For 4 days, it’s best to concentrate on the Visayas. The ferry ride between Cebu and Bohol takes about 2 hours, allowing you to experience both the land and sea highlights in one trip and avoiding the time-consuming long-haul flights. If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, you can also spend all 4 days on Boracay. The Cebu–Bohol combo has frequent and well-established transport options, making it the most reliable choice for a 4-day trip. It’s also easier to adjust if the weather changes, but be sure to check the ferry schedules.
Magellan’s Cross → Basilica Minore del Santo Niño → Fort San Pedro → evening dinner and massage in the city. The city attractions are close together and can be covered in half a day, making it a good arrival day to adjust to the time zone and pace.
Head out early in the morning to Oslob to swim with whale sharks, a famous experience. In the afternoon, head to Moalboal for a sardine run snorkeling trip, where schools of sardines swirl like a storm. Return to Cebu in the evening for the night. This day starts early, so it’s recommended to go to bed early the night before.
Take an early morning ferry to Bohol → Chocolate Hills → Tarsier Sanctuary → Loboc River cruise lunch → Baclayon Church. Check in to Panglao Island in the evening and watch the sunset and enjoy seafood at Alona Beach.
Snorkel at Alona Beach on Panglao Island, or join an island-hopping trip to Balicasag Island to see dolphins and turtles. Return to Cebu in the afternoon and fly out. If time allows, schedule your return flight for the evening or later.
It takes about 30 minutes by car or Grab taxi from Cebu Airport to the city center. The drive to Oslob for whale shark watching takes about 3 hours, usually departing early in the morning. It’s recommended to book a private car or join a local tour the night before. Ferries from Cebu to Bohol depart from the terminal, with OceanJet offering frequent services. The journey takes about 2 hours, so book tickets in advance during peak season.
Attractions on Bohol are spread out, and the drive between Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc River is long. A private car for the day costs around 2,000–2,500 PHP and is more cost-effective than taking multiple taxis. The drive between Panglao Island and Tagbilaran Port takes about 30 minutes and can be arranged by your hotel.
In Cebu, stay near IT Park or the Ayala commercial area for convenient dining and transport. On Bohol, it’s recommended to stay around Alona Beach on Panglao Island for easy access to boat trips and meals. Three- to four-star hotels in both areas cost about $42–$85 per night, with prices rising noticeably during peak season.