Journey from Cebu to Bohol: A Full-Day Travel Guide 2025

2 minutes read

Our adventure continues as we leave Moalboal and make our way to Bohol, specifically Panglao Island. This post will take you through our full-day journey, including transportation costs, logistics, and useful travel tips to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.

Leaving Moalboal

After 10 incredible days in Moalboal, filled with activities like open-water diving and canyoning at Kawasan Falls, it was time to move on. We checked out of our stay at Baboo Backpackers Inn and caught a tricycle to the bus station.

  • Tricycle ride to bus station: 150 pesos
  • Walking option: ~30-minute walk

Bus from Moalboal to Cebu City

From the bus station, we boarded a Ceres Bus bound for Cebu City. Buses run every 30 minutes, alternating between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options.

Tip: Always opt for the air-conditioned bus, as temperatures can reach 29°C before 9 AM!
  • Bus fare: 210 pesos per person
  • Duration: ~3.5 to 4 hours
  • Payment: Cash only (bring exact change if possible)

Cebu City to Bohol Ferry

Once in Cebu City, we took a Grab ride with fellow travelers to Pier 1, where ferries depart for Tagbilaran, Bohol.

  • Grab ride cost: 100 pesos per person (shared ride)
  • Ferry ticket: 800 pesos per person
  • Terminal fee: 25 pesos
  • Ferry duration: ~2 hours

Our Ferry Experience

Boarding was slightly delayed, but the ride was smooth and fast. We took motion sickness pills (Gravol) before boarding, which helped avoid nausea.

“The ferry was well air-conditioned—so much so that I wished I had brought a sweater!”
  • Temperature inside: ~16°C (bring layers!)
  • Seating: Small and cramped but manageable
  • Internet: Spotty but functional throughout the ride

Arriving in Bohol & Getting to Panglao

Upon arrival at Tagbilaran Port, multiple transportation options were available:

  1. Taxis – Most expensive and not metered.
  2. Shared Vans – Affordable but wait times vary.
  3. Tricycles – Cheapest and fun, but limited luggage space.
  4. Grab – Quoted at 430 pesos, but we couldn’t connect with a driver.

Our Choice: Tricycle Ride to Panglao

We opted for a tricycle ride, which cost 400 pesos—cheaper than Grab and instantly available.

“I was skeptical at first, but the tricycles here are much bigger than in Moalboal, and everything fit comfortably!”
  • Travel time: ~25 minutes
  • Ride experience: Fun and breezy!

Checking into Our Hotel

After an 8.5-hour travel day, we finally arrived at our hotel in Panglao. Exhausted but excited, we decided to order Grab Delivery instead of going out for dinner.

“Even though all we did was sit, sleep, and play on our phones during the journey, we were completely drained by the time we arrived!”

Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

Best time to travel: Mornings are cooler, and ferries are less crowded.
Air-conditioning: Bring a sweater for the ferry—temps drop to 16°C.
Motion sickness: Take Gravol if you’re prone to seasickness.
Payment options: Cash only for buses and tricycles. Some ferries accept cards.
Grab vs. Tricycles: If Grab isn’t connecting, tricycles are a great alternative!

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