Air connectionsThe main gateway for Malapascua is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City.There are plenty of domestic flights to and from Manila, but it is also possible to take an international flight directly into Cebu.At the time of writing (2009) five international airlines have direct Cebu connections: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines (Silk Air) and Cebu Pacific. Mactan/Cebu International Airport is a small, easygoing airport on Mactan Island, about 15 km from the city centre.We will be happy to arrange a pick-up service from the airport with transfer to Malapascua (about 3 1/2 hours travel time) and/or book a hotel room in Cebu City. See the prices chapter for transfer details.For all independant travellers here is how to reach the island:Cebu – Maya by busFrom the airport take a taxi for about 150 PHP to the Cebu North bus station and board one of the frequent buses to Maya (e.g. Ceres, mostly not airconditioned, but the few aircon buses are quite new). These will take you for 150 PHP in about 4 hours on mostly good roads directly to Maya pier at the northernmost tip of Cebu Island.Cebu – Maya by taxiHiring an air-conditioned taxi from Cebu City to Maya will cost about 2200 PHP. This is a more comfortable option, saves about one hour travel time and makes the trip on a scenic road, which partly follows the shoreline, quite enjoyable.Maya – MalapascuaOn the Maya pier you will find a tiny booth selling regular boat tickets for 50 PHP. Also porters are waiting to bring your luggage for a few pesos on one of the outrigger boats servicing Malapascua. At low tide these pumpboats cannot dock, so small crafts will ferry you to the boat. Be prepared to get wet feet wading through some shallow water! Regular boats leave for Malapascua until about 5 p.m. every 30 – 60 minutes, but only if enough passengers are on board. An immediate special ride is available for about 1000 PHP. After 5 p.m. it may be difficult to find a boat, so rather plan an overnight stay in Cebu City then or make use of our pick-up service. The boat ride to Malapascua will take about 30 minutes. Hippocampus is located at the eastern end of Bounty beach about ten minutes walk from the boating point.