Cebu and Bohol Discovery

Today, your private guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel and accompany you to start the Bohol countryside exploration. We will first drive for about 2 hours to the Chocolate Hills, a natural wonder composed of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills. During the dry season from December to May, the grass on these hills dries out and turns brown, resembling chocolate truffles from the viewing platform. During the rainy season from June to November, the grass and shrubs revive and grow lushly, transforming the hills into “matcha-flavored chocolates.”

Afterward, we will visit the Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area to see the Philippines’ national treasure: the tarsier, one of the world’s smallest monkeys. Despite their tiny bodies, their eyes are strikingly larger than their brains, with pupils that almost fill their eye sockets, making them look as if they are wearing cute, round-framed glasses. However, their distinctive appearance has fueled poaching and the illegal pet trade, and, coupled with severe habitat destruction from human activities, has left tarsiers on the verge of extinction. Therefore, it is precious that we can still see these lovely creatures here; please do not disturb them during your visit.

Then, let’s take a cruise on Bohol’s most beautiful Loboc River. Enjoy the visual feast and spiritual satisfaction of the emerald-green river, lush tropical trees, and traditional houses nestled among them. You may see local kids playing near the riverbank, diving from coconut trees into the water. During the cruise, you can dance to live music while enjoying a buffet of traditional Filipino food. When the ship stops at a platform, you will enjoy authentic folk dances performed by local young men and women. Don’t hesitate to join in the singing or the joyful bamboo dance if you’re interested. On the way back, we’ll visit the 400-year-old stone Baclayon Church and Blood Compact Shrine before arriving at your hotel to conclude today’s tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and accompany you on a boat ride to Balicasag Island in about half an hour. From a distance, the island looks like a green floating gemstone, with countless crab-like Banca boats moored around it. Balicasag Island is a paradise for divers worldwide, with abundant sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrantly spreading rose-shaped coral reefs. The most captivating part of your snorkeling at Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is just a turn around, and you’ll find yourself seemingly on the edge of an underwater cliff, with a vertical drop of over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) beneath the calm surface, where the color of the sea suddenly shifts from light blue to deep blue. 

After that, we’ll take a break and enjoy lunch on the island. Our next stop is Virgin Island, a large sandbar that appears only at low tide and is named for its resemblance to the constellation Virgo. Surrounded by crystal-clear water, you can sunbathe on the beach or sit in the shallows. 
► Suggested Carryings
1. Coral-safe sunscreen to minimize harm to the fragile coral ecosystem.
2. A waterproof bag to carry your belongings, such as a mobile phone, camera, and wallet.
3. A dry towel to wipe off sand or dirt, and dry clothes for changing after diving or swimming.

Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol (4 stars) or similar

This morning is free for you to enjoy the beauty of Bohol Island by yourself. You may lie in the sunshine on the white sand at Alona Beach, or rent a motorbike for around USD 8-10 to further explore Momo Beach or Dumaluan Beach, both about a 15-minute ride from your hotel and offering a more serene atmosphere.

After lunch at your hotel, your driver will escort you to the boat dock for the 2-hour trip to Cebu, a Spanish-style city. Please take seasickness medication in advance if needed. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel’s pool and private beach or enjoy a Filipino massage at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Lapu-Lapu (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to visit significant historical sites in Cebu’s twin city of Lapu-Lapu, where the Chieftain Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD) defeated and killed explorer Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD). Every April, the grand festival called Kadaugan sa Mactan is celebrated to commemorate Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Although an inscription on the Lapu-Lapu Monument reads: “Lapu-Lapu was the first Filipino to have repelled European aggression,” Filipinos seem to have mixed feelings about Magellan. Despite being an invader, he introduced Catholicism, which accelerated the country’s development. Today, 80% of the Filipino population is Catholic. This explains why you’ll see the Mactan Shrine, built to commemorate Magellan, not far from the Lapu-Lapu Monument. 

After admiring guitar exhibits and watching artisans craft guitars at the Alegre Guitars Factory, let’s drive 1.5 hours to the TOPS Cebu, the highest observation deck in Cebu City, for expansive views and fresh air. We will arrange a special lunch for you on the mountain, either at the Tops of Cebu with its superb views or at Balay sa Busay to savor Filipino specialties.

Then, follow your guide to visit Magellan’s precious legacy in Cebu, including Magellan’s Cross, a huge wooden cross housed in a hexagonal pavilion, and the statue of the Child Jesus enshrined in Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino. Next, we’ll stop at the Heritage of Cebu Monument to appreciate the exquisite sculptures that bring history to life. Nearby is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, built in 1675 AD, a historical residence of a wealthy Chinese merchant that blends Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino styles. After that, let’s proceed to Cebu Taoist Temple on the hillside, an oriental-style religious site built by local Chinese, to learn about the role of Chinese immigrants in Cebu’s history. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Lapu-Lapu (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for a Banca boat ride to explore Cebu’s most beautiful islands. We’ll first go to Hilutungan Island, home to a variety of marine life, with colorful fish swimming among the coral reefs, where you might even spot a sea turtle. The next stop is Nalusuan Island. Walking along the long wooden pier, you can see white cabins in the distance against the azure sea and sky, creating a sense of calm and a feeling of escaping daily pressures. Capturing stunning natural scenery and meeting friendly locals, as well as snorkeling or kayaking, will create unforgettable memories on your Cebu tour. Later, let’s visit Pandanon Island to enjoy its fine sandy beaches. With its unspoiled Tiffany-blue waters, the island has a unique, clean, and tranquil charm. You can enjoy swimming or take a sunbath under the palm trees. After you have fully enjoyed your leisure time, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Lapu-Lapu (4 stars) or similar

As your 7-day Cebu & Bohol tour package comes to an end today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Cebu Airport. Have a pleasant journey!

► Recommendations for Late Departure (at your own expense)
If you want to immerse yourself in Cebu’s urban atmosphere to the last minute, you can take a stroll near your hotel or walk 15 minutes southwest to Shangs Island Town Center, where you can dine at popular restaurants and cafes or shop at grocery stores and souvenir shops.

If you’d like to spend a few more days on Bohol Island for additional activities or extend your Philippine tour to the capital, Manila, to experience its blend of modern and historical influences, please contact us to customize your itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast