Bohol Travel Itinerary: My Epic 3 Day Bohol Itinerary + Everything You Can’t Miss!

Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by Oliver

After spending three slow, salty weeks in Siargao, we hopped on a flight to Cebu, called a Grab to the ferry terminal, and then cruised across the water to Bohol ready for something new.

We spent a few days exploring the island and honestly, some parts were incredible, others were just okay. But if you’re looking for an island in the Philippines that offers more than just white sand beaches and palm trees (don’t worry, there’s still plenty of that too), Bohol is a great pick.

This is my personal Bohol travel itinerary—based on exactly what we did, what we loved, and what I’d recommend to make your own trip even better. Whether you’re into scooters, pristine beaches, chocolate hills, or finding swimming spots with zero other humans around, this guide will help you plan a few unforgettable days on the island and set your expectations for what it’s really like to visit Bohol.

Planning a Trip to Bohol: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Getting to Bohol isn’t hard, but it can be a little chaotic if you don’t plan ahead. We flew into Cebu and made the rookie mistake of not booking our ferry online in advance. Huge regret. We ended up waiting outside the port for over an hour in the brutal midday heat, just to snag a seat on the next boat. Don’t be us. Book online, save your skin (literally), and breeze through.

If you’re flying in internationally or don’t want to take a ferry you can also book a flight to Bohol Panglao International Airport.

Once we finally landed in Bohol, we hopped in a shared van from the ferry port to Panglao. It was 250 pesos per person, which is pretty fair considering it’s around a 45-minute ride. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, this is a super budget-friendly way to get to your accommodation without dealing with haggling or flagging down a tuk tuk.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Once you’re in Bohol, you’ve got two main options for where to stay: Panglao or the main island. Panglao is where most people stay—it’s where the beaches, bars, and hotels are. If you want an easy home base with lots of food options and no need to think too hard, Panglao’s the move. If you’re more into waterfalls, mountains, and getting away from the crowds, staying further inland might be your vibe.

We stayed in Panglao and rented a scooter directly from our accommodation, which made life so easy. The rental was ready when we checked in, and we had wheels from day one. Highly recommend going this route if your hotel or guesthouse offers it—it saves a lot of time and logistic stress. Typically, you can get a scooter for 350 pesos a day ($6!!!).

How to Get Around Bohol

Let’s be real: you’re gonna want a scooter. It’s the easiest, cheapest, and most fun way to explore Bohol. Having our own ride meant we could cruise up to waterfalls, detour to weird roadside snacks, and take breaks whenever we wanted. The roads are generally smooth and easy to navigate, especially around Panglao and the main tourist routes.

If scooters aren’t your thing, you can hire a driver or join day tours—but we loved the DIY freedom. Just make sure you’re comfy riding, especially for longer day trips inland. You can also call grabs, or flag down a tuk tuk when you want to head into tour for a coffee or dinner.

Quick Tips for Your Bohol Trip

• 📱 Download offline maps—signal disappears fast once you leave town
• 🛵 Check your scooter brakes and get a helmet that actually fits (And wear it!!)
• ☀️ Sunscreen. All over. No exceptions.
• 🐒 Don’t expect party central—Bohol sleeps early
• 💸 Cash is essential, there are plenty of ATM banks working
• 🦟 Bug spray is your bestie if you’re heading into the trees

We made some mistakes (hi, hour-long ferry queue) but still had an amazing time. Bohol’s got this laid-back, slightly rugged charm that sneaks up on you. Just plan the big stuff in advance and leave room for adventure.

👉 For the full breakdown on how to get from Cebu to Bohol, including ferry tips, prices, and what to expect at the port, check out our full guide.

Bohol Travel Itinerary Day 1: Exploring Panglao Island and Catching Sunset at the Beach

We arrived in Bohol in the early afternoon and decided to keep day one super chill—no major sightseeing, just vibes. First stop: check-in at Green Space Hotel, which was a little outside the center of Panglao but ended up being one of our favorite stays of the trip. It’s tucked away in a peaceful garden, the rooms are super clean, the caretakers are absolute sweethearts, and yes—blessed A/C. And all of this for under $30 a night? What a freaking steal.

Oceanica Resort on Dumaluan Beach

Once we settled in, we hopped on our scooter and headed to Oceanica Resort, which quickly became our go-to beach hangout. You can sit at the beachfront tables for free as long as you order something, or you can pay 580 pesos for a full day pass that gives you access to the pool and beachfront loungers. Since we showed up later in the day, we just grabbed a couple of beers, ordered some crispy calamari, and claimed a table right on the sand.

This spot is stunning—white sand, clear blue water, and probably one of the best places to watch the sunset in Panglao. We took a slow swim while the sky turned pink and orange and fully leaned into that dreamy island life feeling. Honestly, it was one of those perfect “wait, this is real?” moments.

