Ultimate 4-Day Bohol Itinerary

Are you planning a visit to Bohol?

This post will detail the Ultimate 4-Day DIY Bohol Itinerary, including both the main tourist spots and hidden gems, updated for 2024.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I earn a small commission if you purchase through a link on my site. Don’t worry, this is at no extra cost to you.

Bohol is widely known for its wide-eyed mammals and 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 unparalleled anywhere else in the Philippines.

From vibrant green rolling hills and sunrise hikes to white-sand beaches and hidden waterfalls, Bohol is a nature enthusiast’s paradise and an adventure lover’s playground.

However, as one of the more popular destinations in the Philippines, the amount of tourists can sometimes overshadow the experience.

Perhaps you’re hoping to avoid the crowds and take a Bohol countryside tour DIY? Or maybe you’re looking to explore some more hidden gems in different parts of the island?

Or maybe you simply want to know what to do in Bohol for 4 days, 3 nights?

This DIY tour in Bohol is great for those looking to get off the beaten path and explore some hidden gems, as well as the more popular tourist spots.

Over this 4-day Bohol itinerary, we will explore the areas of Panglao, Carmen, Candijay, and Alicia, for an unforgettable few days.

4-Day Bohol DIY Itinerary: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here is an overview of your DIY tour in Bohol –

• DAY 1 – Arrival
• DAY 2 (DIY Countryside Tour) – Chocolate Hills, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, Tarsier Sanctuary Corella, Loboc Cruise
• DAY 3 (Eastern Bohol) – Alicia Panoramic Park, Can-Umantad Falls, Capadacapan Rice Terraces
• DAY 5 – island hopping or relaxing at Panglao beaches

DAY 1 – Arrival

• Arrival at Tagbilaran
• Reach accommodation in Carmen
• Organise scooter rental
• Explore Pangas Falls (optional)

Depending on when you arrive, the first day of your Bohol itinerary is all about reaching your accommodation and settling in.

Whilst most tourists tend to stay in Panglao, I would highly recommend splitting your time between Panglao and Carmen.

Panglao is the tourist hub of Bohol, where you will find most of the main resorts, restaurants, and nightlife. It is worth experiencing this side of the island.

Unfortunately, Panglao is very far from the main Bohol tourist spots and (in my humble opinion) is a little too touristy.

Carmen is centrally located in Bohol, making it a great base to explore many natural attractions, especially in the east of the island.

Compared to the tourist playground Panglao, staying in Carmen shows a more authentic side of Bohol.

Very few tourists means you can experience Bohol like a local and immerse yourself in the nature of the countryside.

The accommodation in Carmen I would recommend is below. This is the best accommodation near the Chocolate Hills.

We will begin this Bohol itinerary in Carmen, to best explore the tourist spots in the center and east of the island. We will then end in Panglao, for the beaches, island hopping, and nightlife.

Getting to Carmen

If you are arriving at Tagbilaran, getting to Carmen is very straightforward.

First, head to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran.

This is the main bus terminal for the island of Bohol, with transport across the island. From here, take a bus heading for Carmen.

This should take just under 2 hours. The price is 97 PHP ($1.80).

If you choose to stay in the homestay I recommend above, you will get off about 10 minutes before the Chocolate Hills at the Batuan Public Market.

From here, you can take a short 5-minute tricycle to the accommodation. This should cost no more than 50 PHP ($0.90).

Top Tip: always tell the bus driver where you intend to get off when you board the bus. They can let you know where to get off.

You will have a busy few days on your Bohol DIY itinerary, so I would recommend using this first afternoon to relax.

Be sure to organise a scooter rental with your accommodation for the following day.

If you arrive at a reasonable time and fancy exploring the local area, you could visit the nearby Pangas Falls. These are located about 20 minutes from Carmen, heading towards Bilar.

DAY 2 – DIY Countryside Tour

We will embark on a DIY countryside tour on the first day of our Bohol itinerary.

This Bohol countryside tour DIY will include the most popular tourist spots and natural attractions on the island.

The beauty of a DIY tour in Bohol is the freedom to explore everything at your own pace, and based on your own interests.

Note: this is a DIY tour, so all of the below tourist spots can be visited in whichever order suits you. You can skip attractions or swap them for something else based on the kind of thing you’re into.

Morning

• Chocolate Hills for sunrise
• Bilar Man-Made Forest
• Breakfast

We will begin our DIY countryside tour with a visit to the iconic Chocolate Hills for sunrise, located just 10 minutes from your accommodation in Carmen.

As the most popular Bohol tourist spot, the beauty of the mystifying Chocolate Hills can sometimes be overshadowed by the hoards of tourists and tour groups during the day.

Full Post: The ULTIMATE DIY Guide To Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

Visiting for sunrise is therefore the best way to appreciate the panoramic views and serenity of the Chocolate Hills. Furthermore, the early-morning fog creates a truly magical atmosphere.

The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) and ATV tours are great options for thrill-seekers and can be booked in advance here.

Afterward, it’s time to head to the Bilar Man-Made Forest.

