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Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!

Canada
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Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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Hi everyone,

I've been lurking the forum for a few days and starting to piece our trip together. My hubby and I have 6 days in the Philippines, the first 3-ish days for Cebu.

Day 1: Direct Flight into Cebu/Mactan around 11am

Day 2: Bohol

Day 3: Bohol

Day 4: Flight out of Cebu/Mactan at 11am

A bit about us: We are reasonably well travelled. I love photography, and I like capturing unique landscapes and beautiful places. Before Cebu we will be in Hong Kong, and afterwards we will be hitting Boracay. We like exploring and being active. We love animals, preferably those seen in nature rather than caged. Food is a big draw for us.

1) I looked into Bohol Travel Buddy, which is quoting 1650 pesos per person for a country side tour (http://www.boholtravelbuddy.com/btbmain/countryside-tour). From what I read, I should be expecting 2000 per vehicle. I trust Tripadvisor suggestions but I don't actually see any reviews on this company. Thoughts?

2) Is it at all reasonable to rent our own car and drive to Chocolate Hills and Corella Tarsier Sanctuary on our own? Is this easy to do from either Panglao Island or Tagbilaran?

3) No one seems to suggest staying Panglao Beacho or Panglao Bay. Alona Beach seems to be it. Is there a reason for that?

4) What kind of whales should I expect to see on the ocean tours not going to Oslob? I see tours to Pamilican and Balicasag. Are these easy to book from vendors along Alona Beach?

5) If I'm worried about late ferries the morning of our flight out, are we better of staying in Cebu City or Mactan?

Thanks, really looking forward to your responses!

HY

11. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!

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Philippines
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6,759 posts
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12. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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Hi

2000 pesos would be a normal charge for which you can hire a car for the day - which means you need not go through this agency, you can do it through your resort itself (usually the resort will get you in touch with a local driver who is not connected to the resort) - we have done this and always had a good experience. Hence you need not go through travel buddy or such an agency. Bohol is easy to see on your own. ANd drivers also have a laminated card with a lsit of palces - so you can choose them and they will take you there.

DO see the tarsier sanctuary at corella, loboc river cruise, man made bamboo forest and bee farm.

I agree with MH - stay at Alona beach - lots of good palces by the beach to choose from - and good facilities / transport / food nearby. Other places can get too remote - esp. for taxi / trike.

Edited: 9 years ago
Lakeville, Minnesota
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13. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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We went to Cebu and Bohol back in November so I'll answer from our experiences.

We booked our tours with Boyet Bensi (his email is: boyetbensi@yahoo.com) He was super helpful helping us set things up, was our driver for the several days we were there, helped us rearrange our schedule/tours when a tropical storm hit (which meant no snorkeling tour or boats that day!), etc. He was reasonably priced, had wonderful English and history of the island, was a great guy, etc. He picked us up at the ferry dock (or I'm sure he could get you from the airport if you are flying), we did the day tour around the main spots (Chocolate hills, butterfly garden, tarsiers, Loboc River cruise, etc.) Obviously you pay your entrance fees into all those places (but you would on any tour you go on) but having him drive us around, slow down for pictures we wanted to take, give us history and answer our questions about the island, etc. was so helpful!

We did a snorkeling and dolphin watching tour one day to Balicasag island. The snorkeling there was great (lots of fish). For a little extra money you can go to another snorkel spot and see giant clams and sea turtles swimming too (so just bring some extra cash). It was fun seeing the dolphins...but they would disappear pretty fast after we spotted them. I don't think any whales are in the area that I know of. While in Cebu we did the day tour down to Oslob and swam with the whale sharks there though so I'd recommend doing that if time).

We also did the firefly tour in Bohol which was fun (Boyet brought us there and back to our hotel afterwards too). It is a neat experience!

As for where to stay, it depends what you all want to do. We stayed near Alona Beach (but not on it). We stayed at the Cliffside Resort, which had steps down into the water so our snorkeling day trip boat could pick us up directly in the water in front of our hotel which was convenient. We did the day tour the first day we got there and then relaxed at our hotel or did the snorkeling tour the other days so it worked better to be near Alona to meet the boats, etc.

Cebu City...
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14. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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I first used Boyet Bensi in 2005. I am the one who proposed him as a Trip advisor recommended driver. I am pleased you were happy with his service!

15. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!

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Anda, Philippines
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16. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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I suggest you don't even think of Boracay. White Beach would be wonderful if it were not for the hordes of tourists. The infrastructure is absolutely non existent with a dirty main street. Food prices are expensive and where the money goesthat is charged to get over to Boracay is anyone's guess, but it surely does not go towards the upkeep of what was once a beautiful island

Laguna Province...
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17. Re: Bohol Questions: Tours, beaches, whales and location!
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What is the recommended tour if I'm travelling to Bohol with kids ages 10, 6 and 1year old?

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