❓ Question:
We are two people planning our first trip to the Philippines. We’ll arrive in Cebu on December 13 (6 AM from Manila) and depart from Bohol to Manila on December 19 (11 AM). We want to join a tour package (preferably Joiners) covering Cebu, Mt. Kanlaon Volcano, and Bohol. Is this feasible, and how much would it cost?
✅ Answer: Is it feasible in 6–7 days?
Yes — but with careful planning. Your time window (Dec 13–19) allows about 6 full days of sightseeing. Here’s how you can realistically cover your wishlist:
- Cebu (2–3 days): Explore the city’s Spanish heritage sites, try island-hopping in Mactan, or head south for Moalboal’s sardine run and Oslob whale sharks.
- Mt. Kanlaon (2–3 days minimum): Climbing the volcano in Negros usually requires a multi-day trek with permits. Given your tight schedule, a day trip to Negros (Dumaguete or Bacolod side) with light trekking or a scenic countryside tour may be more realistic than a full Kanlaon summit.
- Bohol (2–3 days): Joiner tours cover Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River Cruise, plus Balicasag & Virgin Island island-hopping for snorkeling.
With smart flight/ferry links, it’s possible — but you may need to shorten Cebu city touring or replace the Kanlaon trek with a Negros countryside/volcano viewpoint if you don’t want to rush.
🗓️ Suggested Joiner-Friendly Itinerary
| Day | Location | Suggested Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 13 | Cebu | Morning arrival → City highlights (Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Temple of Leah, Sirao Gardens). Overnight Cebu. |
| Dec 14 | Cebu South | Moalboal sardine run & Pescador snorkeling, Kawasan Falls. Overnight Cebu. |
| Dec 15 | Transfer to Negros | Ferry to Dumaguete → Kanlaon area (light trek, volcanic hot springs, or eco-park). Overnight Negros. |
| Dec 16 | Negros → Bohol | Transfer back via Dumaguete ferry to Tagbilaran. Overnight Panglao (Bohol). |
| Dec 17 | Bohol Countryside Tour | Joiner tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, Loboc River, man-made forest. Overnight Bohol. |
| Dec 18 | Island Hopping Bohol | Joiner tour: Balicasag & Virgin Island snorkeling. Overnight Bohol. |
| Dec 19 | Bohol → Manila | Flight at 11 AM. |
💰 Price Ranges (per person, Joiner-style)
- Cebu joiner tours: ₱1,500–₱2,500 per day (~US$30–50).
- Kanlaon trekking/countryside (Negros): ₱2,000–₱5,000 depending on length/permits (~US$40–90). Multi-day summit treks cost more (~US$200+).
- Bohol countryside day tour: ₱2,000–₱3,000 (~US$40–55).
- Bohol island hopping (Balicasag + Virgin): ₱2,000–₱3,500 (~US$40–65).
- Hotels with pools: ₱3,000–₱6,000 per night (~US$55–110).
Total for 2 people (excluding flights Manila–Cebu/Bohol–Manila):
~ ₱50,000–₱75,000 (US$900–1,400) for 6 nights accommodation, joiner tours, and transfers.
| Package Name / Operator | What’s Included / Highlights | Approx Price / Notes | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Kanlaon 3D/2N Trek (Action Philippines) | Trekking to Mt. Kanlaon (active volcano), 1 night in pension / camp, guide, permits, meals | ₱9,950 per person (min 2) | link |
| Bohol Countryside Joiner Tour (Island Diaries PH) | Day tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Mahogany Forest, Loboc River Cruise | ₱1,400 per person | link |
| Cebu City Tour Joiner (GoCebuTours) | 8-hour city heritage & scenic highlights | From ₱1,200 (depending on pax) | link |
| Discover Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour from Cebu (ExploreCebuTours) | Shared tour including ferry, land transport, guide, meals & entrance fees | Price shown in PHP (shared) | link |
| Budget Joiner Tours – Bohol & Cebu (HRI Tours / BoholCebuTours) | Shared Bohol & Cebu tours (day tours, transfer & local service) | Example: ₱1,300 for Cebu City shared tour | link |
| Brad Tours Joiners (Cebu region) | Open group / joiner tours for various islands & activities (e.g. Malapascua, Oslob) | e.g. from ₱2,970 for 2D1N package | link |
🌋 About Mt. Kanlaon Volcano
- Tallest peak in the Visayas (2,465m), straddling Negros Occidental & Negros Oriental.
