travel brochure in bohol

TRAVEL ADVISORY: See Updates and Precautionary for COVID-19 in Bohol

About bohol.

Located at the heart of Central Visayas, the Island province of Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 4,117.3 square kilometres. It is composed of an oval-shaped mainland surrounded by 72 smaller islands.

A popular tourist destination, the province is abundant of beaches and resorts. Its well-known beaches are found in Panglao Island, which is situated south-west of the province, and in Anda, located on the island’s east side. Bohol is composed of 1 city and 47 municipalities.

Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, is known as the “City of Friendship.” Situated in the south-western part of the province, it has a total land area of 32.70 km2 (12.63 sq mi) and a coastline of 13 km (8.1 mi). The city shares its boundaries with the municipalities of Cortes, Corella, and Baclayon. It is 630 km (390 mi) southeast of the national capital of Manila and 72 km (45 mi) south of the regional capital, Cebu City.

Tagbilaran City’s name is derived from “Tagu Bilaan” which means TAGU (to hide) and BILAAN (a Muslim marauder tribe) – hence its name means to hide from Muslim marauders.

For more information, click FACTS, USEFUL PHRASES, and the DO’S & DONT’S

• Creative Industries

News and Updates

Alicia Ultra 2023

Apr 14, 2023

The ALICIA ULTRA this coming April 16, 2023 is scheduled to be Bohol Island’s first trail ultramarathon. The race will be held in the beautiful town of Alicia. The trail course is set over the luscious green rolling hills of the...

Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023

Apr 13, 2023

Over a hundred individuals who are passionate about underwater photography, diving, and instructing are scheduled to gather in Bohol from April 13 to April 30 for the inaugural Bohol Loop Dive Expo, also known as BHOLDEX 2023,...

Visita Iglesia de Bohol

Apr 4, 2023

Your pilgrimage to 7 Bohol Churches not only during lent but-all-year round.St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral (Tagbilaran City) The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker is the main seat of the Catholic faith in Bohol, with the...

Travel Highlights

Take only memories, leave only footprints – Chief Seattle

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Travel Essentials

Now it’s time to make your Bohol vacation a reality! Perfect! To get you started, we’ve compiled everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Here you’ll find everything from money matters, health & wellness, happy stories, where to shop, prayer time, moving around, T.A.R.S.I.E.R and additional info. We’ve figured everything out, so you don’t have to!

Money Matters

Health & Wellness

Happy Stories

Where to Shop

Prayer Time

Moving Around

T.A.R.S.I.E.R 117

Additional Info

ITB Berlin 2024

Mar 5, 2024

​Last year, UNESCO conferred upon our dear island the honor of being included in its Global Geopark Network, making it the first destination ever to receive this distinction in the entire Philippines. This marked the culmination...

7TH PFTC 2024

Feb 26, 2024

The country’s farm tourism sector has made a strong comeback with the hosting of the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference on the scenic Panglao Island in Bohol. Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism...

PHIDEX 2024

Feb 23, 2024

Bohol joins PHIDEX 2024 DIVE7 DOT Central Visayas actively participated in PHIDEX 2024, the Philippines' premier diving exposition held at the World Trade Center Manila from February 23–25, 2024. Themed 'Heart of Asia's Diving:...

Take only memories, leave only footprints – Chief Seattle

Traveller Essentials

Now it’s time to make your Bohol vacation a reality! Perfect! To get you started, we’ve compiled everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Here you’ll find everything from money matters, health & wellness, happy stories, where to shop, prayer time, moving around, T.A.R.S.I.E.R and others. We’ve figured everything out, so you don’t have to!

Bohol Travel Guide For The Philippines

The island of Bohol Philippines is a unique one, with exotic landscapes like the ‘Chocolate Hills,’ and wild tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate. Bohol may not be quite as popular as islands like Coron or El Nido Palawan , but it’s still worth a visit.

There are lots of good things to see and do in Bohol island. You can go island hopping to enjoy some white sand beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving, or you can do a driving tour of the countryside to see waterfalls, rice terraces, churches, and of course the Philippine tarsiers.

It’s relatively easy to get to Bohol Island from Cebu or Manila, and you can even visit Bohol on a day trip from Cebu and go back in the same day, although there are enough activities on the island to keep you busy for at least a few days if you have time to stay longer.

This travel guide for Bohol Philippines will explain how to get there, where to stay, what to do on the island, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Where Is Bohol Island Located? 2) How To Get To Bohol Philippines 3) How To Get To Get Around Bohol Island 4) Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines 5) Map Of Things To Do In Bohol Philippines 6) Best Beaches In Bohol 7) How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines 8) Bohol Travel Itinerary 9) Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines 10) Best Bohol Tour Packages 11) Other Tips For Bohol Island 12) More Philippines Travel Guides  

Where Is Bohol Island Located?

Bohol island is located in the Central Visayas of the Philippines, just south of Cebu. It’s about 30 kilometers from Cebu city as the crow flies.

You can get there by flying from a big city, or taking a ferry from one of the nearby islands.

Drone pic of Balicasag Island — one of the most popular places in Bohol Philippines!

How To Get To Bohol Philippines

• from manila to bohol.

From Manila, you can fly to Bohol with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. The flight is non-stop and only takes about 1.5 hours.

The Bohol international airport is located in Panglao (code: TAG), which also happens to be the best area for tourists to stay. There are a bunch of flights on this route every day, and the prices are very reasonable — sometimes as low as 1,700 pesos ($30 USD) for a one way ticket!

If you have a choice, I would go with Philippine Airlines because they have the best service, but the other airlines are fine too.

Shop Now: Flights To Bohol

• From Cebu To Bohol

From Cebu, you can get to Bohol by fast ferry with Oceanjet or Supercat . The boats are safe and relatively comfortable, and the journey takes about 2 hours. Keep in mind, the ferries may be canceled if there’s stormy weather.

The Cebu ferry terminal is a short distance from the Cebu city center, and it’s easy to get there with a taxi. There are lots of ferry departures every day, so you can choose the date and time that fits your schedule best.

Prices are a very affordable 900 pesos ($16 USD) for a one way ticket, and there’s a small terminal fee to pay as well. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance though, so you can save time at the ferry terminal and guarantee your spot on the boat.

There are even day tours to Bohol from Cebu that include hotel transfers, ferry tickets, and a visit to many of the top sights on Bohol island. This can be a good option if you’re short on time and want an easy way to see some of the main highlights of Bohol.

Book Now: Bohol Ferry / Tour From Cebu

• From Other Places

You can also get to Bohol by ferry from other nearby islands in the Philippines like Siquijor , Dumaguete , or Camiguin .

Last, but not least, there are direct flights to Bohol from Davao (DVO) or El Nido (ENI) in the Philippines, or from Seoul–Incheon (ICN) in South Korea.

You can shop for flights to the Philippines at Skyscanner.

The famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol Philippines!

Blue and turquoise waters at Balicasag Island

How To Get To Get Around Bohol Island

The best way to get around Bohol island is by car, motorbike, or tuk-tuk (motorized tricycle).

Motorbike is the cheapest transport, and you can easily rent a bike from your hotel in Bohol or from one of the motorbike rental shops on the island.

Tricycles are an intermediate option. They’re a bit safer and more comfortable than motorbikes, but still pretty cheap. You can flag down a trike taxi on the road, or ask your hotel to call one for you.

Car is the most expensive way to get around Bohol, but it can still be very economical if you share it with a group of friends. It’s also the safest and most comfortable way to explore the island. For long distance trips, this is the way to go.

Klook has a private car charter for Bohol so you can hire a local driver with a car or van for up to 8 hours of touring all over the island. They also have airport transfers by car for Panglao and other areas of Bohol.

Tropical scenery on the Loboc river cruise

Philippine Tarsier

Last, but not least, another way to get around in Bohol is by joining a group tour. Klook has Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours that are very reasonably priced, especially if you’re a solo traveler. I did the countryside tour for only $10 USD!

One thing to keep in mind is that even though the tours are nice, you don’t really see the true countryside of Bohol, just the most popular tourist sights.

I still think the tours are worth doing, but if you really want to see the beauty of Bohol you should rent a motorbike or hire a private driver and go to something more remote like the Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad Falls. Even the drive out there is incredibly scenic and worthwhile!  

Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

• chocolate hills.

The Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic sights in Bohol Philippines! There are more than 1,000 of these cone-shaped hills spread out in the interior of the island, and it has to be one of Southeast Asia’s most unusual landscapes.

You can see the brown color of the hills in the dry season (January to May), but I actually prefer the green color during the rainy season months (June to December). Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Bohol island.

There’s a platform you can climb for panoramic views of the hills, and they also have some tourist activities like 4-wheeling (ATVs) and zip lines. The Chocolate Hills are located in central Bohol, about a 1.5 hour drive from Panglao.

Book Now: Bohol Countryside Tour

Panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills

• Philippine Tarsiers

Bohol is famous for being home to the Philippine tarsiers. These little bug-eyed animals are the world’s smallest primates.

There are two main places to see tarsiers in Bohol: the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary or the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area . The sanctuary gets better reviews, but you have to visit it independently since the tours usually go to the other one.

At the conservation area, it was disappointing to see crowds of noisy tourists being disrespectful and ignoring the signs to keep quiet. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals, so please try not to disturb them too much, and remember to disable the flash on your camera.

• Loboc River

The Loboc River is another popular spot to visit on the Bohol countryside tour . For this one, you’ll hop on a scenic boat cruise along the river, enjoying a buffet meal and a Filipino cultural dance.

When I saw the crowds and the long line to get into the boats, I was worried this might turn out to be a pointless tourist trap, but the boat cruise was actually pretty enjoyable. The meal was a bit pricey, at 850 pesos, but all of the food was fresh and good, and I came back for seconds and thirds.

The tropical scenery along the river gets better as you go, with steep mountains and palm trees lining the riverside. Overall, it was a nice experience and a fun memory from my trip to Bohol Philippines!

Loboc river cruise

• Alona Beach

Alona Beach is Bohol’s main tourist beach, with lots of hotels , bars, restaurants, massage places, and souvenir shops.

You can relax on the beach or do watersports, and it’s also a nice beach for seeing the sunrise or sunset. The hawkers can be a bit annoying, but if you ignore them they’ll go away.

I wouldn’t say Alona is a very special beach compared to some of the other great beaches in the Philippines, but it’s certainly worth a visit!

Funny sand castle at Alona Beach

• Dumaluan Beach

Dumaluan Beach is the nicer, more quiet alternative to Alona. It’s cleaner and less developed, and not as many people know about it. There’s also an entrance fee to go to the beach, so that keeps some of the crowds away.

For nice places to stay at Dumaluan, check out the South Palms Resort or Bohol Beach Club . These are really beautiful hotels, although they’re on the pricey side.

South Palms Resort

Dumaluan Beach ( South Palms Resort )

• Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is the main destination for the Bohol island hopping tours . It’s a circle shaped island that’s located not too far southwest of Bohol.

We stayed 2.5 hours wandering the island, soaking up sun on the beach, and snorkeling at the reef, where you can swim with sea turtles. This is a fun island to visit on a day trip from Bohol Philippines!

Balicasag is a busy island with lots of boats on the beach, but you can find quiet areas if you look around. There are also restaurants, bathrooms, and other basic accommodation. It’s a 1 hour boat ride to Balicasag from Alona beach.

Book Now: Bohol Island Hopping Tour

Drone pic of Balicasag Island

The beach at Balicasag Island

• Virgin Island

Virgin Island is a natural sandbar and it’s usually the second place you stop on Bohol island hopping tours . It’s only a 30 minute boat ride from Alona beach or Balicasag island, so it’s easy to reach, although you have to go at low tide to see the sandbar.

