Discover the natural beauty and hidden gems of Bohol with this carefully curated 3-day itinerary. This guide focuses on authentic experiences while avoiding tourist traps, helping you make the most of your time on this stunning Philippine island.
While many people only spend 3 days in Bohol, you could easily spend a whole week exploring the island and not run out of things to do! We’ve crafted our itinerary around 3 days, covering the island highlights including the Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Balicasag island, but have included plenty more recommendations for those on an extended trip.
Getting Around
Bohol Itinerary 3 Days (Option 1):
Day 1: River Life & Nocturnal Adventures
Morning:
Arrive in Tagbilaran, Bohol
Head to Corella’s Tarsier Sanctuary
Drive to Loboc for check-in
Afternoon & Evening:
Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Loboc River
8:00 PM: Magical firefly-watching tour
Overnight in Loboc
Day 2: Cultural Heritage & Natural Wonders:
Morning:
Early trek from Loboc River to town
Explore Loboc town & Grab Lunch
Afternoon:
Visit the iconic Chocolate Hills
Drive through the mesmerising Man-Made Forest
Adventure time at Danao Adventure Park
Evening:
Check-in at Panglao accommodation
Sunset viewing at secluded Hermit’s Beach
Day 3: Ocean Exploration
Morning & Afternoon (Choose Your Adventure):
Option 1: Island Hopping:
Visit multiple islands
Snorkelling opportunities
Beach hopping
Option 2: Land-Based Marine Life:
Sardine run snorkeling at Napaling Reef (₱300/person)
Visit Hindagnan Cave Pool
Free time at nearby beaches
Evening:
- Depart for the next destination (Cebu/Siquijor/Camiguin)
Bohol Itinerary 3 Days (Option 2):
For those who prefer a less hectic and more natural experience, we have swapped the beaches in Panglao out for Anda. We have kept day 1 the same, as staying Loboc is such a magical experience in Bohol.
Day 1: River Life & Nocturnal Adventures:
Morning:
Arrive in Tagbilaran/ Panglao, Bohol
Head to Corella’s Tarsier Sanctuary
Drive to Loboc for check-in
Afternoon & Evening:
Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Loboc River
8:00 PM: Magical firefly-watching tour
Overnight in Loboc
Day 2: Roadtrip
Morning & Afternoon:
Pack up your stuff and hit the road
Drive through the Man-Made Forest
Experience Thrills at Danao Adventure Park
Visit the Spectacular Chocolate Hills
Carry on the roadtrip to Anda
Evening:
Chill at Anda White Sand Beach
Visit Cabagnow Cave Pool
Day 3: Exploring (Choose Your Adventure)
Option 1: Scuba Diving/ Snorkelling:
Explore the vibrant reefs on a day’s diving trip
Option 2: Land-Based Adventures
Visit Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Swim in the nearby Can-umantad Falls
Refresh in Canawa Cold Spring
Evening:
Depart for the next destination (Cebu/Siquijor/Camiguin)
Longer Bohol Itinerary Recommendations:
If our 3-day Bohol Itinerary, is not enough for you, or perhaps you fall in love with the island and want to spend longer, here are some recommendations.
Marine Adventures:
Scuba diving at Balicasag or Pamilican
Wrecked Plane Point Exploration
Dumaluan Beach relaxation
Waterfalls Circuit:
Kawasan Falls
Camugao Falls
Pangas Falls
Pahangog Falls
Ingkumhan Falls
Kinahugan Falls
Can-umantad Falls
Hidden Gems:
Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Canawa Cold Spring
Combento Cave
Cabagnow Cave Pool
Anda White Long Beach
Lamanok Island
Bugwak Spring
- Trekking
- Wildlife watching (iguanas, dragonflies kingfishers)
- Zipline
Tourist Traps To Avoid
To make the most of your Bohol experience, we recommend skipping:
- Loboc River Cruise (overpriced, touristy and loud)
- Bohol Lemur and Butterfly
- Bohol Birds and Butterfly Kingdom
- Bohol python & Wildlife Park
- Generic countryside tours from Panglao
Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area (Visit the Corella one instead)
- Whale Shark Tours In Lila (they are baited)
Why Is The Popular 'Countryside Tour' Not Included In Our 3-day Bohol Itinerary?
While you’ll see this tour heavily advertised throughout Panglao, we strongly recommend avoiding it for several reasons:
- Promotes unethical animal tourism with facilities that keep wildlife in cramped enclosures
- Hidden fees and unexpected costs throughout the day
- Rushed, crowded experiences at each location
- Overpriced compared to self-guided alternatives
Instead, opt for a DIY adventure by renting a scooter. This allows you to:
- Visit the ethical Corella Tarsier Sanctuary at your own pace
- Explore the Chocolate Hills during optimal lighting conditions
- Choose your own route and timing
- Save money while having a more authentic experience
- Avoid the crowds and enjoy peaceful moments at each location
The raw beauty of Bohol is best experienced on your own terms, not through a pre-packaged tourist circuit that prioritises profit over animal welfare and genuine experiences.
Pro Bohol Travel Tips:
- Start your days early to avoid crowds and heat
- Book accommodations in advance during peak season
- Bring cash as many remote locations don’t accept cards
- Download offline maps for navigation
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen for water activities
This Bohol itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences while avoiding overcrowded tourist spots. Adjust the schedule based on your interests and energy levels, and don’t hesitate to spend extra days exploring the numerous hidden gems Bohol has to offer.
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.
Subscribe to our email list (in the sidebar) to keep updated with our latest travel advice, content and recommendations.
You can get in contact with us using one of the methods below:
Please note that this website contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links (at no extra cost to you). This helps us keep the website up and running. We only recommend genuinely useful products and resources 🙂