RoRo Rookie: What to Expect When Taking the RoRo from EB Magalona to Ajuy

How to go to Manta-angan port, EB Magalona from Iloilo:

From Iloilo Fastcraft & RoRo Terminal > BREDCO port > Ceres Bus North Terminal (ride Victorias bus line) > Drop off at Bangga Alicante > ride motor trike going to Brgy. Manta-angan > arrival at FF Cruz port

How to go to Ajuy, Iloilo from Negros:

From Manta-angan port, EB Magalona > ride FF Cruz RoRo going to port Bay-ang, Ajuy > arrival at FF Cruz port > ride motor trike going to highway 

Traveling for work is a dream come true for many. But for me? I’m not so sure. I can pretend to be the spontaneous woman most of us hope we (still) are after 30—but let’s face it: I now prefer routine. Impromptu travels mean panic packing, quick goodbyes, and no time to shop for snacks. It’s not ideal, but that night, I realized I was halfway through that list anyway, thanks to my larger-than-life backpack.

My mission: to document how fast and convenient it is to travel from EB Magalona via Port Manta-angan to Port Bay-ang in Ajuy. How hard could it be? The last time I visited Bacolod was in college, so I was curious to see what had changed and how the city had grown. Join me, a timid traveler, as we cross the channel, conquer the commute, and make it back in time for dinner.

A Quick Escape and a Reliable Ride

My day began at the Iloilo Fastcraft & RoRo Terminal in Lapuz. The most reliable jeepney route going there from the city is Route 1 Bo. Obrero, Lapuz to City Proper Loop. Get off at the clearing outpost between Rizal Street and the New Iloilo Ferry Terminal Access Road. You won’t miss it—there are plenty of trikes waiting to take you to the terminal. Prepare coins or small change, especially in the morning.

At the terminal, expect assistance from friendly staff, whether it’s for your baggage or instructions on how to get your ticket. I chose OceanJet (other options include Weesam and SuperCat) since it had the next available trip at 7:20 AM.

OceanJet offers three pricing tiers: Regular, Tourist, and Business Class. Present one valid ID when purchasing a ticket. After that, get your assigned seat number and pay the terminal fee. The inspection was a breeze; though I imagine they conduct more thorough checks for passengers with larger luggage.

The waiting area is spacious, with plenty of seats, a couple of charging ports, and food stalls. Grab a cup of instant noodles, rehydrate, or buy a simple pasalubong. Expect minor delays during your trip—nothing a little food and music can’t fix.

The weather was agreeable that day: blue skies, barely any clouds, and just the right temperature. The inside of the vessel was more spacious than expected. My seat wasn’t near the window (sadly), but I always appreciate an aisle row. I checked the lifejackets under my seat and located the exit points before finally relaxing.

The estimated travel time is usually an hour, or an hour and 30 minutes. The vessel travels around Guimaras Island, crossing the Guimaras Strait before docking at the BREDCO Port. 

This is where things got tricky for me: I couldn’t find any online guides on how to commute around Bacolod. I was completely lost. It was around 9 AM, and I was on a tight schedule to catch a 3 PM RoRo back to Iloilo. Malls weren’t open yet, so there was no time for sightseeing (not today, anyway).

Instead, I booked a Grab ride—my ever-reliable ally given my questionable sense of direction. My destination: the Ceres Bus North Terminal, where I needed to catch a Victorias-bound bus to EB Magalona.

The Grab ride took longer than expected, but the driver was friendly and chatty, so the minutes flew by. At the terminal, I bought a double burger and boarded the bus. I told the conductor I needed to get off at Bangga Alicante to head to Port Manta-angan.

True to their reputation, the Ceres bus sped along the road, passing cars, stores, pedestrians, and plenty of interesting sights. A part of me wanted to stop and explore Negros, but I simply didn’t have time. Oh well, another reason to come back.

Soon enough, we arrived at Bangga Alicante, where I rode a tricycle straight to the port.

Comfortable Ferry Travel on the FF Cruz Line

By this time, I was halfway through my mission. I was tired, sweaty, but proud of myself for not getting lost (considering my sense of direction).

The FF Cruz Shipping port in Manta-angan is quite charming: helpful staff, private vehicle parking, a canteen, and Piso WiFi. The waiting area is comfortable, and the causeway is spacious enough for truckers and cargo.

To book a RoRo ride as a walk-in passenger, log in at the desk officer (Step 1) located at the entrance of the waiting area. Get your number and proceed to the ticketing window to receive your boarding pass. Private vehicle owners are advised to book in advance via hotline or Messenger. Those with advance bookings can skip Step 1 and secure a coast guard clearance before claiming their boarding pass.

Individual passengers are transported to the vessel via two shuttles.

As of writing, two vessels operate at Manta-angan Port: one RoRo for passengers and private vehicles, and another strictly for trucks and cargo. The current RoRo vessel, M/V Halili, has a 300-passenger capacity, so don’t worry about being a chance passenger. There are also open-deck seats for travelers who want to enjoy the sea view.

Why choose the FF Cruz RoRo (EB Magalona – Ajuy)?

First, it’s fast. With an estimated travel time of one hour and 20 minutes, it’s more convenient than driving to Bacolod City and taking a fastcraft, especially for those coming from Victorias, Sagay City, and Escalante.

Second, it’s the most convenient option if you’re headed to Northern Panay (e.g., Concepcion, Roxas City, Kalibo). For private vehicle owners, once the vessel docks, simply roll off and continue your journey. No extra fees. No hassle.

Third, the experience is scenic and relaxing. I enjoyed talking to fellow passengers, watching the sunset, and even found time to wrap up my report. It felt like a peaceful break in the middle of a chaotic day. Nearing Bay-ang Port, I joined a few passengers on the open deck to watch the mountains take shape as they drew nearer. 

I’m back in Panay Island once more. As it was almost sunset, some vehicles were already in queue, ready to be loaded for a last trip. Meanwhile, my fellow passengers rushed to catch the last tricycles going to the highway. As the skies darkened, I took a few photos, not because I wanted to remember the moment forever, but because I knew I’d be back.

Sure, this was my first RoRo trip. But it certainly won’t be my last.