Planning to visit Iligan City for the Diyandi Festival? Trans-Asia Shipping Lines has announced scheduled trips connecting Cebu, Iligan, and Ozamiz, giving travelers options for reaching the City of Majestic Waterfalls during the festival season.
Whether you’re returning home to celebrate with family, attending the festivities for the first time, or planning a Northern Mindanao getaway, knowing the ferry departure schedule can help you organize your trip.
Trans-Asia’s festival travel announcement: its Cebu–Iligan service operates three days a week, with corresponding return trips from Iligan to Cebu. The company also announced connections between Ozamiz and Iligan.
This guide covers the announced ferry schedules, available routes, booking information, festival travel preparations, and practical tips for passengers.
The schedules below are based on Trans-Asia’s supplied Diyandi Festival announcement. Departure times, vessel assignments, fares, and availability may change. Confirm your sailing with Trans-Asia before traveling.
Trans-Asia Cebu to Iligan Ferry Schedule 2026
Trans-Asia has regular scheduled departures between Cebu and Iligan for travelers visiting Northern Mindanao.
Cebu to Iligan
- Monday: 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 PM
Passengers departing from Cebu can use these evening sailings to plan their onward journey to Iligan City. If you intend to attend a specific festival event, allow sufficient time for the sea crossing, disembarkation, and travel from the port to your accommodation.
Iligan to Cebu Ferry Schedule
For travelers returning to Cebu after the Diyandi Festival, Trans-Asia has also announced three weekly departures from Iligan.
- Tuesday: 4:15 PM
- Thursday: 4:15 PM
- Sunday: 4:15 PM
Book your return ticket in advance when possible, especially if you need to be back in Cebu for work or school.
Trans-Asia Ozamiz to Iligan and Iligan to Ozamiz Schedule
Travelers coming from Ozamiz can also use the announced Trans-Asia connections to reach Iligan. These sailings provide another option for passengers traveling within Northern Mindanao.
| Route | Departure days | Departure time |
|---|---|---|
| Ozamiz to Iligan | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 8:00 AM |
| Iligan to Ozamiz | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday | 4:15 PM |
Travelers should confirm the actual sailing itinerary, including whether a vessel makes intermediate port calls. The published announcement does not establish that all listed sailings are direct, nor does it specify their arrival times.
For passengers making a connection from another ferry or bus, leave sufficient time between services. A delay on your first journey could affect your onward travel.
Complete Trans-Asia Diyandi Festival Ferry Schedule
Here’s a consolidated table of the announced services for easier reference.
| Ferry route | Operating days | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu → Iligan | Mon / Wed / Fri | 7:00 PM |
| Iligan → Cebu | Tue / Thu / Sun | 4:15 PM |
| Ozamiz → Iligan | Tue / Thu / Sat | 8:00 AM |
| Iligan → Ozamiz | Tue / Thu / Sun | 4:15 PM |
These are scheduled departure times rather than a live booking timetable. Check the exact travel date before finalizing your plans.
How to Book Trans-Asia Ferry Tickets
Passengers can book through authorized Trans-Asia ticketing outlets or through Chelsea Travel, the online booking service mentioned in the company’s announcement.
- Online ferry booking. Check available sailings, passenger details, and current ticket prices through Chelsea Travel.Â
- Trans-Asia customer inquiries: (032) 254-6491
Step 1: Select your travel route
Choose your preferred departure and destination ports, such as Cebu to Iligan or Ozamiz to Iligan. Select your travel date and check whether a sailing is available.
Step 2: Check ticket availability and accommodation
Review the available accommodation categories, fares, and any applicable booking conditions shown for your selected sailing. Do not assume that every accommodation type is offered on every vessel.
Step 3: Enter your passenger information
Provide your full name and other details required by the booking platform. Make sure your information matches the valid identification you will present at the port.
Step 4: Complete payment
Follow the payment instructions and retain your booking confirmation, ticket reference, or electronic ticket. Review the operator’s payment and refund conditions before confirming.
Step 5: Confirm your boarding requirements
Before your departure, check the required check-in time, boarding location, identification requirements, and baggage allowance. Keep a digital copy of your ticket and consider saving an offline copy in case mobile reception is unreliable.