The Bilar Man-Made Forest is located roughly a 45-minute drive from the Chocolate Hills. You will have to pass through it on your way to other attractions in Bohol either way.

Driving through the towering mahogany trees is a truly serene experience. The shaded and breezy forest is a living testament to the harmony between man and nature.

You should pass through the man-made forest at about 8 AM, meaning there should not be many tourists. This is therefore the safest time to stop on the side of the road and snap some pictures.

If you’re feeling hungry, it’s time to stop for breakfast. Anywhere in between Bilar and Corella will work.

Afternoon

• Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary Corella
• Baclayon Church
• River cruise on Loboc River (with lunch) / Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Loboc River
• Busay Falls & Pangas Falls (optional)

Next up on our Bohol countryside itinerary is the Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary Corella.

As the tiniest primates in the world, observing the tarsiers in their natural habitat is a unique experience. The sanctuary is located about 30 minutes from the Bilar Man-Made Forest.

The Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the species.

The sanctuary is small but informative, with the welfare of this endangered species being the main priority.

The Tarsier Conservation Area where the tour groups visit is a little commercialized and staged in comparison.

With so many tourists and the noise/photo rules not being respected, it can create a bad environment for the animals.

The Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is therefore the most ethical way to meet these wide-eyed mammals on your Bohol itinerary.

After, we’re heading to Baclayon Church.

Baclayon Church is a fascinating Bohol attraction for those interested in history and religion. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines, dating back to the 16th century.

For the final part of our Bohol countryside tour DIY, we will drive 25 minutes to the jump-off point for the Loboc River Cruise.

Loboc River runs through the heart of Bohol and is one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. Appreciating the emerald-green waters and lush vegetation surrounding it is one of the best things to do in Bohol.

Included in the ticket price of 850 PHP ($15) is a buffet lunch onboard the river, as well as a cultural show performed by locals.

Message them on Facebook to book your place at least one day before here.

However, if you’re looking for a unique experience in Bohol, I would recommend Stand Up Paddleboarding on the Loboc River instead.

Note: if you’re not interested in exploring the Loboc River, I would recommend checking out nearby Busay Falls or Pangas Falls on your way back to Carmen instead.

Evening

• Head back to Carmen

After you’re delicious lunch and cruise on the river, it is time to end our countryside tour itinerary and head back to Carmen. This should take about 45 minutes.

Spend the evening relaxing at the homestay and getting an early night ready for another action-packed itinerary the next day.

If you plan on visiting Alicia Panoramic Park the next day as recommended, talk to the accommodation owners and they will book your guide for you.

If you opt for the tour above instead of a DIY countryside tour, this is a round trip from Panglao. I would therefore recommend staying 1 night in Carmen to explore the east of the island, then returning to Panglao for 2 nights.

DAY 3 – Exploring Eastern Bohol

For the third day of your Bohol DIY itinerary, we’re going to explore the eastern side of the island.

There are many beautiful off-the-beaten-path natural attractions in the east of Bohol. The lack of tourists means you can immerse yourself in nature and experience a more authentic side of the island.

After your day exploring east Bohol, we will move base from Carmen back to Panglao.

Morning

• Alicia Panoramic Park for sunrise
• Breakfast
• Can-Umantad Falls

Start your day bright and early at about 3:30 AM ready to make your way to Alicia Panoramic Park for sunrise.

The journey from Carmen to Alicia Panoramic Park is roughly 1.5 hours by scooter. You will meet your guide at the entrance.

The hike to the summit takes about 1 hour, so I would recommend starting the hike no later than 5:00 AM.

Full Post: Alicia Panoramic Park: A Complete Guide To Bohol’s Hidden Gem

Alicia Panoramic Park boasts panoramic views of vibrant green rolling hills as far as the eye can see. It is a must on any Bohol itinerary for hikers or nature lovers.

There is a real feeling of peace and tranquility at the summit, especially as we were the only tourists there.

I would recommend grabbing some pastries on the way to enjoy at the summit for breakfast.

Note: if you’re not an early riser, you can visit Alicia Panoramic Park any time. However, the earlier the better as it gets very hot once the sun is up.

After your hike, it’s time to drive to Can-Umantad Falls for a refreshing post-hike dip.

The journey time is about 40 minutes through the countryside and nearby rice terraces. It is fascinating to see the locals drying the rice and they will be sure to welcome you with a wave and smile.

Full Post: Can-Umantad Falls Bohol: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Can-Umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bohol, cascading an impressive 60 ft before plunging into swimming holes of different depths.

The vibrant blue water of the falls contrasted with the lush greenery of the nearby rice terraces make this one of the most stunning natural attractions in Bohol.

Have you got your Waterproof Dry Bag? (with Waterproof Phone Case included)

Afternoon

• Capadacapan Rice Terraces
• Lunch

After your refreshing dip, we’re heading to the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces.

As they are located just above the falls, you can access them without having to hop back on the scooter. There are about 400 steep stairs up to the rice terraces.

Be sure to ask the locals and they will be more than happy to show you the way. You will come out by Eleuterio’s Restaurant.

