Cebu to Bohol: The Ultimate Travel Guide
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Dreaming of island hopping in the Philippines? The Central Visayas region has a stunning combination of vibrant culture, natural wonders, and idyllic beaches.
To see them, you can choose either from the route Cebu to Bohol, Bohol to Dumaguete, Bohol to Siquijor, Bohol to Dumaguete to Siquijor, Cebu to Dumaguete, Cebu to Dumaguete to Siquijor, or Dumaguete to Siquijor.
It’s doable and you will not regret spending days on these islands. I can vouch for that.
But for now, I’ll talk about a famous route in this region: Cebu to Bohol.
I’ve been to Cebu more than once before (the province is actually just across from where I am) and once in Bohol.
Both of them are the well-known provinces among the four in Central Visayas, with daily flights and ferry schedules to and from other parts of the Philippines, even in international places.
So, if you’re wondering how to get from the Queen City of the South to the Jewel of the Philippines, you’re reading the right post.
This ultimate guide unlocks the secrets of traveling from Cebu to Bohol, two of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Most Common Route: Cebu to Tagbilaran
Shortest Travel Time: Oslob, Cebu to Panglao Island, Bohol
Less-Frequented Route: Cebu to Ubay Port
Can You Fly from Cebu to Bohol?
While there aren’t any direct flights between Cebu City and Bohol Island itself, you can take a scenic flight from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Mactan) to Panglao International Airport (Panglao) with layovers to other airports.
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You can choose from flights via Manila, Davao, or El Nido. This option is ideal if you want to skip the ferry ride.
Total travel time is roughly two hours or more, and several airlines, including Cebu Pacific, offer this route but take note that this option can be expensive.
Cebu to Bohol by Ferry
For a more budget-friendly and culturally immersive experience, ferries are the most popular way to travel between Cebu and Bohol.
Several ferry companies operate daily departures that offer various comfort levels and travel times. Here’s a breakdown of the popular ferry routes:
🚢 Cebu to Tagbilaran
This is the most common route, taking passengers directly to Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital.
The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and ferry companies like Oceanjet and Lite Ferries offer frequent departures throughout the day.
Tagbilaran is a great base for exploring Bohol, with easy access to many tourist attractions and convenient transportation options.
OceanJet Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran)
| OceanJet Ferry and Fare | Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran) | (Tagbilaran) Bohol to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Fare | Open Air/ Tourist Class – ₱880.00 | Open Air/ Tourist Class – ₱880.00 |
| Business Class – ₱1,320.00 | Business Class – ₱1,320.00 | |
| Daily Schedule | 5:10 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:20 AM 9:20 AM 10:40 AM 11:40 AM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:20 PM 4:20 PM 5:40 PM | 6:00 AM 7:05 AM 8:20 AM 9:20 AM 10:40 AM 11:40 AM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:20 PM 4:20 PM 5:00 PM 5:40 PM |
SuperCat Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran)
| Ferry & Fare | Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran) | Bohol (Tagbilaran) to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu to Bohol Travel Time | 1.5 to 2 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Cebu to Bohol Schedule | 5:40 AM | 8:00 AM |
| 10:20 AM | 9:50 AM | |
| 12:30 PM | 12:40 PM | |
| 3:00 PM | 5:20 PM |
| Business Class SuperCat Fare | Tourist Class SuperCat Fare |
|---|---|
| Regular – ₱1,560 | Regular – ₱1,040 |
| Student – ₱1,248 | Student – ₱832 |
| Senior/PWD – ₱1,114.28 | Senior/PWD – ₱742.86 |
| Child (3-11) – ₱780 | Child (3-11) – ₱520 |
| Infant (1-2) – free ( ₱25 for insurance) | Infant (1-2) – free ( ₱25 for insurance) |
Lite Ferry Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran)
| Ferry & Fare | Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran) | Bohol (Tagbilaran) to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu to Bohol Travel Time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Cebu to Bohol Schedule | Daily – 1:00 PM | Daily – 11:59 AM |
🚢 Cebu to Tubigon
If you’re planning to explore the northwestern part of Bohol, the Cebu to Tubigon route might be a better choice.