I have to say the name is a bit misleading. This is not really a ‘virgin’ island since there are boats all over it every day, and I’ve seen much nicer sandbars in the Philippines. This one also has lots of seaweed which tends to spoil the beach view a little bit.

In spite of these things, Virgin Island is still worth a visit in my opinion, but don’t expect anything too amazing. We stayed there for about 30 minutes, which was enough. If you’re lucky, you might see some starfishes lurking in the shallow water here.

Virgin Island

Sandbar at Virgin Island

• Pahangog Falls

Pahangog Falls is a nice turquoise waterfall in the southern part of Bohol island, about a 1.5 hour drive from the Panglao tourist area.

Also known as the Dimiao Twin Falls, this spot probably wins the award for the most beautiful waterfall in Bohol, in my opinion. The water is bright turquoise and it’s good for swimming if you want to cool off.

A guide isn’t needed for Pahangog, but can be helpful. From the parking area, it takes about 15-30 minutes to hike to the falls depending on your pace, although it’s a bit slower going back because it’s uphill.

If you get exhausted, there are friendly drink sellers above and below the hill. We saw a little bit of trash, but not too much. All in all, this waterfall is a nice hidden gem that the main Bohol tours don’t visit!

Pahangog Falls — turquoise pool and waterfall!

• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

There are rice terraces all over Bohol island, but the most spectacular ones to see would probably be the terraces at Cadapdapan. These are almost as nice as some of the rice terraces in Bali !

The only drawback is the distance. From Panglao, it’s at least a 2.5 hour drive to the Cadapdapan rice terraces, and there aren’t group tours that go here yet, so you have to drive yourself or hire a private driver (and surcharges will apply because of the distance).

However, this is one of the best spots in Bohol Philippines, and it would be a shame to miss it. It’s especially nice if you come at sunrise or take pictures with a drone.

The Cadapdapan rice terraces are far from town, but it’s such a wonderful natural landscape!

• Can-umantad Falls

Can-umantad is the tallest waterfall in Bohol, and it’s only a short distance away from the Cadapdapan rice terraces.

In fact, you can access it by a path that leads down from the terraces. The best place to park your car or bike is at Eleuterio’s Restaurant . From here, you can see the rice terraces and then hike down to the waterfall in about 15 minutes.

Can-umantad Falls is a nice 2-step cascade with a turquoise pool where you can swim below the waterfall, and there are little drink stands where you can buy fresh coconut juice and other refreshments. It’s one of Bohol’s best waterfalls!

Can-umantad Falls is the biggest waterfall in Bohol Philippines

• Pamilacan Island

Pamilacan is another nice little island south of Bohol. This one has a white sand beach and a circular shape like Balicasag island, but Pamilacan is quieter and less crowded.

Compared to Balicasag, not as many tours go to Pamilacan island, so it may be a bit harder to find a boat to share. However, GetYourGuide has a high-rated Pamilacan tour that includes dolphin watching, lunch, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

I used this tour myself and had a good experience. The boat ride to Pamilacan only takes about 1 hour from Panglao or mainland Bohol.

Book Now: Pamilacan Island Tour

Map Of Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

Here’s a map of some of the best things to do in Bohol Philippines, which you can use to plan your own trip on the island.

You can click on the icons for more information about each place, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

Best Beaches In Bohol

There are a bunch of nice white sand beaches in Bohol. The most popular is Alona Beach, and it’s a good one, but it’s also pretty busy and commercialized, with lots of tourist hotels and restaurants.

For a slightly less busy alternative with beautiful scenery, check out Dumaluan Beach, which is just a 15 minute drive from Alona. There’s an entrance fee for the beach, but it’s clean and nice.

Another good one is Anda White Beach, which is on the far eastern side of Bohol, about 3 hours from Panglao and Tagbilaran. It’s a less touristy area, but you can get there by van or bus from the Dao terminal in Tagbilaran.

A secluded corner of Alona Beach

How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines

You can see the highlights of Bohol in just 2 or 3 days, although you could easily stay longer. For most people, 3 days is probably enough.

My first impression of Bohol was that there might not be a whole lot to do, but after branching out and seeing more of the countryside, I realized this island really is beautiful.

If you enjoy the Philippines, then you could spend weeks just exploring Bohol. There are a lot of things to see and do when you get off the beaten path.  

Bohol Travel Itinerary

If you spend 3 days in Bohol, here’s what your travel itinerary could look like:

• Day 1. Countryside tour. Spend the whole day seeing the most iconic places in Bohol Philippines, such as the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers, then do a boat cruise and buffet dinner on the Loboc river.
• Day 2. Island hopping. Visit Balicasag island, see the beach and do some snorkeling, and then check out the sandbar at Virgin island.
• Day 3. Spend the day relaxing on Alona beach or Dumaluan beach, or go see some of the more distant sights on Bohol island, like the Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad falls.

Jungle views on the Loboc river cruise

Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season (January to May), when it’s less rainy and more sunny. However, these months are also busier with tourists, so there’s a bit of a trade-off.

During the wet season (June to December), Bohol has more rain and clouds, but the bulk of the rain is often in the evenings or at night. I traveled to Bohol in the rainy season and it didn’t really affect my trip at all.

Of course, there are no guarantees you’ll have nice weather in either season, but Bohol seems to be blessed with good weather more often than not! In conclusion, there’s really no bad time to visit Bohol in my opinion.  

Best Bohol Tour Packages

For day tours in Bohol, I used Klook. They have high-rated Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours with very reasonable prices, and they also offer private car charters , ferries , and airport transfers in Bohol.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Virgin Island sandbar

Other Tips For Bohol Island

• Where To Stay. For a high-end beachfront hotel, check out South Palms Resort . For midrange, there’s the Amihan Resort at Alona Beach. For something budget friendly, check out Greenspace .
• Where To Eat. There are lots of good restaurants in Bohol catering to different tastes. A few recommendations would be Lamoy Restaurant (Asian), Paprika (beachfront), Mahalo Restaurant , and A Tavola .
• Mosquitoes. I saw a few mosquitoes in Panglao and Bohol, but generally they weren’t much of an issue. According to the Philippine Department of Health , Bohol is a malaria-free province, and prophylaxis is not advised here. However, there’s some risk of dengue fever, so it’s still a good idea to wear mosquito repellant when you’re out and about.
• Cell Service. I had good reception and data speeds with Globe on much of the island.
• WiFi. The internet situation in Bohol is improving rapidly, and nowadays you can find fast WiFi even at many of the cheapest budget hotels and hostels.

More Philippines Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Bohol island in the Philippines.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Philippines Travel Guide before you go!  

• El Nido Palawan Island Hopping Guide
• Coron Palawan Island Travel Guide
• Philippines Travel Guide: Tips, Info & Pictures

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Great stuff. Do you have any articles on Cebu, Moalboal, Boracay? thanks

Thanks, not yet but we’re planning to do Balabec, Boracay, and Siargao next year.

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BEST Bohol Tourist Spots & Activities: Chocolate Hills, White Sand Beaches, Loboc River Cruise

• 1. Visit the Chocolate Hills

2. Lounge at the Beaches of Panglao Island

Alona beach, dumaluan beach, bagobo beach, bolod beach, danao beach, doljo beach.

• 3. Explore Hinagdanan Cave

4. Go on a Bohol Loboc River Cruise Tour

• 5. See the Tarsiers
• 6. Explore Anda, Bohol's beaches and caves

Cabagnow Cave Pool

Combento cave pool.

• 7. Go on Bohol Island-Hopping Tour and See Bohol’s Marine Life

Balicasag Island

Pamilacan island, virgin island.

• 8. Face Your Fears at Bohol’s Adventure Parks

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

Loboc ecotourism adventure park, 9. dine at bohol bee farm.

• 10. Visit the Historic Churches of Bohol

Baclayon Church

Loboc church, dauis church, st. augustine church, cathedral de san jose.

• 11. Learn History at the Blood Compact Shrine

12. Cross a Bamboo Hanging Bridge

• 13. Take photos at Bilar Man-Made Forest
• 14. Plunge Into Bohol’s Waterfalls

Mag-Aso Falls

Camugao falls, kawasan falls.

• 15. Have Fun at a Butterfly Garden

16. Watch Fireflies in Abatan River

17. explore tagbilaran city, bohol museum, rocha-suarez ancestral house, st. joseph cathedral, tagbilaran national museum, provincial capitol, 18. visit the cambuhat oyster farm.

Explore the various attractions in Bohol loved by locals and international travelers alike. Learn about the top things to do in Bohol and must-visit tourist spots such as the Chocolate Hills with this guide. 

One of the top Visayas tourist spots and  top tourist destinations in the Philippines  that deserves worldwide recognition is Bohol . In 2023, it was named the Philippines' first UNESCO Global Geopark. It's known for being home to the iconic Chocolate Hills and sanctuaries of tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world. Aside from nature spots, Bohol is also an island with plenty of beaches that are lined with some of the best honeymoon resorts and  beach resorts in the Philippines , making it a good alternative to the beaches of Boracay . Bohol is also rich in history, being a fountainhead of our country’s Christianization. 

• Read our  Bohol travel guide
• Experience swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines by booking a Bohol whale shark tour
• Book your Bohol Airport to hotel transfer with us

If you're thinking of what to do in Bohol, read this guide to help you plan your Bohol itinerary with the top things to see and do: From Chocolate Hills tours , Tarsier Sanctuary excursions , Hinagdanan Cave adventures , and Alona Beach trips  to name a few.

• Find Panglao Bohol resorts that you can book for your vacation
• Browse our collection of Bohol tours from Panglao

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

Bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

1. Visit the Chocolate Hills              

No trip to Bohol is complete without seeing this iconic landmark, which is even featured in the local Philippine Peso currency . Bohol's claim to fame is the unique geological formation of over 1000 cone-shaped hills that change in color depending on the season – the  Chocolate Hills . You can view the hills from the Chocolate Hills Complex when you book Chocolate Hills tours . There’s a viewing deck with a stunning 360° view of the cone-shaped hills. 

These giant mounds of chocolate-colored earth in the dry season turn green during the wet season. The hills are spread out on a 50-square kilometer land and vary in size.

• Book  Chocolate Hills ATV tours
• Brush up on Chocolate hills facts

According to local legends, the hills were created by two giants who got into a fight and threw boulders and rocks at each other. The mess they left after their battle is said to eventually lead to the formation of the hills that we know today. Another story says that the hills are tears of a heartbroken giant who fell in love with a mortal.

The third story, quite a funny one, is about a giant carabao that plagued the town and ate all the crops. The townspeople then fed it their spoiled food. When the carabao defecated, they dried up to become the hills. 

In reality, the Chocolate Hills are conical karst hills that were formed by the uplift of coral deposits combined with rainwater and erosion. It's considered to be an extraordinary example of karst topography and is the main highlight of most Bohol excursions .

• See our Cebu-Bohol tour packages
• Book your Cebu to Bohol ferry ticket

The Chocolate Hills has been declared the country's third National Geological Monument and is considered by many as an Eight Wonder of the World. There are a lot of ways to enjoy a tour in Chocolate Hills. 

You can appreciate the view on an observation deck, get a picturesque view while riding a bike zipline or enjoy a treetop rope course in the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.

See our popular Chocolate Hills Tours

Panglao is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines and is connected to the main Bohol island by bridges and can be traveled to by land vehicles. This is also where the new Bohol Panglao International Airport is located if you're traveling via flights to Bohol . 

