From Moalboal, our next stop was our last stop – the beautiful island of Bohol. But getting there required some planning. We had two options: take a private taxi from Moalboal straight to the Oslob port and hop on a ferry (there’s only one ferry going to Bohol per day), or, for the same price, join a 5am group tour to swim with whale sharks in Oslob and get dropped off at the port afterward (2-3 hours before ferry departure). Below, you’ll find our 4-day itinerary, which includes our unexpected Oslob detour. We’ll also share some tips and our thoughts on the whale shark tour—the good and the… interesting.
For anyone interested in our other Philippines adventures, check out our blogs on Boracay (the dreamiest beach we’ve ever seen!) and Moalboal. And if you’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines, stay tuned for our guide coming soon! A quick FYI: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Oslob: A small coastal town known for its early-morning whale shark experiences and scenic ocean views.
Bohol: A stunning island with lush landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable encounters with adorable tarsiers.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Oslob – Swim with whale sharks, breakfast at a local café, and a ferry ride to Bohol.
Day 2: Panglao Island – Beach day, delicious food stops, and exploring Panglao’s relaxed vibe.
Day 3: Bohol Countryside Tour – Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, floating lunch, and historic church.
Day 4: Farewell to Bohol – Leisurely breakfast, Jollibee vs. McDonald’s fried chicken showdown, evening beach stroll, and late-night flight out.
Pro Tips:
- Early Bird Gets the Whale: For whale shark tours, aim to be in line by 5am for a better chance to see these gentle giants without too much crowding.
- Cash is King: Many places, especially rural spots and entrance fees, only accept cash, so keep pesos on hand. If you are planning to take an international flight, keep in mind that you'll have to pay a terminal tax. Ours unexpectedly cost ~1,200 PHP for the both of us.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Seeing the adorable big-eyed tarsiers resting in trees in the Bohol Tarsier Conversation Area!
- Best Eats: Boss Bang X Tito's Big Belly (for perfect grilled chicken and lechon).
- Best "Bang For Your Buck" Hotel: Positano Alona Beach Panglao Hotel, Bohol
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET TO OSLOB AND BOHOL
From Moalboal, our best option to reach Bohol was via Oslob, a small town on Cebu’s southern coast. It’s about a two-hour drive, and public transport options are limited. After talking to locals, we found that a private taxi plus ferry tickets was around 4,500 PHP ($107 CAD), which felt steep for the two of us. Coincidentally, this was the same cost as joining a shared 5am group tour to swim with whale sharks before being dropped at the Oslob port! So, we opted for the adventure and turned it into a spontaneous day trip!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Oslob – Whale Sharks and Breakfast on the Beach
At 4am, we were outside our hotel in Moalboal, barely awake and waiting for our ride. There were a couple of people already in the van and we picked up a few more along the way. It was a fully packed van with about 8 of us, luggages, and the driver. With no traffic (it’s still 4am after all), the drive took only an hour—our driver had a heavy foot on that gas! As the sun rose, we pulled into Oslob, where vans were already lined up. Cue feelings of “tourist trap” vibes. After lining up with about 50-100 other people, we received our ticket around 5:15 AM and boat number (we would be in Boat 054) and waited on the beach for our turn to head out. Luckily, we had a front-row seat to the sunrise.
By around 5:35 AM, the beach and the sea were bathed in warm light, revealing small boats being prepped and lined up along the water. 53 boats went before us and around 7am, it was finally time to board and meet the main stars of the show—the whale sharks. We climbed into one of the little blue canoes, were handed snorkels and goggles, and given a brief set of instructions: we could wear life jackets if needed—especially if we weren’t confident swimmers. They told us we could jump into the water and that whale sharks would be nearby, but we were strictly advised not to swim after or touch them. Staying close to our canoe was essential; straying off to another could mean getting lost among the many boats in the area.
It took less than 15 minutes to paddle to our designated spot (maybe a few hundred meters away from the shoreline), where we would spend the next 30 minutes. And then, just like that, the main paddler turned to us and said, “Ok, go ahead, jump in.” I couldn’t see anything—the water was dark and mysterious. But in the Philippines, you just have to go for it. Every moment is an adventure.
I jumped in first and I immediately saw it—a huge whale shark gliding just under the surface, its enormous, white-speckled body filling my entire view. I was awe-struck by its sheer size and graceful movement. This magnificent creature swam back and forth in front of our canoe, and soon we noticed even more whale sharks in the distance, at least two more.
Then, in a surreal moment, the whale shark opened its massive, toothless mouth, ready to filter water, and for a split second, I thought one of the nearby tourists—a young girl who was a bit too close—might be swallowed whole. These two young girls were getting uncomfortably close, pushing and shoving others out of their way, ignoring all the warnings. These girls chased after the whale sharks, even following them as they swam away toward other canoes. While Ryan and I were mindful of the rules, it was a bit frustrating to see others disregard them. Below the whale sharks, we noticed scuba divers floating peacefully, entirely unbothered by the majestic creatures gliding above. Personally, I couldn’t help but wonder about their view; all they likely saw were the bottoms of the whale sharks and a lot of tourists’ feet treading water. No feet pics please.
