The Ultimate Bohol Itinerary for 3 Days

While the majority of the Philippine Archipelago is famed for its white beaches and coral reefs, Bohol is known for its cascading waterfalls, adorable wildlife, and quirky natural sites such as the Chocolate Hills.

This isn’t your typical Filipino destination and you can expect your Bohol itinerary to be packed with diverse nature and exciting adrenaline activities!

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Bohol. This gives you enough time to see the famous sights and explore some hidden gems.

Read on and I’m going to tell you exactly what to do in Bohol for 3 days that gives you the opportunity to experience a little bit of everything the island has on offer. 

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Your 3 Day Bohol Itinerary

Breakdown of your 3 days in Bohol

  • Day 1: Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Mahogany Forest, Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center, Chocolate Hills, Loboc River dinner cruise 
  • Day 2: Stand-up paddle boarding (Loboc River), Pahangog Falls, Ingkumhan Falls, Kinahugan Falls, Anda White Long Beach, Tibaw Cave Pool, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Can-Umantad Waterfall 
  • Day 3: Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Monument, Kayak to Virgin Island, Scuba dive at, Balicasag Island (optional), Hinagdanan Cave, Alona Beach

Map for your Bohol itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Bohol itinerary.

I marked your 3 days in Bohol with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella) 

The first activity on your 3 day Bohol itinerary is going to be meeting the cutest residents in the whole of the Philippines.

Tarsiers are one of the smallest primates in the world and they are sadly endangered. But you can visit them ethically at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.

Tarsiers are extremely shy and noise causes them so much stress that they have been known to kill themselves. In order to protect these lovable creatures, your visit will be led by a guide.

The guide will expect you to keep noise to a minimum and not take photos with flash photography. It also goes without saying that you should keep your distance from them and not try to touch them.

Plan to spend 30 minutes here in total, the actual tour only takes around 20 minutes in order to protect the tarsiers.

Scenic drive via the Bilar Forest (Mahogany Forest)

As you leave the tarsier sanctuary, you can continue your journey via the man-made Mahogany Forest. The forest is 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in length and is located on the border of Bilar and Loboc. These gorgeous trees stretch up to the sky and form a tunnel that makes your drive splendidly scenic.

Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center 

Continuing on with your day of nature and wildlife, you can stop off at the Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center.

There are hundreds of butterflies and moths here across over 20 different species. You’ll pick up some interesting trivia as you’re guided around the park and you’ll have the chance to take some incredible close-up shots of the beautiful creatures.

You can also grab a fruit ice cream from the gift shop – no Bohol itinerary is complete without sampling this local specialty!

The drive from the Tarsier Sanctuary to the Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center takes just under one hour but you’ll want to stop to admire the Mahogany Forest along the way.

Chocolate Hills

You can’t start thinking about what to do in Bohol for 3 days without the Chocolate Hills instantly popping into your mind!

There are over 1,200 hills spread across the region in central Bohol. During the dry season, these oddities of nature turn a delectable chocolate-brown color. If you visit during the wet season note that the hills will be emerald green instead. 

The entrance fee to the Chocolate Hills complex is 50 PHP (1 USD) per person and this grants access to the viewing platform where you can take panoramic photos. Plan to spend around 30 minutes admiring the hills.

Loboc River dinner cruise 

To round off the first of your 3 days in Bohol you can treat yourself to a floating dinner on the Loboc River. This is the golden opportunity to try Filipino cuisine with a lush jungle backdrop as you slowly cruise along past traditional villages and witness local life.

A number of local companies run lunch and dinner tours on the Loboc River. Lunch ones are more popular but there are dinner options too. You can book via Scotty’s or ask your hotel to provide the latest schedules with their recommended cruise operator. 

Day 2

Stand-up paddle boarding on the Loboc River

If you skipped the dinner cruise last night then you might fancy starting the second of your 3 days in Bohol itinerary with an alternative way to experience the Loboc River.

SUP Tours Philippines provides a couple of options. You can book a 1 hour stand-up paddle-boarding tour which is suitable for beginners. These run from 8 am and you will cover 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of the waterway.

Alternatively, you can book the moderate 3-4 hour waterfall tour that navigates 8 kilometers (5 miles) and takes you to Busay Falls where you can enjoy a swim and splash around.

Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls)

Once you finish off your SUP tour, it’s time to head east and check out some of the more remote sights of Bohol. 

The Dimiao Twin Falls (also known as the Pahangog Falls) is one of Bohol’s best-kept secrets. Two strands of water tumble over some huge limestone boulders and flow into a turquoise pool that you can take a refreshing dip in.