• Find Bohol resorts to book that will fit any budget
• Check out our list of  cheap hotels in Bohol to consider booking for your trip
• Read our recommended Cebu to Bohol itinerary  guide

The majority of top Bohol hotels and best resorts in Bohol are situated in Panglao Island, some of these Panglao Bohol resorts are considered the best luxury resorts in the Philippines . Most tourists who love the sun, sea, and sand stay in this part of the province because of its proximity to pristine beaches and islands.

Here are some of the beaches you can tour and see in Panglao Island to get your much-needed rest: 

The top beach destination on the island, where most luxury resorts in Bohol (some of which offer  Philippine luxury vacation packages ), beachfront resorts , glamping resorts ,  Bohol restaurants , and bars are found. Alona Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best beaches in the Philippines  and one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Philippines .

• Book Bohol beachfront resorts

Aside from working on your tan and trying out various Alona Beach activities , you can try water activities in Bohol like parasailing, banana boat, fly fish, and UFO ride.

Considered to be an excellent alternative to the more famous Alona Beach is you want an uncrowded white sand beach with clear waters. A must-see in Dumaluan Beach is its stunning sunset.

You can also find several cheap resorts in Bohol and hotels here for a fraction of the price of those in Alona Beach. 

It is another uncrowded beach in Panglao Island that is notable for its beautiful white sand lined with towering coconut trees. It's a great spot not just for swimming but for divers and snorkelers as well. 

This features a massive shoreline that is ideal for families with small kids because of its shallow waters. You can also do a picnic here while enjoying your beach day out. 

Here you can find first-class resorts situated near its beautiful white sand shore and azure waters. It's also known as a great diving spot because of its precious marine life. 

 It is a 3km long low-key white sand beach. A couple of Panglao Island's top resorts are found here that offers a quiet tropical escape for tourists.

This beach is located in the northern area of Panglao Island that is relatively unknown to tourists. Go here if you want to get away from the crowd but still want a pristine white sand shore with crystal clear waters.

3. Explore Hinagdanan Cave         

The Hinagdanan Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the Philippines , features a pool of clear water at the bottom. You can swim here under the mesmerizing sight of stalactites and stalagmites. 

The word "hinagdanan" means laddered in Cebuano. This now-famous Bohol tourist destination is said been accidentally discovered by a farmer who built a ladder to access the cave, thus the name.

The cave also holds historical significance as it was once used by locals to hide during World War II. 

During a trip to Panglao Island, only one person at a time can enter the 100-meter long cave. Be careful when traversing the trails as it can get slippery because of the moisture inside the cave.

Once you get inside, you will be treated to a breathtaking site of a freshwater lagoon that's about 10-12 meters deep.

The light filters through the nearby cave entrance, filling the whole area with a relaxing and otherworldly glow. It is not like any swim you've had before! Once you're done taking a dip, you can also check out the souvenir shops right outside the cave. 

One of Bohol’s most beautiful natural attractions is the Loboc River. This beautiful river is a wonder of nature that has been preserved through the combined efforts of the local authorities and the residents.

The scenic river that runs through multiple towns in Bohol is framed with lush tropical trees, perfect for winding down in the afternoon after your countryside tour. 

The most popular activity in the river is the  Loboc River Cruise tour , where tourists board a floating restaurant. The boat cruise will drift along the serene 1.5km long river while you feast on a Filipino lunch buffet.

Guests onboard the boat will be serenaded by a local band until you reach the end of the river at Busay Falls. Here, you will be treated to a spectacular cultural show of song and dance. Feel free to dance with the locals; it will be the highlight of your day! 

For a different (and more private) experience, you may try a Bohol river cruise and paddleboarding adventure that is fast becoming a hit for those who want to explore the river at your own pace.

This activity is a great way to take in the beauty of the Loboc River without the crowd. It's also perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.

See our popular Loboc River Cruise Tours

Bohol countryside private tour & shared loboc river lunch cruise with transfers, 5. see the tarsiers  .

Like the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers and their big eyes are synonymous to Bohol as well. These nocturnal creatures are considered to be the smallest primate in the world.

They grow to be just 15 centimeters long at most, and they're just so cute! Tarsiers can also be found in other Philippine destinations like Samar, Leyte, and parts of Mindanao. But Bohol is known for its tarsier sanctuary tours that help preserve and raise awareness about these species. 

If it's your first time in Bohol, don't miss a visit to the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc or the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. These tarsier sanctuaries allow tourists not just to see these small creatures up close, but also to learn more about them.

For the complete experience, you can join a Bohol day tour  that combines other Bohol tourist tourist attractions with this. 

When visiting the tarsiers, remember that they are nocturnal and are asleep during the day. You'll find them perched on branches around the sanctuaries. Make sure to keep the noise down because they're sensitive to sound.

Taking their photos is fine but keep the flash turned off not to wake them up. Touching them is also a no-no because it will stress them out. 

See our popular Tarsier Conservation Tours

6. explore anda, bohol's beaches and caves .

Anda Beach offers a more relaxing tropical escape compared to Panglao Island's famous Alona Beach. 

Aside from the beach, the town of Anda also offers other natural attractions like blue cave pools. You can explore these and other beaches in the area with a full-day tour of Anda to make the most of your time. 

This natural cave pool, locally known as Kabagno Cave, has been gaining popularity because of its crystal clear waters that you can plunge into from its opening. The cool waters are around 20-25 feet deep and are popular with cliff divers. 

 Another enchanting natural cave pool not to be missed in Anda, Bohol. It has a more shallow pool with just 4-5 feet deep water. The rock formations of the cave look like a chandelier that's why it's named after the word "kumbento" or convent. 

7. Go on Bohol Island-Hopping Tour and See Bohol’s Marine Life

While Bohol already has white sand beaches along its coastline, there are also islands to explore where you can snorkel or dive aside from swimming or sunbathing.

• Check out other destinations where you can experience island hopping in the Philippines
• Browse our list of  Balicasag Island snorkeling tours

Joining an  island-hopping tour in Panglao Bohol  is highly recommended when exploring Bohol. Here are some top destinations that you can visit during when Bohol island hopping : 

Balicasag Island is one of the prime Bohol diving spots  because of its precious marine life that has thrived thanks to the Balicasag Marine Sanctuary . Aside from colorful reefs and fishes, you can also spot sea turtles here if you're lucky! Apart from the underwater sights, joining a Balicasag Island tour is worth it as it boasts a white sand beach that surrounds the whole island where you can lounge in.  

This small island is an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. It's also known for its  dolphin-watching activity  where you can see different species of dolphins. If you’re lucky, you can also spot whales here, too!   You can visit it by joining Pamilacan Island tours.

Also known as Pontod or Pungtud Island, this features a moon-shaped sandbar that fades into the water. It's the perfect island-hopping stop for sunbathing or just swimming.  

See our popular Bohol Island Hopping Tours

Bohol island hopping shared tour | balicasag & virgin islands, bohol panglao island hopping private tour with snorkeling | balicasag island & dolphin watching, 8. face your fears at bohol’s adventure parks .

If you're a thrill-seeker and want a refreshing way to marvel at Bohol's natural wonders, you can visit the adventure parks in Bohol.

These are a must-add in any Bohol itinerary if you're traveling with a group of adult friends and are up for adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, treetop challenges, and more. 

Danao Adventure Park

 A top destination in Bohol for adventure enthusiasts because of the fun and exciting activities in Bohol that await you. A  Danao Adventure Park adventure  will get you to try fun activities like zipline, bungee jumping, and rappelling. You can also try paramotoring, root climbing, and various river activities here. 

Another way to enjoy the view of the Chocolate Hills is by trying out the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park tour. You can also try outdoor adventures like bike zipline and surf zipline, with the Chocolate Hills as your backdrop. They also have other exciting activities like treetop rope challenges and wall climbing.

Get a spectacular view of the Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills when you try their zip line or a cable car ride with the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park experience. 

With all the exploration you'll be doing around Bohol, you're sure to get hungry! The Bohol Bee Farm included in a day tour in Panglao Island offers organic food that's tastefully prepared by its head chef and owner, Vicky Wallace. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bohol . 

Contrary to the name of this attraction, the bees aren't the real stars here; it's the food. 

The Bohol Bee Farm is a private resort that has become a popular stop for a Panglao trip before heading to Panglao Island's Alona Beach. It's perched on a cliff where guests are treated to a relaxing sea view as you dine alfresco. Book Bohol Bee Farm tours so you can explore the property hassle-free.

Its hand-carved dining set with amazing treats (like the appetizer of squash bread with impressive spreads) is the real deal. And yes, the flowers on your plate are meant to be eaten! Other must-tries are their fresh salads, soups, and seafood dishes. 

Don't miss a visit to The Buzzz Ice Cream just right outside the restaurant. They offer unique flavors of ice cream like malunggay, tomato, spicy ginger, and coconut that are served on a cone made from dried cassava.

You can also buy organic food products as souvenirs in their shop, including honey!

10. Visit the Historic Churches of Bohol 

Go on an excursion and see some of the heritage churches in Bohol. You'll be able to catch a glimpse of how the locals devote their time during prayer. And learn about the remnants of the historical past through its architecture. Here are some of the must-see Bohol churches:

This is the oldest church in all of Asia and is a part of a Bohol countryside tour . It's impossible to proceed in the vein of historical churches without visiting this. The devastating earthquake of recent years damaged the original church, but through momentous efforts, the entire church has been rebuilt.

Officially the Church of the Immaculate Concepcion, the church also has a museum with some religious artifacts. It's also pretty accessible since it's an easy drive from the Blood Compact site.

Officially named the Church of San Pedro, this church is the second oldest in the province. If you're looking for something like Sistine Chapel, this is it — the church has excellent exteriors, complete with a heavenly scene painted on its ceiling! It's often included in a day trip in Bohol.

Also known as Our Lady of the Assumption, this church was built in 1697 and is dubbed by The National Historical Commission as a National Historic Landmark. Its neoclassical exteriors perfectly complement its stunning interiors, making it a must-visit church included in a Panglao tour.

The locals know this church as Panglao Church.  It's well-known for its ceiling paintings and marble floors. It's a church included in a sightseeing activity in Panglao.

One of the largest and most-frequented churches in Bohol, the Cathedral is made of ancient coral stone. It has undergone some facelifts, but you’ll still see the original pieces that are touchstones to the country’s religious history.

11. Learn History at the Blood Compact Shrine             

If you want to see more of Bohol’s colonial past, make sure to drop by this next tourist attraction.

The Sandugo or Blood Compact Shrine monument found in Bo-ol district of Tagbilaran City is a landmark at the site of the first international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. It's a popular attraction included in a Bohol day trip .

This place represents a junction in our history that pretty much led to us being who we are now. The Blood Compact Shrine depicts Sikatuna and Legazpi at the famed "Sandugo" moment, as the former pledged allegiance to the latter. The National Artist makes it for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva. 

It is also an easy trip since it's just along the main roads you'll pass as you go around the city. You can hail a tricycle from the town proper and ride a bus from the Dao terminal. Ride the bus that goes through Barangay Bo-ol. 

If you’re not fond of commuting and you want to see the Sandugo Shrine along with other major tourist spots, you can join this fun sightseeing activity in Bohol.

You can also participate in a combination tour that explores the best of Panglao historical and natural sites in a day! Be ready to snap photos of this important event in history.

See our popular Panglao Island Tours and Activities

Bohol countryside tour with loboc river cruise lunch & panglao island tour, bohol panglao island attractions tour with transfers | bohol bee farm, alona beach, hinagdanan cave.