For us, the most captivating sight was watching these creatures open their mouths, inhaling water and creating bubbles as they fed. We marvelled at their graceful movements and enjoyed observing them as they swam freely in the open ocean. But there was something subtle that we nearly missed. We began to notice other canoes with a single rower dressed in a blue shirt that read Tan-Awan and Oslob Sea Wardens and Fisherman’s Association (TOSWFA). These rowers were chumming the water with small bits of food, which was what kept the whale sharks coming to this area each morning. I understood that this tourist attraction had provided new jobs for many local fishermen, but I wondered about the ethics of it. What were they feeding the whale sharks? Were they preventing these creatures from migrating naturally? It was a lot to consider, and while I had opted to experience it, I’d encourage readers to do their own research and make an informed decision. It did feel at times like a tourist trap, especially when the rules about keeping a safe distance were disobeyed without consequences for the two girls.
The excursion ended, and we hopped back into a shared van that dropped us off at the Oslob port. It was only 8:30 AM, a bit too early for the once-daily ferry to Panglao Island in Bohol, which wouldn’t leave until 11:00 AM. So we checked in at the “ferry terminal”—a very casual outdoor waiting area that was nothing more than some picnic benches with chairs. We decided to leave our carry-on luggage there, keeping our valuables with us, and then walked toward town for breakfast.
On the way, we noticed a couple of backpackers looking somewhat lost. We asked if they were searching for the Oslob ferry port, and they happily accepted our directions, which were just as basic as the terminal: “Look for two luggages by the picnic benches, and it’s just a bit further down that way.” After a short walk, we arrived at Le Bistrot, an air-conditioned café on the main road, where we ordered a traditional Filipino breakfast to share: longanisa (Filipino sausage), rice, vegetables, and a fried egg. We topped it off with halo-halo—a deliciously cool, layered dessert—because why not? The total bill was around $10 CAD.
By 10:45 AM, we returned to the port, where they had already started transporting passengers by dinghy to the larger ferry that couldn’t come directly to the shore. Once aboard, we settled in for the two-hour journey to Panglao Island, savouring the chance to nap after the early morning wake-up and all the excitement of swimming with whale sharks.
When we finally arrived on Panglao, we paid for a shared van (300 PHP) to take us to our hotel, Positano Alona Beach, just 15 minutes away.
After checking in, we did our usual routine, exploring the area to get a feel for this new place where we’d be spending the next three nights. For dinner, we ate at a local spot called Jose’s, indulging in a bowl of Filipino ceviche and a beef dish that, while on the pricier side ($30 CAD), made for a satisfying end to an adventure-filled day.
Day 2: Exploring Panglao Island’s Beaches and Bites
Panglao Island, cozily tucked just south of Bohol, was a great place to unwind after our early adventures in Oslob. Our hotel was the perfect base for a chill day, complete with two refreshing pools—a lifesaver in the tropical heat. But, of course, we were in the Philippines, home to endless beaches, so we had to get our toes in the sand! We grabbed a couple of popsicles from the 7-Eleven, laid out our towels on the beach, and just soaked in the view. If you haven’t figured it out by now, the Philippines is basically one endless coastline of dreamy beaches, each more beautiful than the last. Boracay might still hold the crown for us, but we were more than happy to add another one to our list.
When lunchtime rolled around, we headed to Overgrown, a hipster gem dishing out sandwiches and smoothie bowls that just screamed my vibe. We ordered a jalapeño cheese sandwich, a vibrant purple lemonade, and a fresh mango smoothie bowl. Everything was so tasty and definitely worth the $14 CAD price tag. We ended up spending a few hours here, half-eating, half-researching our next travel destination, and just enjoying the cool, laid-back vibes.
After our Overgrown pit stop, we wandered back to the beach, snacked on some dried mangoes, and took in the scenery. While the beach was nice, it’s not exactly “postcard-worthy”—especially in a country that basically invented stunning beaches. But hey, not every place has to be Boracay, right?
As the sun began to set, we strolled down the small streets along the shore, passing cozy beachside restaurants, and then we stumbled on a little place with possibly the best restaurant name ever: Boss Bang X Tito’s Big Belly. Yes, you read that right. This spot only had about ten items on the menu and gave off serious Mang Inasal vibes. (If you’re scratching your head, check out our Boracay blog for details about Mang Inasal!)
We ordered a chicken meal, a lechon meal, and one mango smoothie to wash it all down. The portions weren’t huge, though they do offer unlimited rice, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in flavor. Imagine perfectly grilled chicken, brushed with a tangy chicken oil, paired with soya sauce, crushed chili, and freshly squeezed calamansi—absolutely mouth-watering. And the lechon? Juicy, crispy, and packed with so much flavour it felt like a mini food festival in every bite. For only $11 CAD, it was easily one of our favourite meals in the Philippines. We knew we’d be back for round two.
Day 3: Bohol Countryside Tour – Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and Floating Buffets
It was time to step off Panglao and check out the main island of Bohol! We booked a super affordable Bohol Countryside Tour on Klook, which was also really convenient since it came with pick-up and drop-off right at our hotel. Heads up, though—while the tour covers the basics, entrance fees and lunch weren’t included, so you’ll need some cash on hand.
