The Perfect 3 Day Bohol Itinerary
Bohol is one of the most attractive and interesting islands located in the Central Philippines. As you probably have already read, I spent in Bohol almost a month. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that you cannot discover this beautiful island in shorter period of time. I would like to offer you the perfect 3 day Bohol itinerary, so you visit the most popular attractions as well as some of my favorite off the beaten track places in Bohol.
Keep in mind that this tour is prepared for adventure catchers who are willing to rent a scooter, so they can have the freedom to travel around.
How to get to Bohol
If you are in Manali, you have two options to get to Bohol. You can catch a direct flight from Manila Airport to Tagbilaran Airport, which costs about $40 and takes 1,5h. You can also fly from Manila to Cebu and then take a boat to Tagbilaran.
From Cebu, take a fast ferry trip which takes 1,5h and costs about $10. You can check the schedule here.
How to get around
Having the freedom of a scooter is my favorite way to travel in the Philippines. You can explore the island the way you like, stop wherever you want and stay in each place as long as you need. If you want to rent a scooter in Bohol, there are plenty of options in Panglao. In your hotel, the scooter will cost about Php 600/24h, but you can ask locals in the city, so you can get it for Php 400/24h. The petrol in Bohol costs Php 49,25 per liter.
1 day
Explore Panglao Island and surroundings
Panglao is a part of the province of Bohol and it is known as the most popular area in Bohol. There are two bridges, that connect Panglao island and the main island, so you can easily travel around.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Panglao, so let’s start!
Wake up early and start a day of island hopping to the neighboring islands! There are several tour options in the city, so you can choose the most suitable for you. I visited both, the Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. The trip takes 6h and costs about $10 per person.
Balicasag Island located off the coast of Panglao is known for providing the best dive and snorkeling points in this area.
Many passionate divers come here to discover the Balicasag’s rich marine life. The most famous dive spot is the Black Forest, which is a 40 meters long steep slope. It is named after the incredible black corals spread across this point. There is also a popular turtle point, where you can swim with turtles side by side in their natural habitat. Unforgettable experience!
The Virgin Island is a simple, pure sandbar located pretty close to Bohol island.
When you reach the place, it looks like located far away from everything. Just white pure sand, few mangroves and the most colorful starfish, I have ever seen! Paradise!
Next important spot in Panglao is Alona Beach, a popular hangout place. You can find here plenty of cool restaurant, craft shops and bars set along the coast lined with palm trees. There is also a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes.
If you feel up to explore more hidden gems in Panglao, you can rent a scooter and visit the Hinagdanan Cave. Known for it’s beautiful rock formations and crystal clear water, this small grotto attracts lot’s of visitors every day. Would you dare to swim in this underground lake?
2 day
Visit the most popular spots on a map!
Rent a scooter and go on an adventure!
If you keen to truly explore Bohol island, here I come with a perfect day 2!
From Panglao, head toward the popular Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can meet the world’s famous animals. The Philippine tarsier is very unique, small animal which lives in the lowest levels of trees. The tarsier’s head can rotate up to 360 and his enormous eyes are bigger than its brain and stomach. They become very active at night and they rest at day time.
Then, keep driving down this road until you reach beautiful Loboc. This small town is famous for its spectacular Loboc river and floating restaurants. A Loboc river lunch cruise is one of the most popular attractions on the island. Imagine eating a Filipino dish on a floating restaurant among the jungle tropical Loboc river, accompanied by charming local music. Spectacular!
Ready for your next adventure? Let’s keep going!
After 7km, you should reach the Bilar Man Made Forest, a picturesque mahogany forest stretches for about 2 km in the borders of Bilar and Loboc. Without doubt, this is one of the most popular destinations to photograph in Bohol. You can take some cool photos, like this one, for instance. 🙂
After the Bilar Man made forest, most packed tours head to the Chocolate Hills, but we are going to make one more stop!
Pangas Falls is situated in Bilar, a beautiful countryside of Bohol. It takes about 15 mins ride to get there from the main road, passing through some of the most scenic rice fields. There is also a rope hanging from one side to the other of the waterfall, so you can walk on it, jump and have so much fun!
After a refreshing bath, you are ready to finally see the Bohol’s top attraction – the Chocolate Hills!
The Chocolate Hills is a spectacular geological formation formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater and erosion. They look incredible, when bathing in the tropical sun!
Wow, it was a long day! And now, you have two options. You can come back to Panglao or continue your trip! Which one do you choose?
If I were you I would definitely stay and explore more that this gorgeous land has to offer. There are few good places to stay the night on this route, but I would like to recommend my favorite Batuan Hammock Hostel. It is a beautiful place surrounded by coconuts trees, flowers and beautiful nature. This is definitely a right spot to relax after a day full of adrenaline and attractions. The lovely family provides dorms and private rooms that suit every pocket and a breakfast is included. What more could you want? 🙂
However, if you would like to come back to Panglao, choose the Balilihan – Hanopol – Battuan road to explore the lush green countryside of rice fields! There are also some spectacular bamboo bridges located along the Abatar River! I hope you will enjoy this route as much as I did!
3 day
Explore Dimiao and the Bohol’s countryside
Day 3 means only one thing, a day full of fun and adventures!
This is a perfect day to explore some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Bohol. From Batuan Hammock Hostel, you need to head toward Loay and then Dimiao, as there is no direct road to Dimiao. When you reach the town, you are pretty close to two my favorite waterfalls in Bohol : Ingkumhan Waterfalls and Pahangog Waterfalls, which are located very close to each other.
Seriously, you can spent here all day jumping off the cliff , swinging on rope, swimming in a refreshing pool and you will never get enough!
If you still have a couple of days, and you keen to explore more, keep traveling along the coast! Stop in Jagna to see Kinahugan Waterfalls and then keep moving until you reach Anda, a town blessed with natural cave pools.
The land is mostly made of limestone which dissolves under the action of rainwater and naturally forms limestone caves. There are two most popular ones: Cabagnow Cave and Combento Cave. This is definitely a place to be, especially if you are an authentic experience seeker!
For more recommendation, check out my latest post about 10 Fun Things to Do in Bohol!
Before a trip to the Philippines, learn more about Filipinos: 20 Interesting Facts About the Philippines
Have fun!