Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Daanbantayan

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Philippines

Daanbantayan

Stay 2 days: explore town sights, then take a 2 h bus‑boat combo to Malapascua for beach and diving.

Daanbantayan is a small coastal town at Cebu’s north tip. A half‑day covers the market, Gato Cave and the Haladaya Festival vibe; a second day lets you catch the 8 AM boat to Malapascua for snorkeling at Monad Shoal. Travel from Cebu City takes about 2 h by bus to Maya then a short boat ride.

AbucayAgooAlaminos, LagunaAlaminosAlcalaAlegria, CebuAlona BeachAltavasAndaAngelesAngonoAntipoloAparriApo IslandDaanbantayan200 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Philippines
Best months
Dec–May
Avoid
Jun–Nov (wet season)
Stay
2 nights

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
PHP
Money
Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
Daily spend
Budget ₱1,200–2,500 excl. bed · Mid ₱2,500–5,000 excl. bed · High ₱5,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
Emergency
Police 117 · Fire and ambulance 117
Plugs
Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
Water
Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
Toilets
Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.

Get in

By air

CEB · Mactan–Cebu International Airport
Bus from terminal to North Bus Terminal, then to Daanbantayan (≈2 h total).

Typical fares

Mandaue north terminal → Daanbantayan (V‑hire)
PHP 160–190 per person, about 2 h (check)
Maya → Malapascua boat
PHP 200 per person, 8 AM departure (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Jeepney routes link the public terminal to Bogo and Maya; tricycles and habal‑habal handle short trips; V‑hire vans cost PHP 160‑190 from Mandaue north terminal.

See and do

Known for

  • Malapascua Island
  • Gato Cave
  • Monad Shoal
  • Haladaya Festival

Day trips

WhereHowTime
BogoJeepney or tricycle from Daanbantayan public terminal, about 30 min≈45 min
MoalboalBus from Daanbantayan to Moalboal via Cebu City, about 2 h total≈2 h 30 min
Malapascua Island8 AM boat from Maya pier, reach Maya by V‑hire or bus from Daanbantayan (≈1 h)≈2 h

Sleep

Kandaya Resort
High‑end resort, about PHP 21,000 per night.
Pension houses
Budget options, price varies; check locally.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
Excuse me / SorryPasaylo-a kopasaylo-a ko
Thank youSalamatsalamat
How much is this?Tagpila kini?tagpila kini?
Where is the bathroom?Asa ang kasilyas?asa ang kasilyas?

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
  • Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
  • Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
  • Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
  • Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass

Scams and watch-outs

  • Violent crime is rare, but avoid groups of drunk men at night.
  • Boat to Malapascua departs daily at 8 AM; confirm schedule in advance.

Violent crime is rare; pickpocketing is virtually nonexistent, but stay alert at night near bars.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Daanbantayan yet. Suggested stay: 2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Malapascua Island
  • Gato Cave
  • Monad Shoal
  • Haladaya Festival

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Daanbantayan

Palihug padulong dinhi

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

  • Police117
  • Fire and ambulance117

US consular services are in Cebu City; check the official website for hours.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/daanbantayan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.