Bohol Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers with roundtrip ferry from Cebu

An Authentic Day in Bohol: Visiting Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers from Cebu

If you’re staying in Cebu and craving a taste of the Philippines’ natural beauty and unique wildlife, this small group tour offers an excellent way to see Bohol’s highlights in a single day. For $197 per person, we’re talking about a 14-hour adventure that includes roundtrip ferry transfers, visits to the famous Chocolate Hills, the adorable tarsiers, and a scenic river cruise with buffet lunch.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic experiences—not just ticking off popular sights, but also enjoying the relaxed, natural vibe of Bohol. Plus, traveling in a small group (maximum 8) means you get a more personalized feel and fewer crowds.

On the flip side, it’s a long day, and if you’re not a fan of early mornings or tight schedules, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, if you love discovering different facets of Philippine culture and scenery in one go, this is a worthwhile choice.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. If you’re curious about the Philippines’ unique geography, love seeing cute animals up close, or just want a hassle-free way to explore Bohol from Cebu, this trip will suit you well.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural sites in one day.
• Small Group Travel: Max 8 travelers for a more personal and relaxed pace.
• Includes Ferry & Lunch: Roundtrip ferry tickets and buffet lunch on a scenic river cruise are included, adding value.
• Ideal for Nature Lovers: Highlights like the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers appeal to those wanting to see iconic Philippine scenery.
• Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides like JoJo make the experience more engaging and informative.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Expect a full, sometimes busy, 14-hour itinerary with early pickup and late return.

Exploring Bohol’s Top Sights: What to Expect

The Journey Begins: From Cebu to Bohol

Starting early at 7 AM, you’ll be picked up from your Cebu hotel, setting the tone for a well-organized day. We found this logistical detail very helpful—no stress about transportation or navigation. The ferry on Oceanjet departs at 8:20 AM, whisking you across the Cebu Strait in roughly two hours. The ferry is considered “tourist class,” offering a comfortable ride that’s smoother than you might expect for a short sea crossing.

Once in Bohol, your guide—like JoJo, who received glowing praise—will be waiting to escort you around. Expect a warm welcome and a wealth of local knowledge that elevates the experience beyond just visiting sights.

The Tarsier Sanctuary: Small but Mighty

Your first stop is the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to one of the world’s smallest primates. These tiny creatures are adorable, with big eyes that seem to look straight into your soul. The experience wins points for being up-close and personal, though some reviews mention wishing they saw more tarsiers. Still, it’s a gentle and heartwarming encounter that highlights Bohol’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

The River Cruise & Buffet Lunch

Next, you’ll enjoy an hour-long river cruise—a peaceful way to see Bohol’s lush scenery from a different perspective. During the cruise, a buffet lunch is served, offering a variety of local dishes in a relaxed setting. Travelers like Ben_L praised the cruise lunch as “great,” emphasizing how it adds to the leisurely feel of the day.

This part of the tour is especially valued because it combines scenic views with delicious food, giving you time to unwind and take in the natural surroundings. The cruise is a highlight for those who appreciate calm waters and lush riverbank scenery.

The Man-Made Forest & Other Cultural Sights

After lunch, your guide will take you through Bohol’s famous Man-Made Forest, a stretch of densely planted trees that creates a cool, shady corridor—perfect for photos. It’s a simple yet striking example of reforestation efforts and offers a refreshing break in your busy itinerary.

Following this, you’ll visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest in the Philippines, and the Blood Compact Site, which commemorates a historic friendship. These stops add cultural depth to your day, offering insights into Bohol’s history and traditions.

The Chocolate Hills & Cultural Village

The Chocolate Hills are, without doubt, the tour’s crown jewel. Over 1,200 symmetrical mounds that turn brown in the dry season, creating a landscape that looks almost surreal. As one reviewer noted, the sight is “amazing,” and it’s easy to see why this geological formation is a must-see for visitors.

A visit to the Cultural Village adds context, showcasing traditional Filipino crafts and lifestyles. It’s an engaging way to connect with local culture and see the skills and artistry that continue to thrive in Bohol.

The Blood Compact & Final Highlights

Your last stops include the Blood Compact Site, famous for its historical significance, and a brief walk through the scenic Cultural Village. These elements round out your understanding of Bohol’s rich cultural tapestry.

Wrap-up & Return to Cebu

By 5:40 PM, you’ll depart Bohol for Cebu, arriving around 7:40 PM. You’ll be transported back comfortably, reflecting on a day packed with memorable sights and stories.

The Experience: What We Loved & What to Consider

Highlights of the Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: As Ben_L mentioned, guides like JoJo make the day both fun and educational. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail enrich the experience. We also appreciated the personalized attention that small groups afford—more room for questions and spontaneous stops.

Scenic & Unique Sights: The Chocolate Hills are genuinely awe-inspiring, especially when you consider their scale and uniformity. Seeing the tiny tarsiers up close is a heartwarming reminder of Bohol’s conservation efforts and the importance of wildlife protection.

Value for Money: Including ferry tickets, lunch, and entrance fees, the $197 price tag stacks up well against the cost of organizing these activities independently. Plus, the convenience of roundtrip transfers from Cebu removes much of the hassle.

Possible Drawbacks

Long Day & Tight Schedule: With a 14-hour span, this is a full day, and some travelers might find the pace a bit hurried. One reviewer noted feeling rushed, and if you prefer lingering at sights or exploring at your own pace, this might not be your ideal tour.

Limited Tarsier Interaction: While the sanctuary is a highlight, some wished for more time or additional opportunities to see the tarsiers. Keep in mind that the wildlife is best observed with minimal disturbance, so the limited time is probably for the best.

Additional Costs Not Included: Activities like ATV rides or ziplining aren’t part of this tour, so if you’re craving more adventure, you’ll need to plan separately.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Cebu wanting a comprehensive Bohol experience without the hassle of planning individual transportation and tickets. It also suits nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the tarsiers and the iconic Chocolate Hills.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided commentary, scenic scenery, and cultural insights, this tour delivers. On the other hand, if you prefer to explore at a slower pace or spend more time in one location, you might find this itinerary a bit packed.

In short, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for value, guided insight, and a well-rounded taste of Bohol in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip ferry tickets from Cebu are included, along with pickup and drop-off at your Cebu hotel.

How long does the ferry ride take? The ferry departs at 8:20 AM and the trip takes roughly two hours each way.

What is the group size? The tour operates in small groups, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

What activities are included? The tour includes visits to the Tarsier Sanctuary, a river cruise with buffet lunch, the Chocolate Hills, Blood Compact Site, Bohol’s Cultural Village, and the Man-Made Forest.

Are there optional activities? Activities like ATV riding or ziplining are not included and would need to be booked separately if desired.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels? It’s designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, as there is some walking and outdoor activity involved.

Final Thoughts

Taking this tour from Cebu offers a fantastic, hassle-free way to experience some of Bohol’s most famous sights. You’ll love the guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach, the stunning views of the Chocolate Hills, and the up-close encounter with adorable tarsiers. While it’s a full day that moves at a brisk pace, it’s perfect for travelers eager to pack in a variety of highlights without the stress of logistics.

If you’re after a balanced mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and cultural insights, this trip will give you a genuine taste of Bohol’s charm. It’s an especially good choice if you have limited time but want a comprehensive, guided experience that feels both fun and educational. Just be prepared for an early start and a full day, and you’ll come away with wonderful memories—and plenty of photos.