Nature & Adventure in the Philippines: Cebu City, Moalboal & Bohol - 10 Days

Highlights

• Cruise to Pescador Island to snorkel with tropical fish
• Test your nerve with canyoning and cliff-jumping at Kawasan Falls
• Swim alongside the world's largest fish with a whale shark experience in Oslob
• Search for the adorable and elusive tarsier among the forests of Moalboal
• Spot dolphins as you sail to unspoiled islands and empty beaches

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cebu City, Explore the Island Capital

Welcome to Cebu City, the capital of Cebu province in the Philippines! Meet your driver outside Mactan Cebu International Airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can spend the remainder of the day resting after your flight. If you feel like stretching your legs, start with a visit to the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, tigers, and zebras.

If you want an indoor activity, head to Museo Sugbo instead, Cebu's provincial museum. Browse the exhibits to learn more about the island's rich history and culture. When you've worked up an appetite, venture out to IT Park, an area packed with restaurants and food stalls selling Filipino and international cuisine. Try local favorites like lechon with puso (roasted pork with rice boiled in coconut leaves). 

Day 2: Visit the AFOS Foundation, City Heritage Tour

After breakfast, make an educational visit to the AFOS Foundation, the group that spearheaded the Fish Visayas Project. Learn about the project, which aims to increase and create sustainable incomes for fisherfolk across the country, and meet the passionate team members before heading for lunch at a local restaurant. Your guide will take you on a heritage tour of the city after lunch, starting at the Cebu Heritage Monument, a sculpture made by local artists depicting prominent events from the region's history.

Walk over to explore a nearby Jesuit house built in 1730 before continuing to the Yap Sandiego House, one of the oldest residential buildings in the city. Wander through the well-preserved rooms and courtyards to admire the blend of Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese architectural influences. Visit two of the most famous churches in the city next, the Basilica del Santo Niño and the Cebu Cathedral. Admire the exteriors of both buildings before heading inside to see the impressive stained-glass windows, intricate religious artwork, and prominent statues.

It's on to Magellan's Cross next, planted by the Portuguese explorer Magellan upon his arrival in 1521. When darkness falls, stroll over to Carbon Night Market, where you can find an array of food, clothing, and handmade crafts. Meander the narrow alleys, trying street food and buying souvenirs before ending your action-packed day at Fort San Pedro, an old Spanish fortress dating back to 1565. Enter through the main gate to explore the inner courtyards, full of cannons, artifacts, and educational exhibits that narrate the fort's rich history. After all that walking, return to the hotel to relax for the night.

Day 3: Transfer to the Coastal Town of Moalboal

Leave the city behind as you transfer two hours south to the coastal town of Moalboal after breakfast. Check into your new hotel, leave your bags, and then head out to explore on your own. Visit Panagsama Beach to sunbathe on the white sand, swim in the crystal-clear water, or simply enjoy the serene coastal views. When you get hungry, head to the town center to explore the many shops, markets, and restaurants. End your first night in town at one of the beachfront bars, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and listen to live music before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Boat Tour to Pescador Island for Snorkeling & Swimming

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Day 5: Canyoning Adventure at Kawasan Falls

It's time for some truly exhilarating adventure today as you explore the canyons and cliffs surrounding Kawasan Falls. Trek into the jungle with your guide and jump into the flowing river to float to different cliff-jumping spots and natural water slides. After a mix of floating and walking through the turquoise waters, you'll arrive at the top of the falls, where you can cliff jump 60 feet (18 m) to the bottom or trek down if you're not feeling that adventurous.

When you arrive at the bottom, admire the multi-tiered waterfall, swim in the deep natural pool, or lay on the shores to relax. You've probably worked up an appetite by now, so you can enjoy a delicious spread of Filipino food before heading back to your hotel in Moalboal to relax. 

Day 6: Swim with Whale Sharks in Oslob, Trek to the Aguinid Waterfalls

Enjoy breakfast on the road today, as you have a two-hour transfer ahead of you to the coastal town of Oslob for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Neither whale nor shark, these gentle giants of the sea are the largest fish in the world, known locally as butanding. When you arrive, meet your guide and head out to sea on a small boat to the whale sharks' feeding spot, full of plankton, krill, and small fish. Put on your snorkeling gear and jump into the water to get up close and personal with these massive creatures, which can grow up to 40 feet (12 m) in length. 

Day 7: Transfer to the Island of Bohol via Ferry

Say goodbye to Cebu this morning as you board a ferry for the two-hour transfer to the island of Bohol, renowned for its unusual geological formations, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting at the port to transfer to your hotel in Panglao, a small island connected to Bohol by a bridge. After settling in, head out to explore on your own. If you're looking for some leisurely beach time, Alona Beach is the perfect local spot to sunbathe, swim, or relax on the soft, white sand.

For a more adventurous afternoon, you can rent a motorbike or hire a guide to visit local villages, hidden beaches, and scenic viewpoints around the island. In the evening, choose one of the beachfront restaurants for dinner overlooking the Bohol Sea. End the night with a drink on the beach, where you can listen to live music or watch fire-dancing performances before returning to your hotel. 

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & Loboc River

Today you'll set off on a tour across Bohol, starting at Baclayon Old Church, one of the oldest churches in the country that dates back to the 16th century. Admire the coral stone walls and Baroque design of the exterior before entering to browse the religious artifacts. Head to the nearby Blood Compact Shrine next, a site commemorating the pact between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Indigenous chieftain Sikatuna. Drive through the human-made forest of Biliran to get to a butterfly sanctuary, where you can learn about and interact with vibrant butterfly species that inhabit the area.

Next, get ready for an adrenaline rush as you walk over the swaying Sipatan Hanging Bridge and hop on a boat cruise along the Loboc River, where you'll be serenaded by a Filipino band. After a nourishing lunch, continue to the most famous attraction on the island, the Chocolate Hills, home to around 1,200 cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season. Climb up the steps to the observation deck for a panoramic view of this unique geological formation, then hop on an ATV to ride through the rugged terrain and winding trails around the hills.

After an exhilarating ride, visit the island's elusive tarsiers in their natural habitat. Watch as they leap gracefully between branches, but try to be as quiet as possible as these tiny primates are sensitive to sound. End the day with a stop at Aproniana Souvenir Shop to browse for souvenirs before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Spot Dolphins on an Island-Hopping Cruise

There's more wildlife and nature on the agenda today as you rise early for a 5:30 am transfer to the port. Hop on a boat to Balicasag Island, but keep your eyes peeled for dolphins along the way, as they like playing in the waves. When you arrive at the island, jump in the crystal-clear water for a refreshing swim, then enjoy local snacks on the beach. 

Climb back on board and cruise to the uninhabited Virgin Island, where you can walk along a sandbar full of vendors selling food and drinks. Lay on the powdery-white sand, swim in the warm, shallow waters, and stroll around the island before returning to Bohol in time for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon however you choose. You can head back to the hotel to relax or revisit Alona Beach if you aren't tired of the sun yet!

Day 10: Transfer to Cebu City by Ferry, Depart