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Bohol in 3 Days: Ultimate Guide to Adventure and Nature
- Marianne Belanger
- Oct 27, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Planning a Trip to Bohol?
Lucky you! Here's all the insider info on where to go, what to do, where to stay, and how to get around Bohol. And if you’re curious about other destinations in the Philippines, check out our articles for Siquijor, Moalboal, Siargao, and Palawan.
Table of Content
Why Visit Bohol?
Bohol is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring stunning waterfalls, tarsier sanctuaries, and scenic hiking trails. It’s perfect for anyone seeking outdoor adventures, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and exploring caves.
How to get around Bohol
If you are following our Itinerary in the Philippines then you must be coming from Cebu. When you arrive at Tagbilaran port, your best bet is to take a van or tricycle—just remember to negotiate the price, as it can save you a good deal!
Once settled into your accommodation, you can rent a scooter there, which is much more convenient. We saw some travelers attempting to ride with backpacks on a scooter at the port, but it looked pretty risky, so we wouldn't recommend renting one directly from there. Scooters give you the freedom to explore at your own pace and are more affordable than using tricycles for each trip.
Scooter rental at our accommodation (Water to Forest Ecolodge) : 400 PHP (7 USD) per day + around 150 PHP of gas per day (2,6 USD)
Where to Stay in Bohol
Water to Forest Ecolodge:
This charming ecolodge sits peacefully by the river, offering a blend of private rooms and dormitories. Its serene setting among the trees is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The hammocks and the calming river views were a highlight, and though the food is slightly pricier, it’s definitely worth it for the quality. The hosts are very welcoming and will guide you to any activity you want.
If it's your first night in the Philippines, the mosquitos and the humidity at night will bother you but we got used to it after our third night
We also selected this location for our entire stay in Bohol due to its strategic position, making it ideal for the two full days of activities we’ll be sharing below!
Accommodation fee : 4000 PHP (67 USD) for 3 nights and two people
What to Do in Bohol
We’ve put together a map summarizing all the activities and sights we experienced. We condensed everything into two days due to our travel style, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can extend your stay and spread the activities over additional days.
Day 1
Chocolate hills
The Chocolate Hills are stunning and unique. You can either walk or take a bus up the mountain, and then there’s about a 5-minute walk to the observatory from where the bus drops you off. This activity is definitely worth it, but try to go in the morning, as it gets very crowded and the heat can be intense.
Entry fee (including the bus ride) : 100 PHP per adult (1,75 USD)
Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
A must-see, as you won’t come across these tiny, big-eyed creatures often. Most are resting since they are nocturnal, but you might catch one awake like we did! The sanctuary is small and takes around 15-20 minutes to visit. We suggest going early to avoid the crowds.
Entry fee : 150 PHP per adult (2,6 USD)
Pangas Falls
The Pangas Falls were very peaceful when we visited. They’re a great place to go in the afternoon when it gets hot; you can jump from the waterfall or just relax in the water. The road to get there has a lot of gravel, so it takes a bit longer than what Google Maps suggests. Oh ! and try to go inside the waterfall, movie like scene.
Entry fee : 30 PHP per person (0,5 USD)
Bilar Man-Made Forest
You will pass through this 2 km-long man-made forest to reach the various activities mentioned above. It's a must-stop for a few minutes along the way. The scenery is stunning; it feels like the trees form a tunnel around you while you're driving on your scooter. Just be careful while you drive, as many people stop in the middle of the road to take pictures.
Sunset at Baclayton beach Port
End your day with a beautiful sunset here. Nearby, you’ll find local markets and a nightly barbecue, making it a perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the view.
Day 2
Whale Shark Watching
We originally planned to go whale shark watching in Oslob, but by chance, we discovered this option in Bohol instead. It saved us a full day of travel, as going to Oslob would have been a detour on our way to Moalboal, and transportation there is pricier since it’s a very touristy area.
If you decide to go, we recommend arriving very early. We got there around 7 AM, and there were already a lot of people, so aim for 6 AM to avoid the large crowd we encountered. If you have your own snorkel and fins, bring them along, as you'll need to pay extra to rent them. We suggest packing your own gear for your trip to the Philippines; we used ours frequently for snorkeling. Check our article about "What to bring to Philippines"
We’re unsure if we can recommend whale shark snorkeling in the Philippines overall, as we realized it’s not very ethical. The process involves paying for a brief guide session about what to do in the water, after which you board a boat without a motor for about 50 to 100 meters. The whale sharks are fed to keep them in that small area of the ocean, circling around the boat for several hours each day. When we went, there were six sharks present. The experience felt quite hectic, with multiple boats around each shark (about 8 to 10 people per boat, plus guides). Additionally, they weren’t very strict about who could enter the water, and some people could hardly to swim. While there were guides nearby and they were wearing life jackets, it still didn’t seem very safe.