You’ve crossed hanging bridges, but have you crossed one made entirely out of bamboo? This well-known hanging bridge often included in a sightseeing trip in Bohol is made of woven bamboo straps and stretches over a gently flowing river.

The locals know it as Tigbao Hanging Bridge. There's an entrance fee, but you get free access to the tourist spot if you join a sightseeing tour in Bohol as it's mostly included in the itinerary. 

The Tigbao Hanging Bridge is located in Sevilla, Bohol. It's suspended 83 feet above the Loboc River and is the primary connection between two barangays in the town.

Crossing it might scare you at first, especially if you have a fear of heights. But fear not! It's safe and a unique way to get a whole perspective of the Loboc River.

To ease your mind about its structural integrity, the bridge has a set of cables that ensure its stability. Your reward for braving the heights and the wobbling? A souvenir shop at the other end.

It's pretty touristy, but hey, at least there's something! Whether you're a local finding new things to do, or you're a tourist wanting to experience everything extraordinary in Bohol, this is a must-add in your to-do list

13. Take photos at Bilar Man-Made Forest             

It was a successful project as many laborers, government employees, locals, and even students helped each other plant the seedlings. It consists of 20,000 hectares in the towns of Loboc, Batuan, Carmen, Valencia, Jagna, Sierra Bullones, and more.

The Bilar Man-Made Forest often included in a Bohol sightseeing escapade  is great for a slow walk down a natural tunnel formed by the canopies of well-spaced trees. It's a tranquil place, so it's great if you're looking for a short pit stop before your next Bohol adventure, the forest is just north of it.

• Browse our list of Bohol river cruise tours

It has a stretch of two kilometers and is made with white and red mahogany trees. This tourist destination is often packaged with other tourist spots such as Chocolate Hills in a guided sightseeing excursion in Bohol.

It’s also combined with nearby attractions such as this sightseeing tour with Loboc River Cruise .

See our popular Bohol Countryside Tours

14. plunge into bohol’s waterfalls      .

Relax and unwind at Bohol’s famous waterfalls. Take a dip in these gorgeous waterfalls accessible by public transportation or by joining a Bohol waterfalls escapade.

20 kilometers from Tagbilaran and found in the forest of Barangay Can-omay are hidden waterfalls called Mag-Aso Falls, named after ‘aso’ or smoke due to the drizzles resembling smoke that is formed from the strong drop of water.

Out of 20 waterfalls in Bohol, this waterfall is the most accessible from the capital Tagbilaran City and is also less crowded, as it is still not yet commercialized. It’s a must-try half-day tour in Bohol.

Just around an hour’s drive from Alona Beach is one of the most enchanting spots of nature anywhere in the region. The falls themselves are sparkling clean! Take a dip in its turquoise waters and admire the scenic view it offers. The place is quite popular, so expect some company while you’re here.

This waterfall is located at Balilihan, Bohol. It’s one of the highly-recommended waterfalls in the province because of its amphitheater-like cascading of waters. You can swim and laze around the waters for as long as you like!

There's also a Kawasan Falls in Bohol and not just the popular one in Cebu. This gorgeous waterfall has a high drop of 20 meters and is blessed with clean and aquamarine waters. The good news is it's included in most waterfalls tours in Bohol.

See our popular Waterfalls Tours

Cebu oslob whale shark watching, sumilon sandbar, tumalog falls tour with lunch & transfers, cebu oslob whale shark watching & kawasan canyoneering tour with safety gear, lunch & transfers, negros mambukal mountain resort day tour with transfers from bacolod city, 15. have fun at a butterfly garden   .

It aims to help the insect and named after, also studies and preserves local plants that are greatly affected due to illegal poaching and deforestation. 

The Center has several facilities that would take more than an afternoon to cover. Its main one is the Butterfly Garden, where over 50 species of butterflies flutter around freely. Seats and pathways are available for strolling around or idly watching them as they fly by.

Butterflies who are inbred can be visited in the Butterfly Enclosure, which has a waterfall and caterpillar feeding displays as well. Guests can also take a walk at the Nature Trail, located on a small hill where tropical plants, birds, and other small wildlife are also present.

Butterfly and insect collections are displayed in the Visitor Center, where the restaurant is located.

You can reach this habitat conservation center along the highway of Carmen Town. Colored flags serve as the signage to the entrance of the Center, which is roughly 40 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol.

Guests are required to pay an entrance fee before entering the vicinity. But you can get in for free if you  join a sightseeing trip in Bohol that includes this tourist spot in the itinerary.

The roots and the canopy of leaves reflect crisply on the clear water, lending the river its sparkling emerald hue. It's one of the most recommended things to experience!

The Abatan River stretches 20 km traversing several small villages in Bohol province. The river opens to an estuary, which grows as many as 32 mangrove species of the entire Philippines.

Before the fireflies can glow, they spend three years as larvae in the undergrowth beneath the trees. They then metamorphose as bioluminescent fireflies but could only light for one month of their adult lives.

You can go ahead and tour the mangroves on a kayak, either on a shared tour or private tour. Prepare to see the fireflies, which are bioluminescent phytoplanktons that twinkles in the galaxies beneath and above the mangroves come evening.

You can even have a tour package with dinner before or after the Abatan River firefly  tour! The mangrove tunnel tour and firefly tour each lasts 2 hours. Proceeds help sustain ecotourism projects as well as fund local scholars. If you've already been to Abatan, you can also try Loay firefly watching .

See our popular Firefly Watching Tours

Bohol firefly watching private evening cruise at abatan river with transfers, palawan puerto princesa bay cruise & iwahig river firefly watching tour with dinner & transfers, palawan coron firefly watching walking tour with dinner & transfers.

Go on a sightseeing tour in Bohol’s city proper, Tagbilaran! See some of the iconic tourist spots and discover the rich heritage of the city. There are many beautiful places in Bohol you can visit while in the area, but these are the top ones included in a Tagbilaran city experience:

This is President Carlos P. Garcia's former mansion turned museum in Tagbilaran. It is reminiscent of the White House due to its color and displays various furniture and paraphernalia belonging to his family. 

This heritage house was built by Julian Rocha, a well-known 19th-century architect in Bohol. It displays a rich and extensive collection of furniture, reminiscent of Spanish ancestral houses during the colonial period.

It’s a must-visit church due to its gorgeous Neo-Romanesque facade, with a depiction of Old Testament symbols on its side interiors.

It’s one of the best museums in Bohol because of its extensive collection of geological remains, rock formations, burial coffins, and others.

Most sightseeing Bohol tours pass by this tourist spot as it’s the perfect place for photography shots. It’s also the region’s biggest government center.

One of the must-try activities in Bohol is a trip to the Cambuhat Oyster farm. It's situated in the municipality of Buenavista, Bohol. It is part of an eco-friendly tourism enterprise by the Cambuhat Enterprise Development & Fisheries Association (CEDFA). 

Tourists get to see how oysters are planted and harvested. Also, learn about the preservation of mangroves on this tour.

• Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor tour package
• El Nido-Cebu-Bohol tour package

Due to its geographic location, the locals of Buenavista engage in farming and fishing as their primary source of livelihood. The locals were able to develop oyster farms along the Cambuhat river.

The people are also into weaving, basket making, and broom making. The local government has developed some of its natural attractions and has been gaining from tourism as well.

This oyster village tour begins takes the tourists to Cambuhat River in Buenavista where participants will board a small boat. They will paddle down the river to see the oyster farm, witness a demo of planting and harvesting oysters and even taste fresh oysters.

The tour guide will also take them through the mangroves and nipa palms, where the guests will learn more about the preservation and management of the river

Plan Your Bohol Trip Now! 

• Read our Bohol travel guide
• Check the  Philippine Travel requirements for COVID-19
• Find out when is the best time to visit the Philippines

Start planning your itinerary with this list of top tourist spots and find  Bohol tours that best fit your needs for that perfect getaway. For a hassle-free experience, book your Philippines trip packages , Philippines honeymoon packages , Bohol diving packages , and Bohol tour packages  or book a hotel in the Philippines  (including 5 star hotels in the Philippines  and Philippine honeymoon resorts ) with a trusted online travel agency in the Philippines .

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

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Bohol Travel Guide

Discovering bohol: a comprehensive travel guide.

Bohol is a beautiful island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. If you're planning a trip to Bohol, this travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make the most of your experience on the island.

Bohol Countryside and Chocolate Hills

Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching

Cebu, Bohol and Palawan Escapade | 8 Days

Come to palawan.

Bohol is a must-visit destination in the Philippines, offering a variety of breathtaking natural wonders and unique experiences.

Known for its iconic Chocolate Hills , the province also boasts pristine beaches, world-class diving spots, and fascinating historical landmarks.  Be sure to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the adorable and endangered primates that can fit in the palm of your hand. For a unique dining experience, hop on one of the floating restaurants that gently glide down the Loboc River.

With its warm and welcoming locals, Bohol is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture.

What to See in Bohol:

If you’re planning to visit Bohol and Panglao Island for your next vacation, make sure to add these must-see places to your itinerary:

Chocolate Hills

With over 1,000 hills covered in grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, this is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in the Philippines.

Tarsier Conservation Area

Created to ensure the safety of the tarsier, one of the smallest living primates, this sanctuary allows visitors to observe these adorable creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Alona Beach

Located in Panglao Island, this is a popular spot for scuba-diving and snorkeling, with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life to discover.

Loboc River

Famous for its scenic river cruise on floating restaurants, this attraction allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the river while indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Anda Beach in Bohol is a hidden gem known for its white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful and secluded setting away from the crowds.

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is a 400-meter area of healthy corals off the coast of Panglao, attracting pelagic marine species. Balicasag Island is known for snorkeling and diving . Visitors can see sea life, vibrant coral, and swim with sea turtles.

When to go to Bohol:

Bohol and Panglao Island are year-round destinations, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

The weather in Bohol is generally warm and tropical all year round, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F). The island experiences two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from November to May, and the rainy season, which runs from June to October.

During the dry season, the weather is generally hot and dry with occasional cool breezes. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the beaches and other outdoor attractions. 

The summer season from March to May offers the driest and hottest weather, making it the perfect time to see the iconic Chocolate Hills in their best chocolate-brown color.

Typhoons can occur in the Philippines from June to November.

Getting to Panglao Island, Bohol

There are several ways to get to Panglao Island, one of the popular destinations in Bohol:

The easiest way to get to Panglao is by flying to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. There are daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. 

Bohol is easily accessible by sea, with Tagbilaran serving as the main tourist seaport. Daily ferries operate from nearby islands such as Cebu and Siquijor, making it a convenient option for those who prefer sea travel.

Getting around

Upon arrival in Panglao, options for transportation include renting a motorbike, taking a tricycle, or hiring a car to explore the island and its attractions.

Recommended Tours

There are several day trip activities to do in Bohol from the hotels in Panglao Island, in addition to snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The most popular day trip activities are as follows:

Experience the Bohol Countryside , where you can witness the natural wonder of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, cruise along the Loboc River, and visit the Tarsier Conservation Area dedicated to preserving the small primates native to Bohol.

Embark on a Dolphin Watching Tour and witness several species of dolphins up close. You can also explore nearby islands such as Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, or Virgin Island.

Explore the stunning Hinagdanan Cave located in Dauis, Bohol. Marvel at the limestone cave’s beautiful rock formations, underground pools, and unique ecosystem while swimming in the cool waters.

For the adrenaline junkies, head to the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol. Here, you can enjoy a range of thrilling activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, river tubing, and root climbing, all set in a picturesque natural setting.

