Shannon Thomson Kennedy

May 31, 20224 min read

Cebu to Bohol, Philippines - 10 Day 'Must see' Itinerary & Guide

Updated: Sep 1, 2022

The Philippines is one of those destinations that we just keep going back to. With 7000+ islands there is always somewhere new for us to discover and in this blog, we will share with you our absolute MUST SEE & DO things we loved in Cebu & Bohol in a 10 day EPIC itinerary.

And, we are certain that you will quickly fall in love with Cebu & Bohol just like we did!

There are so many unique experiences to be had within these two locations, from the incredibly beautiful white sandy beaches, with crystal clear waters and sand banks to the vibrant colourful snorkeling and adrenaline pumping whale sharks swim. Plus, we cannot forget the inland NATURE including EPIC waterfalls, underground lagoons and the Chocolate Hills... So lets get started!

1. Oslob Cebu

How to get there: Oslob is located approximately 4 hours south of Cebu and can be reached by either taking a taxi or a bus connection.

Cost: Private car 3000php / $75aud - with stops to the shopping mall included

Where we stayed: Seascape Beach Resort Oslob

Tourists flock to this region to experience swimming with Whale sharks, but what we discovered is there are many more things to see in this lovely little seaside town.

DAY 1 - Oslob Cebu

TOUR (self arranged): Visit Tumalog Falls

On our first day in Oslob we arrived and checked into our hotel, Seascape Beach Resort Oslob.

The hotel was extremely helpful, and organised us a local Tuk Tuk driver to take us to Tumalog Falls (600php return trip). The driver dropped us off at a 'check point' on the main road, and organised us motor bikes to take us up the mountain for another 100psp per person. When you arrive at the entrance, you can either walk down for free or pay another 100php to get dropped the rest of the way. Its a VERY STEEP hill so we opted to pay the extra for the lift and it was WELL WORTH IT. The entrance fee into the waterfalls was also 50php per person. ALL UP the entire excursion cost around $50aud for the 3 of us.

DAY 2 - Oslob Cebu

TOUR: Whale Sharks

Oslob is probably best know for its Whale Sharks and the opportunity to swim with them.

Our hotel arranged an EARLY (6am) pickup by a Tuk Tuk driver who took us down to the Whale Sharks, there they will help you get your tickets, and arrange photography / videographer for you if you choose to add this on. After a short safety and environmental video you wait for your boat number to be called and for your chance to swim with the Whale Sharks. We spent around 40mins in the water with them and saw around 4-5. The whole experience costs approx $30aud per person.

TIPS: Go early to avoid waiting a long time and to avoid the bus loads of tourists making the 4 hour trek from the city to come swim with the sharks.

2. Sumilon Island

How to get there: Bluewater Island Resort have a private jetty and transfers available for all guests located about 2 kms from Oslob's centre.

Cost: Your ferry back and forth is included in your overnight room rate

Where we stayed: Bluewater Island Resort Sumilon

Day 3-5

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is located on tranquil Sumilon Island. The Island is definitely one of Cebu best kept secrets and has an area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by crystal clear waters flushed with sea life. Its sandbar is well known for its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island, depending on the season. On the island, there is a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves. There are also natural caves where fishermen used to seek refuge.

Things to do: Snorkeling, Sand bar, Hiking, Canoeing, Swimming in one of the two resort pools or the ocean, Shark Feeding daily

3. Bohol Island

How to get there: Direct ferry available daily with Apekoptravel

Cost: 1000php / $30aud

Where we stayed: The Seapearl of Alona

Bohol had such a great touristy VIBE and reminded us of Boracay, but on a much smaller scale. Alona beach is the main tourist area and is a beautiful white sandy beach lined with restaurants and bars with great vibes, countless happy hours deals and great priced meals.

PLUS, there are loads of activities to fill your time in Bohol and here are a few of our favorites to fill up your 5 days here.

DAY 5-10 Things to do:

Visit Hinagdanan Cave and take a swim in the underground cenote. (photo 1)
Hire a driver for a full day tour (2500php / $65aud) and visit the local attractions such as the Chocolate Hills where you can go ATVing (photo 2), local waterfalls, monkey forest, see a rare Tarsier monkey that is only in found in Bohol.
Take a tour to the local islands and do some snorkeling, there are a few different tour itinerary's on offer by local suppliers and they are all very well priced.
Explore the restaurant of Alona Beach.
Hire a scooter or driver to take a tour of Panglao Island and its beaches.
Go shopping in one of the Malls in town.
Visit Mist, a treehouse restaurant that is WELL WORTH the visit (photo 4)
Visit Alona beach in the afternoon & evening for 'Cocktail Hour', LIVE MUSIC and good times - WE DID ALOT OF THIS LOL