You stay in the water with the sharks for about 20 minutes, but the crowds made it difficult to enjoy the experience or capture photos and videos. The situation we encountered is very similar to what happens in Oslob, where the whale sharks are also fed to ensure sightings. However, we must say that these creatures are magnificent, and it was truly impressive to be in the water with them. We just would have preferred a more natural setting with fewer people around.
Whale shark snorkeling fee : 1510 PHP per person (26,25 USD)
Cabantian Hills
After the intense experience with the whale sharks, we decided to drive (scooter) to the Cabantian Hills. It’s about a 20-minute walk uphill, where we passed through fields with cows and reach a beautiful viewpoint of the ocean. Just a heads up: it can get very hot during the walk, so be prepared! We were the only ones making the trek while we were there, which made it very serene and a great contrast to the more touristy spots in Bohol.
Cabagnow Pool Cave
This natural cave was seriously impressive, with water at the bottom just calling for you. You can jump in like we did or take the ladder down for a swim. We got there around noon, which was perfect since it was getting pretty hot. Plus, a lot of people were leaving, so we ended up having the place almost to ourselves for the last 20 minutes we were there.
Entrance fee : 80 PHP per person (1,4 USD)
Anda White Beach Resort
While at the Cabagnow Pool Cave, we asked the locals for recommendations on the best beach nearby, and they suggested Anda White Beach Resort (always ask locals for tips!). We were the only tourists there, along with a few Filipino families swimming. This used to be a resort but has since closed, so there’s no entrance fee. From the road, you stop in front of the resort, leave your scooter, and walk a bit between two property fences. There’s not much direction, but once you find the passage, it’s a straight route for about 5 minutes, leading you to a stunning hidden beach with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear blue water.
Loboc River
We finished the day by stopping on the side of the Loboc River, where there was a barbecue happening. It was a great way to enjoy the views of the river while feasting on pork, chicken, and rice. Barbecues in the Philippines are incredibly popular, and you’ll mostly see locals enjoying them. They cook the pork and chicken on skewers with a delicious sauce that we found very appetizing, and it’s served with rice. You eat it with plastic gloves using your hands. You can find every part of the animals at these barbecues, which is quite different from what we’re used to in Canada.
Optional: Loboc River Floating Restaurants - Popular among tourists but often crowded, these floating eateries offer an air-conditioned dining experience along the river. We skipped it to make time for other activities, but many travelers say it’s worth trying if you have more time.
TIP : If you are doing the trip in a scooter as we recommend it could be very tiring to reach the pool Cave as it is 2h each way. Stop halfway at Jagna Public Market to freshen up. It’s like their mini city market.
Day 3
Hinagdanan Cave
This cave is truly impressive, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. There are concrete steps for easy access, making it suitable for the whole family—just be cautious, as the steps can be slippery. It’s only about a minute's walk to reach the cave. Inside, the water is warm, making it perfect for swimming, which we decided to do (just keep in mind that there’s an extra fee for swimming). As a popular tourist attraction, you can expect to see quite a few people there with you.
TIP: There is multiple shops at the entrance of the cave. We payed around 50 php to keep our bags hidden at one of them. It will give you more freedom while you are swimming in the cave.
Entrance fee + swimming fee : 125 PHP per person (2,1 USD)
We then headed to Siquijor from Tagbilaran Port with Ocean Jet. See more information in the Siquijor article.
Budget
Type | Total (PHP) |
Accommodation | 4000 |
Transportation | 1100 |
Activities - Entrance fee | 4000 |
Food | 2000 |
Total | 11 100 (190 USD) for two people |
Conclusion
In conclusion, our three-day adventure in Bohol was filled with unforgettable experiences, stunning natural beauty, and unique encounters with the local wildlife. From exploring the iconic Chocolate Hills and the charming Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary to relaxing at serene waterfalls and hidden beaches, each moment showcased the island’s diverse offerings.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking tranquility, Bohol has something for everyone. We hope our insights and tips help you make the most of your trip. So pack your bags, grab your scooter, and get ready for an amazing journey in this tropical paradise!
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