2011 • 3 • 27
Bohol is one of the best places I have visited. The province has so much, soooo much to offer. We stayed there for 4 days and there were still so many places we missed. Our energy level isn’t really proportional to the beauty of this island province. Touring Bohol is really exhausting but every calorie we burned and second spent was worth it.
If you’re planning to go to Bohol, too, here’s the summary of our trip including the expenses. I’m not saying that you should do exactly like how we did it but I hope this guides you on your travel. Click on the items for a more detailed chronicling of our experience at each stop of our tour.
We were a group of 8 and it was great because that meant there would be 8 of us dividing the expenses. Our group chose to avail of a budget tour package from Bagobo Beach Resort. We arranged a 4-day 3-night trip and here’s what happened.
Airfare
We were able to avail of a Cebu Pacific Air promo. Our tickets cost around P1500 each, roundtrip. That’s including all the taxes and fuel surcharge.
Day 1 – Countryside Tour
Since we would be coming from the airport and our resort was in Panglao, we agreed to just start the tour immediately after we landed. The first day was spent touring Bohol’s countryside.
- A Quick Stop at Sandugo Site
- Up Close and Personal with Prony the Python
- The Tarsier Encounter
- Lunch on Loboc River Cruise
- Bilar Man-Made Forest
- The Chocolate Hills
- Tigbao Hanging Bridge
- Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
- Baclayon Church
I have to warn you. Although the sites above are beautiful, beautiful places, it can get really tiring. You will be on the road the whole day, driving from the airport in Tagbilaran to Baclayon to Loboc to Bilar to Carmen and back. You should also be able to estimate your arrival in Loboc if you already have a schedule with any of the floating restaurants there.
And if your Day 2 involves island hopping (Balicasag Island, Virgin Island), it would be best to drop by Tagbilaran’s market the night before to buy ingredients for the next day’s lunch. The cost of food in Balicasag Island isn’t pocket-friendly but people there accept “paluto” at a fixed price. I swear, that will make a huge difference.
Day 2 – Island Hopping
We visited Balicasag Island and Virgin Island on our second day. Dolphin-watching, swimming, snorkeling, sun bathing. Don’t forget to bring goggles and aqua shoes!
The dolphins may be a little too far from your boat so if you want to take photos of them, get a good lens. It’s also good to get them on video! If you have an underwater cam, you might want to bring them, too. The marine life in Balicasag Island is beyond colorful!
Day 3 – Relaxing in Panglao Island
We chose to just stay at our resort in Panglao Island on our third day because we just wanted to rest, relax and enjoy the ultra fine sand and clear, shallow water.
You can choose to do something else like pumping adrenaline at Danao Adventure Park or enjoying the food, view and bees of Bohol Bee Farm.
Day 4 – Flying Back to Manila
We spent our last day in Bohol by buying pasalubong and souvenirs but we needed to do it fast coz our flight back to Manila was in the morning.
Expenses
Here’s everything we spent throughout the trip! Note that we had Bagobo Beach Resort arrange the countryside tour and island hopping tour for us.
- P1500 – Roundtrip tickets to Tagbilaran via Cebu Pacific Air
- P220 – Terminal fees
- P3200/person – Accommodations and tours (i.e., 4-day 3-night accommodations, countryside tour, island hopping tour, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, van rental, boat rental, welcome drink, free wi-fi, free use of videoke)
- P450 – Loboc lunch
- P400 – Entrance fees, donations and hut rentals
- P1000 – Food and booze
- P500 – Pasalubong
That’s a total of Php 7,270 per person. For a 4-day 3-night trip, I think it’s pretty cool!
we are a group of 6 friends. we are off to bohol on apr13-15, 2011. we are looking for a complete bohol tour package with accommodation preferably in panglao island. we like what’s shown in here, except we shall avail only of 3 days / two nights duration. please quote on availability and rate; excluding airfare. thanks a lot
Hi Joey,
You can check this one: http://www.dumaluanbeach.com/specials.php
They offer good packages at reasonable price per person.
Hi. I find your site very helpful. I want to ask if it’s possible to do whale/dolphin watching + balicasag snorkeling + virgin island in one morning? I plan to do these before our flight of 13:25. Do you think there will be enough time.
And how far is the airport form Panglao? Thanks a lot and will appreciate your reply.
Hi there! One morning won’t be enough unfortunately.
Panglao is a little far from the airport. I’m not sure but I think it’s around 30minutes. :)
how is the Bohol weather in june?
its end of summer, so it probably raining season :(
thanks for the tip, sent inquiry to tessa
Bohol has its own beauty tlga…sarap bumalik dun!!
Sipalay is the real Paradise
went to this place last year,best vacation i ever had…very pretty
We will be going to Bohol this coming Aug 27 to 29. Thanks for the tip. I will be looking on some of your posts for other local destinations.
This is already a great deal!
planning a trip to Bohol..ur site is very helpful..quick question though..did u get the packaged tour or u just rented a car and went on your own.thanks!
Hi! I need help! Planning to visit Bohol and Panglao soon, Can you recommend a clean not-so-expensive hotel? And oh! What site can I get into for the tour package? Thank you!
hi …ur blog was so great..and i think i found the right person to ask ..were group of 3 my sister ,my bf and i and were about to plan to go to bohol…can u help me to look for cheap tour bohol package including the accomodation and other staff..we just want to spend 3days and 2 night…i will appreciate ur help…tnx
HI Rocel, I stayed at Bagobo Beach Resort. You may search this blog. I posted a review of that hotel, with rates.
lyk sna nming pumunta ero d nmin alm ilan lhat mgagastos two lng kming pnta>
hi ask ko lang kung anong hotel ang pinag stayan mo.. yung 3,200/person including Accommodation and tour thank u
Hi Tetet, naku super luma na ng post na ‘to. Name ay Bagobo Beach Resort, pero di ko sure kung open pa sila or kung ganyan pa yung rates nila.