to stay in Bohol. This is where you’ll find a lively town, beautiful beaches and world-class diving and snorkelling sites. Most of our favourite stays are in Panglao, but some of them are in more remote locations ideal for a relaxing retreat.
Treat YourselfThree Little Birds Resort
Area: Near Anda White beach, approx. 10-min drive from Anda town
Three Little Birds Resort oozes tropical vibes, with its bamboo cottages and lush vegetation thriving everywhere. In the middle of the resort is your own watering hole in the form of a refreshing swimming pool.
To make things even more idyllic, you’ll be staying right by the beach. It’s a hard choice between splashing around in the pool or relaxing on the beach.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Unique bamboo cottages
- Stunning rooms
- Close to the beach
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Mid-RangeFox & The Firefly Cottages
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Loboc town centre
You’ve probably never stayed anywhere quite like here. The unique cottages make you feel like you’re staying in a luxury treehouse surrounded by nothing but nature. And unbelievably, things get better. The private balconies offer views of the nearby rice paddies.
If this isn’t relaxing enough for you, you can head down to their deck that overlooks Loboc River. For the unforgettable experience you get here, you’d expect to pay a lot more. This place is great value for money.
- Unique and beautiful cottages
- Incredible views
- River deck
- Onsite restaurant
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Mid-RangeTamarind
Area: Approx. 10-minute drive from Panglao Town and Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Tamarind is fantastic. The rooms offer way more space than you need. They’re modern, clean and all of them come with a private balcony overlooking the pool. Oh yeah, there’s a large pool that is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and palm trees.
Tamarind’s location is also hard to beat. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. Perfect for burning off all the food you’ve been eating as there are so many great restaurants nearby.
- Private balcony
- Swimming pool
- Nice garden area
- Great location
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
BudgetNautilus Hostel & Hammocks
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This hostel has a very cool and unique vibe that brings together comfort and nature. With plants and bamboo everywhere, the hotel’s design creates a peaceful ambience. Throw in plenty of hammocks and hanging seats, and it's idyllic.
The complimentary breakfast brings everyone together in the morning and makes it super easy to meet other travellers here.
- Cool design
- Beautiful gardens
- Sociable vibe
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
BudgetSiman Panglao
Area: Approx. 5-minute drive to Panglao town and 10-minute drive from Bohol-Panglao International Airport
This place does not feel like a budget option, so if it’s available, make sure to snap it up as quickly as you can. The rooms are spacious and overlook the large pool that sits at the centre of the hotel.
The staff do everything to accommodate your needs and make sure that you feel at home.
- Large swimming pool
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Helpful staff
- Private terrace
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bohol?
Bohol is a beautiful combination of lush jungles and turquoise waters in the Philippines' Central Visayas region. It is one of the country’s more classic destinations, so don’t be surprised to find many locals looking for adventures here any time of the year.
The island first became popular for its Chocolate Hills, but there's so much more you can do and explore in Bohol. Cruise along the Loboc River, snorkel or dive near Balicasag Island, and explore Bohol's centuries-old churches. If you’re lucky or persistent, you can also spot the Philippine tarsier, which is endemic to the region!
Rounding it up
Both routes from Moalboal to Bohol combine a bus and a ferry, and both take a good half day. Going via Argao is cheaper and quicker, but the route via Cebu City has more ferry departures to choose from.
Once you're on Bohol, it's a short hop to Panglao for the beaches. From there you can carry on to Siquijor by ferry, a classic Visayas island-hopping itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Moalboal to Bohol?
The distance from Moalboal to Bohol is 85 kilometres (53 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol?
Journey times from Moalboal to Bohol overlap: bus and ferry via cebu city 5-7h, bus and ferry via argao 5h 10m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol?
The cheapest way to get from Moalboal to Bohol is by bus and ferry via argao with ticket costs starting from 500 PHP.
How long is the boat ride from Cebu to Bohol?
The fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran takes about 2 hours. Ferries to Tubigon are a bit quicker, but Tagbilaran is handier for Panglao and the Chocolate Hills.
Can you visit Bohol as a day trip from Moalboal?
Not realistically. It's 5 hours or more each way, so you'd spend the whole day travelling. Stay at least one night and see the Chocolate Hills and Panglao at a relaxed pace.
Is there a flight from Moalboal to Bohol?
No. Moalboal has no airport, so there are no flights to Bohol. The bus and ferry via Argao is the most practical route.
Do I have to go through Cebu City to reach Bohol?
No. The route via Argao crosses from Taloot port to Loon on Bohol's west coast, skipping Cebu City entirely. It's the cheaper and quicker of the two options.
About the Authors
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
