How to get to Bohol and Panglao

Bohol and Panglao are two popular islands in the Philippines, which is located just outside Cebu. In this article, I will tell you exactly how you get to Bohol and Panglao from Cebu or Manila. 

There are two options for guests arriving from abroad and traveling onwards to Bohol and Panglao. The international flights are mainly to Manila or Cebu, but it’s still easy to get here, as long as you know how.

If you travel via Manila

If you’re arriving in Manila, the easiest would be to change onto a domestic flight that takes you directly to the city of Tagbilaran. Domestic flights in the Philippines are often very cheap, especially if you book in advance.

However, if you’re not in a hurry; there are also boats, but these will take about 25 hours. There are also flights from Manila to Cebu and from there you could hop on a short boat ride to Bohol.

The flight is, of course, the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Bohol and Panglao from Manila, and currently, several daily flights depart from Manila to Tagbilaran.

If you travel via Cebu

The smoothest option from abroad might be to take an international flight directly to Cebu. From the airport, you will go on a short taxi ride to the port, more specifically Pier 1. The taxi ride takes about 30 minutes. From the port, there are several ferries to Tagbilaran periodically. There are two types of boats to choose from, a fast ferry and conventional. The fast one takes about 1.5 to 2 hours while the usual take about 4 hours.

The price difference is about half. Fast ferry usually costs 800 pesos (one way), but sometimes companies have promotions with a lower price. The regular ferry costs 350 pesos (one way).

Tickets can be purchased in advance online, but it is just as easy to go to Pier 1 and buy tickets from the counter. If you don’t have a very tight budget, I suggest the fast ferry for 800 pesos driven by Oceanjet.

When you get to Tagbilaran

As soon as you step off the boat, you will be met by people offering you tours and taxi. Continue straight ahead and avoid them. Just follow the line, and you will soon see a sign that says tricycle and taxi. The place where you can find these stands is just outside the harbor, and there you can take either a tricycle or taxi without being cheated.

If you’re staying at Bohol, congratulation, you have reached your destination.

How to get to Panglao Island

Panglao is a small island paradise located just south of Bohol. From the port of Tagbilaran, it’s easy to get on to Panglao. The islands are linked together by a bridge and from Tagbilaran, it takes about 30-40 minutes by taxi or tricycle to Alona Beach.

Transportation rates

• Taxi to Alona Beach: 500 pesos (March 2016)
• Tricycle to Alona Beach: 250-300 pesos (March 2016)

Personally, I choose the tricycle instead of a taxi as it is cheaper and more fun. However, you can only do this if you don’t travel with much luggage. If you have several suitcases and hand luggage with you, a taxi might be the better option.