What a Marinduque trip costs
A realistic, referenced budget for getting to the Heart of the Philippines and enjoying it — from Manila bus and ferry fares to island-hopping, food and a place to sleep.
All figures are indicative estimates for 2024–2025 in Philippine pesos (₱) and vary by operator, season and fuel prices.
₱4,400 – ₱7,200
per person, all-in from Manila (DIY, budget → comfort)
Where the money goes
- Round-trip transport (from Manila)
- ₱1,900 – ₱2,700
- Accommodation (2 nights)
- ₱1,000 – ₱2,000
- Food (3 days)
- ₱1,000 – ₱1,500
- Local transport & tours
- ₱500 – ₱1,000
- Estimated total
- ₱4,400 – ₱7,200
Getting to the island
From Manila it is a bus to Lucena, then a RoRo ferry across to Marinduque — or a single all-in direct coach. There is also a small airport in Gasan.
| Leg | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus · Manila (Cubao/Buendía) → Lucena Grand Terminal [4] | ₱300 – ₱500 | 3–5 hrs · JAC Liner, JAM, DLTB |
| Terminal fee · Dalahican Port (Lucena) [2] | ₱30 | Paid before boarding |
| RoRo ferry · Dalahican → Balanacan (Mogpog) [2] | ₱470 – ₱600 | 3–4 hrs · Montenegro Lines, Starhorse |
| All-in direct · JAC Liner Cubao → Santa Cruz (bus + ferry) [1] | ₱1,300 | One way, no transfers |
| By air · Manila → Marinduque Airport (Gasan) [1] | Varies | ~45 min · subject to airline schedules |
Getting around
Tricycles, jeepneys and vans connect the six towns; island trips are by hired banca, shared among your group.
| Transport | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port → Boac by tricycle (private) [3] | ₱200 – ₱300 | Fits 2–3 with bags; haggle |
| Town-to-town jeepney / van (public) [3] | ₱30 – ₱100 | Per person, by distance |
| Tricycle within a town [3] | ₱20 – ₱50 | Short hops |
| Island-hopping boat (Maniwaya / Tres Reyes) [3] | ₱1,500 – ₱3,000 | Per boat, split among the group |
Sleeping, eating & exploring
Daily spending, per person — Marinduque is famously gentle on the wallet.
Money-saving tips
- Travel in a small group and split the tricycle and island-hopping boat — the biggest per-head savings.
- Book the RoRo ferry ahead during Holy Week and long weekends, when Moriones crowds peak.
- Carry cash — ports, markets and small eateries rarely take cards, and ATMs are limited outside Boac.
- Eat where locals eat (carinderias) and try uraro cookies and local seafood for cheap, authentic meals.
Sources & references
Fares and prices were compiled from the following travel resources (2024–2025). Always confirm current rates with the operator before travelling.
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