Bohol is a special and unforgettable island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines of our trip. From its stunning Chocolate Hills to lush jungles, Bohol offers an abundance of experiences that will satisfy travelers who are looking for adventure or relaxation – or an amazing scooter ride exploring the Island. With so much beauty surrounding it, this is one must-visit destination if you’re planning on traveling around this beautiful country.
Pro tip:
Exploring the Philippines is a thrilling adventure, and Island to Island travel provides its own unique experience. To make your exploration even more memorable, be sure to look up multiple transportation possibilities – such as ferry or flight services – when planning trips in and out of each island!
1. Day 1
Getting to Bohol
Our plan for Panglao Island was supposed to be straightforward with a ferry transfer from Oslob, however, our expectations were quickly dashed when plans shifted unexpectedly;
By Ferry
An unscheduled interruption has occurred in the ferry service to Panglao Island, despite the generally favorable sea conditions. The departure was canceled due to weather warnings issued by authorities.
Taking Bus
After our ferry option from Oslob to Panglao was eliminated, we were met with further disappointment as we attempted the bus-ferry journey from Oslob to Argao. Despite being just five minutes late for departure, it appeared that the Ferry gate had already closed – leaving us wishing desperately on a ship far away.
The Alternative (Local Fisherman Boat)
We thought our dream of sailing to the nearby Island in Bohol was over when we watched our ferry leave. But just as despair began to creep in, a few locals offered us an unexpected chance at adventure – they proposed taking us on their fisherman’s boat! After consulting with some fellow travelers from Oslob, we decided ‘Why not?’ and took up the offer for 4500 pesos total (that’s spread between 5 lucky passengers). Talk about a steal!
It was definitely quite a crazy idea considering it would take 3 hours by boat but hey…when you’re tired and don’t want another 2-3 hour journey via bus back to Cebu then why not? Adventure here we come!!
Arived in Sandingan Island
After arriving by boat, we need to hire a tricycle to cross to Bohol the main island. Move on from there and find one of Bohol’s busses headed towards Tagbilaran City- Panglao where our accommodation awaits. Bon Voyage!
Expectation: Oslob – Panglao – Acommodation
Reality: Oslob – Argao – Sandingan Island – Tagbilaran City – Our accommodation
Arrived at Our Accommodation
After a long day of traveling, we finally arrived at our accommodation to enjoy the sunset. Did you know the sunset in the Philippines is earlier than in Bali? Not knowing what our plan was for our stay on the island, we opted for accommodation with an incredible view – far from the buzz of Panglao city center.
2. Day 2
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are a unique geological formation found in the Bohol province of the Philippines. These hills are made of coral deposits that have been weathered over time and are now recognized as one of the country’s national geological monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These remarkable hills have been attracting tourists for generations, and for good reason! What makes it even more special the scooter ride was one of the best scooter rides we had in the Philippines. Beautiful scenery, so green, good road with no traffic!
How Much Does it Cost
For just 200 pesos per person, you can visit the iconic Chocolate Hills! On arrival at the ticketing area, hop on one of their provided cars to get up close and personal with this incredible natural wonder.
What To Expect
While the main attraction of the Chocolate Hills is simply admiring their natural beauty with 360-degree views, there are also several activities to be enjoyed in the surrounding area. Some popular activities include trekking, horseback riding, and ATV tours.
Tarsier Conservation Area
Bohol, a province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is not only known for its stunning Chocolate Hills, but also for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife. One of the most notable inhabitants of the region is the Philippine tarsier, a tiny primate that is endemic to the island of Bohol. Since it was on our way back to the city we decided to make a stop and see them.
How Much Does it Cost
Visitors to this location can expect a modest fee of between 120-150 pesos per person as we couldn’t really recall the exact price.
What to Expect
Expect a nonverbal guide near the ticketing area where you can read about Tarsier from the size of the baby Tarsier to the matting time for them. The area itself was only around 10 minutes walk unless you decide to make a stop and admire them longer.
We saw and admire three specimens hanging underneath man-made covers – two sleeping peacefully under the shade while one stays awake to be admired by visitors (though please keep your voice down). Keep in mind that they are also not meant for our entertainment but rather should live free as nature intended them.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
On our back from the Tarsier conservation area, we are passing through Bilar Man-Made Forest. As you enter the Bilar Man-Made Forest, you’ll immediately notice the towering mahogany trees that line both sides of the road. The dense canopy of leaves provides a cool and shady environment, making it a perfect escape from the hot sun. Visitors can take their time and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or they can go for a brisk walk and take in the sights and sounds of the forest.
Loboc River Cruise
One of the most popular and enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of Bohol is by taking a scenic river cruise along the Loboc River. The Loboc River is a picturesque waterway that runs through the heart of Bohol and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The river cruise usually starts from the town of Loboc and takes visitors on a leisurely boat ride along the river, stopping at several points of interest along the way.
Unfortunately, most reviews of River Cruises aren’t promising – with karaoke and loud music dominating the onboard entertainment. Instead of taking this cruise ourselves, we’ve decided to take a peek at nature rather than enduring an overwhelming level of noise.
3. Day 3 – 5
Feeling Unwell
Lukas and I were exhausted from our trip, possibly catching a cold on the bus rides. We ended up feeling unwell and tested for Covid-19 – thankfully it was negative! But what we had turned out to be a heavy flu with intense fever, making us bedridden for two days until finally recovering.
Our trip to Bohol was a mix of blessings and trials, with one glorious blue sky day blessing us before we all succumbed to the rainy gloom. But what could have been an unfortunate setback instead gave us time for restful recuperation as our cozy beds proved invaluable tools in restoring wellness.
4. Day 6
Leaving Bohol to El-Nido Palawan
Finally a day before our flight to El- Nido Palawan we felt better. Did you know there is a direct flight from Bohol to El Nido? AirSWIFT offers convenient and cost-effective flights from Bohol to El Nido only twice a week, though there can be delays. Make sure to book early as we experienced we paid around 120 euros for each.
Conclusion
Our trip to Bohol was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of pure excitement and joy as well as challenges that we had to overcome. Nevertheless, it was a trip that we will never forget and one that we would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Philippines. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, a trip to Bohol is truly a journey to treasure. And after a few days in Bohol, we moved on to our next adventure in El Nido, Palawan.