You can swim right up to the tumbling water itself for a relaxing water massage. You can take some great photos from the bamboo bridge as well.

Note that the parking area is only accessible for motorbikes, not cars. From where you leave your scooter, you will need to follow a steep 1-kilometer (0.6 miles) descent through the jungle to reach the waterfalls. This will take around 20-30 minutes each way subject to how slippery the route is.

Ingkumhan Falls

A short drive from the twin falls brings you to another of Bohol’s most beautiful waterfalls that must feature on your Bohol itinerary. 

The great thing about Ingkumhan Falls is that they have a swing rope where you can unleash your inner Tarzan and fling yourself into the refreshing swimming hole!

If you know what you are doing you can also try cliff jumping. But I would recommend you ask the locals to give you some pointers first or that you get the lay of the land before you plunge in.

As with the Dimiao Twin Falls, you will need to follow a steep route down through the jungle in order to reach the waterfalls.

Kinahugan Falls

After visiting your first two waterfalls of the day, you have around an hour of traveling ahead as you venture over to eastern Bohol where even more waterfalls await you.

Unlike the other two waterfalls, Kinahugan Falls is super easy to get to and just requires a 5-minute walk from the parking area.

Depending on the conditions when you visit, these three waterfalls might be powerful to take a dip in. Sometimes the water is really fast moving so make an assessment and plan to skip the swimming if that’s the case.

They’re still worth making a trip to see and take photographs of. Plus, Kinahugan Falls is free to visit!

Anda White Long Beach

There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit in the municipality of Anda and you could spend the rest of the day beach hopping.

With its powdery white sand fringed with swaying coconut palm trees and turquoise waters, Anda White Long Beach is the best place to slot into your Bohol 3 days itinerary. Factor in some time to relax on the sand, take a swim and eat at one of the surrounding beach bars.

Tibaw Cave Pool 

There must be around 20 sunken cave pools in the Anda area so it would be crazy to come all the way over to this side of the island and not visit at least one!

They are kind of like the cenotes in Mexico and many of them permit swimming and cliff diving. If you do want to jump in for a swim, make sure you check first that there is a ladder so you can get back out.

A couple of the cave pools used to be accessible to swimmers but since the ladders have been taken away, it appears they are now closed. You can still visit for a look around though and to take some photos.

Tibaw Cave Pool is the easiest to access on your Bohol itinerary and is open to swimmers and jumpers. The water is around 3 meters deep so you can dive in but ask the locals for some tips first and do a recce of the water to check the layout.

You can follow the signs and continue another 5 minutes and see the much larger Cabagnow Cave Pool. Unfortunately, this one is currently closed to swimmers but it’s still available for viewing.

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

As well as its waterfalls, Bohol gives Bali a run for its money with its abundance of dreamy rice fields.

There are a couple of rice terraces in eastern Bohol that you can check out. Some of the most beautiful and accessible to tourists are the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay. 

You can park your car or scooter at Eleuterios’s Farms where you will need to pay the entrance fee of 20 PHP (0.40 USD). Then you are free to roam the terraces and take photos to your heart’s content.

It’s a fairly tricky road to reach the parking area if you’re driving yourself by motorbike so do take care. The ride from Anda White Long Beach takes just under one hour. 

Can-Umantad Waterfall 

There’s been a lot of waterfalls on your Bohol itinerary so far but I’m sure you’ll agree that they are a major part of the appeal of the island!

Can-Umantad Waterfall is only a 10-minute drive from the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces so I recommend you round off your day with a refreshing dunk in the water. This 18-meter (60-foot) tall waterfall is said to be the tallest on the island and it really does make for an impressive sight. 

The trail from the car park is around 5 minutes. Once you’re at the swimming basin you can swim right up to the waterfall and, carefully, experience a neck and back massage from the gushing waters.

Day 3

Baclayon Church 

So far your 3 days in Bohol have been focused on experiencing the raw nature and the unique nature of the island. Let’s start your final day dipping into some of the heritage of the island.

Officially the tongue-tangling La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church, Baclayon Church was built in 1596.

Constructed out of coral stones, it’s one of the oldest churches on the island and dates back to when the island was colonized by the Spanish.

You can go inside and have a look at the ancient frescoes and majestic altar. The church looks pretty humble from the outside and the interiors might surprise you. Entrance to the church hall is free but the adjacent museum has a small entrance fee.

Blood Compact Shrine

Another fascinating heritage site to squeeze into your Bohol itinerary is the Blood Compact Shrine. This commemorates the friendship treaty that took place between the Spaniards and the Filipinos on 16 March 1565. 

