Bohol is the tenth-largest island in the Philippines. Located in the heart of the Visayas and surrounded by other islands like Cebu and Siquijor, it is naturally shielded from typhoons and heavy rains that often affect the region. With its ideal weather, abundant natural resources, and warm, hospitable people, it’s no wonder Bohol has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the Philippines. Below is an itinerary guide for a 4-day, 3-night trip if you’re planning a visit to Bohol.

GETTING TO BOHOL

By air: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia fly directly to Bohol or Panglao International Airport.

By sea: Another option to visit Bohol when your starting point is not in Manila is through a fast ferry. You can ride the ferry at Cebu, Dumaguete or Siquijor.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO BOHOL

Accommodation. Panglao Island is the best option for finding the perfect place to stay in Bohol. Prices typically range from ₱2,500 to ₱3,000 per night, depending on whether it’s peak season or if you choose a beachfront hotel. Peak season usually falls in December, January, April, May, and October. However, if you’re on a tight budget, consider staying in Tagbilaran, where accommodation prices are more affordable.

Food. Interestingly, it wasn’t until my fourth visit to Bohol that I realized how pricey the food can be. If you’ve been to Siargao, you’ll notice that food prices are quite similar. To be fair, the portions are very generous, which helps justify the cost. But for solo travelers with small appetites, good luck! I learned this the hard way during my solo trip in 2022 when I tried (and failed) to finish a whole Totò e Peppino Margarita Pizza by myself!

Tour. Inquire at your hotel or feel free to join this FACEBOOK GROUP. As of 2024, estimated price for land tour is ₱2,000, and ₱1,500 for the island tour if you’re joining a group.

THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING WHEN GOING TO BOHOL

Cash: Not all establishments or restaurants accept credit cards.
Camera or Smartphone: A no-brainer!
Aqua Shoes: To protect your feet. These are especially helpful for island hopping or even just swimming.
Snorkeling Gear or Goggles: Goggles will work fine, but if you want to go the extra mile, bring snorkeling gear so you won’t have to rent one at Balicasag Island.
Sunblock: Protect your skin.

TRY THESE RESTOS WHEN IN BOHOL

Toto e Peppino. Try their pizza!

Isis Thai and Seafood Restaurant. Their Pad Thai is good and they usually set up a grilling station by the beach every night.

Mist Bohol. Nothing special except for their Instagrammable interior. But their Baby Bear Latte is surprisingly good even though it looks cute.

Molly. Me thinks the owner of Mist and Molly is just the same.

Common Crew. I read their coffee is great, but I have yet to try it.

Shaka. Always my favorite even when I’m in Manila or Siargao.

Alona Vida. Food is good and they have big servings.

Wild Crepe at Wild Gelato & Crepe House near Alona Beach

WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL?

Isis Bungalows (Mid Price Range). Located along Alona Beach, Isis is situated on the quieter side. A bonus is that a popular Isis Bungalows and Thai Restaurant is also located within their hostel.

Oceanica Resort (High Price Range)

Bohol Beach Club (High Price Range)

ultra mint dive resort — Ultra Mint Dive Resort is a good 10 minute walk to Alona Beach

Fox and the Firefly Cottages (Mid Price Range). Located in Loboc, this place is the perfect option if you’re looking for a relaxing and unique stay. I’m planning to try this accommodation when I return to Bohol.

Hennan Resort. Located along Alona Beach

Ultramint Dive Resort (Mid Price Range). Although not beachfront, their Bali vibe resort is pretty nice. I stayed here during my solo trip to make sure I’d be motivated to walk to the beach every day.

North Zen Villas. If you’re looking for a tranquil place to stay with a great view of the sunset, nestled amidst a picturesque mangrove forest, North Zen is your best bet. I’d love to stay here soon!

Isis Bungalow along Alona Beach, Panglao

BOHOL BUDGET

Prices are subject to change so it’s still advisable to contact hotels and tour guides,

* Good for two pax

Accommodation- Php 3,000.00/night
Food- Php 5,000 (depends on the type of food you will eat)
Touring- Php2,000 (land tour)
Boat- P2,500 (private island tour for 2 pax) or 1,500 (for joiners)
Transportation– 2,000
Pasalubong- Php 1,00.00

You’ll need a budget of ₱11,000 per person, or ₱22,000 for two, if you plan to follow the itinerary below, exclusive of airfare. While airfare to Bohol may be affordable, food is quite expensive—almost as much as in Siargao, if not more.

BOHOL DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1

alona beach — Alona beach in the early evening

Upon exiting Panglao International Airport, you’ll be greeted by several van services offering rides to either Alona or Tagbilaran. If you prefer not to hassle with finding a tricycle or taking a shared van, you can contact your hotel to inquire about van services. Alternatively, you can walk a few meters outside the airport to hail a tricycle. Since tricycles aren’t allowed to pick up passengers within the airport’s arrival area or parking lot, you’ll need to walk a short distance outside. In our case, a car rental service approached us and offered a ride to Alona Beach for just ₱200, roughly the same rate as a tricycle, so we happily agreed.

Whether you arrive in the morning or around lunchtime, your first day in Bohol should be all about relaxation and strolling along the beach.

If you’ve booked a room along Alona Beach and are carrying luggage, keep in mind that you’ll need to transport it over the sand. Some hotels may be farther from the main drop-off point, so consider using a backpack for easier maneuvering, especially if your accommodation is located further from the main entrance.

