The Ultimate Hiking Guide To Alicia Panoramic Park in Bohol

Are you planning to hike Bohol’s hidden gem Alicia Panoramic Park?

This post details everything you need to know about Alicia Panoramic View, including how to get there, how much it costs, and what to expect from this extraordinary hike.

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For most people, a trip to Bohol involves beautiful beaches and the mystifying Chocolate Hills.

However, for those who dare to venture a little further afield, you are rewarded with one of the most unique natural landscapes in the Philippines.

Alicia Panoramic Park, also known as Binabaje Hills, is the perfect off-the-beaten-path spot for hikers, sunrise chasers, and nature lovers.

Panoramic views, green rolling hills straight out of a Lord of the Rings film, and the best part? No tourists.

Alicia Panoramic Park remains pretty undiscovered, making it the perfect escape for travelers looking to discover a more authentic side of Bohol.

As this hike is off the beaten path, a little pre-planning is required.

This guide details everything you need to know for an unforgettable Alicia Panoramic Park hike in Bohol.

Alicia Panoramic Park Hike: Overview

If you do not have time to read the whole article, check out the brief overview below:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Alicia Panoramic Park is located in eastern Bohol, about 2 hours from Tagbilaran (LOCATION).

The hike takes about 3 hours in total – come for sunrise or sunset.

The entrance fee is 30 PHP ($0.5). A compulsory guide costs 300 PHP ($5).

Can-Umantad Falls & Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are located nearby.

How to go to Alicia Panoramic Park

Alicia Panoramic Park is located in eastern Bohol, about 2 hours from Tagbilaran.

The map below shows the location of Alicia Panoramic Park, as well as other important locations you may need.

Included are: Alicia Town Hall (where you book your guide), the homestay I would recommend (here), and the bus stops needed if traveling by public transport.

title=”Alicia Panoramic Park Location”

From Panglao / Tagbilaran

Getting from Tagbilaran to Alicia is one bus and a fairly straightforward journey.

From the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal take the bus bound for the Alicia Municipal Hall. This should take between 2- 3 hours and cost 90 PHP ($1.50).

After arriving at the Alicia Municipal Hall, you can take a rickshaw or private scooter to the entrance of Alicia Panoramic Park. This takes another 20 minutes.

If you’re staying in Panglao, reaching the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal is simple with public transport.

There is a Southern Star Bus every hour from 6 am – 6 pm from outside the Alona Beach McDonald’s to the Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran – it costs 70 PHP ($1.20).

Tip: I would not recommend staying in Panglao and making the journey to Alicia on the morning of the hike. Stay nearer to break the journey up.

From Carmen (recommended)

I would recommend staying in Carmen when visiting Bohol, or at least the night before the hike.

Carmen is super central and a great base to explore all of the best tourist spots on the island.

We stayed in an amazing homestay called LhoyJean Garden Homestay. It ended up being the highlight of our trip.

You can rent a scooter from here directly for 400 PHP ($7) a day and then make the 1.5-hour journey to Alicia on the morning of the hike.

They will also help you book your guide the night before. For more information on this incredible homestay, you can read more here.

Do you like getting off the beaten path? Discover eastern Bohol’s hidden gems with my Ultimate DIY Tour in Bohol: 4-Day Itinerary

Alicia Panoramic Park Hike: How to prepare

As with any destination in the Philippines, hiking in Bohol is bound to get hot. Coming prepared is crucial.

What to wear

While it may be chilly in the morning if you are coming for sunrise, once the sun is up you can expect it to be very hot.

Light jumper (for the morning)
Long trousers (for the itchy grass)
Hiking boots or trainers with grip
Cap

Girl walking down hills in Alicia Panoramic Park

What to pack

Alicia Panoramic Park is secluded and there are not any shops nearby.

Furthermore, the local community works hard to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape, so you won’t find stalls selling water or snacks on your way up.

It is therefore imperative to come prepared.

Torch or headlamp (for sunrise)
At least 2 liters of water per person
Suncream
Snacks to enjoy at the summit

How to hire a guide

If you decide to stay in Lhoyjean Homestay in Carmen, the host can book your guide for you the night before.

Your guide will meet you at the entrance at the time agreed the next morning – this is the most simple way of booking your hike.

However, if you don’t stay in this homestay, you will need to head to the Alicia Municipal Town Hall to book your guide. Luckily, the bus from Tagbilaran stops right outside.

I would suggest booking it the night before and having your guide meet you at the entrance the next morning. This would mean finding accommodation around Alicia the night before.