If you are seeking a comprehensive tour of the best destinations in the Visayas region, the Classic Tour Cebu & Bohol is highly recommended. This tour includes the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, and visit the stunning Moalboal. Once you’ve explored Cebu, the tour will take you to Bohol to witness the famous Chocolate Hills, Panglao Island, and the Tarsier Sanctuary.

If you are looking for a more personalized experience and would like to see attractions that are not included in our ready-made tours, we offer Tailor-Made Tour to cater to your specific interests and preferences.

Click the following link to view all of our available Bohol Tours .

Where to stay:

If you’re planning to explore Bohol, Panglao Island is an ideal location to stay. Connected to the main island by a bridge, Panglao boasts stunning beaches and diverse accommodations.

For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, Alona Beach is the perfect destination, with numerous hotels and restaurants nearby.

On the other hand, if you prefer a serene and peaceful environment, we highly recommend visiting Dumaluan Beach. Its tranquil ambiance and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit location during your stay in Bohol.

Bohol Beach Club is a beachfront resort that offers a relaxing tropical getaway. It features a private white sand beach, outdoor pool, and lush gardens. The resort has various types of accommodations, including deluxe rooms and beach cottages that are designed with traditional Filipino-inspired interiors.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine, as well as a beach bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while lounging on the beach.

With its serene ambiance and natural beauty, Bohol Beach Club is an ideal destination for those who want to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Dumaluan Beach.

Amorita Resort Bohol is a luxurious resort located in the beautiful Alona Beach. The resort offers breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea and the surrounding lush greenery. Amorita features elegantly designed rooms and suites that are well-appointed with modern amenities, and some even come with their own plunge pools.

The resort boasts an infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delectable cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy various activities such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Amorita Resort is a perfect getaway for those seeking a luxurious and tranquil retreat.

Located on a lush 6.5 hectare property on the pristine shores of Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, the Henann Resort Alona Beach welcomes guests with beautifully designed structures and warm, open spaces. The coastal-inspired interiors emit a relaxing vibe, offering guests an instantly tranquil stay.

With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, Henann Resort Alona Beach offers a plethora of features that ensure guests get the best of everything, whether visiting for a vacation or business. From luxurious accommodations to modern facilities and amenities, everything has been carefully curated to provide ultimate comfort and convenience.

Guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s stunning swimming pools, indulge in delicious cuisines at the on-site restaurants, and be attended to by warm and friendly staff

Read More...

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How to plan a Bohol Trip

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Sample bohol itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour or more + tourist spots to visit.

The Province of Bohol in central Philippines is gifted with so many natural wonders. Without a doubt, it is one of the top tourist destinations and most visited tourist spots in the Philippines.

Sample bohol itineraries 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour 2024, are you ready to explore and discover bohol let's go, bohol travel requirements.

3D/2N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)

Day 1: arrival + bohol countryside tour.

• 06:00 am - arrival at Panglao Airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
• 07:00 am - proceed to your hotel
• 08:00 am - arrive at your hotel / leave bags at the hotel

FOR PRIVATE TOURS:

• 09:00 am - hotel pick up
• Blood Compact site
• Baclayon Church
• Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
• 12:00 pm - Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch
• Butterfly Garden
• Python Sanctuary
• Hanging Bridge, Loboc
• Bilar Manmade Forest
• Chocolate Hills
• Souvenir shopping
• 04:00 pm - hotel drop off

FOR JOIN-IN TOURS:

• 12:00pm Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch
• 04:30 pm - hotel check-in
• 05:00 pm - freshen-up and rest
• 07:00 pm - dinner
• 09:00 pm - sleep

DAY 2: PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING + MANGROVE RIVER KAYAKING

• Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching - [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 05:30 am - meet up at beach area
• Dolphin watching in Balicasag Reef
• Snorkeling and fish feeding in Balicasag Reef
• Virgin Island
• 11:00 am - drop off at beach area
• 11:30 am - back at the hotel and have lunch
• Bohol Mangrove River Kayaking Tour - [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 01:00 pm - hotel pick up
• 01:30 pm - arrive and checkout paddle
• 02:00 pm - mangrove tunnels kayak
• 04:00 pm - return to hotel

ANOTHER OPTION is to do a Bohol Firefly Kayaking Tour at night. See tour rates and availability here.

Day 3: panglao island land tour + departure.

• Breakfast, prepare your bags and leave bags the hotel
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Dauis Church
• Panglao Church
• Shell Museum
• 11:30 am - lunch at Bohol Bee Farm or any restaurant of preference within Panglao
• Alona Beach/Bolod Beach
• 01:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 02:00 pm - hotel check-out
• 02:30 pm - proceed to the airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
• 04:00 pm - departure

4D/3N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Day 3: anda beach private day tour.

• 07:00 am - breakfast and prepare for the tour
• Combento Cave
• Candijay Rice Terraces
• Can-Umantad Falls
• 06:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 07:00 pm - freshen-up and rest
• 08:00 pm - dinner
• 10:00 pm - sleep

DAY 4: PANGLAO ISLAND LAND TOUR + DEPARTURE

5D/4N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (5 Days and 4 Nights)

Day 3: bohol waterfalls tour.

• Dimiao Twin Falls
• Canawa Cold Spring
• 05:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 06:00 pm - freshen-up and rest

ANOTHER OPTION: Mag Aso, Kawasan, and Camugao Falls Tour

• Mag-aso Falls
• Kawasan Falls
• Camugao Falls

DAY 4: ANDA BEACH PRIVATE DAY TOUR

Day 5: panglao island land tour + departure.

6D/5N or More: Sample Bohol Itinerary (6 Days and 5 Nights or More)

Cebu day trip from bohol itinerary.

• 05:00 am - hotel pick up
• 06:00 am - Tagbilaran via OceanJet
• 08:00 am - arrive at Cebu
• 08:30 am - Magellan's Cross
• Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
• Fort San Pedro
• Parian Monument
• Taoist Temple
• 12:00 - pm buffet lunch at Pino restaurant (local cuisine)
• Mactan Shrine
• Guitar Factory
• Souvenir shop
• 05:30 pm - depart Cebu via OceanJet
• 07:30 pm - arrive at Tagbilaran; hotel drop off

TRAVEL TIP: For more Sample Cebu Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour or more, please visit my previous post .

Scuba diving sample itinerary (morning/afternoon dive).

• 07:45am - 8:30am / 12:45pm - 1:30pm - hotel pick up (for guests staying in Alona Beach only)
• Orientation and briefing
• Confined water (swimming pool) skills training
• Transfer to dive spot
• Boat transfer and open water dive in the sea
• Transfer to dive center
• Photo taking
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm / 5:00pm - 5:30pm - hotel drop off (for guests staying in Alona Beach only)

I hope these SAMPLE BOHOL ITINERARIES help you plan an exciting and memorable Bohol Adventure! For more things to do, tourist spots, attractions and where to stay and how to get there, please check out my BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS .

• Sample BORACAY Itineraries
• Sample CEBU Itineraries
• Sample BACOLOD Itineraries
• Sample DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR Itineraries
• Sample SIARGAO Itineraries
• Sample CORON Itineraries
• Sample EL NIDO Itineraries
• Sample PUERTO PRINCESA Itineraries
• Sample LA UNION Itineraries

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista

2 comments :.

Hi! If we have a private vehicle and stroll around bohol. Can we join lunch at luboc river and island hopping? Thank you

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

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Bohol offers independent travellers a wealth of options both on and off the beaten track. This island province is promoted almost exclusively through images of cute bug-eyed tarsiers and the majestic Chocolate Hills, but there's much more to experience. Offshore there's superb diving, and when you throw in jungle-fringed rivers perfect for kayaking and paddle-boarding and pristine white-sand beaches it's easy to understand the Bohol appeal.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

In Canapnapan, a barangay of Corella, you can see saucer-eyed tarsiers in the wild at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Over 100 of these territorial…

Lamanok Island

This island 7km north of Anda has several anthropologically important cave paintings – made with bare hands – that date back tens of thousands of years…

Chocolate Hills Main Viewpoint

Views from this perch are indeed magnificent, surrounded by Bohol's famous chocolate hills. However it's highly commercialised, with kiosks selling…

Danao Beach

Panglao Island

Far more mellow than its noisy neighbour Alona, Danao Beach consists of patches of fine white sand backed by coconut palms – it's an idyllic tropical…

Rice Museum

The friendly owners of this roadside place will explain about rice cultivation (humay) in Bohol. They have jars full of myriad rice varieties, and some…

Baclayon Church & Watchtower

Facing the Bohol Sea, this huge coral stone church (1727) was severely damaged in the 2013 earthquake. It's connected to an imposing watchtower. The…

Blood Compact Monument

This great monument 1km east of Tagbilaran celebrates the March 1565 blood compact, where Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi and Boholano…

San Pedro Church

The imposing San Pedro Church (c 1602) in the centre of Loboc, the oldest in Bohol, was devastated by the 2013 earthquake when its Baroque facade and…

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

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Bohol and beyond

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Bohol Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Bohol. We've got 27 adventures going to Bohol, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 29 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the largest number of tour departures.

27 Bohol tour packages with 20 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Bohol Insider - A 2 Day Adventure

• Christmas & New Year

Bohol Tour Package: 3-Day Paradise Adventure

Customized Cebu & Bohol Adventure, Daily Departure & Private Guide

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

• In-depth Cultural

Cebu & Bohol Discovery 5D/4N

I was glad to book with you. I had wonderful guides. They were very passionate, interesting and smily. I felt like a VIP guest. This is the best way when you travel alone for the 1St time. The only thing to improve is the hôtel location in Cebu city. I didn't feel safe in this area the night. The breakfast wasn't good too and they asked me to pay the 2nd day because they didn't have the information that 2 breakfasts were included. However, the staff was wonderful. The hostel in Bohol was fantastic. The hostel restaurant was tasty, so yummy. I had the best breakfast ever. The staff was very warm, you really felt like home. Thank you for all these great memories.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

East Philippines One Life Adventures - 10 Day Tour

This was a great tour! I did the Philippines 14 Day tour with One Life Adventures back in 2022 and I think this may even be a better tour than that! This tour has made me realise how amazing the Philippines is and how good of a job One Life does at crafting their tours. Always an experience that I could not do on my own, always an amazing tour guide, and always other travellers that are looking for the same as me! Thank you Rachael and One Life. I'll be joining you in Korea next!

• Health, Spa & Wellness

The Beauty of the Philippines 10 Days

12 Days Ultimate Manila and Cebu - Philippines Island Hopping

The trip was amazing and recommended, but for future travelers, we recommend the following changes to the itinerary. 1. On the day you travel from Manila to Bohol, instead of going in three different cars, a flight to Cebu and a Ferry, you should just take a flight from Manila to Bohol airport, which is just 15 min from Bohol South Beach resort. 2. On the day you travel from Dumaguete to Cebu, you should stop at the falls, and spend a night in Moalboal (instead of Cebu), the next morning you should do the island hopping and after that drive to Cebu for 2 nights. That arrangement will save about 7 hours of travel on the day you go to Bohol and another 7 hours driving on the day you travel from Cebu to the falls.

North Philippines Explorer + Bohol Beach Extension

I have said good value for money but I had a free single room otherwise I might have thought otherwise. Loved the trip, the group and the guide. A great package!

Amazing Philippines - Manila & Visayas Island Hop

Amazing Private Family Adventure in the Philippines

Manila, Bohol & Panglao Adventure 8D/7N

The Philippines Express

• Island Hopping

Whale Sharks, Volcanoes and Island Adventure

Filipino Adventure

Bohol & Panglao - The Full Experience: 5-Day Package

well organized and relaxing tours that avoided some of the business otherwise often found in the Philippines, great tour guides, and cosy accommodation at Abraham's

What people love about Bohol Tours

Neil, Ike and William did an excellent job. They are very knowledgeable of the areas that they took us to. I would recommend this package to others. Michael Kasper

This was a great tour! I did the Philippines 14 Day tour with One Life Adventures back in 2022 and I think this may even be a better tour than that! This tour has made me realise how amazing the Philippines is and how good of a job One Life does at crafting their tours. Always an experience that I could not do on my own, always an amazing tour guide, and always other travellers that are looking for the same as me! Thank you Rachael and One Life. I'll be joining you in Korea next!

• to Asia (4)
• Philippines Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Philippines Itineraries 2024/2025 (With Reviews)

Philippine Travel Advisory

The Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Sea

Avanti travel destinations.

Negros Oriental

Visit Central Visayas

The Official Travel Guide of Central Visayas, managed and curated by the Regional Office 7 of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines

Spend time in the company of friendly people or waste it with the remarkable creatures of the natural environment.

Explore historical sites and imbibe the stories of an interesting cultural heritage.

Dine in style at its world-class outlets or savor a myriad flavors of tasty native cuisine.

Experiences

Be awed and feel the rich and diverse wonders of Central Visayas. May it be exotic flora and fauna, serene diving spot, unique festivals, wellness and healing, or even nightlife. It’s all here for you to explore and enjoy.

Rock Climbing

Paragliding

Motorcycling

Island Hopping

Attractions.

Central Visayas is home to the many attractions in the Philippines. Discover its white sandy beaches, unspoiled natural wonders, scenic terrains, and more.

Birdwatching

Transcentral Highway

Historical Sites

Arts & Culture

Immerse yourself with the Visayan’s vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage that spans hundreds of years, emerging from the pre-colonial era to the modern times of free-spirit and mind.

Cultural Treasure

Social Media

Connect with Us. Visit our Instagram and Facebook pages to get real-time updates from DOT Region 7.

visitcentralvisayas

is the official campaign of the Department of Tourism - Region 7 — Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

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DOT UNVEILS TOURIST REST AREA IN PALAWAN

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday (Apr. 12) unveiled the Tourist...

 Apr 18, 2024

PBBM LAUDS WINNERS OF DOT’S TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE; RAISES FUNDING FOR LGU INFRA PROPOSALS TO P255M

Manila, Philippines—President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. lauds the Department of...

THE PHILIPPINES VIES FOR 7 WARDS AS ASIA’S BEST FOR THE 2024 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

Manila, Philippines—The Philippines continues to be recognized as one of...

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LOVE THE FLAVORS, LOVE THE PHILIPPINES: THE PHILIPPINE EATSPERIENCE OPENS IN RIZAL PARK AND INTRAMUROS IN MANILA

Rizal Park—One of Luneta’s pocket gardens transformed into a bustling food...

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Loboc Travel Guide: Explore Suburban Bohol’s Attractions

Loboc, a municipality in the province of Bohol, 24 kilometers from the capital Tagbilaran City is among the popular tourist destinations in the province. This town is famous for its floating restaurants that traverse through the Loboc River all the way to the Busay Falls. Tourists also get a chance to cross a traditional hanging bridge made of bamboo and interact with the tarsiers which are among the world’s smallest primates, a nocturnal animal with large eyes and in the brink of extinction as listed among the endangered species in the planet.

Being an old Spanish town, it is a site of an old historic St. Peters Church, a museum and a bell tower. the church was built in 1602 by the Jesuits. While in here, you will also notice a partly completed bridge, which is a monumental engineering blunder of the 1980’s because it would require the old church to be destroyed if completed.

Loboc, a rising tourist spot of Bohol is also home to the world famous Loboc Children’s Choir who won numerous local and international awards, including the Grand Prize in the “2003 Europe and its Songs 6th International Folksong Choir Festival” held in Barcelona, Spain.

How to Get There

Loboc, Bohol can be reached by plane via Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Philippine Airlines , Cebu Pacific and Zest Air have flights to Tagbilaran from Manila. From Tagbilaran, ride a jeepney, mini-bus or a habal-habal to Loboc or Carmen, a 40-minute ride for less than P30.00 (~$0.60). Cebu is also a near jump off point to Tagbilaran. If you are coming from Cebu, you can take a 25-minute flight, a one and a half hour speedboat trip or a 4-hour regular ferry ride to Tagbilaran City.

By Land/Sea

(Though Lakwatsero haven’t try these means of transportation yet, one can possibly reach Tagbilaran ferry rides. These alternatives are relatively cheaper than air travel though quite strenuous.)

• SuperFerry has ferry direct to Tagbilaran from Manila and Dumaguete
• Sulpicio Lines has ferry bound to Tagbilaran from Manila, Dipolog and Iligan.
• Trans-Asia Shipping Lines has ferries to Tagbilaran from Cebu and Cagayan de Oro
• Cokaliong Shipping Lines sails daily from Cebu en route to Tagbilaran.
• If you are coming there via Jagna, Bohol, Cebu Ferries and Sulpicio Lines have ferries to Jagna from Cagayan de Oro and Nasipit
• Fastcrafts Super Cat , Ocean Jet and Weesamexpress have ferries to Tagbilaran from Cebu, Dumaguete, Siquijor and Dapitan

For the schedule and fare you may visit the links above of the individual company or refer to this collective information from the official site of Tagbilaran City .

Where to Stay in Loboc

Nuts Huts right in the bank of Loboc River offers a very relaxing environment. Room rates are for as low as  P450 for standard rooms and P600 for VIP rooms. Dorm rooms are available from P250 to P350. However, most tourists stay in the nearby Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island and just do a daytour of Loboc. For the list of resorts, hotels, lodging houses, inns and pension houses in Tagbilaran and Panglao Island please click here .

• Visit the old St. Peter’s Church, museum and bell tower of Loboc
• Dine in the floating restaurants of Loboc River (P250.00 per person)
• See the small Busay Falls at the end of the river
• Pose for a photo in the traditional hanging bridge
• See the unfinished bridge near the church
• Hear the Loboc Children’s Choir during a mass at St. Peter’s Church
• See the tarsiers, one of the the world’s smallest primate
• Go to the nearby Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, man made forest and Blood Compact Shrine
• Visit other old churches in Baclayon and other towns of Bohol
• Swim in the white sand beaches of Panglao Island
• Dive and snorkel in the nearby diving sites of Anda, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Panglao and Balicasag
• Whale and Dolphin watching in Pamilacan Island

ilan po ba ang travel time from tagb. seaport to chocolates hills and then chocolate hills to loboc river cruise and from loboc going to hinagdanan cave?

We’ll be staying in Panglao for vacation. Can anybody here give us directions on how to get to Loboc river via public transportation?

From Panglao, ride a jeep going to Tagbilaran, take a trike to Island City Mall and transfer to a jeepney bound for Loboc. Get off at Loboc Church, the river with the floating restaurants is just a stone throw away from there.

good day! i was just wondering if anyone can provide me the contact # of Internet Circle, the one located along the road where the jump off point for Loboc river cruise is located.

and if i ride a bus from tabilaran(port) to loboc river cruise, how much exactly is the fare? and w/c is cheaper – bus or tricycle? (from tagbi to loboc & vice versa).

hello we are going to arrived in tagbilaran on april 10, 2010 at 2pm so we are planning to go directly to loboc river to have our lunch there.Im just wondering if you could still have the lunch buffet around 3pm? or is there specific time for the buffet to be available?

Yes you can still have lunch at 3. Actually they are now offering night cruises for dinner 😀

ok. thank you very much. 🙂

another thing,, how far is loboc river from the hanging bridge?

The hanging bridge in Barangay Tigbao is under the Municipality of Loboc, it is a few kilometers from the River Cruise station. You may drop by here before your river cruise.

Hello, Gud day to you! I just want to ask you if you can give me any info on How to get to Tagbilaran from Coron Palawan. Your Help nd info will be highly appreciated … Thanks in advance nd more power to ur site!

The most convenient and cost effective way to go to Tagbilaran from Coron is to go to Manila (via plane/boat) and then from Manila to Bohol (via plane/boat/bus).

Hi! I went there during the Christmas break! At last nakapunta na ring bohol! 🙂 It was great tarsiers are really really small! Use the econo-light ng PAL, at least it gets you there but its really sucky that there’s absolutely nothing for you not even water.

Wow! Ganda sa bohol no? Anyway, as for PAL Econolight, you can ask for water. Water is available for Econolight Pax upon request.

hi angel, loboc night cruise (opened in July 2008) is more wonderful compared to lunch cruise. the bridge is now gaily decorated with night lights, now useful as some kind of promenade…

Thanks Ate Clau, kagagaling mo nga pala dun, that is a good news. At least they are reinventing the place. I should plan my return here, syempre with diving in Panglao/Balicasag. 😉

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Cebu Itinerary + Travel Budget Guide for first-timers

Cebu is easily one of my favorite travel destinations in the Philippines. This island is home to an amazing variety of travel-worthy places to see & experience. I always find good reasons to go and come back, especially because of Cebu’s wide flight/ferry network.

Cebu has it all! Gorgeous beaches, island hopping, modern city sights, big festivals, majestic waterfalls, hiking spots, heritage sites, delicious local cuisine and more.

If you have the chance to fly in/out/around the country via Cebu. Go for it! Make sure to spend a couple of days on exploring the city and different places around the island.

Traveling to Cebu for the first time?  This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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How to get to Cebu  — By plane, Cebu can be reached on a one hour flight from Manila. Cebu Airport is a major international gateway and transport hub in the Philippines. It serves direct flights to popular domestic destinations including Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Palawan, Boracay, Kalibo, Iloilo & more. As well as major cities in Asia. Travel time from Cebu Airport to Downtown Cebu is around 30 minutes (or more during rush hours). Click below to see online prices on airport and city transfers.

Cebu Airport & city transfers

Cebu Airport Private Transfers – for Cebu City, Mactan & more

Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

Cebu Car Charter – Cebu City/Mactan Private DIY Transport

Book your hotel early  — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest rates Best hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts  — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Cebu Kawasan Waterfalls & Osmena Peak Day Tour

Olango Island Hopping Join-in or Private Tour

Mactan Island Hopping – Hilutungan, Nalusuan & Pandanon Tour

Spend 3 days or more  — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the city in a day, consider planning at least 3 days to tour the city and a bit of the province. Go for 5 days for a more relaxed trip. Travel longer if you want to explore nearby islands & provinces.

Bohol Day Tour from Cebu

Discover Cebu Province  — See beautiful nature spots and heritage churches outside the city. There are a lot of beaches, islands, churches, waterfalls and other attractions in North and South Cebu Province.

Moalboal Island Hopping + Canyoneering Join-in Tour from Cebu

Moalboal and Pescador Island Snorkeling Join-in Day Tour from Cebu

Bluewater Sumilon Island Day Pass

Getting around Cebu  — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the jeepney/bus commute to get around. Or, stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience. Grab ride-hailing app is popular in Cebu.

Badian and Kawasan Falls – Cebu/Mactan Shared Shuttle Van

Oslob – Cebu/Mactan Shared Shuttle Van

Moalboal – Cebu/Mactan Shared Shuttle Van

See more blogs & travel guides

Cebu Travel Guide Blog

Cebu itinerary, cebu budget.

Where to Stay in Cebu

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Cebu + Things To Do

More Travel Guides & Blogs

Here’s a suggested itinerary that you can follow on your travel to Metro Cebu (Cebu City & Mactan). Scroll down for the budget and list of expenses. Followed by extra travel tips & top spots to visit/things to do in Cebu.