Day 2

Wake up early and get a head start on the land tour before the sun gets too hot. The perfect time to begin is around 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM. Please note that the order of the sites may vary depending on your tour guide.

1st stop: Blood Compact site. This site commemorates the friendship and peace offering between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, symbolized by their shared drink of blood on March 16, 1565.

Blood Compact Site or Sandugo Shrine. This photo was taken loooong time ago. So don’t judge. Hahaha!!!

Did you know that the current monument is not at the original location of the Blood Compact? Just a few steps from the memorial, you’ll find the exact spot where the amity took place. To the right is the original site of the Blood Compact, marked by a small monument and a brief historical background.

2nd Stop: Baclayon Church. Baclayon Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Next to it is the Baclayon Museum, which houses old garments, religious items, and artifacts that have been preserved over time. The museum’s eerie atmosphere adds a unique layer to the historical experience, often feeling more mysterious than the church itself.

3rd Stop: Chocolate Hills (Carmen). The green, and sometimes brown, hills are located in Sagbayan and Carmen. However, it’s more convenient to visit Carmen, where one hill has steps that allow tourists to easily reach the top without a strenuous walk. There are also several souvenir shops up there.

The hill has over a hundred steps, and once you reach the top, you’ll learn about the origin of the hills. According to the bronze plaque, the Chocolate Hills are formed from limestone and clay.

4th Stop: Visit to the Tarsiers. Tarsiers are considered one of the world’s smallest primates. Did you know these tiny creatures shouldn’t be touched? They are highly sensitive to stress, and loud noises or physical contact can cause harm. To observe them safely, visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, the sanctuary offers a fantastic opportunity to see these fascinating animals in their natural environment.

Please do not disturb their peace. They are very sensitive to noises.

5th Stop: Man-made Forest. The Man-made Forest is made up of thousands of mahogany trees planted by Boholanos to prevent soil erosion. Over time, this lush green passageway from Loboc to Carmen has become one of Bohol’s most sought-after destinations, especially for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.

6th stop: Loboc River. A trip to Bohol is not complete without experiencing a river cruise (their singers are very good). The whole trip lasts about an hour, and at one point, the raft will dock at a location where you’ll be treated to a local dance performance by the Boholanos. You can even join in the dance if you’d like.

Day 3

Make the most out of your Bohol escapade by going on an island hopping. Wake up early in the morning to catch some boats for dolphin watching, say 6:00 AM. Afterwards, you can go to Balicasag Island for some snorkeling and diving then head to the tiny uninhabited island, called Virgin Island, for photo shoots and nice deep in the shallow, white sand shores. One can actually walk hundred meters away from the island with waters just above knee.

Dolphin Watching in Bohol — Early morning dolphin watching! No dolphins in this photo because they’re way too fast to capture. But see all those boats? That’s a sure sign dolphins are nearby, which is why everyone’s gathered in one spot!

Balicasag Island, Bohol — Balicasag Island. Jump off point for diving or snorkeling.

Virgin Island, Bohol – technically a sandbar, but by the time we arrived, it was almost lunchtime. Our boatman assured us it’s even better when the water is this shallow. The water is so clear, it feels like you’re in a giant swimming pool.

Since this tour lasts only half a day, you can return to the resort just in time for lunch and enjoy basking under the sun for a good tan.

If nightlife isn’t your thing, you can unwind at the resort or take a quiet stroll along the beach. For those who enjoy a more relaxed night out, visit the bars and restaurants along Alona’s shoreline. Keep in mind, the bars at Alona Beach are not like those in Boracay—don’t expect crowded venues with lots of dancing and live bands. Instead, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual drinks, light dancing, and intimate moments with friends, family, or loved ones.

Day 4

For your last day in Bohol, you can wake up early and take a leisurely walk along the shore while waiting for the sunrise. If you prefer a more relaxing way to spend your final hours in Panglao, consider a full-body or foot massage along the beach while the area is still less crowded. Many therapists are available along the shore, so finding one won’t be difficult. As of this writing, if I’m not mistaken, the rate for a 30-minute foot massage is ₱500-₱600. Pricey? Yes, but you’re paying for both the experience and the view.

You might also want to visit some of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Panglao Island, such as Oceanica Resort, Bohol Beach Club, or Dumaluan Beach. These stunning white beaches, with their fine sand and absence of large crowds or long rows of restaurants, offer the perfect escape from the bustling Alona Beach.

I’m not sure if Dumaluan Beach and Bohol Beach Club allow day tours, but for those seeking a five-star experience even for a few hours, Oceanica Resort offers a day tour package. You can also enter the resort as long as you order from their restaurant. The food might be pricey, but considering the view and ambiance, it’s worth it—especially if you’re just killing time before heading to the airport. Just message them on their social media accounts or call them for their updated promos or rates.

MY TAKEAWAY:

I’ve been to Bohol four times on different occasions, but it always has something new to offer, especially with its new restaurants and places to stay. Bohol is a beautiful province—hands down! The beaches are amazing, and getting around is relatively easy. However, one downside is the cost of transportation—a tricycle ride can cost ₱100, even for just a 1-kilometer distance, which I find quite expensive. The food is great, but just a word of caution: it’s really pricey! While airfare to Bohol is affordable, you’ll need to allocate a significant portion of your budget for food.

Oceanica Resort Panglao Island — Oceanica Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol