Traveling is one of the activities that makes me really happy. Being in a new place gives me that unexplainable kind of high. However, traveling can be damaging to the bank account if you are not resourceful enough to find cheaper routes, modes of transportation, hotels and the likes. That is why before we travel, I always plan ahead of time. Our itinerary (and sometimes our hotel reservations) is made months prior. Doing so made me confident that everything will go smoothly although that is not the case always.
During our recent trip to Bohol, I made a thorough research as to how to make our trip smooth-sailing without spending too much. My first trip to Bohol was a couple or so years ago and we reached the province via Tubigon (through chartered van though). It felt just right to go the same route this time so I decided that we take the Cebu - Tubigon ferry. Additionally, reading lots of blog posts that commuting from Tubigon to Tagbilaran is easy and cheaper confirmed that it’s the best thing to do.
How to get there
- From Mactan International Airport, take a taxi to Cebu Pier 1. Taxi ride from airport to port costed us Php 194. Just be sure to hail the white taxi outside the airport building as the yellow ones charge more, they said.
- If riding the Starcraft (ferry plying from Cebu to Tubigon), the ticket outlet is before the gate of the port. It is along the stores on the left side when facing the gate.
- Once you have secured your ticket, proceed to the terminal to pay for the terminal fee and wait for the announcement regarding the departure. Travel time from Cebu to Tubigon Port is one hour.
- From Tubigon Port, ride a tricycle to the bus terminal and ride a bus bound for Tagbilaran (Dao Terminal). Travel time from the town of Tubigon to Tagbilaran lasted for more than an hour as the bus keeps on loading/unloading passengers along the way. I’m not sure if there is another option (other bus company or van) we can take that will take us to Tagbilaran without stops.
- Once you are in Dao Terminal, take a jeep bound for Panglao. The terminal is across Island City Mall (ICM). What I love about riding from this terminal is that, the jeepneys are not yet fully loaded so you can choose the best seats. However, you have to wait for around 30 minutes before the actual travel starts as it will still transfer to another terminal nearby and pick (and wait) for more passengers. Travel time lasts for more than an hour as well due to the loading/unloading of passengers along the way.
- Our resort (Panglao Regents Park) is just a few meters away from the highway so we didn’t have problems getting there.
Expenses
| Activity | Expense | Cost/pax | Cost for 2 |
| Airport to Pier | Taxi |
194
|
|
| Cebu to Tubigon | Ferry |
220
|
440
|
| Terminal Fee |
25
|
50
|
|
| Tubigon Port to bus terminal | Tricycle |
10
|
20
|
| Tubigon to Tagbilaran | Bus |
50
|
100
|
| Tagbilaran to Panglao | Jeep |
25
|
50
|
| Total |
854
|
Tips
- Bring protective items such as shawl, hats, sunglasses, etc. This is to protect you from the sun, harsh winds and dust during traveling.
- Apply sunblock before going out.
- Bring water and food. Commuting is prone to delays so better be prepared especially if you are like me who has hunger-induced migraine. :D
- Carry with you loads of patience. Commuting is not for someone who is not happy to step out of their comfort zone.
- I find this route tiring. On our way back to Cebu, we took the Tagbilaran route as it is more convenient.
Find our complete itinerary and expenses here... Bohol Itinerary and Travel Expenses
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