Cebu to Bohol Day Trip: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Loboc River

Some day trips give you a glimpse. The Cebu to Bohol day trip gives you an entirely different island, one of the Philippines most iconic landscapes, one of the world strangest primates, and a slow cruise down one of the country most beautiful rivers, all before dinner. Bohol is a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu City, and with an early start the day is surprisingly doable.

The Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are 1,268 perfectly conical limestone hills spread across roughly 50 square kilometers in the heart of Bohol. During the dry season, the grass covering them turns brown, earning them their chocolate name, creating one of the most surreal landscapes in Asia. The main viewpoint at Carmen gives a sweeping panorama. Budget roughly 1 to 1.5 hours here. Legend says the hills were formed by the tears of a giant named Arogo; geologists say they are ancient coral reefs lifted by tectonic activity.

Philippine Tarsiers

The Philippine tarsier is one of the world smallest primates, with eyes larger in proportion to their head than any other mammal. The Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella is the recommended place to see them, a forested sanctuary where they live in relative freedom. You will see 5 to 10 individuals on a typical visit. Entrance is around PHP 60. Skip the commercial roadside exhibits where tarsiers are kept in small cages since the stress of captivity causes them harm.

The Loboc River Cruise

A 1.5-hour float down one of Bohol most beautiful waterways aboard a floating restaurant. Lunch is included, a Filipino buffet. The river passes through jungle so thick it forms a canopy overhead. Cost: approximately PHP 400 to 500 per person. Boats leave from Loay regularly from 11 AM onward.

Logistics: Ferry, Transport and Timing

• 6:00 AM: Fast craft ferry from Pier 1, Cebu City to Tagbilaran (PHP 700 to 800 one-way)
• 8:30 to 10:30 AM: Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella
• 11:00 AM: Chocolate Hills viewpoint in Carmen
• 12:30 PM: Loboc River Cruise with lunch
• 2:30 PM: Return to Tagbilaran; optional stop at Baclayon Church
• 4:00 PM: Ferry back to Cebu City

Our Cebu to Bohol day trip bundles the fast craft ferry tickets, a private van with driver-guide, and all attraction entrance fees into one streamlined package. A day trip barely scratches the surface of what Bohol offers so consider staying longer if you can.