Your Complete First-Timer’s Guide to Bohol (2025) — Ferry, Transportation, & Things to Do

So It’s Your First Time in Bohol..

PS. this is just based on my experience! Feel free to do more reasearch

You don’t really know how transportation works, where to go, or what to expect? Don’t worry — I am here to guide you!

I’m no expert, but I’ve been living here on the island for over a year now. Let me run you through everything step by step — from port, to transportation, to activities and places to visit when you’re here for vacation!

⚓️ PORT GUIDE: Getting to Bohol from Cebu

Hi, I’m Loca, and I’m starting with the Port — because trust me, this part can be confusing for first-timers.

The port going to Bohol Panglao is located in Tagbilaran. There are several ports around Bohol, so make sure you’re headed to the right one.

From Cebu to Bohol, the travel time takes about:

⏱ 2 hours via OceanJet Fast Craft
⏱ 4 hours via LiteFerry

🚤 What’s the Difference Between OceanJet and LiteFerry?

OceanJet is the faster and more comfortable option. It has three classes:

Tourist Class – Airconditioned and compact. Sometimes crowded, sometimes not.
Open Class – On the top deck! You’ll get fresh air, sea breeze, and maybe a splash or two. It’s also pet-friendly (small pets allowed).
Business Class – A smaller, quieter area next to Open Class with reclining chairs and extra comfort.

💡 Loca Tip:
Book your tickets via KLOOK or the OceanJet Website. It’s super easy, and no need to print anything — just show your e-ticket from your phone!

If you want to change your departure time, you’ll need to do it in person at the ticketing office (with a small fee).

🧭 Step-by-Step Port Process

Buy your ticket online via Klook or OceanJet.
- You’ll receive an email confirmation with your ticket — no need to print.
Pay the environmental fee at the port (₱25–₱30).
X-ray and bag inspection.
Claim your ticket at the OceanJet counter beside the baggage area.
Check in your baggage:
- Free 20kg baggage allowance.
- Extra baggage costs ₱100–₱150.
- You can also carry small bags onboard and keep them near your seat.
Arrival:
- Porters will unload all baggage once you dock.
- Wait for your bag and show your yellow baggage sticker.

🚫 Important Reminder:
You’re not allowed to bring raw or cooked pork into Bohol — it’ll be confiscated at the arrival gate (biosecurity rule).

🚖 TRANSPORTATION FROM TAGBILARAN TO PANGLAO

This part can get a little chaotic — you’ll find a bunch of drivers waiting with flyers and offers the moment you exit the port. Here’s how to navigate it smartly:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Group of 5 or more?
Rent a private van for ₱800 (to alona rate) (good for up to 12 people).
Private Small car PHP 400-500 (good for 4)
🚕 Dauis area: ₱400 per tricycle (max 4 pax).
👭 Solo or couple travelers:
Download the PEDI App — it’s a tuktuk booking app that’s reliable and very affordable.

🛺 HOW TO GET AROUND BOHOL

There are lots of tuktuks in Panglao and Tagbilaran, but they sometimes overcharge — even locals like me get tricked when we don’t know the standard rates.

They’ll often say “It’s up to you” when you ask for the price, which usually means… “You’re paying more than you should.” 😅

🚗 Best Apps to Use:

MAXIM APP – Book motorcycles or tricycles.
- Chat your driver to clarify how many are riding — sometimes they send a motorbike when you expected a tricycle.
PEDI APP (Recommended) – For tuktuks/tricycles.
- You can top-up in advance and book rides instantly. Minimum charge is for 2 passengers, even if you’re solo.

💡 Why rides can be pricey:

Each tricycle in Bohol is registered per area. For example, a tricycle from Tagbilaran can take you to Panglao, but can’t pick anyone up there on the way back — so you’re paying the round trip.

That’s why using apps like PEDI is more consistent.

When I was new here, I paid ₱400–₱800 per short ride — don’t be like me! 😂

🏝 ACTIVITIES & PLACES TO VISIT IN BOHOL

You can book most Land and Island Tours via Klook — it’s cheaper and avoids the “tourist pricing” you’ll sometimes get from street agents.