Note: As this hike becomes more popular, I have heard that there are now guides ready and waiting at the entrance (2024).

Alicia Panoramic Park Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Alicia Panoramic Park is 30 PHP.

It is also compulsory to have a local guide – this costs 300 PHP ($5) for the whole duration of the hike.

The guide is good for up to 5 people. There were 3 of us, so we paid 100 PHP each for the guide.

Recommended: I suggest tipping your guide for their efforts. We tipped 100 PHP each.

Including bike rental, water, and snacks, we paid 580 PHP ($10) each in total.

As one of the most unique and affordable things to do, there is no excuse not to add Alicia Panoramic View to your Bohol itinerary.

Need a SIM? When traveling the WiFi can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would recommend getting an Airalo eSIM in advance.

Hiking Alicia Panoramic View: What to expect

For those who are willing to get off the beaten path, Alicia Panoramic Park is one of the most stunning natural attractions in Bohol.

It is surprising that it still remains pretty undiscovered. Apart from our guide, we were the only people there.

The sense of serenity away from the crowds makes this hike such a memorable experience and allows you to truly connect with nature.

At the summit of Alicia Panoramic Park Bohol

Depending on your fitness level, the hike up takes just over an hour.

While it is steep in areas, the hike itself is not too strenuous. However, do not make the mistake of underestimating it like I did.

I have hiked at altitude all over South America and thought that hiking in Bohol would be a breeze.

However, the lack of shade and hiking in direct sunlight made it harder than I anticipated.

Tip: Start hiking as early as possible to avoid the sun. We started at 7 am but it was still too hot. I recommend starting at 4 am and coming for sunrise.

Everything is worth it when you reach the summit and you are welcomed with panoramic views of vibrant green rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

With the fluffy-looking grass carpeting the hills, it is truly one of the most unique views in the Philippines. You can also spot Cambugsay Dam in the distance.

We spent about an hour at the top, where there is a wooden platform to sit and appreciate the view. This is a great spot to refuel, take some photos, and bask in the peace and quiet.

Walking down is much quicker. You will go a slightly different route to the way you came and it only takes about 30 minutes.

In total, you can expect the Alicia Panoramic Park hike to take you about 3 hours.

Nearby tourist spots

Alicia Panoramic View is quite a journey if you are staying in Panglao or the center of the island.

Fortunately, the east of the island is absolutely stunning. Combine your trip to Alicia Panoramic View with one of these nearby natural attractions for an action-packed day –

Can-Umantad Falls

Nestled in the lush greenery of Candijay, Can-Umantad Falls is Bohol’s tallest waterfall.

This impressive cascade and its vibrant blue swimming holes are only 40 minutes from Alicia Panoramic Park.

Can-Umantad Falls is perfect for a refreshing post-hike dip.

Must Read: Can-Umantad Falls Bohol: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are also well worth a visit and are just 5 minutes away from Can-Umantad Falls.

There are a few viewpoints to appreciate the vibrancy of the rice terraces and little winding paths to explore them further.

As the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are just above Can-Umantad Falls, you can actually access the waterfall by following the steep path from the rice terraces.

This is a great way to experience the slower pace of life in the countryside.

Where to stay in Bohol

Whilst most tourists tend to stay in Panglao, I would recommend staying in Carmen.

Due to its central location, Carmen is a great base to explore all of the main attractions in Bohol.

We were underwhelmed by Panglao and found it super touristy.

Staying in Carmen is such an authentic way to experience Bohol as you are totally immersed in nature and can enjoy the slower pace of life in the countryside.

Lhoyjean Garden Homestay

Located in Carmen, this homestay was one of the highlights of our trip to the Philippines.

Located just 5 minutes from the Chocolate Hills in the countryside, this is the most authentic way to experience Bohol.

The hosts are so lovely and make you feel part of the family. They cook family dinners each night, where you can try traditional foods and meet other travelers.

They have affordable scooter rental and the hosts are great for recommending off-the-beaten-path attractions.

This is the perfect base to explore the island for those looking to escape the tourists and experience Bohol like a local.

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FAQs

How long does it take to hike Alicia Panoramic Park?

Depending on your fitness level, the hike up takes just over an hour.

After reaching the peak, it takes another 30 minutes to hike back down again.

Taking time at the summit to relax and appreciate the views, hiking Alicia Panoramic Park takes about 3 hours in total.

How far above sea level is Alicia Panoramic Park?

Alicia Panoramic Park and its rolling hills are situated approximately 400 meters above sea level.

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