At a glance

Bohol sits in the Central Visayas. Panglao Island handles the beach stays and boats. The main island holds rivers, caves, and the Chocolate Hills. Expect easy days, family-friendly stops, and good snorkeling.

When to go

• Dry months: roughly November to May. Calmer seas and sunnier skies.



• Wetter months: June to October. Showers pass through; boat trips depend on conditions. Shoulder weeks at the edges of dry season balance weather and crowds.
  

Getting there

Fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport(TAG)

The airport is on Panglao, about 10–15 minutes from Alona Beach by car. Direct flights run from Manila and Cebu. Taxis, vans, and hotel transfers wait outside.

Ferry from Cebu

There are 2 options:

Cebu – Tagbilaran Port: Fast ferries run between Cebu City and Tagbilaran. Typical sailing time is about 2 hours, sea and operator depending but can vary depending on the sea conditions and ferry operator. Fare ranges from PHP 800-1,000.

Cebu – Tubigon Port: 1 hour sailing time, better if you want a faster or cheaper trip to Bohol from Cebu, but you will need to take a bus or other transport to reach your final destination on the island.  Fare ranges from PHP 300-400.

Getting Around

• Short hops: tricycles and local taxis handle most moves around Panglao.

• Day trips: rent a scooter or hire a car/van with driver for interior sights. Roads are paved; expect slow sections after rain.



• Day trips: rent a scooter or hire a car/van with driver for interior sights. Roads are paved; expect slow sections after rain.
  

Money and Connectivity

ATMs sit in Tagbilaran and around Alona. They can be busy on weekends and holidays. Many small places still prefer cash. Mobile data is fine in town and along main roads; expect weaker signal in some rural pockets.

Local Fees and Permits

Several sites charge modest entrance or environmental fees, so it’s best to bring small bills. Fees apply at Balicasag Island  (₱300), Virgin Island  (₱100), Hinagdanan Cave (₱50 entrance fee, plus an additional ₱75 for swimming), Chocolate Hills View Decks (₱100), Butterfly Garden & Python Sanctuary (₱100), and the Tarsier Sanctuary (₱170).

Fees are usually collected by boat crews or at ticket windows, unless you’ve booked an activity where these charges are already included.

Water and Island Highlights

Balicasag  Island
Clear drop-offs, healthy coral, and frequent turtle sightings. Snorkeling is from small boats over bright patches.

Bring: mask, rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen.

Be careful: don’t stand on coral; currents can run along the wall.

Virgin  Island Sandbar
A long curve of white sand that appears with the tide. Big-sky photos and an easy wade.

Bring: hat, sunglasses, water.

Be careful: little shade; watch your step around sea grass and urchins.

Napaling Reef (sardines): Tight schools of sardines gather near a drop-off on Panglao. Shore or boat access varies by entry point.

Bring: fins for mild current, a good mask and (₱300 for entrance fee, environmental fee and guide)

Be careful: stay clear of boat lanes; don’t chase the fish.

Hinagdanan Cave:  A limestone cavern with a cool, blue pool and hanging formations.

Bring: sturdy sandals, small light for photos.

Be careful: slippery rock; mind posted swim rules.

Loboc River:  Green water, palms, and calm cruising. Lunch boats and paddleboards are common.

Bring: lightweight cover-up, insect repellent.

Be careful: heed staff on docking and river safety.

Anda coast & cave pools:  Quieter white-sand beaches and several natural pools inland. Best as a full-day trip or overnight.

Bring: water shoes, cash for local fees.

Be careful: some pools are deep with uneven rock ledges.

Chocolate Hills (Carmen area)
Hundreds of rounded hills spread across the interior. View decks give a clean panorama, best early or late day.

Bring: water, sun cover.

Be careful: many steps; rails can be slick after rain.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella)
A quiet, shaded path to see tarsiers at ethical viewing distance. Keep voices down and no flash.

Bring: patience and a zoom lens if you have one.

Be careful: follow ranger guidance to avoid stressing the animals.

Bilar Man-Made Forest
Tall mahogany lining a winding road. Short walk and quick photos between inland stops.

Be careful: cars appear fast on bends—stand well off the road.

Baclayon Church & heritage stops
Historic coral-stone church and small local museums. Good add-ons to a Loboc/Chocolate Hills loop.

Mag-Aso or Twin Falls (Dimiao)
Cool blue pools under thick canopy.

Bring: swim gear and dry bag.

Be careful: steps can be steep and wet.

Most evenings center on Alona Beach and the stretch behind it. The feel is beach-casual: sunset drinks, live acoustic sets, and a few small DJ nights on select days. Tagbilaran is quieter and practical; Anda is very low-key.

• Sort your ride home before midnight. Tricycles and habal-habal (motorbike taxis) are available late at night, but agree on the fare before riding.

• Keep voices down on side streets near homestays.

• Don’t scooter after drinking—use a tricycle or car service.

• Carry small cash; some bars and late-night food stalls are cash-only.

• Bug spray helps if you sit outdoors.

• Language: Filipino and English are widely understood.

• Power: 220V, 60Hz; plugs A/B/C.

• Health & safety: wear a life jacket when told; seas can chop up with wind. Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.

• Driving: helmets are required; bring your license; expect spot checks.

Interior loop (full day)
Tarsier Sanctuary → Loboc River → Bilar Man-Made Forest → Chocolate Hills → quick heritage stop in Baclayon → Alona dinner.



Island-and-water day
Balicasag snorkeling → Virgin Island sandbar → late lunch on Panglao → Hinagdanan Cave.

How many days should I plan?
Three to four full days covers an island-and-water day plus the interior loop. A week lets you add Anda and slower beach time.

Do I need to pre-book tours?
In busy months, yes—especially Balicasag boats and lunch river cruises. In quieter weeks, the day before often works.

Can I visit Anda as a day trip?
Yes, but it’s a long day. An overnight is nicer if you want multiple beaches and cave pools.

• Cash for site fees, boats, and small shops

• Dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light long-sleeve

• Mask/snorkel, water shoes, small first-aid items

• Power bank and offline maps

• Confirm current entrance and environmental fees for your dates.