The number one question we get, after “will I see a thresher shark?” is “how do I actually get there?” Fair question. Malapascua is a small island off the northern tip of Cebu, and it’s not exactly on the highway. But it’s more straightforward than you’d expect.
Here’s the route, step by step.
STEP 1: FLY TO CEBU
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is your target. It has direct flights from Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and several other Asian hubs. If you’re coming from further afield, Manila is the most common connection point.
STEP 2: GET TO MAYA PORT
Maya is the small port town at the northern tip of Cebu, about 4 to 5 hours from the airport by road. You have options.
The bus. Cheapest option. Take a bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal to Maya. It takes 4 to 5 hours. Air-conditioned buses run frequently throughout the day. It’s surprisingly affordable.
A private van. We can arrange a private transfer from the airport directly to Maya port for you. More comfortable, door to door, takes about 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. This is what most of our guests choose, especially after a long international flight. Check thresher-shark-divers.com for current transfer rates.
STEP 3: BOAT TO MALAPASCUA
From Maya port, public boats (bangkas) cross to Malapascua throughout the day. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Last public boat is usually around 4pm, sometimes later. If you arrive at Maya after the last boat, you can hire a private bangka for a small premium.
Once you step off the boat onto Bounty Beach, you’re essentially there. Malapascua is small enough to walk everywhere. Our dive shop is right on the beach.
SOME PRACTICAL TIPS
Try to arrive in Cebu before noon if you want to make it to Malapascua the same day comfortably. An afternoon arrival means you’ll probably want to overnight near Maya or at the Cebu airport and head up first thing in the morning.
The road to Maya is mostly paved and scenic. You’ll pass through small towns, rice fields, and roadside fruit stalls. It’s part of the adventure, not a hardship.
Bring cash. Malapascua has limited ATMs, and they occasionally run out. We accept card payments at the dive shop, but for restaurants, accommodation deposits, and island life in general, pesos in hand is the way to go.
If you’re island-hopping around the Visayas (Bohol, Leyte, Cebu), Malapascua fits naturally at the beginning or end of a trip since you’ll be passing through Cebu anyway.
We send detailed transfer instructions and can arrange everything for you once you book at thresher-shark-divers.com. Getting here is half the fun. Or at least, it’s a good story.