However, Tubigon is a smaller port town with fewer tourist amenities compared to Tagbilaran.
| Ferry | Cebu to Bohol (Tubigon) | Bohol (Tubigon) to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Cebu to Bohol Travel Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Daily Cebu to Bohol Schedule | 12:30 AM 7:00 AM 10:30 AM 1:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:00 PM | 7:00 AM 10:00 AM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:00 PM |
🚢 Cebu to Getafe
This route caters to those staying on Bohol’s eastern coast.
The ferry ride is around 2 hours, and Getafe is a gateway to Anda, a laid-back beach town known for its beautiful shores and diving spots.
| Ferry & Fare | Cebu to Bohol (Getafe) | Bohol (Getafe) to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Class or Open Air | ₱500 | ₱500 |
| Business Class | ₱880 | ₱880 |
| Cebu to Bohol Travel Time | 1 hour 15 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Cebu to Bohol Schedule | 6:30 AM 10:00 AM 1:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:45 PM | 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 11:45 AM 3:15 PM 6:45 PM |
🚢 Oslob, Cebu to Panglao, Bohol
Looking for a unique travel experience? Consider a ferry from Oslob, Cebu!
This ferry takes you directly to Panglao Island, a haven for beach lovers and divers. Travel time varies depending on the ferry company but is generally around 1.5 hours.
| Ferry & Fare | Oslob, Cebu to Panglao, Bohol | Panglao, Bohol to Oslob, Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Fare | ₱1000 (20% discount for 4 to 9 years old and Filipino senior citizens) | ₱1000 (20% discount for 4 to 9 years old and Filipino senior citizens) |
| FREE – 0 to 3 years old | FREE – 0 to 3 years old | |
| Travel Time | 1.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Schedule | 11:30 AM | 6:30 AM |
🚢 Cebu to Ubay
This less-frequented route connects Cebu City to Ubay, a charming town on Bohol’s east coast.
The ferry ride takes about 4 hours, and Ubay offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking tranquility.
| Ferry & Fare | Cebu to Bohol (Ubay Port) | Bohol (Ubay Port) to Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Fare | ₱540 | ₱540 |
| Tourist Fare | ₱600 | ₱600 |
| Cebu to Bohol Travel Time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Cebu to Bohol Schedule | 8:00 PM | 8:00 AM |
Is Bohol Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Bohol is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines with natural wonders, historical landmarks, and exciting activities.
If you haven’t heard this before, Bohol is also well-known for its Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate in the world, the Philippine tarsier.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bohol?
The ideal amount of time to spend in Bohol depends on your travel style and interests. For a quick glimpse of the main attractions, a 2-day itinerary can work.
However, if you want to explore deeper into the island’s beauty and explore off-the-beaten-path locations, consider spending 3-4 days or even a week.
Additionally, you can also book one of the Bohol tours if you want to maximize your time on the island.
As for me, I spent a 5-day itinerary last summer in Bohol and it’s not even enough.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
Bohol enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, from November to April, has the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
However, since it is also the peak season, you should expect larger crowds and potentially higher prices.
The wet season, from May to October, brings occasional typhoons and rain showers, but it can also be a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower travel costs.
Best Places to Stay in Bohol (Tagbilaran and Panglao)
Bohol has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the two most popular tourist areas:
Tagbilaran City
👍 Pros: More affordable hotels and guesthouses, convenient access to transportation hubs and the ferry terminal, lively atmosphere with local markets and restaurants.
👎 Cons: Limited beach access, can be busier and less relaxed compared to Panglao.
Panglao Island
👍 Pros: Beautiful beaches with stunning resorts and beachfront accommodations, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
👎 Cons: Generally pricier than Tagbilaran, some resorts are quite isolated requiring transportation for sightseeing.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation
Bohol Ecotel
Clean, comfy rooms in the center of Tagbilaran City, great for exploring without fancy extras. Easy on the wallet!
