Philippines’ Bohol & Cebu: See & Experience it all

When traveling from abroad to the Philippines, Manila is usually the first point of arrival for most tourists. Skip the capital and simply use its airport as a layover on your way to the island of Bohol. Upon arrival in the island’s capital, Tagbilaran, drive to the settlement of Panglao. This is your base for exploring the island and where your lodge is located. Spend time at Alona Beach. About 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) long and lined with palm trees, resorts, and shops, the white-sand Alona Beach is lively both day and night.

Your tour today starts officially at 5:15 pm. Be in the lobby at this time to meet your tour guide and driver. Travel by vehicle to the Abatan River Community Life Tour. There, enjoy a firefly boat cruise—an experience you probably have never seen before. The cruise begins shortly after arrival. Afterwards, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy the evening.

Explore Bohol Island and visit its most famous sights, including a cruise along the Loboc River, the Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, Bilar Man-Made Forest, and Baclayon Church.

Chocolate Hills’ unique, mound-shaped formations are Bohol’s most popular attraction. During the dry season, the grass-covered hills turn chocolate brown, creating seemingly endless rows of chocolate kisses. Another highlight is a visit to a sanctuary to see endangered tarsiers, primates found only on a few islands across Southeast Asia. Don’t miss the boat cruise along the Loboc River, where lunch is included as you take in the peaceful scenery.

From Tagbilaran, travel by boat to Dumaguete, a town perfect as a base for exploring the area. Have your swimming attire and a towel ready. The first stop on today’s tour is Pulangbato Falls. The next stop is Red Rock Hot Spring. Return to Dumaguete in the early evening.

Take a day trip from Dumaguete to the port in Malatapay and board a boat to Apo Island. Big-eyed jacks, bump-head parrotfish, and sea snakes inhabit the island’s reefs. The highlight for most visitors is the sea turtles, which swim close to you and grow impressively large.

Today will be a long but exciting day nonetheless. From Dumaguete, take a boat ride to Cebu Island. Shortly after arrival, swim with whale sharks. Next, head straight to Aguinid Falls. This is a great place for climbing waterfalls (with a helmet and ropes, of course!). Next, drive to Kawasan Falls. There, have lunch, which is included on today's tour. Kawasan Falls is a destination popular specifically for canyoneering. After that thrilling tour, drive to Cebu City and sleep there for the evening.

Note that children (A) under 4 years old are not allowed to swim with whale sharks, (B) under 6 years old are not allowed to go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, and (C) under 7 years old are not allowed to go canyoneering at Aguinid Falls.

Your tour ends this morning. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Cebu.