π️ Countryside, Island, and Heritage in 72 Hours
π Travel Dates: August 23–26, 2013
π Updated for: 2025 with insights, contact details, entrance fees & tips
π Destinations: Cebu City • Bohol Countryside • Panglao Island • Cebu Historical Tour
π Destinations: Cebu City • Bohol Countryside • Panglao Island • Cebu Historical Tour
When we flew to Cebu back in August 2013, it was the start of a short but unforgettable loop through two iconic Philippine islands: Cebu and Bohol. Our three-day, three-night itinerary squeezed in stunning nature, history, and food—without feeling rushed.
Fast forward to 2025, and this trip remains relevant with just a few updates. Whether you’re planning your own getaway or reliving an old one, this detailed itinerary is for you!
✈️ Arrival Day: August 23, 2013
π 10:00 PM –
Arrival in Cebu City
π¨
Check-in: Sampaguita Suites (across from Magellan’s Cross)
π΄
Late Dinner/Snack: McDonald’s nearby
π‘
2025 Tip: Sampaguita Suites has now rebranded and upgraded a few
rooms—great for budget travelers looking to stay near historical sites.
✨ Day 1: Bohol Countryside Tour via Tubigon
π️ Where We Stayed the
Night Before:
Sampaguita Suites, Cebu City – Conveniently located across McDonald's,
just 15 minutes from Pier 1.
π³ Early Breakfast Tip:
McDonald's (π£ just across the hotel) opens early. Stock up
for a countryside journey.
⛴️ Ferry to Tubigon (Updated 2025)
- MV Starcraft Ferry
- Departs: Cebu Pier 1
- Contact: 0906-789-6363 | 0943-584-7316
- Fare: ₱280.00 (2025 update)
- Terminal Fee: ₱25.00
- ⏰
Travel Time: ~1.5 hrs
π Note: Tubigon is less crowded than Tagbilaran and closer to Chocolate Hills!
π Itinerary Highlights – Countryside Tour (Bohol via Tubigon)
⏰ Time | πΊ️ Activity |
---|---|
7:20am | π Travel from Tubigon to Sagbayan |
7:50am–8:40am | π Sagbayan Peak + Tarsier Viewing (₱30/pax) |
9:20am–10:15am | π« Chocolate Hills, Carmen (₱100 updated fee) |
10:20am–10:30am | π³️ Quick stop at The ShipHaus, Batuan |
10:45am–11:15am | π¦ Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, Bilar (₱60 in 2025) |
11:25am–11:35am | π³ Mahogany Man-Made Forest, Bilar |
11:45am–11:55am | π Bamboo Hanging Bridge, Sevilla (₱50 in 2025) |
12:15pm–2:15pm | π’ Loboc River Cruise with buffet (₱550 updated in 2025) |
2:45pm–3:20pm | ⛪ Baclayon Church & Museum (₱100 fee, restored after 2013 quake) |
3:30pm–3:35pm | π€ Sandugo Blood Compact Site, Tagbilaran |
4:00pm–4:30pm | π️ Bohol Museum & St. Joseph Cathedral (₱10 entrance; still open weekdays) |
4:30pm–5:30pm | π Travel to Panglao |
5:30pm–7:45pm | π️ Check-in at Dumaluan Beach Resort; sunset rest |
7:45pm–9:30pm | π½️ Dinner at DBR Grill (seafood specials!) |
π Tip: Book Panglao stays early during weekends. In 2025, resorts now offer shuttle services to Tagbilaran or the airport. You can also book a local van in advance for smoother transfers. Contact trusted Panglao tour guides for package rates (starts at ₱2,000/day with driver).
π️ Day 2: Panglao Island Tour
⏰ Time | πΊ️ Activity |
---|---|
6:00am–7:30am | π Early beach walk & breakfast at Dumaluan |
9:00am–10:50am | π Freshen up & check out |
11:15am–11:30am | π Panglao Church & Watchtower |
11:37am–12:00nn | π Nova Shell Museum (₱50 in 2025) |
12:20pm–2:00pm | π― Bohol Bee Farm lunch + organic garden tour (₱50 fee) |
2:10pm–2:45pm | π³️ Hinagdanan Cave (₱100 entrance in 2025) |
3:10pm–3:30pm | ✝️ Dauis Church & Watchtower |
3:30pm–5:30pm | π Drive back to Tubigon Port (includes early dinner) |
7:00pm–8:00pm | ⛴️ Ferry back to Cebu |
10:00pm | π¨ Check-in at Summit Circle Hotel, Cebu City |
11:00pm | π’ Dinner at Larsian BBQ (open until late!) |
π‘ 2025 Tip: Larsian has reopened with cleaner stalls and better lighting. Expect great street food vibes!
Hinagdanan Cave now has regulated local guides. T-shirt shops are still touristy — bargain before buying!
π️ Day 3: Cebu City Historical Tour
⏰ Time | πΊ️ Activity |
---|---|
6:00am–8:00am | π½️ Breakfast & check-out, Summit Circle Hotel |
9:00am–9:30am | πΏ Mactan Shrine (renovated with murals in 2025) |
9:40am–10:05am | πΈ Alegre Guitars (still handmade!) |
10:50am–11:40am | π Cebu Taoist Temple |
12:00nn–12:40pm | π₯ Doce Pares Mountain Training Park, Busay |
1:10pm–2:00pm | π΄ Lunch at AA Barbecue, Lahug |
2:20pm–2:45pm | π️ Cebu Heritage Monument, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House |
2:55pm–4:00pm | ⛪ Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. NiΓ±o, Cebu Cathedral |
4:00pm–8:00pm | π¨π©π§π¦ Visit to friend’s family in Cebu |
11:45pm | ✈️ Departure back to Manila |
π‘ Quick Travel Tips (2025 Edition)
π§³ Pack Light:
You'll change hotels often.
⏰
Start Early: Bohol sights are best explored before the crowd and heat.
π’
Use Tubigon Port: It's faster and closer to countryside attractions.
πΆ
Signal Is Patchy: Especially in Batuan and Bilar, download offline maps.
π
Emergency List: Keep a printed list of hotel contacts and your travel
buddies’ numbers.
π¬ Thirteen years later, this trip still brings smiles and nostalgia. The Bohol countryside, Panglao's charm, and Cebu’s historical richness make it a perfect 3D/3N combo.
If you're planning a similar itinerary, feel free to message me—I’d be happy to help you tailor your own unforgettable getaway.
π 2025 Travel Tips for Cebu:
- The Basilica has added a digital museum and 3D visuals of the Sto. NiΓ±o.
- Larsian BBQ has been reorganized — still a must-visit for grilled delights!
π‘ Final Notes & Travel Tips
✔️ Emergency Preparedness:
Always print a copy of your itinerary with the contact numbers of companions,
hotels, guides, and transport providers.
✔️ Weather Awareness:
August is still within the rainy season. Bring raincoats, waterproof bags, and
always check ferry advisories.
✔️ Budget Tip:
Total trip cost (then) was around ₱5,000
per person, excluding airfare. With 2025 updates, prepare ₱7,000–₱8,500
per person for a similar experience.
π¬ Need Help Making
Your Own Itinerary?
Message me! I love helping others plan meaningful and efficient travel routes
with personal touches.
✈️ Where to Next?
Stay tuned for my guides on Palawan, Leyte, and a return to Bohol!
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