Day 1: Cebu City tour

Day 2: Mactan tour

Day 3: Continue Cebu city tour

For trips outside of Cebu City & Mactan, simply modify the itinerary above to suit your schedule. For example, if you want to go to Bohol or do the Kawasan Falls Canyoneering / Osmeña Peak trek / Oslob whale watching, you can extend more days to your trip or move the Cebu City and/or Mactan tour on your last day.

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 3 people sharing the travel expenses.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Where to Stay in Metro Cebu

Many of the top tourist attractions in Cebu City are located within the Downtown district. Stay here along with the areas near Fuente Osmeña Circle, Capitol Site, and Sergio Osmeña Boulevard if you want a convenient base to explore the city. These places are also close to ferry terminals and South Bus Terminal, perfect for Bohol or South Cebu-bound travelers. In case you want to explore more of the newer districts of Cebu, stay at Lahug, Archbishop Reyes Avenue or Banilad.

Want a room near the beach? You can find a lot of top-class resorts and hotels in Mactan Island. Travel time to Downtown, Cebu City only takes 30 minutes to over 1 hour depending on the traffic flow.

Check discounts See rates

Click below to compare rates on Metro Cebu hotels within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Metro Cebu

The Henry Hotel Cebu

Splurge / Banilad

See discounts

Radisson Blu Cebu

Splurge / Near SM City Cebu

Mandarin Plaza Hotel

Mid-Range / Near Ayala Center Cebu

Harolds Hotel

Mid-Range / Lahug

Sampaguita Suites

Budget / Downtown Cebu

Pillows Hotel

Budget / Capitol Site

Tropical Hostel

Budget Backpacker / Mabolo, Cebu City

Food District Hostel

Budget Backpacker / Lahug, Cebu City

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Cebu Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to cebu, cebu airport to cebu city, how to get around cebu, cebu city to south cebu, cebu city to north cebu, cebu to bohol, mactan beach resort day packages, how to book cheap flights to cebu, should i book my cebu hotel online, pre-book your cebu tours & attraction tickets online.

Cebu-Mactan International Airport is the primary gateway to Cebu. Located 1 hour south of Manila, it serves direct domestic flights from nearly all major airports in the Philippines and international flights from many destinations in Southeast Asia and East Asia. Airlines include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, EVA Air, Korean Air, SilkAir, Tiger Air & more.

In addition, Cebu seaports also serve a wide ferry network to Manila and cities/islands in Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Cebu-Mactan International Airport, located on Mactan Island, is connected to mainland Cebu and Cebu City by bridges. Travel time to the Downtown Cebu takes around 30 minutes or over 1 hour depending on the traffic flow. Taxi fare is usually PHP 400 to PHP 500 per way.

Cebu Airport private transfer

Check price online

Cebu Airport to Cebu City by airport shuttle/multicab/jeepney

MyBus Shuttle offers convenient and affordable transfers to/from Parkmall, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City and up to Talisay City. Fares start at P20 per person, per way.

By public transport, ride the yellow MI-05a multicab and drop off at M.L. Quezon National Highway near Marina Mall. The fare is PHP 8. Travel time should take less than 10 minutes. Best to tell the driver to drop you off where you can ride a jeep to SM City Cebu.

From Marina Mall, Keep a lookout for jeepney signboards with “SM” on it. The fare is PHP 14. Travel time is 20 minutes or more depending on traffic. To get to Colon from the jeepney terminal in SM, ride a jeepney with “Labangon” on the signboard.

If you are headed to the airport, you can find the yellow airport multicabs near the Island Souvenir shop at Marina Mall.

Use Grab for short rides within Metro Cebu or to/from the airport. Remember, taking the jeepney and local buses are cheaper but consume a lot more time. Use local transport if you are not in a hurry.

The best way to maximize your trip is to charter a car/taxi for your sightseeing tour. Typical rates for a car w/ driver, for up to 4 people should be around PHP 3,000 to 5,000 per car per day. Van/shuttles that can seat up to 10 or more people cost from PHP 4,000+ per shuttle per day.

Cebu private car charter

Cebu Airport to Cebu City by ferry

This is the scenic route between Mactan and Cebu City. It’s one of the cheap thrills in Cebu that I always look forward to enjoying when I’m not in a hurry.

From Cebu Airport, ride the yellow airport multicab all the way to Opon Public Market. Tell the driver that you’re headed to Muelle Osmeña wharf so he can drop you off nearby and give you some directions. The fare is P10. Travel time is around 15 minutes. From Opon Public Market, walk towards the Virgen dela Regla National Shrine (church). You can find Muelle Osmeña wharf just behind the church.

Ride the Cebu-Mactan ferry, which arrives at Pier 3, Cebu City. The fare is P14. The crossing takes around 15 minutes. From Pier 3, you can easily find jeepneys to Colon area or hail a taxi to your hotel.

Downtown Cebu to Sirao / Busay

Headed to the Sirao flower garden, Temple of Leah, TOPS and Taoist Temple? A cheap option to get there is to ride a habal-habal or motorcycle taxi from JY Mall. One-way fare from JY Square Mall to Temple of Leah should cost PHP 50 to PHP 75. Charter rate for all 4 sites should cost PHP 1,000 including waiting time.

Take note that way up is quite steep and the habal-habal might not be the safest way to go. I highly recommend the taxi or car charter instead, especially if you are traveling in a group.

JY Square Mall is located at Salinas Drive, Cebu City. To get there by jeepney, you can ride the “04L” route from University of San Carlos main campus along Panthaleon del Rosario Street (near Elizabeth Mall or E-Mall / Osmeña Street).

Head to the South Bus Terminal for buses to Southern Cebu Province and Dumaguete. Including Oslob, Dalaguete (Osmeña Peak), Moalboal & Badian (Kawasan Falls). The South Bus Terminal is located along Natalio B. Bacalso Avenue, beside Elizabeth Mall or E-Mall.

Better yet, get a car charter or shared shuttle transfer (with hotel pick-up) to maximize your time.

Cebu City to Oslob shuttle van

Cebu City to Badian & Kawasan Falls shuttle van

Buses to Northern Cebu Province depart from the North Bus Terminal. Transit here if you are headed to Bantayan (via Hagnaya Port), Malapascua (via Maya Port), Toledo or Bacolod (via Toledo/San Carlos).

Cebu City to Hagnaya Port shuttle van (for Bantayan Island)

Cebu City to Maya Port shuttle van (for Malapascua Island and Kalanggaman Island)

Cebu City to Danao shuttle van (for Camotes Island)

Most ferries to Bohol depart from Pier 1 in Cebu City. Travel time by fastcraft (fast ferry) to Tagbilaran pier is 2 hours. You can also ride the 1 hour and 30 minutes fastcraft ferry to Tubigon pier and travel to Chocolate Hills, Tagbilaran or Panglao by land.

Cebu-Bohol ferry ticket

Many beachfront resorts in Mactan Island offer day tour packages for travelers who want to enjoy the beach or pool but are not staying as a guest overnight.

Here’s a list of popular Mactan beach resort and their day use rates. Contact the resort directly to confirm current rates.

Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

From PHP 2,000 per adult. Inclusive of:

Free use of the swimming pool, beach, game room and gym.

Rates for weekday (PHP2,000 nett) and weekend (PHP2,500 nett) include lunch buffet at The Sails, and premium rate (PHP2,800 nett) include 15-course Balearic dinner at Ibiza Beach Club.

One (1) scoop of Mövenpick ice cream at the Lobby lounge.

A 15% discount at Spa del Mar and on all water sports activities Guests who wish to extend their stay can also enjoy a 50% discount on themed dinner buffet at The Sails restaurant (valid on the same date of stay) and a special rate of PHP 1,500 nett per person for Deluxe Twin Room from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (subject to availability)

Check room rates

Plantation Bay Resort & Spa

Lunch and choice of drink

Lagoons and swimming pools

Wall climbing at selected hours

30-minute use of bicycles

15-minute use of non-motorized aqua sports facilities (nips floater or kayak)

Foosball, air hockey, and table tennis

Shower and changing facilities

Solea Mactan Cebu Resort

From PHP 1,800 per adult. Inclusive of:

Lunch buffet on weekends. P500 worth of consumable food on weekdays.

Entrance fee

Use of the pool facilities with complimentary use of sunbeds

Free use of public shower room

Cebu White Sands Resort and Spa

From PHP 900 per adult. P500 worth of consumable food on weekdays. PHP 1,200.00 on weekends with lunch buffet.

Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort

From PHP 2,000 per person on weekdays or PHP 2,500 on weekends. Inclusive of lunch buffet & 1 drink.

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark

From PHP 2,500 per person inclusive of lunch buffet. Formerly Imperial Palace Resort and Water Park.

Crimson Resort and Spa

From PHP 2,000 per person. Inclusive of lunch buffet.

Be Resort Mactan

From PHP 999 per person. Inclusive of set lunch.

If you are flying to within the next 2-3 months, the general rule to spend less on flights is by booking sooner rather than later. In case you are booking well ahead of your trip, keep a lookout for airline promo fares & seat sales.

The easy way to find cheap flights that you can book right now is to use flight search engines. These sites compare prices on different airlines to show you the cheapest prices. Check multiple flight search engines listed below:

Skyscanner Wego

Always check promo fares before booking. Visit the airlines’ official website, mobile app, Facebook, Twitter & other social media accounts for updates.

You can also check the latest promo alerts posted here on Detourista. Click below to start:

AirAsia Promo

Cebu Pacific Promo

Philippine Airlines Promo

Subscribe to the email alerts to save time from checking many websites frequently.

Get FREE promo updates sent directly by email. Don’t miss the next one!

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

I often book online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during my actual trip. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on these booking sites:

Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queueing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Earn rewards points for every booking.

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Extra travel discounts!

Click below to view the latest promo codes. Enjoy extra savings on top of existing discounts:

Klook Promo

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Cebu.

1. Tour Downtown Cebu

5. see metro cebu highlands, 2. enjoy mactan’s beaches & islands, 3. adventure in south cebu, 4. visit north cebu islands & beaches, 6. shopping in cebu, 7. taste cebu food.

Cebu is the first Spanish settlement, oldest city, and the first capital of the Philippines. Visit surviving Spanish-colonial heritage sites, most of which can be found within the downtown area and can be easily explored on foot. Don’t miss the triangular Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church, Magellan’s Cross, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and old houses that have been turned into museums.

Take a short drive from the center to the highlands of Metro Cebu. Here, you can enjoy sweeping overlooking views and cool spots to visit including the Tops Skyline Garden, Temple Of Leah, Taoist Temple & flower farms/gardens in Sirao. There are also many restaurants, cafes and hotels with a view in this area.

Top Cebu tour packages & discounts

Cebu – Mactan Half-Day Private Tour

Cebu City Half-Day Private Tour

Mactan’s beaches are one the best things about Cebu. It’s a mere bridge crossing away from the city or a 15-minute drive from the airport! Mactan Island is lined with many white sand beaches and luxury resorts worth the splurge. From here, you can go island hopping to more beaches, islands and snorkeling spots nearby.

Top Mactan tour packages & discounts

See discounts See discounts

Mactan 3 in 1 Water Activities – Parasailing, Jetski, Banana Boat

Mactan Island Parasailing

Mactan Island Jet Ski Experience

There is no shortage of destinations to go outside the capital city. Cebu’s southern towns are famous for its adventure-filled spots & scenic beaches. Go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, hike to Osmeña Peak, see the whale sharks in Oslob, experience the sardine run & beaches in Moalboal. Almost every town is also home to well-preserved Spanish-colonial churches and heritage sites.