The compact, or Sandugo in Spanish, was initiated between the explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna.

The shrine is a 5-minute drive from the church and it’s free to visit.

Panglao Island

There’s a chance you might have already booked accommodation on Panglao Island which is the small island connected to Bohol via a bridge.

Panglao Island is one of the most popular tourist areas in Bohol and has the best beaches on an island that isn’t as famous for its beaches as neighboring Filipino islands.

Whether you’re staying in Panglao or elsewhere you can’t conclude your 3 day Bohol itinerary until you’ve explored it in full! Here are some ideas for what to do on Panglao Island.

  • Kayak to Pontod Island (Virgin Island): Paddle to this tiny sandbar off Panglao Island for a castaway vibe and a chance to spot colorful starfish. Many resorts on Alona and Danao Beach offer kayak rentals or you can rent one for a small fee if you’re not staying nearby.
  • Scuba dive at Balicasag Island: Dive into the vibrant marine life of Balicasag Island with top-rated dive centers like Alona Divers or Go Deep. Options range from beginner discovery dives to full open water courses. Alternatively, book an island-hopping tour to combine Balicasag and Virgin Island.
  • Hinagdanan Cave: Explore this limestone cavern with a sunlit lagoon and impressive stalagmites. Dive into the 3-4 meter-deep water for a unique swimming experience. The cave is accessible via a narrow staircase, but it’s worth the adventure.
  • Alona Beach: Unwind with a cocktail on this white sandy beach, take a dip in its clear waters, and enjoy the sunset. Lined with beach bars and palm trees, Alona Beach offers refreshing drinks, light meals, and a relaxing end to your day in Panglao.
Alona Beach

Useful Info for Spending 3 Days in Bohol

Where to stay in Bohol

There is a wide range of accommodations available in Bohol, basically, you can find anything from cheap hostels to luxury resorts. If you are visiting Bohol as a tourist the best places to stay are either in the capital city, Tagbilaran, or on Panglao Island.

If you want to stay close to the best beaches in Bohol then staying on Panglao Island is the best choice for you. This small island is connected to the main island by a bridge and it is very easy to get there.

The best resorts are located in the southern part of the island, near Alona Beach and Bolod Beach. Here are our recommendations:

Glamping Alona

Staying in Tagbilaran is a good choice if you want to explore the best tourist spots in Bohol and you want to minimize traveling time. You won’t find too many luxury or beachfront resorts here but the prices are much lower so if you are traveling on a budget that’s good news for you.

Since you are closer to the tourist spots you will spend less time on your motorbike or in the car which is another advantage.

How to get to Bohol

The easiest way to get to Bohol is via plane. There are direct flights from Manila to Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol via Cebu Pacific Air, Philippines Airlines, and Air Asia. The flight takes about an hour.

Unfortunately, you can’t fly directly from Cebu to Bohol, you have to catch a connecting flight in Manila. However, you can take the ferry instead which is a pretty convenient and cheap way to get to Bohol.

Bohol has two ferry ports: Tubigon and Tagbilaran. You need to pay attention to which port your ferry is going to because they are actually quite distant from each other!

Tubigon is located on the island’s northwest side, and since it’s far away from the best tourist spots in Bohol, it’s not the most convenient option for most travelers. Tagbilaran, on the other hand, is on the island’s southwest coast and serves as its administrative center.

The journey takes 4-5 hours, you can check the ferry departures and prices on 12Go Asia.

Best time to visit Bohol

The weather in Bohol is mostly hot and humid, although it does cool down a bit during the evening. The dry season (December-May) is the best time to visit, as it’s cooler and less humid than the other times of the year.

The northeast monsoon begins in late May and lasts until the beginning of December, with 15 wet days on average.

How to get around Bohol

There are regular buses that operate in Tagbilaran, but they’re very crowded and uncomfortable, thus not the best way to get around as a tourist.

A more convenient way to get around is to rent a car with a driver. It’s also possible to hire a tricycle (pedicab) to take you around town. Trikes are cheap and easy enough to flag down on the street.

If you’re a seasoned driver, you can also rent a scooter or a car. However, traffic is quite hectic on Bohol island so I would only recommend this if you have experience with driving in a Southeast Asian country!

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4 Comments

  1. Hi, this is very enticing and a wonderful read! I was wondering if you could please hook me up with a local tour operator who would be able to organize all 3 days for me? I’m travelling with my husband and we are both busy so I would really appreciate your recommendation. Thank you very much!

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