At the heart of the Philippines’ middle island group, you will find everything to love about the country. Central Visayas is urban and rural, festive and contemplative, relaxing and adventure filled. It’s home to some of the most enticing food, and some of the most pristine beaches in the country. It’s where you’ll hear the toll of centuries-old church bells over the blare of current pop songs.
Here in Cebu and Bohol, history and cultural heritage are not just rich but continue to flourish. Natural attractions also abound in every corner of these provinces. So plan a visit. These two destinations will surely give you plenty of stories to take home.
Step foot on the sands that Westerners first arrived on. Visit centuries-old streets, ancestral homes and museums. Swim with thresher sharks. Hop from island to island. Meet friendly bees. Take a riverboat ride at night. Count the Chocolate Hills. There are as many possibilities as there are fireflies in the Bohol night sky.
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Fun Things To Do
Cebu Festival
Sinulog Festival is a must-experience event in Cebu. The joyous celebration lasts for three weeks and culminates with a colorful and diverse street party in honor of the Child Jesus (Sto. Niño). Perfect for the jubilant soul!
Cebu witness a sardine run
Actual running isn't the draw. Pescador Island offers some of the most spectacular dive sites and sights in the area, the stars of which are swirling schools of sardines. To get there, take the 3km boat ride from the Moalboal Tongo Point diving spot.
Bohol count the chocolate hills
The famed Chocolate Hills makes Bohol a sweet destination. 1,776 limestone domes, nearly symmetrical in shape and height, extend until the horizon's end. It's best to view them during the dry season, when they turn into a shade of brown that gives them their delicious name
Bohol get an adrenaline rush
Danao nao Adventure Park in Bohol offers activities for those hungry for the extreme. There are heart-pumping activities like trekking, rappelling, root climbing, ATV rides, kayaking, river tubing, and paramotoring to name a few. To push things even further, try the open-air cable car, the free-fall canyon swing, and the half-kilometer zipline.
Bohol start at the world's smallest primate
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is the official site to get up close to this saucereyed, palm-sized endangered animal. The tarci tarsier spends its days asleep and is especially sensitive to sights and sounds. So keep extra quiet and turn off camera flashes, please.
things to know
How to get there
To get to Cebu, fly into Mactan International Airport. It services international flights for airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. To get to Bohol, fly into Tagbilaran (Bohol-Panglao Airport). If you want to explore both, you can book a two-hour boat ride from Cebu to Bohol. Make sure to check and prepare the travel requirements beforehand to ensure a hassle-free visit.
How to get around
Cabs and jeepneys are available on almost every corner of the uptown Cebu area. Jeepneys ply different routes and don’t have designated stops, so consult a local about which to take and when to alight. If you fly to Bohol, taxis are your only transportation option from the airport. But if you’re coming by sea, a tricycle can bring you to most locations.
Where to stay
There is no shortage of accommodations in Cebu or Bohol from budget hotels to mid-range and luxury lodging. But Mactan Island might just be the best place to stay in Cebu. Its beachfront resorts are a fantastic base for island-hopping and city exploring. There are also varied hotel options in the city center. Check if the place accommodates the number of people you are traveling with before booking.
Internet
Most hotels and resorts will have WiFi. Some restaurants in the big cities have it too. Coffee shops are almost always WiFi-connected, but almost always charge extra for it. On-the-go options are pre-paid local SIM cards, pocket WiFi devices, and USB dongles. All mobile carriers offer cheap data bundles, so make sure to ask your vendor for those codes.
Language
The common speech that you hear on Cebu’s streets is Cebuano-also known as Bisaya. The language goes well beyond Cebu. It’s the native tongue of 21 million people across the Visayas and Mindanao. But fret not, locals enjoy speaking to tourists in conversational English or Tagalog learned inin school or through pop culture.
Currency
The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). ATMs and banks are widely available in Cebu and in major areas of Bohol like Panglao and Tagbilaran. Smaller towns and island‑hopping operators may prefer cash, so carrying pesos is recommended.
Timezone
Cebu and Bohol follow Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. The Philippines does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains consistent year‑round.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Cebu and Bohol a great combined destination?
Cebu and Bohol are two of the most popular islands in the Central Visayas, offering a perfect blend of beaches, culture, adventure, and natural wonders. Cebu is known for its vibrant city life, historic landmarks, and world‑class diving, while Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and pristine island‑hopping spots. Together, they create a well‑rounded tropical itinerary.
How do I travel between Cebu and Bohol?
Traveling between the two islands is easy and convenient. High‑speed ferries operate daily between Cebu City and Tagbilaran or Panglao, with travel times of about 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets can be booked in advance or purchased at the pier.
What activities are Cebu and Bohol known for?
Cebu offers heritage tours, diving, snorkeling, waterfalls, and island hopping to places like Malapascua and Moalboal.
Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River cruises, tarsier sanctuaries, and the white‑sand beaches of Panglao.
Both islands are excellent for families, couples, and adventure travelers.
Are Cebu and Bohol good for first‑time visitors to the Philippines?
Yes. Both islands are well‑developed for tourism, with a wide range of accommodations, guided tours, and easy transportation. Their mix of nature, culture, and beaches makes them ideal for first‑time travelers looking for a balanced Philippine experience.
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