Bohol is like a condensed version of the entire country, which is why this bountiful province is always on the list of must-visit places for first-time travelers in the Philippines. Whether you are looking to get a tan at white sand beaches or dive into the colorful underwater, be mesmerized by the sprawling Chocolate Hills or simply indulge on a relaxing river cruise, visit elegant archaic churches or conquer thrilling adventures, say it and most likely Bohol has it!
This Bohol travel blog aims to serve as a guide for first time travelers in Bohol. I’ll discuss the sample Bohol Trip Itinerary, Places to See in Bohol and Bohol Island Hopping Tour which I experienced during my solo Bohol tour last 2015. My first Bohol trip though was back in 2012 with Cebu and Bohol bloggers. We visited the not-so-usual places to see in Bohol, places that you don’t often see on Bohol trip blogs.
TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
RELATED TRAVEL BLOG: 2021 BOHOL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO GET TO BOHOL
MANILA TO BOHOL
Several airlines fly between Manila and Tagbilaran Airport in Bohol such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Airasia.
RESERVE TAGBILARAN AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE
CEBU TO BOHOL BY FASTCRAST/FERRY
RESERVE CEBU-BOHOL FASTCRAFT TICKET HERE
Bohol is just a short ferry ride from Cebu. Several fast crafts travel daily between Cebu City and Tagbilaran and Cebu City and Tubigon.
CEBU-BOHOL FERRY/FASTCRAFT SCHEDULE
2Go FERRY SCHEDULE TAGBILARAN (BOHOL) TO CEBU AND CEBU TO TAGBILARAN (BOHOL)
PORT: PIER 1 CEBU CITY
| BOHOL TO CEBU | DEPARTURE | CEBU TO BOHOL | DEPARTURE |
| Daily | 06:30 AM | Daily | 08:45 AM |
| Daily | 11:15 AM | Daily | 01:45 PM |
| Daily | 05:25 PM | Daily | 07:40 PM |
OCEANJET FASTCRAFT SCHEDULE: CEBU TO BOHOL (TAGBILARAN) AND BOHOL (TAGBILARAN) TO CEBU
PORT: PIER 1 CEBU CITY
| BOHOL (TAGBILARAN)
TO CEBU |
DEPARTURE | CEBU TO BOHOL (TAGBILARAN) |
DEPARTURE |
| Daily | 6:00 AM | Daily | 06:00 AM |
| Daily | 7:05 AM | Daily | 07:00 AM |
| Daily | 08:20 AM | Daily | 08:00 AM |
| Daily | 09:20 AM | Daily | 09:20 AM |
| Daily | 11:40 AM | Daily | 10:40 AM |
| Daily | 01:00 PM | Daily | 11:40 AM |
| Daily | 02:00 PM | Daily | 01:00 PM |
| Daily | 03:30 PM | Daily | 02:00 PM |
| Daily | 04:20 PM | Daily | 03:30 PM |
| Daily | 05:30 PM | Daily | 04:20 PM |
| Daily | 06:30 PM | Daily | 06:35 PM |
CEBU TO TAGBILARAN (BOHOL) SCHEDULE VIA LITE FERRY
PORT: PIER 1 CEBU CITY
| CEBU TO TAGBILARAN (BOHOL) | DEPARTURE |
| Daily | 12:30 PM |
| Daily | 10:00 PM |
| Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | 01:00 PM |
FERRY SCHEDULE CEBU TO TUBIGON (BOHOL)
VIA LITE FERRY/SHIPPING
PORT: PIER 1 CEBU CITY
| CEBU TO TUBIGON (BOHOL) | DEPARTURE |
| Daily | 07:00 AM |
| Daily | 07:00 PM |
FERRY SCHEDULE MANDAUE (CEBU) TO TUBIGON (BOHOL)
VIA LITE FERRY/SHIPPING AT QUANO WHARF
| MANDAUE (CEBU) TO TUBIGON (BOHOL) | DEPARTURE |
| Daily | 10:00 AM |
| Daily | 12:00 PM |
| Daily | 10:00 PM |
| Daily | 12:00 AM |
BOHOL TO DUMAGUETE
RESERVE BOHOL TO DUMAGUERE FERRY TICKET HERE
ALSO READ:
DUMAGUETE + NEGROS ORIENTAL TRAVEL GUIDE
GETTING AROUND BOHOL
Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol and the main point of entry (by plane and ferry). Public transportation are unreliable and only leave once full (not to mention the frequent stops). But if you really want to take a bus you can head to the Integrated Bus Terminal in Dao.
