Santander · Tañon Strait crossing
Liloan port to Dumaguete: the ferry, explained.
Liloan port in Santander is the southern gateway between Cebu and Negros Oriental. Here is how the crossing to Sibulan works, how to buy a ticket, and how to plan the day on either side.
The short version
A short sea crossing joins the south of Cebu to Dumaguete.
Ferries link Liloan, in Santander, at the southern tip of Cebu, with Sibulan, a few kilometres from Dumaguete City on Negros Oriental. The crossing is short, around half an hour, and it turns Oslob and Dumaguete into neighbours. If you are travelling from Oslob to Dumaguete, this is the route to know. Operators and timetables change, so treat this page as a guide and confirm the current schedule before you go.
At a glance
The Liloan–Sibulan crossing.
From
Liloan port, Santander, southern Cebu
To
Sibulan port, Negros Oriental, a short road trip from Dumaguete
Crossing time
Around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the operator
Vessels
Roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) ferries that carry passengers and vehicles
Operators
Maayo Shipping and Cuadro Alas Navigation Lines are listed on this route
Schedule
Changes from time to time. Check with the operator
How to do it
From Oslob to Dumaguete, step by step.
Get to Liloan port
Liloan port is in Santander, a short distance from the resort area. Liloan port is a short drive south of Oslob along the coast road. At G Boutique we can arrange a pier transfer on request, quoted separately.
Buy your ticket
Tickets can generally be bought online, at the operator’s ticketing offices or through ticketing partners. At the port or local offices, bring cash, which remains the most common way to pay. Check the operator’s current fares and any fuel surcharges.
Arrive early
One operator advises arriving 30 minutes to an hour before departure for check-in, security screening and vehicle loading. Allow a little more in busy periods.
Board and cross
RoRo ferries load passengers and vehicles together. The crossing takes around half an hour, and you can usually sit inside or on deck.
Continue from Sibulan
From the Sibulan side, travellers usually continue to Dumaguete by jeepney, taxi or pre-arranged car, a trip commonly described as around half an hour.
Before you go
What to bring, and a few tips.
- Some cash for the ticket and for onward transport, as card payment may not always be available.
- A valid ID, as ports may ask for one, and any e-ticket you have booked.
- Light luggage you can carry. Baggage allowances vary by class and operator, so check before you travel.
- Water, sunscreen and a light layer for the deck.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive, since sea conditions vary; check the weather before you go.
Planning tips
- Early boats suit day trips. The first sailings of the day are early, which gives you more time on the far side.
- Weather can change a day’s sailings. Keep a little flexibility, and avoid fixed commitments such as flights on the same day as a crossing.
- Schedules can be adjusted at short notice, for example during vessel maintenance. Confirm times with the operator the day before.
- Fast-craft services have also been run on routes around Dumaguete, but timetables have changed often. Ask the operator before relying on one.
Make it a trip
Combine it with Dumaguete and Apo Island.
Once across, Dumaguete is a university city with cafés and a relaxed feel. Apo Island, known for its turtles and snorkelling, is reached by boat from the coast south of Dumaguete. Boats usually leave from Malatapay in Zamboanguita, roughly half an hour south of the city, and the sea crossing takes about 45 minutes, though some operators use other departure points. Confirm yours when you book.
Most travellers give Apo Island a full day, so plan an overnight on the Negros side if you want to enjoy both.
Before or after the crossing
Stay in Santander.
Because Liloan port is in Santander, the resort area is a natural place to sleep before an early boat or after a long return. G Boutique Resort is on the beach in Santander, with ten cabanas, the Beach Villa for groups of up to 25, and G Bistro on site from 7 AM to 11 PM. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
It is also about fifteen minutes from the Oslob whale sharks, so a night here works for a morning with the sharks before you cross. Our Oslob guide and our guide to where to stay near the whale sharks can help you plan it.
Questions
Liloan port ferry, answered.
Where is Liloan port?
Liloan port is in Santander, at the southern tip of Cebu. It is the Cebu-side terminal for ferries to Sibulan on Negros Oriental.
How long is the ferry from Liloan to Sibulan?
Around 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the operator. Allow extra time for check-in and boarding.
Which companies run the ferry?
Maayo Shipping and Cuadro Alas Navigation Lines are both listed on the Sibulan–Liloan route, using RoRo vessels. Schedules and services change, so confirm with the operator.
How do I get from Oslob to Dumaguete?
Travel by road from Oslob to Liloan port in Santander, cross to Sibulan by ferry, then continue to Dumaguete by jeepney, taxi or pre-arranged car.
How do I buy a ticket?
Usually online, at the operator’s ticketing offices, at the port or through partners. Bring cash for in-person purchases and check the current fares with the operator.
Can I bring a car or motorbike?
The RoRo vessels on this route carry vehicles for a separate fee. Ask the operator about requirements and the vehicle you plan to bring.
What if the weather is bad?
Sailings can be delayed or adjusted. Keep your plans flexible and check with the operator on the day.
Can G Boutique arrange my pier transfer?
Yes, on request. Pier (Liloan to Sibulan), airport and Oslob transfers are arranged and quoted separately. There is no scheduled or complimentary shuttle.
G Boutique · Santander
Sleep by the port, wake up by the sea.
Send us your dates and we will arrange your cabana or the Beach Villa, and a pier or Oslob transfer if you would like one.