Explore Panglao & Grab Dinner

After the sun dipped, we scooted back to our hotel, showered up, and headed into the town for dinner. Now, this is where Bohol started to feel a little… less chill. The main strip in Panglao is chaos. Think tons of motorbikes, blaring music, and way more traffic than you’d expect. Coming from Siargao and smaller islands, it was kind of a shock.

That said, there are so many places to eat. We ended up at Wonderland, which was such a win. Super cute and a little quirky with its boho decor, and the Thai food was delicious. The pad Thai hit so hard after a day in the sun.

Day one is all about easing in—getting the lay of the land, chasing a sunset, and soaking up those beachy vibes. Rest up tonight, because tomorrow’s itinerary is packed.

Bohol Travel Itinerary Day 2: Tarsiers, Chocolate Hills, and Scootering Adventures

We kicked off Day 2 with breakfast at Bohol Bee Farm, a popular spot with ocean views and a full farm-to-table vibe. I went for the French toast (10/10, would eat again) and a coconut coffee, while Oliver went big with the American breakfast. Both were delish—but fair warning, the prices are a little higher than your average island cafe. That said, the view at Bohol Bee Farm is out of this world.

Most people stop here for the ice cream, but since it was early morning, we skipped it. If you’re more into aesthetic brunch vibes, I’d actually recommend heading to Kamaya Point for breakfast and saving the Bee Farm for your return trip to Panglao when you’re ready to indulge in some sweet scoops.

Visit the Ethical Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Our first big stop of the day was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Important PSA: There are two tarsier sanctuaries on Bohol—only one of them is ethical. Make sure you go to Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, not the Tarsier Conservation Area, which has been called out for poor practices. We’re all here to see cute wide-eyed gremlins, not stress them out.

From Panglao, it’s about a 40-minute scooter ride (kind of a lot, not gonna lie), but totally worth it. The sanctuary is run by a nonprofit, and it shows, it’s bare bones, but legit. Entrance was only 150 pesos each (under $3 USD), and after a short 5-minute educational video, a guide led us along a jungle trail to see the tarsiers.

There were just four other people in our group when we visited around 11 AM. If you’re going on your own, don’t go first thing in the morning—that’s when the big group tours usually show up. The guides are great and will help you spot the tarsiers (you will not find them yourself), and ours even used my phone to take some close-up shots. You’re not allowed to get too close since these little guys are super sensitive to stress. Honestly, this was my favorite activity in Bohol. So special.

The Chocolate Hills Complex (and Why I think It’s Kinda Overhyped)

After saying goodbye to our bug-eyed forest babies, we made the long ride to the Chocolate Hills. And when I say long… whew. It was over an hour from the sanctuary, and after already being on the road for 45 minutes, we were questioning every decision we had ever made.

We parked the scooter, paid 100 pesos per person (which includes a van ride up and down to the viewpoint), and started the climb up to the viewing deck. It’s a steep staircase, heads up. Once we got up there, we looked around and… eh. The hills are weird and cool, but there weren’t as many as I expected, and the viewpoint was packed. Honestly, it felt like a lot of effort for maybe 10 minutes of “huh, neat.”

Would I recommend it if you’re already in Bohol? Sure. But if you’re traveling to Bohol just for the Chocolate Hills, I’d say skip it. Also, don’t trust the drone shots online—those epic photos? You’re not getting that view unless you’re flying a drone or starring in a tourism commercial.

Optional Stops: Man-Made Forest & Loboc River Cruise

On the way back, you can hit the Bilar Man-Made Forest or do a Loboc River Cruise. We skipped both—honestly, we were wrecked from scootering all day and had just done the dreamy Maasin River in Siargao. If you do go for the river, I’d recommend the paddle board version over the basic floating buffet boats. It’s a little less of tourist attraction and feels like a real activity.

Alona Beach at Sunset… and a Skip

Back in Panglao, we rested a bit before heading to Alona Beach for sunset—and tbh, regrets. The water itself was beautiful, but the beach strip? Not it. Restaurants with fish baking in the sun, aggressive tour hawkers, souvenir stands—it was giving “tourist chaos” more than tropical paradise.

If you’re thinking about catching sunset here, I’d honestly skip it. There are way better spots on the island that feel less like a beachside flea market.

Don’t Feel Like Scootering?

Totally fair. If you want to see the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and Loboc River without driving all day, this Bohol Countryside Tour is the move. Lunch included. Zero butt cramps. Book it here!

Bohol Travel Itinerary Day 3: A Bohol Adventure with Amazing Waterfalls

For Day 3, we figured since the rest of our Philippines trip was packed with island hopping, we’d mix it up and dive into Bohol’s attractions that are inland instead. Waterfalls and jungle vibes? Yes please.