Alternatively to get to Alona Beach or Dumaluan Beach where most beach-front accommodations are located, you can charter a tricycle (expect to pay Php 250/USD 5.05 – Php 500/ USD 10), van or taxi. If you are alone, talk to other tourists so you can share the expenses. Or if you’re really on a budget and you don’t need to stay near the beach, just look and book a room at hotels in Tagbilaran. Most hotels also arrange pick-up/transfer for guests for an extra fee. Do inquire at your hotel upon booking a room.
BOHOL TOURS
Country Side Tour – Chocolate Hills, Tarsier, Manmade Forest, Loboc River Cruise, Sandugo Site, Butterfly Garden, Hanging Bridge and Python Sanctuary
RESERVE BOHOL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR HERE
Island Hopping Tour – Dolphin watching, snorkeling in Balicasag Island and Virgin Island
Panglao Island Tour – Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis Church and Miracle Well, Sea Shell Museum, Bohol Bee Farm, Panglao Church and Watch Tower, Alona Beach
BOOK PANGLAO ISLAND LAND TOUR HERE
Danao Extreme Adventure – Whole day in Danao Adventure Park. Activities include The Plunge, Spelunking, Village Tour, Offroad buggy, river kayak and roof climb.
RESERVE DANAO ADVENTURE PARK PRIVATE TRANSFER HERE
Firefly Tour – Dinner plus firefly tour at Loboc River
Catigbian DATE Park Tour – I did this tour back in 2012, where we tried the activities in DATE Park in Catigbian. You can read my blog here.
PLACES TO SEE SEE IN BOHOL
Here’s a list of places to see in Bohol.
COUNTRYSIDE TOUR
Tarsier Conservation Center
Loboc River Cruise
Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park
Chocolate Hills
Bilar Man-made Forest
Baclayon Church
Blood Compact Shrine
Butterfly Garden
Python Sanctuary
PANGLAO ISLAND LAND TOUR
RESERVE PANGLAO LAND TOUR HERE
Hinagdanan Cave
Sea Shell Museum
Bohol Bee Farm
Panglao Church and Watch Tower
Dauis Church and Miracle Well
Alona White Beach
PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
BOOK PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE
Dolphin Watching
Balicasag Island
Virgin Island
ADVENTURE TOURS
E.A.T Danao Extreme Adventure
Catigbian D.A.T.E Park
Sidetrips and Optional Activities:
Zipline and Cable Car
Bohol ATV Adventure
Clarin Ancestral House
Cloribel’s Ancestral House (permission needed beforehand)
D-Original Osang’s Homemade Pastries
Dauis Jewelry Makers (handmade)
HOW TO TOUR BOHOL
BY TOUR PACKAGE
I availed of a Bohol tour package for my countryside tour. It was a group tour so I was with other tourists (mostly foreigners) on a van. This is a good option if you are traveling alone. Personally, I’d skip some tourist spots included in the countryside tour (e.g. python and butterfly garden) nevertheless you can buy souvenirs and pasalubong there at reasonable prices.
BY VAN/CAR
For those traveling in groups, you can save a few bucks by renting a car or van. Rates start at Php 2,500 / USD 50 with driver for car and Php 3,000 / USD 60.58 for van. But there is no Bohol private tour guide, you have to hire one or go for a tour package.
BY TRICYCLE
The Bohol Countryside Tour can also be done with a tricycle. I have yet to read a Bohol travel blog using tricycle for their Bohol tour. I’d like to try this in the future.
BY MOTORBIKE
Bohol countryside can also be explored by motorbike. Rentals usually start at Php 300 / USD 300 per day, gasoline not included. Make sure you have a helmet and a map. You can also hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) with driver for your tour.
BY BOAT/ ISLAND HOPPING
For my island hopping tour, a tout along Alona Beach (they’re usually holding cardboards with tour packages photos and rate) offered me PHP 800/ USD 16.15 for this part of Bohol tour. I made an initial payment of PHP 300/ USD 6. But I was late, so the boats left already. You need to wake up really early for the tour, the island hopping usually starts at 6:00 AM. If you are traveling in a group, best to just charter a boat for island hopping, boat is good for 1- 5 persons and 6 -1 0 persons, you can book below:
RESERVE PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL
Bohol abounds with all types of accommodations, I stayed at Henann Resort Bohol recently. Most visitors chose to stay in Alona Beach or Dumaluan Beach.
HIGH-END
Henann Resort Alona Beach
Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao Island, Panglao Island, Bohol
MIDRANGE
Alona Vida Beach Resort
Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
Panglao Regents Park
Ester A. Lim Drive, Tawala, Panglao, Panglao Island, Bohol
Alona Northland Resort
Ester A. Lim Drive, Panglao Island, Bohol
BUDGET
Moon Fools Hostel
Tawala, Panglao Island
Dormitels PH Alona Beach
Alona Beach, Barangay, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
WHERE TO EAT IN BOHOL
Sea Breeze Cafe
Henann Resort Bohol
Alona Beach, Panglao
They accept walk-in guest.
