Cebu to Dumaguete and Siquijor
Dumaguete is the gateway to Siquijor and Apo Island, and the route from Cebu is simple once you know the steps. There is no direct fast ferry from Cebu City to Dumaguete, so most travellers take a bus that crosses the strait by short ferry, or fly. This guide covers the routes, the Dumaguete to Siquijor boats, and how to reach Apo Island.
Times and prices are rough estimates reported in 2025-2026. Fares, schedules and even which flights operate change often, so check the operator or your hotel the day before.
Route 1: bus and ferry via Liloan
This is the usual budget route. Buses leave the Cebu South Bus Terminal, drive down the coast to Liloan in Santander, take the short ferry to Sibulan in Negros Oriental, and continue to Dumaguete. Read our Santander guide for the Liloan port, and the bus terminals guide for the terminal.
- Take a taxi or Grab to the South Bus Terminal. Allow time, since traffic is heavy in the morning.
- Ask for a direct bus to Dumaguete. Reports in 2025-2026 described about seven direct departures a day, from early morning to the evening, and the ferry is included in the ticket.
- If no direct bus is waiting, take a bus to Liloan instead. It is more frequent, with buses starting around 4 am, but you then pay the ferry yourself.
- At Liloan, board the car ferry to Sibulan. The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
- From Sibulan, ride a bus or jeepney to Dumaguete, about 30 minutes.
Rough costs: a direct bus was reported at about ₱450, or about ₱350 for the bus to Liloan plus a ferry ticket of roughly ₱70-₱130. Total time is about 6-7 hours door to door.
Route 2: the ferry
Cokaliong and Lite Ferries have been reported on Cebu to Dumaguete, taking roughly 5-6 hours, with fares of about ₱400-₱1,000 depending on seat or bed. Overnight sailings save a hotel night, but check the current schedule because routes change. Our ferries from Cebu guide explains what to check.
Route 3: flying
Flights from Cebu to Dumaguete take about 55 minutes and were reported to run daily, but fares are often higher than the bus, with ₱4,000 or more reported. A small airline, Sunlight Air, was also reported flying Cebu to Siquijor a few days a week, again about 55 minutes. Schedules for small airlines change, so confirm directly before building a plan around it. Add the ride from Mactan-Cebu airport, covered in our airport guide.
Dumaguete to Siquijor
Fast ferries leave from the Dumaguete seaport for Siquijor. Reports from 2025-2026 listed:
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- OceanJet: about 40-50 minutes, fare around ₱455, several trips a day.
- Montenegro Lines: about 1.5 hours, from roughly ₱437, around four trips a day.
- Anika Star: about 1.5 hours, from roughly ₱570, around four trips a day.
Arrive at the port at least an hour early, especially in peak season, and buy tickets from the operator counters or official pages. Slow ferries from Cebu directly to Siquijor were also reported, taking 8-10 hours, as well as fast craft via Bohol. These do not run reliably in all seasons, so check first.
Once on the island, rent a motorbike or hire a tricycle or van to circle the island in a day or two. Our Siquijor guide covers beaches, waterfalls and the old church.
If you are short on time, you can see Siquijor in a long weekend: arrive by the morning boat, rent a motorbike the same day, and keep the last day free for the return. Travelling in the dry months from roughly March to May gives the calmest seas, though the island is busier then. Pack light, because you will carry your own bag on and off boats and along piers.
Adding Apo Island
Apo Island is a marine sanctuary off Dauin, south of Dumaguete. Most independent travellers go from Malatapay port, about 30 minutes south of Dumaguete by jeepney or tricycle. The boat takes roughly 30 minutes.
- Public boats from Malatapay were reported at roughly ₱50-₱80 a person, while a private boat was reported at about ₱2,000-₱3,500.
- An environmental or marine sanctuary fee, reported at about ₱100 for Filipinos and ₱300 for foreigners, is paid on the mainland side before boarding. Check the current rate.
- Many travellers book through a Dauin dive centre or guesthouse, which can include snorkel gear and a guide.
- Do not touch turtles or coral, and do not feed fish.
A sample 4-day plan
- Day 1: morning bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Dumaguete, and an evening walk on the seafront boulevard.
- Day 2: early boat to Apo Island for snorkelling, back to Dumaguete or Dauin by afternoon.
- Day 3: fast ferry to Siquijor and start your island loop.
- Day 4: return to Dumaguete and leave by a morning bus or flight, with spare time if you have an international flight.
Where to stay
- Dumaguete city: restaurants, a university town feel and easy transport.
- Dauin: a quieter coast with dive and snorkel stays, close to Apo Island boats.
- Siquijor: stay near the beaches on the island, depending on your plans. See where to stay for budgeting ideas.
Tips for a smoother trip
- Sea conditions can cancel boats during typhoons and the northeast monsoon, so see the typhoon season guide.
- Carry cash. Island ATMs are limited and sometimes empty.
- Keep a buffer day before an international flight.
- Pack light and use a dry bag, see the packing list.
- Read responsible travel in Cebu and treat reefs and local rules with care.
Photo: "Rainbow Dumaguete seaport (51817240448)" by Harry Fozzard, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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<a href="https://touristbooklet.com/cebu-to-dumaguete-siquijor/">Cebu to Dumaguete and Siquijor - Tourist Booklet</a>- Citation
- Cebu to Dumaguete and Siquijor. Tourist Booklet. Last updated 21 October 2026. https://touristbooklet.com/cebu-to-dumaguete-siquijor/
From Tourist Booklet: https://touristbooklet.com/cebu-to-dumaguete-siquijor/. Last updated 21 October 2026. Prices and times change, so check before you go.