Top South Cebu tour packages & discounts

Badian Canyoneering Admission with Guide

Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Join-in Day Tour from Cebu

North Cebu is home to many of the province’s most beautiful islands, beaches, and diving spots. Don’t miss Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island and Camotes Islands.

Some of the Philippines’ and Asia’s biggest shopping malls can be found in Cebu including SM Seaside City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Robinsons Galleria Cebu and SM City Cebu. For a more local feed, shop at Taboan Public Market for pasalubong/souvenirs.

Don’t leave without trying food in Cebu. The most popular dish for tourists is Lechon (roasted suckling pig). You can taste the best at CnT Lechon, Zubuchon, Alejo’s and Carcar Public Market. Aside from lechon, bring home dried mangoes, otap, danggit (dried fish) & other Cebu delicacies as pasalubong.

Where to go near Cebu

9. kalanggaman island, 10. negros & siquijor, 11. central and south philippines.

Ferry crossing to Bohol only takes 2 hours from the heart of Cebu City. Here, you can find the famous Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & White Sand Beaches of Panglao Island.

Top Bohol tour packages & discounts

Top Kalanggaman Island tour packages & discounts

Kalanggaman Island Day Tour from Cebu

Venture to Dumaguete, which is less than an hour away by ferry from Santander, the southernmost town of Cebu Province. From here, you can jump-off to the mystical island of Siquijor, swim with sea turtles in Apo Island and explore the natural spots of Negros Island.

Cebu offers direct ferry and flight links to other major destinations in the Philippines. Including, Palawan, Boracay, Davao, Surigao/Siargao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Leyte, Samar, Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin & Zamboanga.

Don’t Stop Here

Did you find this travel guide helpful? Share your Cebu experience & tag #detourista. Follow trip updates on: Instagram , Facebook & Pinterest .

Check out these pages for more travel inspiration beyond Cebu:

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July 17, 2017 at 2:13 pm

lechon is a must but if you are into exotic dishes, try tuslob buwa (pig’s brain) plus puso (hanging rice). locals loved it.

September 15, 2017 at 2:59 pm

Hi, first of all what a great guide. This is definitely a must-see.

But, the thing is me and my family are planning to go to Cebu and we were wondering what is the best month to travel there? I mean, low tourists and the air fare cost is low also. Thanks!

September 16, 2017 at 11:01 am

Thanks Judith, try the months of November, February, late May or early June.

October 19, 2017 at 2:37 pm

I love reading your very informative blog about your trip in Cebu. If you ever visit the City again, I highly recommend checking these places out for a different kind of peaceful experience in the Queen City of the South. http://zeelifestylecebu.com/perfect-places-to-see-meteor-shower-in-cebu/

October 31, 2017 at 9:34 pm

Hi, i love reading your blog. This would help a lot since we’re planning to go to cebu this November. Got much ideas on where to go. :) May i know where should we get and rent a car with driver in Cebu? So that the tour would be smoother and easier for us? Thank you so.much!

November 17, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Thank you Marie.

For a safe & hassle free ride, click here to see car charter rates in Cebu .

Enjoy your trip!

December 3, 2017 at 2:56 pm

You just got me super excited planning my trip to Cebu! !!

Thanks for sharing!

December 13, 2017 at 8:41 am

Wow Marcos! This is the best guide I’ve ever seen. What I like the most is that you gave the budget accommodation type for backpackers and the discount code. Thank you for sharing. I want to read more other posts of you. Cheers!

April 26, 2018 at 6:09 pm

Thank you for these information. Wohoo Lechon is the best! am really enjoying reading all of them! how much more if i will be experiencing all of those stuffs! Most especially that summer is here this would be a great help in order for us to have our summer getaway!

February 10, 2020 at 7:23 pm

Wow naman totoo,…… Sana makapunta Rin ako diyan sa Cebu

June 26, 2018 at 8:25 am

Hello. I enjoyed your description og Cebu, where my fiancé still for a little while. Can you tell me about the cost in Cebu airport. There is a departure fee. How much is it, and are there other mandatory costs in the airport? Thank you. Kim

July 15, 2018 at 6:03 pm

Hi info on Cebu Terminal Fee is posted on this page: https://www.detourista.com/guide/philippine-airports-cheatsheet/ Enjoy!

July 26, 2018 at 1:26 pm

Thank you for this detailed itinerary. Very useful for our trip to CEBU next year.

December 21, 2019 at 7:14 pm

I have been to Philippines and it’s really a wonderful place to travel. It’s cheap, especially beer! Love to come back for more. I love Asian people, they are very friendly. Met a lot of friends.

April 6, 2020 at 3:36 pm

i remember going to Cebu city for a vacation. we tried cebu food and loved it!

May 13, 2020 at 7:52 am

I am not saying Kawasan is not pretty, it is but it is so touristy that it’s hardly enjoyable. If you don’t go very early morning, forget about it! There are much nicer waterfalls in the Moalboal area, like Cambais Falls. Less touristy.

June 17, 2020 at 5:28 pm

we’ve been to larshian’s last 2019 and it’s a bomb. cebu food trip s never fail to amaze us. such incredible food!

September 17, 2022 at 8:53 am

Love your post, thanks for this lovely and informative guide for Cebu. This surely will help lots of travellers planning to come to Cebu!

Bicol Philippines: Ultimate Travel Guide 2024

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Bicol is the adventure capital of the Philippines, and is well known for its active volcanoes, tranquil whale sharks, secret beaches and spicy food. The destination is popular with Filipinos but fairly unknown to foreign tourists, so this travel guide acts as an introduction to the beautiful region of Bicol Philippines.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. This helps towards the upkeep of this website for which I am grateful.

Where is Bicol located in the Philippines

The Bicol region is based in the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago.

Bicol is a region made up of six provinces , Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, and has its own language, Bikol , which is highly influenced by Spanish.

The largest city is  Legazpi , the capital of Albay and the Bicol Region is bounded by the Lamon Bay to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west.

The northernmost Bicol provinces of Camarines Norte and  Camarines Sur , are bordered to the west by the province of Quezon Philippines.

Map of Bicol Region Philippines

How to get to Bicol Philippines

Bicol can be reached by road or air. There are two main airports in Bicol, one in Naga, Naga Airport (WNP) and the other in Legazpi City, Legazpi Airport (LGP).

Both of these airports are serviced by major domestic carriers, including Philippines Airlines , Cebu Pacific and Cebgo airlines .

There are multiple flights a day between Bicol and other parts of the Philippines such as Cebu and Manila which is only a one hour flight away.

The distance by road from Bicol to Manila is 293 kilometres or 182 miles. The journey takes 8 to 10 hours by public transport from Manila, Cubao and Sampaloc. 

Travel by private car takes about 6 to 7 hours from Manila to Legazpi City Philippines.

Best Time to Visit Bicol Region

As the provinces in Bicol Philippines are an underrated tourist destination there is no peak season (yet!) so it’s there’s no need to worry about avoiding the crowds.

Bicol Philippines has an all year round tropical climate , however the wet season is from July to January, when typhoons can be common.

April is the driest month of the year so a great time to visit, especially if you want to go island hopping in the Caramoan Islands .

If you would like to experience the festival culture that Bicol tourist spot is famous for, then check out the calendar here and plan your visit to fall during these times of the year.

Best Places to Visit in Bicol Philippines

Legazpi city in albay philippines.

The best tourist spot in Bicol is the majestic  Mount Mayon , which is found in Legazpi City , the capital of Albay. 

Mt Mayon is 2,462 meters high and is the  world’s most perfectly formed volcano .

The active volcano can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city and most activities in Legazpi revolve around Mayon Volcano. Including hiking , ziplining and quad biking down the volcano !

Legazpi City is also home to Cagsawa Ruins , a 16th century church tower, and  Sumlang Lake , a water-sports haven with incredible views of Mount Mayon, both the ruins and the lake are popular Bicol tourist attractions.

Donsol in Bicol

Donsol is famous for being the whale shark capital of the world, and these huge fish can be seen all year round.

Boats leave daily from the Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Center, so if swimming with whale sharks is on your bucket list Donsol is the place to do it.

Other popular activities in Donsol include a firefly river tour , and scuba diving fun dives .

Naga City Camarines Sur Philippines

Whilst the rest of Bicol is famed for its nature and adventure, Naga City Philippines is the religious centre of Bicol.

Home to one of the most popular shrines in the Philippines, the Penafrancia Basilica Minore, is patterned after the Spanish shrine and is often visited by pilgrims and devotees.

Caramoan Island in Camarines Sur

The Caramoan Islands are the Philippines secret paradise.

This Asian hidden gem in Camarines Sur is often dubbed the next El Nido .

Spend your days, island hopping around the peninsula in search of white sand coves and limestone rocks and even look out for the filming location of the hit US TV show, Survivor .

Camarines Norte Philippines

The most popular spot in the Camarines Norte, is the  Catanduanes Islands , north of Luzon, which are a favourite amongst local surfers.

They are home to some of the most beautiful Bicol beaches, including Mamangal Beach , a completely untouched spot of paradise in the Catanduanes.

Another popular spot in the Camarines Norte is the city of Daet .

A cultural hotspot, home to numerous churches, monuments, and historical sites such as Parroquia de San Juan Bautista – one of the oldest churches in Bicol.

Where to Stay in Bicol Province

There are several good places to stay in Bicol, here are my recommendations for the different Bicol places to visit.

What is Bicol known for? Bicolano Food

The Bicol province is renowned for its spicy cuisine. Most Bicolano dishes contain, sili (hot chilli pepper) and gata (coconut milk) such as the most popular savoury dish, Bicol Express .

Locally, the Bicol Express is known as gulay na lada , and is made from ground pork, sili , baby shrimp, onion, garlic and other spices cooked in coconut milk.

Another popular Bicolano food dish is Pinangat , made from green  gabi  (taro) leaves wrapped around small pieces of fish, shrimp and/or pork.

Both dishes can be served with a vegetarian Bicol favourite, Laing, which is a chopped leafy green vegetable.

As for deserts, Legazpi is famous for its hot pink Chilli ice cream and Pili nut candies.

Festivals in Bicol City Philippines

Bicol is known for having some of the best festivals in the whole of the Philippines.

Some are religious, but others showcase the uniqueness of the Bicol Region.

• In April, Masbate City holds the only rodeo in Asia, Rodeo Masbateño .
• For the duration of May, Albay celebrates, Magayon Festival a month long festival which honours the beauty of Mount Mayon Volcano, which overlooks the city of Legazpi.
• Also in May, is the 8 day long Sarung Banggi Festival , a colourful religious celebration dedicated to Potenciano V Gregorio’s love song ‘Sarung Banggi’.
• During August, Legazpi City holds the Ibalong Festival, decidated to the folk story of Ibalong, where people dance in the streets wearing masks and costumes that represent the heroes and villains in the story.
• In September, Naga City holds one of the busiest festivals in Bicol, attracting more than six million people a year. The Peñafrancia Festival is held to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
• During Christmas, Naga Bicol also holds the Kamundagan Festival which includes lighting the Plaza Quezon Grandstand’s Christmas Village, and includes different fantasy themed Christmas shows held each night until Christmas Eve.

Read More about the Province of Bicol

I hope this travel guide to Bicol Philippines has been helpful.

If you’re interested in exploring more Bicol destinations check out the below:

• Legazpi City is the largest city in the region of Bicol, and one of the Philippine’s adventure tourism capitals
• Caramoan Islands is a collection of deserted tropical islands likened to El Nido, but with hardly any tourists.

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