Cebu and Bohol: A Freedom Tour, Swimming with Turtles and Whale Sharks

This post will introduce you to the highlights of a 7-day trip to the Philippines, offering a curated itinerary for your reference.

Cebu Airport 

After exiting the airport, head straight ahead to the left, where you’ll find the taxi stand. An airport staff member will write you a ticket. White taxis are cheaper. Before getting in, say “by meter” and show the driver your destination, which they usually know. 

Boat Tickets

You can buy boat tickets for Cebu to Bohol in advance on Taobao. If you need to change the time, you can go to the window with your passport. You can also buy them directly when you arrive. 

From Cebu to Bohol, there is a departure tax of 25P per person. Baggage fees apply; it was 100P when we went and 200P on the way back. You can bring smaller luggage on board. Once you arrive in Bohol, there are many car rentals, shared taxis, and tuk-tuks outside. For Alona Beach, a shared taxi costs 400-500P, a tuk-tuk 300-400P, and a private car 700P. Prices are negotiable.

Bohol can be explored in a single day, including stops at the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Snake and Butterfly Farm, Man-made Forest, and Loboc River for lunch.

Let’s focus on the Tarsier Sanctuary, as the other attractions are self-explanatory. The Tarsiers are kept in a small park, and staff at each monkey will point out where they are. These creatures are so tiny, almost like mice, with large eyes, although many are asleep.

Jasmine Restaurant    

Before going, I heard from friends who had visited the Philippines that the food was not great, and as a foodie, I was worried about starving. So, I did my research. Jasmine Restaurant caters to Chinese palates. The owner is from Shandong. The restaurant is located on Alona Beach; you can find it on a map.

Before you go, it’s a good idea to download Dianping (a Chinese review platform) as it offers free large drinks and discounted dishes, which is a good deal. Recommended dishes include curry crab, pineapple fried rice, and squid rings, all delicious.

Cliff Diving

This is a highly recommended island activity. Search for “Molave Cove Cliff Dive” on Google Maps. It’s located in northern Panglao Island. I recommend renting a motorbike, which you can arrange through your hotel. We paid 600P for rent and 600P for a deposit. They will fill the tank for you. You’ll need to pay for the fuel you use when you return the motorbike; remember to bargain.

Because the location is a bit remote, it’s difficult to get a taxi. There’s a bumpy dirt road at the end. If you take a private car, make sure to tell the driver to wait and take you back because it’s hard to get a ride there.

The entrance fee is 30P. They have toilets and showers, but the facilities are not very good. You can rent all kinds of equipment, including life jackets. The cliff diving height is said to be about 8-10 meters. Even if you can’t swim, you can still jump. You can wear a life jacket or ask the staff to wait below with a life jacket and snorkel for you.

So there’s no need to be afraid. You’ll float to the surface immediately after jumping. There are many swimmers around, and someone will come to your rescue if anything happens. It’s worth noting that you need to tip here. You can agree on the amount beforehand.

Cliff Diving Tips:

1. Make sure you jump straight down with your feet hitting the water first, otherwise it will really hurt.

2. Hold your mask and snorkel in your hands and put them on after you enter the water, or they will fall off. Alternatively, you can have someone on top throw them to you after you jump.

3. If you’re jumping with armbands, don’t raise your arms, otherwise, the armbands will fall off when you jump.

A short distance from the cliff diving spot, the water is incredibly clear, and there aren’t many people around. You can snorkel and see many fish, coral, and schools of sardines.

Note: The rocks along the edge of the cliff are sharp, so be careful and don’t touch them. If you can swim, I recommend renting fins; they’re great for taking photos and videos.

Cliffside Restaurant

This cliffside restaurant isn’t the one by the bee farm. Search “Tarsier Paprilka” on the map, but the map’s location is not very accurate. Follow the directions, and pay attention. As you approach the destination on the map, there’s a gate with a statue. Go through the gate and keep walking straight ahead, passing through a garden, and you’ll arrive at the restaurant.

Since the restaurant is built on a cliff, the sunset is particularly beautiful in the evening. They have outdoor and indoor seating. Arrive a little early to choose your favorite spot. It’s a fantastic experience to watch the sun set while sitting there, so I recommend getting there around 4 or 5 pm to take pictures and then settle down to order food.

There are many things to do on Balicasag Island. If you’re lucky, you can see dolphins. You can snorkel underwater to see turtles. You can book a night at a hotel on the island to explore for a whole day. Note: To protect the environment, deep diving is not allowed in Balicasag.

The Correct Way to See Turtles

Once you spot a turtle, float on the surface of the water and wait for the turtle to come up for air. Then slowly approach it, and you’ll be able to get a photo together.

The only accommodation on Balicasag Island is the Balicasag Dive Resort. The price is 200-300P. The facilities are average, but the standalone villas face the sea, with stunning views. It’s worth noting that there are scheduled power outages and limited fresh water, but these are minor inconveniences. It’s fine to stay for a couple of days.

You can also try the local massage at the resort, which is very affordable. Enjoy the sound of the waves and the sea breeze in the open-air pavilion.

Whale Sharks

Seeing whale sharks is a five-star experience. Although they are fed by humans, it’s not a captive environment. If you’re brave enough, you can get a little closer underwater, but don’t get too close. I recommend securing two spots on the crab boat to prevent bumping into people while taking photos.

1. Arrange your visa, SIM card, and insurance on Taobao beforehand! Philippine visas are generally easy to obtain. 

2. If you have planned many diving activities, buy your snorkeling gear in China (renting is not hygienic).

3. Bring at least two sets of swimwear! Convenient for changing. 

4. Needless to say, apply sunscreen. You can also wear a long-sleeved rash guard for extra protection.

5. Pay attention to safety. If you can’t swim, wear a life jacket.

6. The Philippines is a tropical country with abundant vegetation, so mosquitoes are prevalent. If you’re worried about mosquito bites, prepare mosquito repellent wristbands beforehand.

Your journey may be interrupted by unexpected factors. You may not be able to reach remote destinations, or you may not be able to see the most beautiful scenery with your own eyes. However, every frame you capture is uniquely beautiful.