How to get from
Cebu to Tagbilaran City

About the ride from Cebu to Tagbilaran City

Cebu is well known as a nature lover's dream. With gorgeous beaches, a jungle-filled interior and the possibility of seeing marine life in the wild, you might not ever want to leave. But if you do, make time for the amazing sights on neighboring Bohol Island. 

From Tagbilaran City — Bohol's main port on the west coast — you have easy access to some of the island's most scenic attractions. You can choose to climb mountains, cruise rivers or trek to hidden jungle waterfalls. Whichever you choose, Bohol Island deserves any time you can spare to discover its incredible beauty. 

So get ready to book your ferry tickets and settle in for a few hours for a scenic ride to yet another beautiful island.

Four incredible things to do in Tagbilaran City

The natural beauty of Bohol Island includes too many places to list. But that doesn't mean we won't try. 

Here's a sampling of some of the best places to see on day trips from Tagbilaran City:

1. Stare in wonder at the Chocolate Hills. These cone-shaped hills of bare grass rising out of the jungle are Bohol's biggest draw. In the dry season, the grass turns brown like chocolate, which accounts for their name. You'll have the chance to explore more than 1,200 of these hills. 

2. Take a Loboc River Cruise. A cruise down the Loboc River will allow you to see the island's nature up close. From the comfort of a covered riverboat, you'll explore Bohol's lush and wild interior. Along the way, you'll pass by villages, swaying palms and local wildlife — like the tiny tarsier. By the end, you'll have a true taste of island life.

3. Get in touch with nature at the Cambuyo Rice Terraces. Though not as dramatic as their cousins in Luzon, the Cambuyo Rice Terraces in Bohol are still worth a visit. They will give you a glimpse into the cultivation of the Philippines' most important crop. The vivid green of the rice paddies will also be a treat for your eyes — and camera!

4. Pick a waterfall, any waterfall. With lots of rainfall and a mountainous interior, Bohol has tons of jungle waterfalls worth exploring. Regardless of which corner of the island you choose to explore, you are never far away from a stunning waterfall.

How to get from Cebu to Tagbilaran City

Several ferry operators offer sailings throughout the day from Cebu to Tagbilaran City. Travel times can be anywhere between two and four hours, depending on the operator you choose.

Ferries for Tagbilaran City depart from Cebu Port, right in the heart of Cebu City along the waterfront. 

On the flip side, ferries from Cebu arrive in multiple places in Bohol:

1. Tagbilaran City Tourist Port, located across the channel from Panglao Island. 

2. Jetafe Port on the north side of the island. The trip is just over an hour.

3. Tubigon Port on the west side of the island. The journey takes about two hours. 

But both of these options are quite some distance from Tagbilaran City.

Onboard certain ferries, you will have a variety of seating options, from standard hard seats to cushy reclining seats. The cheapest options start at around $7.

Important note: Certain operators insist on a printed ticket — not just a scannable barcode on your device. Check with your selected operator for details.

What you can expect when traveling from Cebu to Tagbilaran City

Ferries between Cebu and Tagbilaran City run all day long. Sailing times range between two to four hours, depending on the particular boat. Whether you sit on deck or stay inside the air conditioning, you're in for a scenic ride.

Not long after leaving the bustle of Cebu City, you'll pass through the blue waters of the Cebu Strait. Along the way, you can look out at the jungle-covered mountains of Cebu and Bohol, as well as sand bars and tiny islands right out of a postcard. 

Eventually, you'll make your way to the southwestern corner of Bohol. Tagbilaran City awaits right at the spot where Bohol and Panglao Island meet. You can either jump right into the bustle of the city or set off for one of the many natural attractions on the island.

When is the best time of year to visit Tagbilaran City?

Tagbilaran City, along with the entire island of Bohol, is hot all year long. The only real change is between the wet and dry seasons. 

For the best touring weather, the dry months of December through May see the smallest chance of rainfall. This turns the otherwise green turf of the Chocolate Hills to the brown color for which they are named.

The better weather brings with it larger crowds and higher prices. But the Philippines is such a budget-friendly destination for most that you shouldn't let a few extra tourists or dollars stop you from visiting.

How much time do I need in Tagbilaran City?

Bohol and its satellite islands beg to be explored, which will require time. If all you want to see are the Chocolate Hills and maybe a waterfall or two, you could get by on a minimum of two days. 

A much better option is to set aside five days or a week. This will give you enough time to fully enjoy all the natural beauty the island has on display and even spend a day or two at the beach. 

Where to go after Tagbilaran City?

Panglao Island is just across the bridge from Tagbilaran City and is also worth visiting. Alona Beach is particularly gorgeous.

If you're ready to take your explorations elsewhere, you're just a 2-3 hour ferry ride to Siquijor Island. Not only is this a quiet outpost with more of the same stunning beaches you've already encountered, but it's also home to the stunningly beautiful tiered waterfalls of Cambugahay Falls.