A guide will be happy to show you through the narrow winding paths of the rice paddies, before coming out at a raised viewpoint to appreciate the greenery in all its glory.

You can also view the rice terraces from Eleuterio’s Restaurant. This is a great spot to stop for some lunch and appreciate the spectacular view and tranquility whilst you dine.

After lunch, it’s time to head back to your accommodation in Carmen to collect your stuff and then head to Panglao.

As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in Bohol can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.

Evening

• Bus back to Panglao Island
• Party at Alona Beach

To get from your accommodation in Carmen to Panglao, first, you need to get back to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal.

You will take the bus from Bantuan Public Market for about 2 hours. Once you have arrived at Tagbilaran, find the bus heading to Panglao.

If you’re not too exhausted from your Bohol tour DIY itinerary, then this would be a great time to party at Alona Beach.

Alona Beach has a lively vibe and the best nightlife in Bohol, with many like-minded travelers and backpackers partying into the early hours.

After a couple of days of sunrise starts and more off-the-beaten-path Bohol tourist spots, it is a welcome change to socialise, enjoy a couple of beachfront cocktails, and have a boogie.

I would recommend checking out Aluna Beach Lounge.

DAY 4 – Island Hopping or Beach Bumming

How you spend the final day of your Bohol itinerary totally depends on your preference.

Visiting all the amazing things to do in Bohol across the island is tiring, especially with early starts and physical exercise each day.

Therefore, for my final day in Bohol, I would spend the day beach bumming and lazing around in the sun before departure the next day.

However, if you’ve still got a bit of fuel in the tank, island hopping could be a great way to spend your last day.

Island Hopping

Island Hopping and dolphin watching are undoubtedly some of the best things to do in Bohol.

Explore the vibrant marine life at Balicasag Island’s marine sanctuary. This is one of the best spots for snorkeling and seeing turtles.

The island is also home to over 11 species of dolphin and dolphin watching is the highlight of the trip if you are lucky.

Have you packed your Reef Safe 98% Organic Sunscreen?

Then, visit the glistening white sands and crystal-clear waters of Virgin Island, a pristine sandbar, before heading back to Panglao.

This is an early island hopping tour, with pick up from your hotel at 5:30 AM and drop off around midday. This means that you will have the rest of the day to relax on the beach and unwind.

BOOK YOUR ISLAND HOPPING HERE

Beach Bumming

If you’re tired from all the Bohol activities, or perhaps a little hungover from the night before, then beach bumming might be the best answer for your final day.

Have a slow morning and grab a late breakfast. Then it’s time to head to the beach.

Alona Beach is the most popular beach in Bohol but also the most touristy. I would recommend venturing a little further afield to nearby Dumaluan Beach if you’re looking for white sands and a more peaceful vibe.

On your last day, any Bohol itinerary would be incomplete without witnessing the stunning sunset from one of Panglao’s breathtaking beaches.

This post has detailed the perfect Bohol itinerary 4 days, 3 nights. However, if you benefit from time, I would recommend staying at least 4 nights, so you can spend an extra night in Panglao.

What month is best to visit Bohol?

The best time to visit Bohol coincides with the best time to visit the Philippines in general. This would be in the dry season from December – May.

The dry season is also the best time to witness the iconic brown colour of the Chocolate Hills.

How many days do you need in Bohol?

I would recommend staying in Bohol for at least 5 days.

Bohol has so much more to offer than just the Chocolate Hills and boasts one of the most unique natural landscapes in the Philippines.

I would recommend splitting your time between Panglao and Carmen. Panglao to enjoy the beaches, island hopping, and nightlife. Carmen to enjoy nature, hikes, and waterfalls.

Is Bohol too touristy?

As one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines, it is unsurprising that Bohol can be very touristy in some areas.

The Alona Beach area of Panglao is probably the most touristy, along with the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.

However, Bohol is a very big island. Whilst most tourists tend to stay in Panglao, those who dare to venture further afield are rewarded with beautiful scenery and a total absence of tourists.

The east of the island is a real hidden gem and deserves a spot on your Philippines itinerary.

Destinations such as Carmen, Cadijay, and Anda offer a much more authentic experience and some more off-the-beaten-path Bohol tourist spots.

Likewise, even the most touristy spots can be enjoyed with a little pre-planning.

By avoiding organised tours, and opting for DIY tours instead, you can beat the crowds and explore at your own pace.

Need travel insurance? Small Girl Big Backpack readers get 5% off Heymondo Insurance when booking through this link. With 24/7 worldwide assistance, this is the best insurance for travelers.

Well, there you have it! Everything you need to know for an incredible DIY tour in Bohol and a 4-day itinerary.

If you enjoyed this post and you’ll be spending some time in Bohol, feel free to check out my other handy guides –

• The BEST Guide To Alicia Panoramic Park Bohol
• Can-Umantad Falls Bohol: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
• The ULTIMATE DIY Guide To Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

For inspiration or help planning your Philippines adventure, check out the following –

• 1-Month Philippines Itinerary: Ultimate Backpacking Route
• Top 10 BEST Places To Visit in The Philippines