Tours:

AND MANY MORE!

If you meet new friends along the way, you can book a private tour and just split the cost!

🌄 Top Attractions in Bohol

Grab my Google Map list!

🍫 Chocolate Hills

A short hike up gives you a panoramic view of these iconic cone-shaped hills.
Fun fact: They turn brown during summer and green during rainy season!

🌲 Man-Made Forest

A quick stop for some gorgeous photos under tall mahogany trees.

🐒 Tarsier Sanctuaries

I’ve been to two kinds:

The small sanctuary has nets for protection — no seminar, but staff will hush you if you’re loud.
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NzwHmg42KNn6QfXx5
The bigger one is in the jungle — includes a short info video and guided walk.
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5EcCgsMZgoEL9ouV9

Tarsiers are super sensitive creatures. They can rotate their heads 180°, jump up to 5 meters, and may even die from stress if disturbed — so be gentle and quiet!

🛶 Loboc River Cruise

Buffet on a floating restaurant! Enjoy local dishes while cruising the river with live singing and dancing. You’ll even meet locals performing Tinikling, our traditional bamboo dance — and yes, you can join in!

🌌 Firefly Watching

An enchanting night experience along the river — surrounded by glowing fireflies.

🏄‍♀️ Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Fun and relaxing! You’ll learn the basics before paddling peacefully through the river.

💦 Waterfalls Adventures

Rent a motorbike and explore! There are tons of waterfalls — some hidden, some popular. Start from the farthest one and work your way back. Grab my Google map list here!

Himontagon Hills

up for a hike? visit Himontagon Hills! you will never regret it! you’ll see the most breathtaking ocean and Bohol views from the top. best to go early morning or sunset time for that golden light!

🐬 Island Tours

Book through Klook or local agencies for dolphin watching (starts around 4–5 AM), whale watching, and island hopping adventures!

🤿 Freediving

You can freedive anywhere, but Napaling Reef is the most famous for its sardine run! It’s usually crowded — but I have a secret spot for sardines and nudibranchs (check my Google Maps list 😉).

🐠 Scuba Diving

Bohol has tons of dive shops.
If you’re getting certified, my top recommendation is Blue Revival Dive School — they offer certification, training, and fun dives. Mention my name “Loca” for a discount! (Nope, I don’t get anything out of it 😆).

🏖 Beaches

If you just want to chill, check out Oceanica — ₱500 consumable fee, white sand beach, comfy beanbags, and umbrellas. Plus, there’s a plane wreck nearby for divers! It’s also pet-friendly 🐾.

and so many more beautiful beaches in Bohol!

🐇 South Farm

A relaxing farm with animals, fishing, and mini adventures. There’s even a free ride between South Farm and Oceanica. There is no Entrance fee, Farm is open 8am-9pm.

Chill with friends?

Go-karting and golf are just a stone's throw away! Rally the crew for a turbo-charged day of fun when you've got time to spare!

for more info, here!

Prices here

🍴 WHERE TO EAT

Bohol's a foodie's paradise, bursting with everything from charming local joints to chic international cafés! No chance of getting lost or, heaven forbid, hungry here! Alona serves up mouthwatering Filipino BBQ and eats that'll make your taste buds dance — it's absolutely THE BEST!

Vegan Cafe

Mexican Food but make it FILIPINO!

Smoothie Bowls? SHAKA.

DRINKS? FOOD? CHADA.

Bigger Portion LOCAL FOOD? AFTERTASTE.

PS: You can drive around and find "Karinderya" or small cafeterias! they cook filipino food/cuisines!

🏝 BONUS: Side Trips from Bohol

✨Anda Bohol – Stunning white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery; the scuba diving experience is truly exceptional!

✨Cabilao Bohol – Cabilao is a pint-sized paradise just off Bohol's west coast in the Philippines, boasting dive spots so epic, even the fish bring their A-game! Its crystal-clear waters are a marine masterpiece, perfect for underwater explorers. Cabilao flaunts Bohol's only natural lake and a charming community that juggles fishing, farming, and wowing tourists. With roads as rare as a snowstorm in the tropics, this peaceful gem is a protected haven with marine sanctuaries galore!