🇵🇭 3D/3N Cebu-Bohol-Cebu Itinerary (Updated for 2025): A Personal, Historical, and Scenic Journey

🏝️ Countryside, Island, and Heritage in 72 Hours
📆 Travel Dates: August 23–26, 2013

🔄 Updated for: 2025 with insights, contact details, entrance fees & tips
📍 Destinations: Cebu City • Bohol Countryside • Panglao Island • Cebu Historical Tour

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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!

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✈️ Arrival Day: August 23, 2013

🕙 10:00 PM – Arrival in Cebu City
🏨 Check-in: Sampaguita Suites (across from Magellan’s Cross)
🍴 Late Dinner/Snack: McDonald’s nearby
💡 2025 Tip: Sampaguita Suites has now rebranded and upgraded a few rooms—great for budget travelers looking to stay near historical sites.

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✨ Day 1: Bohol Countryside Tour via Tubigon

🛏️ Where We Stayed the Night Before:
Sampaguita Suites, Cebu City – Conveniently located across McDonald's, just 15 minutes from Pier 1.

🍳 Early Breakfast Tip:
McDonald's (👣 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
  📝 Note: Tubigon is less crowded than Tagbilaran and closer to Chocolate Hills!

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🚐 Itinerary Highlights – Countryside Tour (Bohol via Tubigon)

⏰ Time	🗺️ Activity
7:20am	🚗 Travel from Tubigon to Sagbayan
7:50am–8:40am	🌄 Sagbayan Peak + Tarsier Viewing (₱30/pax)
9:20am–10:15am	🍫 Chocolate Hills, Carmen (₱100 updated fee)
10:20am–10:30am	🛳️ Quick stop at The ShipHaus, Batuan
10:45am–11:15am	🦋 Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, Bilar (₱60 in 2025)
11:25am–11:35am	🌳 Mahogany Man-Made Forest, Bilar
11:45am–11:55am	🌉 Bamboo Hanging Bridge, Sevilla (₱50 in 2025)
12:15pm–2:15pm	🚢 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	🤝 Sandugo Blood Compact Site, Tagbilaran
4:00pm–4:30pm	🏛️ Bohol Museum & St. Joseph Cathedral (₱10 entrance; still open weekdays)
4:30pm–5:30pm	🚌 Travel to Panglao
5:30pm–7:45pm	🏖️ Check-in at Dumaluan Beach Resort; sunset rest
7:45pm–9:30pm	🍽️ Dinner at DBR Grill (seafood specials!)

🌙 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).

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🏝️ Day 2: Panglao Island Tour

⏰ Time	🗺️ Activity
6:00am–7:30am	🌅 Early beach walk & breakfast at Dumaluan
9:00am–10:50am	🛁 Freshen up & check out
11:15am–11:30am	🕍 Panglao Church & Watchtower
11:37am–12:00nn	🐚 Nova Shell Museum (₱50 in 2025)
12:20pm–2:00pm	🍯 Bohol Bee Farm lunch + organic garden tour (₱50 fee)
2:10pm–2:45pm	🕳️ Hinagdanan Cave (₱100 entrance in 2025)
3:10pm–3:30pm	✝️ Dauis Church & Watchtower
3:30pm–5:30pm	🚐 Drive back to Tubigon Port (includes early dinner)
7:00pm–8:00pm	⛴️ Ferry back to Cebu
10:00pm	🏨 Check-in at Summit Circle Hotel, Cebu City
11:00pm	🍢 Dinner at Larsian BBQ (open until late!)

💡 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!

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🏙️ Day 3: Cebu City Historical Tour

⏰ Time	🗺️ Activity
6:00am–8:00am	🍽️ Breakfast & check-out, Summit Circle Hotel
9:00am–9:30am	🗿 Mactan Shrine (renovated with murals in 2025)
9:40am–10:05am	🎸 Alegre Guitars (still handmade!)
10:50am–11:40am	🛕 Cebu Taoist Temple
12:00nn–12:40pm	🥋 Doce Pares Mountain Training Park, Busay
1:10pm–2:00pm	🍴 Lunch at AA Barbecue, Lahug
2:20pm–2:45pm	🏛️ Cebu Heritage Monument, Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House
2:55pm–4:00pm	⛪ Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Cebu Cathedral
4:00pm–8:00pm	👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Visit to friend’s family in Cebu
11:45pm	✈️ Departure back to Manila

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💡 Quick Travel Tips (2025 Edition)

🧳 Pack Light: You'll change hotels often.
⏰ Start Early: Bohol sights are best explored before the crowd and heat.
🚢 Use Tubigon Port: It's faster and closer to countryside attractions.
📶 Signal Is Patchy: Especially in Batuan and Bilar, download offline maps.
📞 Emergency List: Keep a printed list of hotel contacts and your travel buddies’ numbers.

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💬 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.

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🎒 2025 Travel Tips for Cebu:

• The Basilica has added a digital museum and 3D visuals of the Sto. Niño.
• Larsian BBQ has been reorganized — still a must-visit for grilled delights!

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💡 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.

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📬 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!