Don't go to Bohol Island in April-May because it's just too beautiful
Bohol Island Travel Guide:
🚗 How to get to Bohol Island?
1. From Manila
- ✈️ By air: Manila → Tagbilaran Airport (1.5 hours), then take a taxi to Alona Beach (about 30 minutes)
- 🚢 By ferry: Manila → Tagbilaran Port (slower, not recommended)
2. From Cebu (most common route)
- 🚢 Fast ferry (2 hours): OceanJet or SuperCat, from Cebu Pier 1 → Tagbilaran Port (fare about 800-1000 PHP)
- ✈️ By air (30 minutes): Cebu → Tagbilaran (suitable for those in a hurry)
🏝️ Must-visit attractions in Bohol
1. Chocolate Hills
- Features: 1,268 cone-shaped hills that turn brown like chocolate during the dry season
- Activities: Take photos from the viewing deck, ATV off-road adventures
- 📍 Location: About 1.5 hours drive from Tagbilaran
2. Tarsier Sanctuary
- Features: World's smallest primates with adorable big eyes
- Note: No flash photography allowed, maintain silence
- 📍 Location: Corella town, about 30 minutes from Tagbilaran
3. Alona Beach
- Features: Bohol's most vibrant beach with white sand, clear water, and lively nightlife
- Activities: Swimming, sunset bars, starting point for island hopping
4. Balicasag Island
- Features: World-class diving spot with a drop-off wall, sea turtles, and jack fish schools
- Activities: Snorkeling/diving (recommended with day tour groups)
5. Virgin Island
- Features: Crescent-shaped sandbar that appears during low tide, perfect for photos
- Activities: Island hopping (usually visited together with Balicasag Island)
6. Loboc River
- Features: River cruise through tropical rainforest with buffet meals on board
- Recommendation: Take the lunch cruise to enjoy the scenery while dining
🤿 Diving & Water Activities Recommendations
✅ Balicasag Wall — Coral reefs, sea turtles, schools of fish
✅ Pamilacan Island — Whale sharks, dolphins (seasonal)
✅ Night diving (near Alona Beach) — Fluorescent plankton
🍽️ Food Recommendations
1. Bohol Bee Farm
- Organic restaurant, recommended honey-roasted chicken and ice cream
2. Alona Beach seafood BBQ
- Fresh lobster, crab, grilled fish at reasonable prices
3. Filipino specialties
- Roast suckling pig (Lechon), mango shake, Halo-Halo (dessert)
🚗 Transportation Options
- Rent a motorcycle (about 400-600 PHP/day, good for independent travelers)
- Charter/shared van (day tour about 2000-3000 PHP/vehicle)
- Tricycle (50-100 PHP for short distances)
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
Luxury Resorts
- Amorita Resort (Alona Beach, private beach)
- Henann Resort Alona Beach (swim-up rooms)
Value Hotels
- Alona Vida Beach Resort (good location, moderate price)
- Moon Fools Hostel (backpacker hostel)
📌 Travel Tips
✔ Visa: Philippines visa required in advance (7-day visa-free for holders of US/Schengen/Japan visas)
✔ Internet: Recommended to buy local SIM card (Globe or Smart)
✔ Tipping: 10-20 PHP tip for restaurants/drivers
✔ Sun protection: Strong UV rays, high SPF sunscreen + hat essential
🎯 Recommended Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)
Day 1: Chocolate Hills + Tarsier Sanctuary + Loboc River Cruise
Day 2: Balicasag Island diving + Virgin Island sandbar
Day 3: Relax at Alona Beach + lunch at Bohol Bee Farm