BOHOL FOR THE UN-INITIATED
Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines, located in Central Visayas and a good 2 hours by ferry from Cebu or an hour flight from Manila. It is a haven for those looking for destinations high on eco-tourism points, and definitely a star when it comes to Philippine tourism in general. It offers the best of everything—a laid-back city, white sandy beaches that are just 25-minutes away from the capital, and unique tour spots like the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, The Loboc River Cruise, the Bilar Manmade Forest as well as its centuries-old churches. Bohol is where the first international treaty of friendship was held, when Rajah Sikatuna made a blood compact with Legaspi the explorer. At the same time though, it is where the longest revolt against the Spanish regime was, through a fierce leader called Dagohoy. Expect the people in Bohol to be friendly, warm and passionate. You’ll never want to go home.WHAT TO DO IN BOHOL
Here’s a standard 3 days and 2 nights itinerary in Bohol for those who have not been to the land of the Chocolate Hills:Day 1 in Bohol
Arrive the City of Friendship and be prepared to a relaxing vacation in the laid-back island of Bohol. Take in the city’s vibe—friendly people, as well as the tricycles (similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuk), which are the main mode of transportation in the city. The tricycles are interestingly known to be traveling bibles, because each unit has a bible quote posted, a result of a local ordinance that mandated such.
If staying in Panglao, be whisked to the enchanting island which is located 18 kilometers away from Tagbilaran. Kiss the white sand. Dive into the waters. Float. It’s your vacation. We’re just happy to be of help to get you to Bohol.
Day 2 in Bohol
This is the day you get to see the Bohol’s countryside and appreciate what makes it stand out from the rest of the Philippines 7107 islands. The Countryside is a good complement to the beaches.
On your way to see the Tarsiers, you pass by the historic blood compact site which commemorates the world’s first treaty of friendship. Take in the lovely coastal panorama while you proceed to the Baclayon Church and Museum. The Baclayon Church is said to be the 2nd oldest church in the entire Philippines.
Pass by the town of Loay, which if you are lucky, you can see locals engaged in the nipa-weaving and bolo-making industry. Loboc the town right after Loay. The river on which you will have your river cruise, actually traverses both Loboc and Loay. You are going upstream if going via Loboc. (You get to end up at the small Busai Waterfalls). On the other hand, go downsteam if you take the Loay route, where the river feeds into the open sea. (You get to end up at an Aeta settlement, and be entertained by a dance or two.)
Pass by the Bilar Manmade Forest and finally see the Chocolate Hills and the cute little wide-eyed Tarsiers. If you have time, pass by the Butterfly Sanctuary, wherein you are given a short informative tour.
Head back to your resort. Dream about how wonderful your day has been.
Day 3 in Bohol
For those on a short vacation, alas it is your time to leave. Know though that Bohol is always waiting to welcome you back.
Standard check-out time at resorts is 1200H (while check-in time is at 1400H). For those who booked afternoon or evening flights out of Bohol, do yourself a favour and take our Balicasag Fun Tour where you get to see the dolphins frolic in the wild; where you get to snorkel in one of the most amazing dive spots — and you don’t even have to dive to see the colourful schools of fish and corals; and where you can walk along a long stretch of sanbar in the middle of the big blue sea.
For those with more time to spare and are going home on the 4th day yet, here are optional tours you can take on your 3rd day:
- Panglao Tour
- Bohol Panorama Tour
- Firefly Watching
- Loboc Night Cruise
Flights and Floats to Tagbilaran, Bohol
Bohol is accessible by plane from Manila. The flight to paradise takes approximately one hour. On the other hand, Bohol is accessible by boat from Cebu, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro, and Dumaguete. Its various points of entry are the ports of Tagbilaran, Tubigon and Jagna. Most people prefer to maximize their stay in the Visayan Islands by passing through Cebu before going to Bohol. This itinerary is doable provided that the flight schedules allow it to be so. Ideally, one can cover the main spots to see in Bohol for 3 days and 2 nights provided that one takes either an early morning trip on Day 1 or a late afternoon trip on Day 3. If passing by Cebu, it is best to allocate at least 4 days and 3 nights. Green Earth Tours and Travel can assist you in your itineraries and can also provide good rates for both accommodation and tours in Bohol.Here are some options to consider:
- Fly in and exit via Tagbilaran airport
- Fly in via Mactan Cebu International Airport, take a one-way ferry to Bohol, and then exit via Tagbilaran Airport
- Fly in via Tagbilaran Airport, take a one-way ferry to Cebu, and then exit via Mactan Cebu International Airport
- Make Cebu as your base, and visit Bohol for a day
- Make Cebu as your base, and divide the number of nights you have to spare between Cebu and Bohol