We kicked off the morning at Overgrown Café & Bar, which easily snagged the top spot as our favorite café in all of Bohol. I got a mango smoothie bowl that straight-up deserved a standing ovation, I legit licked the bowl clean. Oliver went for a jalapeño cream cheese toastie (random but somehow genius) and we split a croissant because we have absolutely no breakfast boundaries. Their coffee was so creamy, so good. If you only hit one cafe in Panglao, make it this one.

Fueled up, we hopped on our scooter and braced for another long ride— about 1 hour and 20 minutes, to visit two waterfalls that are right near each other: Dam-agan Falls and Pahangog Falls.

Dam-agan Falls

First stop: Dam-agan Falls, and holy wow. You walk past these lush rice terraces that straight up give Bali energy, then boom—crystal blue water waiting for you. It’s a small swimming hole, super peaceful, with just a few locals around. We had it mostly to ourselves which was the dream and so much fun. Entry was only 30 pesos. To get there, follow the road toward the local elementary school and keep an eye out for the sign.

Pahangog Falls (Dimiao Twin Falls)

Next up: Pahangog Falls (aka Dimiao Twin Falls). This one’s more popular, and yeah, it shows. First, you register, then either hike the last 1.3km or hop on a motorbike with a local (which we did — highly recommend because that road is a mess). It’s 200 pesos for the roundtrip motorbike and 45 pesos for the entrance fee.

Heads up: the hike down is no joke. It’s about 500 steps and a mix of slippery dirt and rocks. But once you get down there? So worth it. Two powerful waterfalls crashing into turquoise water with a big rock in the middle for cliff jumping. We swam, we chilled, we climbed around like jungle kids. Not too crowded either.

Dinner at Narcos Cantina

After dragging ourselves back up those 500 stairs and enduring another scooter ride home, we rewarded ourselves with tacos at Narcos Cantina, a casual Colombian-run taco spot outside the chaos of the main area. Cheap, delicious, and super laid-back — we liked it so much we came back again. Cold beers and good convos made it the perfect last night in Bohol.

Book your waterfall tour here!

Optional Bohol Island Hopping Day Tour

If waterfalls aren’t your thing or you’re building out a 4 day Bohol itinerary, you can always swap Day 3 for the classic island hopping tour.

You’ll hop on a shared boat from Alona or Momo Beach (they’ll let you know based on tides and wind), and cruise out for dolphin watching around Balicasag Island. No promises on the dolphins but it’s pretty common to catch them playing in the waves.

Then it’s all about snorkeling. You’ll head to Balicasag for coral reefs, bright marine life, and turtle sightings with a local island guide. If the weather’s on your side, they’ll take you to one of the less Bohol Tourist spots to snorkel after, like Gak-ang, Doljo, or Napaling, wherever the water is calmest and clearest.

This boat tour also includes lunch, usually its grilled meats, shrimp, rice, and fruit, cooked right on the boat while you’re out swimming.

Note: Virgin Island Sandbar is still closed to tourists, so don’t expect that iconic white sand stop. But honestly, with the chance to spot sea turtles and corals and dolphins on the list, you won’t miss it.

Don’t miss this island hopping tour—Book it here.

Additional Things To Do in Bohol

If you’ve got extra time or just feel like mixing it up, here are a few more things that are worthing checking out while you’re in Bohol:

Bohol Beach Club Resort

Even if you’re not staying here, the beach at Bohol Beach Club is unreal — soft white sand, clear turquoise water, super chill vibe. You can grab a day pass and spend the afternoon lounging, swimming, or just pretending you’re on your honeymoon. No one’s judging.

Cabagnow Cave Pool

This one’s in Anda, and it’s basically a deep natural swimming hole tucked inside a cave. Super refreshing if you’re melting from the heat. You might need to double-check if it’s open (it sometimes closes for safety).

Napaling Reef Snorkeling

If you’re into snorkeling, Napaling Reef is solid. It’s right off Panglao and packed with coral and fish. There’s usually a sardine run here too, which is kind of wild to see up close. You can easily book a quick touror just rent gear and go for it. This is honestly one of the best things to do in Panglao Island!

Where to Stay in Bohol

Alright, let’s talk home base. Most people stay in Panglao when visiting Bohol—and for good reason. It’s where you’ll find the best selection of hotels, restaurants, and easy access to island tours. But it’s not your only option.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main areas:

Panglao Island (Most Popular)

This is the go-to area for travelers. Alona Beach is the main hub, but heads up—it’s a little chaotic. That said, if you’re into the convenience of tours, food, and nightlife all in one place, this is your spot.