Alona Pawikan
Affordable choice near the famous Alona Beach. It might not be right on the beachfront and may have fewer amenities, but still a budget-friendly option close to the action.
🏨 Mid-Range Stay
Sweet Home Boutique Hotel
This charming hotel in Tagbilaran offers cozy rooms with a personal touch, like a smaller hotel with a friendly feel.
Pyramid Beach Resort
Enjoy beautiful beachfront views on Alona Beach at this mid-priced option. It strikes a good balance between affordability and a relaxing resort experience.
🏖️ Luxury Place
Kasagpan Resort
Treat yourself to stunning ocean views, delicious food, and friendly service at this luxurious resort in Tagbilaran. Perfect for a truly relaxing getaway.
Oceanica Resort Panglao (formerly South Palms Resort)
This top-of-the-line resort boasts beachfront luxury and world-class amenities. Expect to pay more, but you’ll get the best service around.
Bohol Activities and Tourist Spots
After deciding on which option you want to visit Bohol from Cebu, you should check out some of the tourist destinations in the province.
📍 Chocolate Hills: Witness the awe-inspiring Chocolate Hills, a geological marvel best viewed during the dry season when they turn brown.
📍 Bilar Man-made Forest: Explore this vast mahogany forest, a testament to local conservation efforts.
📍 Baclayon Church: Visit the oldest stone church in Bohol, Baclayon Church, formerly included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List.
📍 Bohol Museum: Learn about Bohol’s rich history and culture through artifacts and exhibits at the Bohol Museum or Tagbilaran National Museum.
📍 Philippine Tarsier: Observe the world’s smallest primates, the adorable Philippine Tarsiers, in their natural habitat. Responsible tourism practices are crucial when visiting these endangered creatures.
📍 Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world with marine life in Panglao Island’s rich coral reefs. You can even enjoy diving here just like I did!
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Conclusion: Ultimate Guide from Cebu to Bohol
Bohol’s magic – from the Chocolate Hills to the adorable tarsiers – is just a ferry ride or flights away from Cebu (not really recommending this though).
This guide has given you all the essentials to plan your Cebu to Bohol adventure. So, get ready to discover this jewel this year!
🏝️ Travel Resources for Your Bohol Trip
Planning a trip to Bohol? Here’s a quick list of trusted websites to book everything you need—flights, ferries, hotels, tours, transportation, and more.
How to Get to Bohol – Use 12Go to book ferries to Bohol from Cebu, Siquijor, or Dumaguete, or search flights to Panglao’s Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Where to Book Your Stay – Browse top-rated resorts, beachfront stays, and budget-friendly options on Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo if you’re traveling with family or in a group.
Getting Around the Island – Book a self-driving car via Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com, rent a scooter locally (₱400–₱600/day), use a taxi, tuktuk, bus, or hire a private driver for day tours and airport transfers.
Book Tours and Activities – Discover Chocolate Hills, island hopping, and tarsier sanctuaries through Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, or book directly with local operators in Panglao or Tagbilaran.
Stay Connected – Use an Airalo eSIM for reliable data, rent pocket WiFi from Klook if you’re in a group, or grab a Globe or Smart SIM card before you arrive.
Cash, ATMs, and Payments – Bring pesos for local shops and tours, as small towns may not accept cards, and some ATMs can run out of cash on weekends or holidays.
Travel Insurance – Get coverage for health, accidents, or delays from SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads, especially if you plan to drive or join water activities.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
- Your Guide to the Best Ferries to Bohol
- How to Travel from Bohol to Siquijor: A Complete Guide
- How to Get From Cebu to Dumaguete: A Complete Travel Guide
- 20 Best Activities & Tourist Spots in Bohol You Can’t-Miss
- Top Beaches in Panglao Island Bohol: Your Guide to the Best Spots
- Your Bohol Itinerary: What to See and Do in 3 – 5 Days
- 17 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Cebu City and Beyond
About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
