Itinerary for Moalboal-Oslob-Bohol
After a lot of reading, I think I have settled on the follow plan for our trip at the start of March '26
Day 0 - Arrive Cebu 5pm Friday, taxi transfer to Moalboal (4 nights).
Day 1-3 - Relax, canyoneering, sardine run, Pescadore Island
Day 4 - transfer from Moalboal to Oslob (1 night).
Day 5 - whaleshark experience, transfer to Bohol (5 nights).
Day 6-9 - explore Bohol
Day 10 transfer to Cebu (2 nights)
Day 11-12 - explore Cebu, depart 20:00
My initial questions are:
1. Should we prebook activities like canyoneering and Island hopping in Moalboal before we arrive or wait until we get there?
2. If I only have one chance to get my husband to go snorkelling, is this best at Moalboal/Pescadore, or somewhere else?
3. A lot of local tours seem to use a tuktuk - how safe/comfortable are these for trips around the countryside? Are all drivers registered, or are there any issues I should be aware of?
I have more questions regarding the transfer to Mobol, but I'll create a separate thread for that so it does not get lost.
Is there anything else I should be considering?
I've never booked any activities before arriving apart from an Open Water Diving course.
Which part of Bohol are you going to? I haven't snorkeled at Moalboal, it was stormy when I was there and boat trips and snorkeling were suspended. Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is another possibility.
I've never been on a tuk-tuk or tricycle tour, only used them for point to point transport. I wouldn't want to spend too long in either form of transport. Cars and vans are available.
Marty - my husband would be inclined to say, "been there done that once is enough", in regards to general snorkeling. The whalesharks will be a separate experience, so I'm not counting that. I think the sardine run will be a separate experience too, but if I want to see pretty fishies and coral type snorkeling, what/where do you recommend?
Gregs - based on recommendations, I am thinking of staying around Panglao. Any suggestions?
1: As long as you are clear of Holy Week/Easter, which I think you could be, no need to pre-book per se. Your accommodation will generally be the oracle on that, so ask them when you arrive, whilst not absolute peak season some places will still be busy.
2: You know your husband better than anyone, what are his concerns over snorkelling? To get the best out of the whale sharks you'll need to get into the water, perhaps that is a good starting place?
3: Not so many tuk tuks, but lots and lots of tricycles. Yes they can be very uncomfortable, good for short point to point distances, not so much for long distances and tours. I have had hundreds of rides in trikes with no incident, but a couple of hairy moments - but, to be fair that goes for road travel generally in the Phils. Trikes should be registered with the local LTO and should have small sign displayed saying that along with their rates to well known local destinations.
"Anything else". It looks a nicely paced itinerary - you'll still probably be surprised how slow travel can be at times.
It depends on what you're looking for. I like to stay at or near Alona Beach so I've go easy access to restaurants, bars, dive shops, etc but there are plenty of quieter parts of Panglao if that's your preference.
I think your itinerary looks good. If it was me I would stay overnight in Cebu and set off the next morning. I dont like to transfer at night in the Phils due to the crazy roads, although local drivers are comfortable to do so. Your plane is due to land at 5pm, but reality is you will be setting off and arriving in Moalboal in the dark. I would bookend the trip with one night either end in Cebu City. But your call on that.
The snorkelling in Moalboal is great and well worth it. Swimming through a school of a million sardines and watching them move into shapes around you is really an experience. There are some decent coloured fish and corals as well but you need to swim well away from the shore and area where the tourist boats stop because it is quite trampled there. I suggest hiring some gear and heading in yourself from the shore, that way you can take your time to explore. First thing in the morning is best.
Balicasag island off Bohol is another popular snorkelling spot. A lot of people race about it but it was a little too crowded for me.
Trikes (similar to tuk tuks but more of a side car) are fun to travel around in. Comfortable? No. Loud? Yes. But also fun. The drivers know the road, are often happy to pull up for pictures, and we never felt too at risk really, they dont go quick. I wouldn't use them for long distance,but point to point, and also chartering for a few hours is great. Very cheap as well (ask your hotel first what to expect to pay for the local rides).
Definitely dont book tours in advance, they dont sell out, and are much cheaper to book locally.
I appreciate in Oz unlike in England you dont have stone crosses in just about every town you go to but Magellans Cross ( like Banbury Cross without white lady etc) takes about 10 minutes to take in its rectangular symmetry.
Having been forced to go to Church as a kid I am no great fan of crosses but do have a soft spot for the Portugese and the tale of Magellans demise.
I would have another day at the seaside unless congested cities are your thing.
Edited: 3:59 am, August 08, 2025格雷格斯——谢谢，我正在考虑阿罗娜海滩一带。我们喜欢住在附近，方便去当地吃美食。
Alexis，感谢你的评论。
Sampag1ta - 麦哲伦十字架已经在行程单上了，谢谢。我在宿务只有一天半的时间，我觉得这点时间足够我去很多地方了。
谢谢格雷格斯，这看起来正是我们想要的——我已经把它添加到旅行计划里了！