- Treks require DENR permits and usually 2–3 days.
- If time is short, choose foothill eco-parks, waterfalls, or hot spring visits instead of a summit climb.
Notes & Caveats for Quoting & Planning
-
Mt. Kanlaon Availability & Safety
- Note: As of the Action Philippines page, Mt. Kanlaon trekking is prohibited at times due to volcanic activity. Always check current status. action-philippines.com
- Their 3D/2N rate (~₱9,950) assumes route, guide, permits, transport & lodging. action-philippines.com
- Another source suggests that general tours “start from 8,000 pesos” including transport, hotel & permits. Наша 🌍 Планета
-
Tour Overlaps & Logistics
- Many joiner tours in Cebu / Bohol are shared / day tours; combining them with Mt. Kanlaon (which is on Negros) will require careful routing: likely fly or ferry to Negros, arrange trekking, then ferry onward.
- For Bohol countryside and island tours, confirm ferry / transport between Cebu ↔ Bohol and internal transfers.
-
Accommodation with Pool / Quality
- Your quotes should assume mid-upper resort class where possible, especially in Bohol and Cebu, to match customer expectations.
- Use the tour operators above as anchors; many provide lodging options or can partner with resorts.
-
Flexibility in Joiner Tours
- Joiner tours are cheaper but depend on minimum pax / availability. Your quote should include fallback to private or premium if joiner slot isn’t available.
-
Entrance / Permit Fees
- Mt. Kanlaon: permit & guide fees are often extra.
- Bohol countryside & river cruise: entrance fees, lunch on floating restaurant often extra (or by guest). (E.g. some Bohol joiner tours exclude lunch or entrance fees) SeaShine Bohol
🏨 Accommodation Suggestions
- Cebu City: Seda Ayala Center Cebu, Bai Hotel (both with pools).
- Dumaguete (Negros base): Atmosphere Resorts, Hotel Essencia.
- Bohol (Panglao): Henann Resort, Amorita Resort (beachfront with pools).
Contact & Accommodation Links
| Service Type | Name / Example | Weblink / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Operator (Cebu-based) | Happy Juanderer Travel (Cebu joiner and private tours) | https://happyjuanderer.com/ Happy Juanderer Travel Inc. |
| Bohol Tour / Accommodation + Package | Bluewater Panglao (Bohol resort + shared tours) | TravelOnline package: “Manila – Bohol with free tours + resort stay” TravelOnline Philippines |
| Mt. Kanlaon Trekking Guides | Yabag Mountaineering (Negros/Canlaon route) | Contact: Miguel Mapalad, +63 09177963892, miguel.mapalad@gmail.com YABAG MOUNTAINEERING |
| Bohol Joiner / Day Tours | SeaShine Bohol (Joiner Tour) | https://seashinebohol.com/trip/bohol-joiner-tour/ SeaShine Bohol |
✨ Conclusion
Yes, it is feasible to explore Cebu, Mt. Kanlaon, and Bohol in 6–7 days if you choose joiner tours and plan transfers efficiently. For a smoother pace, you may replace a full Kanlaon trek with a Negros volcano/countryside day trip. Expect around ₱50,000–₱75,000 (US$900–1,400) for two, depending on accommodation class and whether you choose joiner or private tours.
Booking
Using the above information you can organize your own tour. If you would like to organize a private tour package, feel free to send us a note and we will work out something for you.
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