First stop: Chocolate Hills. Picture rolling green mounds that stretch as far as the eye can see, and in the dry season, they turn a dusty brown—hence the name. There are over a thousand of these hills, all mysteriously shaped like giant Hershey’s Kisses. Nature’s weird and wonderful dessert! Entrance fees were just 200 PHP for us both, and it was worth every peso to take in the unique landscape and snap some panoramic shots.
Next, we visited the Tarsier Conservation Area. These tiny primates look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie—adorable big eyes, tiny fingers, and they’re as shy as can be. They’re nocturnal, so you have to keep your voice down to avoid startling them. Entrance fees here were 340 PHP, and it was so worth it to see these rare little creatures in their natural habitat.
By lunchtime, we were more than ready for the main attraction of the tour: a floating buffet lunch. Imagine a leisurely boat ride down a quiet river, live music playing in the background, and tables packed with Filipino classics.
We couldn’t help but have a pinch-me moment, thinking, “Is this really a regular Wednesday for us?” The singers had voices like angels, and the food? Pure Filipino bliss.
After lunch, it was time for a little history lesson at Baclayon Church. This is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, built from coral stones and held together by egg whites (yes, you read that right). The church has seen everything from earthquakes to typhoons, yet it still stands proudly—a testament to Bohol’s rich history and resilience.
All in all, the tour was a fantastic deal, and at $30 CAD per person (excluding entrance fees, souvenirs, and tips), it was much cheaper than booking through an in-person agency (we shopped around on our first day in Bohol and Klook was still the cheapest option). We even picked up a few tarsier-themed souvenirs (stickers and keychains) —because who can resist those cute, wide-eyed faces?
After a full day of sightseeing, we headed back to our hotel to unwind by the pool, then went out for a little taste test at Filipino McDonald’s. Locals had told us it’s a strong rival to Jollibee, and we had to see for ourselves. In the great fried-chicken debate, Ryan sided with Jollibee, but for me, McDonald’s took the crown. For just 2 CAD, we got a fried chicken thigh, rice, and a soda. Who knew crispy fried chicken could be this affordable?
We ended the night with dessert at Halomango. It’s a little pricey (4 CAD, which is more than our McDonald’s meal), but when you’re in the land of mangoes, this is one treat you can’t pass up!
Day 4: Relaxing Send-Off on Bohol (or so we thought)
Our last day in the Philippines had a late-night flight, so we took it easy. After packing up and checking out at 11:00 AM, we made our way back to Overgrown for a relaxing breakfast. This time, we went all out with two sandwiches, a caramel macchiato, and a matcha latte, totalling around $18 CAD. We used the time to do a bit more research on our next country and soak in the relaxed vibes until we were ready for a change of scenery.
Of course, there was one more showdown between McDonald’s and Jollibee to settle the fried-chicken debate. I’m still #TeamMcDonalds, but Ryan thought we needed a recent Jollibee tasting to fairly compare. He savoured every last bite of his Jollibee chicken, even tacking on a burger and pie.
For $13 CAD, this late lunch made Ryan’s day, and the crowds inside Jollibee seemed to agree with him.
With the sun setting, we took a peaceful evening stroll along the beach. Bohol at night was calm, with the soft hum of local music and the scent of grilled meats wafting in the air. When dinnertime rolled around, there was only one option in our hearts: Boss Bang X Tito’s Big Belly. We couldn’t leave Bohol without one last taste of their grilled chicken and pork belly. The flavours hit every note, especially with the tangy chicken oil and fresh calamansi—my new favourite citrus discovery here in the Philippines! At $9 CAD, it was the perfect final meal.
Our flight wasn’t until 11:30 PM, so after dinner, we picked up our bags and hailed a tuk-tuk to the airport for 200 PHP. The airport was small (dubbed “international” but really just serving flights to South Korea [spoiler alert, that’s our next country]). Everything was closed at this hour—no restaurants, no money exchange, just instant noodles from one booth. What we didn’t know was that international flights require a terminal tax here, which we did not budget for. Since we knew Bohol would be our last stop in the Philippines, we spent most of our cash today eating! We scraped together our last pesos, only to come up short, but luckily, a vendor exchanged some USD at a not-so-great rate. Moral of the story: always save a few pesos for the airport fees!
With that, we boarded our red-eye flight, full of good food and memories of Bohol’s beautiful landscapes and friendly locals. South Korea, here we come!
TOTAL COST for 4 Full Days in Bohol (Approximate, CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 4 nights: $156
Activities (and associated fees and tips): $200
Food: $126
Transportation (and associated fees, tips, and tolls): $40
Souvenirs (keychain and stickers): $1
TOTAL: $524 (Roughly $66 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Oslob and Bohol surprised us with experiences we never expected. Swimming with whale sharks, exploring chocolate hills, visiting the tarsier conservation, and chilling on Panglao’s beaches made it a trip to remember. Each day brought something new, and we loved every moment. If you’re heading to the Philippines, make room in your itinerary for these beautiful places—they’re worth every peso!
Discover more from Where's Ryan and Celina?
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.