About the ride from Panglao to Oslob
If you want to take the 42km (26 mile) trip from Panglao (in Bohol) to Oslob (in Cebu), a basic but endearing once-a-day ferry ride is your only option.
There are endless ways to get from Bohol to Cebu, but they’re not all useful for all travelers. If you’ve been on Bohol’s southwestern tip of Panglao and you want to reach the whale-watching haven of Cebu’s Oslob, this wooden ferry is the only way to do it directly.
While there are other ferries which take travelers from other parts of Bohol to other parts of Cebu, they’re of little use if you want to see both Panglao and Oslob.
From Panglao, many travelers venture to Oslob. Once they’ve dived, swam, snorkeled and kayaked their way around Panglao’s hot springs, golden shores and ancient buildings, they’re keen to move on. And they often move on to Oslob, which offers one of the world’s best and most unique underwater adventures.
World-renowned for its unparalleled whale watching, Oslob is one of the most unique destinations on the planet. For many travelers, the chance to get close to the biggest sharks in the world is one of the major reasons for visiting the Philippines.
But Oslob isn’t just about whale watching. It also offers waterfalls, island getaways and excellent seafood - and it’s a great access point for onward adventures in Cebu.
After leaving Oslob, many travelers head north to enjoy Cebu city’s nightlife, energy and excellent atmosphere. Others head to other parts of Cebu’s abundant shorelines, for hikes, canyons and hot springs.
By traveling from Panglao to Oslob, you get to experience the action and adventure of both destinations, and the fun still to come as you venture north on Cebu.
What to see when traveling from Panglao to Oslob
When traveling from Panglao to Oslob, you’ll depart from the quaint and quiet shores of Momo Beach House. Here, there’s no pier, there’s no frills and there’s no real infrastructure. Instead, you simply step from Panglao’s shores onto your boat, before making your way towards Oslob.
The 90-minute journey to Oslob from Panglao is short and serene - it’s one of the most peaceful rides in the whole of the Philippines.
As Bohol recedes behind you and Cebu comes into view ahead, the beach which welcomes you is just as quiet as the one you’ve left behind. Again, there’s no pier here. You simply step from your wooden boat onto the peaceful sands of Quartel Beach.
This trip is one of the quietest and calmest you’ll experience during the whole of your time in the Philippines. During your journey, you’ll perhaps pass other small boats, but you'll otherwise enjoy a serene and silent trip full of very little.
It’s the perfect way to travel between two of the nation’s most chilled-out destinations.
How to get from Panglao to Oslob
Taking a ferry
The ferry ride from Panglao to Oslob is a relatively short journey, but in many ways it’s one of the most enjoyable journeys in the whole of the Philippines. Charming and unassuming, it’s a gentle jaunt which takes travelers over quiet waves on a serene and silent stretch of sea.
Not only is the landscape endearing, but so too is the boat you ride upon. The small boat which carries you from Panglao to Oslob is built in the style of traditional Filipino wooden banca boats, making it a fantastic way to travel. Because of its style, there are no frills or modern touches here, but that’s what makes the journey so great.
Many ferry journeys throughout the Philippines take place on huge vessels whose size is matched only by the gargantuan noise of their engines. But the trip from Panglao to Oslob is much more laid-back and relaxing.
It’s such a quiet stretch of sea that this ferry only runs once a day. One of the nation’s most blissful trips, it’s genuinely quiet in a world which is now so loud.
The ferry from Panglao to Oslob has basic wooden benches for sitting on. But for those who really want to enjoy the views, it also has outdoor areas.
The boat journey from Panglao to Oslob is an excellent place to meet other travelers as you make your way from one island to another. If you’re looking for friends for your onward adventures, you might just find them here!