Why Visit Iligan During the Diyandi Festival?
The festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience Iligan’s traditions while exploring its natural attractions and local food.
If you’re traveling specifically for the celebration, check the official city festival calendar before choosing your ferry departure. Individual event schedules and venues may change from year to year.
Experience Iligan’s cultural celebrations
Festival activities may include street performances, community gatherings, religious observances, and other organized events. These provide opportunities to learn more about the city’s history and local traditions.
Visitors should follow event organizers’ instructions, respect religious activities, and be mindful of residents when photographing celebrations.
Visit Maria Cristina Falls
Access arrangements can vary, so check current visitor rules, opening hours, and tour availability before including the falls in your itinerary.
Explore Tinago Falls
Visitors should prepare for walking and stairs, wear appropriate footwear, and follow local safety instructions. Avoid swimming when conditions are unsafe or when local authorities restrict access.
Suggested Cebu to Iligan Festival Travel Itinerary
If you’re taking the ferry from Cebu, a flexible itinerary can help you enjoy the festival without rushing between destinations.
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Day 1: Depart from Cebu
Take your selected 7:00 PM ferry on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Arrive at the terminal according to the operator’s check-in requirements, complete boarding procedures, and settle into your assigned accommodation.
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Day 2: Arrive and explore Iligan
After arrival and disembarkation, travel to your accommodation. Depending on your actual arrival time, spend the day exploring nearby restaurants, markets, or festival activities.
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Day 3: Enjoy the Diyandi Festival
Attend the cultural and religious events that match your interests. Check the official festival program to avoid missing activities you particularly want to see.
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Day 4: Discover Iligan’s attractions
Consider a visit to Maria Cristina Falls or Tinago Falls, subject to opening hours, transport availability, and weather conditions.
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Departure day: Return to Cebu
Arrange your return journey around the announced Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday 4:15 PM sailings, or check other available travel options.
This is a sample itinerary, not a confirmed vessel arrival schedule. Adjust the days to match your booked sailing and the festival calendar.
Travel Tips for Passengers During the Festival
Festival travel can involve busy terminals, limited accommodation availability, and increased demand for local transportation. Preparing ahead can make the journey easier.
Book your ferry and accommodation early. If you’re traveling on a particular festival weekend, reserve your preferred dates as soon as you have confirmed your plans. Check the cancellation terms in case your itinerary changes.
Allow time for boarding. Ferry passengers should follow the check-in deadlines stated on their tickets. Arriving shortly before the scheduled departure may not leave enough time for terminal procedures.
Prepare for changing weather. September falls within the Philippine rainy season. Monitor weather advisories and shipping company announcements, particularly when a storm or heavy rainfall could affect sea travel.
Pack essentials in your carry-on bag. Keep your identification, tickets, medications, drinking water, charging equipment, and other frequently needed items accessible during the voyage.
Arrange local transportation in advance. If you’re arriving late or traveling with family, check available transportation from the port to your hotel. Confirm your accommodation’s check-in policy if you expect to arrive outside standard hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Cebu to Iligan ferry depart?
- Â 7:00 PM from Cebu on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
What days does the Iligan to Cebu ferry operate?
- Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday departures at 4:15 PM.
Is there a ferry from Ozamiz to Iligan?
- Yes. The published festival schedule lists Ozamiz to Iligan departures on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8:00 AM.
Can I book a Trans-Asia ferry ticket online?
- You can book online at Chelsea Travel. Availability and payment options depend on the selected sailing.
Are the ferry schedules guaranteed during the festival?
- No. All schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
Plan Your Diyandi Festival Ferry Trip
The announced Trans-Asia services provide travel options between Cebu, Iligan, and Ozamiz for passengers planning to attend the Diyandi Festival or visit Northern Mindanao.
Before booking, compare your preferred departure day with the festival events you want to attend, verify the sailing’s arrival time, and allow enough flexibility for possible delays. Reserving your accommodation and return transportation in advance can also help you organize your trip.
For booking and schedule inquiries, visit Chelsea Travel or contact an authorized Trans-Asia ticketing outlet.
Want more ferry schedules, travel guides, and route updates around the Philippines? Follow 2Go Bus and Ferries on Facebook and visit www.2gobusandferries.com for more travel information.