Lunch Buffet (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) PHP 585.60 / $11.82 (Adult rate)/ PHP 292.80/ $5.91 (kid rate 5-9 years old)
Dinner Buffet (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) PHP 854/ USD 17.24 (Adult rate) / PHP 427/ $8.62 (kid rate 5-9 years old)
The Buzz Café (owned by Bohol Bee Farm) Alona Beach, Bohol Bohol Bee Farm Organic food Tagbilaran
Seafood found along Alona Beach (the one fronting Buzz Cafe is cheap and good)
Saffron Restaurant Amorita Resort, Alona Beach Panglao
Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast Near Alona Beach,Serves Italian dishes Tawala, Panglao Island
Garden Café
Operated by the Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled for 25 yrs
Tagbilaran
Gerarda’s Restaurant
Filipino dishes
Tagbilaran
BOHOL ITINERARY
| Day 1 | COUNTRYSIDE TOUR |
| 09:00 AM | Start of Countryside Tour : Tarsier Sanctuary, Man-Made Forest, Butterfly Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills |
| 11:00 AM | Loboc River Cruise |
| 01:00 PM | Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park |
| 02:00 PM | Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Shrine |
| 06:00 PM | Back to Hotel |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
| Day 2 | ISLAND HOPPING TOUR |
| 06:00 AM | Start of Island Hopping : Dolphon watching, snorkeling in Balicasag and Virgin Island |
| 02:00 PM | Back to Resort |
| 02:30 PM | Late Lunch in Alona |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
| Day 3 | PANGLAO ISLAND TOUR |
| 08:00 AM | Start of Panglao Island Tour: Hinagdanan Cave, Sagbayan Peak , Mag-aso Falls Punta Cruz Watchtower |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at Bohol Bee Farm |
| 02:00 PM | Back to hotel /swimming at the beach |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
| Day 4 | Danao Extreme Adventure |
| 07:00 AM | Whole day adventure at Danao Extreme Adventure |
| 06:00 PM | Back to hotel |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner |
BOHOL EXPENSES
| Attraction | Entrance Fees |
| Tarsier Sanctuary Fee | Php 60 / USD 1.21 |
| Chocolate Hills | Php 50 / USD 1.01 |
| Bohol Bee Farm | Php 30 / USD 0.61 |
| Man-Made Forest | N/A |
| Loboc River Cruise | Php Php 450 (cruise + lunch) |
| Python Sanctuary | Php 10 / USD 0.20 |
| Butterfly Sanctuary | Php 30 / USD 0.61 |
| Hanging Bridge | Php 20 / USD 0.40 |
| Baclayon Church | Php 25 / USD 0.50 |
| Hinagdanan Cave | Php 30 / USD 0.61 |
| Maribojoc Tower | Php 10 / USD 0. 20 |
| Mag-aso Falls | Php 40 / USD 0.81 |
| Sagbayan Peak | Php 20 / USD 0.4O |
| Bohol Bee Farm | Php 30/ USD 0.61 |
| TOTAL | Php 805 / USD 16.25 |
| Activities | Fee |
| Countryside Tour | Php 450 / USD 10 (entrance fee not included) |
| Panglao Island Hopping | Php 800 + Php 150 / USD 16.15 + USD 3 snorkeling gear fee |
| TOTAL | Php 1, 400 / USD 28.27 |
| Transportation | Fare |
| Fastcraft: Cebu to Bohol and back | Php 750 |
| Tricycle from Tagbilaran to Alona Beach | Php 250 (charter) |
| TOTAL | Php 1,000 |
| Food | Cost |
| Breakfast | Free Hotel Breakfast |
| Lunch | Php 150- Php 200 / USD 3-4 per meal |
| Dinner | Php 300 – Php 400 / USD 6-8 per meal |
BOHOL FESTIVALS
BOHOL FIESTA – May 1
SANDUGO FESTIVAL – 1st week of July
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
ALSO READ
ANDA BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE (Itinerary + Budget)
HOW TO GET TO THE CAVE POOL IN ANDA BOHOL
CEBU CITY DIY TRAVEL GUIDE
CAMIGUIN TRAVEL GUIDE (Itinerary + Budget)
CEBU CITY WALKING TOUR
MALAPASCUA TRAVEL GUIDE (Itinerary + Budget)
OSLOB CEBU WHALESHARK WATCHING
About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina travel blogger. Her work has appeared in local and international publications.
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