• Best for: First-timers, island hopping tours, easy transport
• Stay here if: You want to be close to everything and don’t mind some touristy chaos
• Heads up: The beach area can feel overbuilt and a bit grimy—don’t expect a hidden paradise
• Best Hotel: Island World Panglao– A super clean and cozy stay with a great swimming pool and garden vibe, just a short scooter ride from Alona but way more chill.

Danao & Around Panglao

Just a bit north of Alona, you’ll find quieter stays with more of a jungle or beachfront vibe—without the madness. We stayed near Danao and loved how peaceful it was, plus we were still only a 10-minute scooter ride to the action.

• Best for: Chill vibes, couples, and digital nomads who want quiet with quick access to Alona
• Stay here if: You like the idea of waking up to roosters and palm trees, not EDM and fish markets
• Best Hotel: Moana Dive Resort– A stylish little tropical escape with boho-chic bungalows, a saltwater pool, and serious jungle-glam energy—plus it’s perfect for divers since it’s connected to a local dive company.

Tagbilaran City

This is Bohol’s capital and where the ferry port is, so it’s convenient if you’re just passing through. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you have to catch a super early boat or are on a tight budget.

• Best for: Budget travelers or one-night stays before/after the ferry
• Stay here if: You need a place to crash close to the port, not a dreamy island stay
• Best Hotel: Gomez Guest House– A clean, simple guesthouse in Tagbilaran, perfect for staying near the ferry terminal.

Inland Bohol

If you’re all about nature and want to go off the typical trail, inland Bohol has some cool eco-lodges and homestays near places like the Tarsier Sanctuary or the waterfalls. Just know you’ll be pretty far from the beach.

• Best for: Nature lovers and slow travelers
• Stay here if: You’re skipping the beach and want to be closer to the jungle or Chocolate Hills
• Best Hotel: Loboc River Resort– Right on the Loboc River, this gorgeous resort is the perfect inland stay for those looking to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

My Honest Bohol 3 Days Itinerary Travel Tips (From Someone Who Just Went)

Don’t Pack Your Days

You will be shocked, how long a scooter ride and activity can take you, so don’t jam pack your day. Bohol is all about taking it easy, so don’t rush through it.

Get a Scooter

If you really want to explore the island at your own pace, rent a scooter. It’s the best way to check out hidden gems, plus it’s affordable and gives you the freedom to go wherever the road takes you.

Watch the Weather

Bohol is stunning, but the weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before outdoor activities, especially if you’re heading to waterfalls or doing island tours—rain can make things slippery and less enjoyable.

Have Small Bills for the Entrance Fees

A lot of the popular spots, like the Tarsier Sanctuary or Chocolate Hills, have small entrance fees. Keep some small bills on hand to make paying quick and easy!

3 to 4 Days is Enough for a Bohol Trip Itinerary

You don’t need more than 3 to 4 days in Bohol to hit all the highlights. It’s a perfect amount of time to explore the island without feeling rushed, while also giving you plenty of room to relax and soak in the vibes.

What to Pack for Bohol (The Essentials I Actually Used)

• Water Shoes – Oliver and I both rock the rubber Birkenstocks and they’re so clutch for hopping on boats or walking over rocky bits but once they get wet, it’s all slipping in sliding. So when it’s waterfall time we always switch to these not so cute but super functional water-shoes!
• Snorkel Gear– Honestly, this is a Philippines essential, not just for Bohol. Having your own means you can jump in whenever the water looks good (which is… always).
• Dry Bag – You’ll want this for island hopping, boat rides, or any surprise rainstorms. Keep your stuff dry and your peace of mind intact.
• DJI Osmo Action 5 – Ours broke halfway through the trip and I’m still devastated. No sardine run footage. None. Also if you’re debating between this and the Go Pro I think the DJI is much better for unedited photos. But either way, please pack one that works and treat it like gold.
• Power Bank – My phone died on a long scooter ride and we had to stop and ask a random roadside vendor for directions. It was fine, but also a little “am I about to get lost in the jungle?” stressful. Bring a power bank and avoid the drama.

Is Bohol Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts on My Trip

To be honest, I’d say yes and no. The island itself? Absolutely worth it. There are great cafes, chill beaches, and an overall super laid-back vibe that makes it a lovely place to unwind. But, I will say that some of the must-do spots—like the Chocolate Hills and the Loboc River—didn’t exactly live up to the hype for me. Sure, they’re iconic, but they felt a little overrated compared to the more hidden gems around the island.

If you’re already on this side of the Philippines, Bohol island is definitely worth a visit. It’s just a short hop from Cebu City, so if you’re exploring the Visayas, it’s an easy add-on. But if you’re coming from Palawan and it’s a major detour for you, I’d say skip it. There are other places in the Philippines that might be a better use of your time and energy. I hope this guide gave you some insight into planning an epic Bohol Travel Guide Itinerary.

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