A Solo Backpacking Guide to Central Visayas, Philippines 5D4N

Have you been to the Central Visayas region? This blog highlights the things I did, and the places I visited when I traveled around the Central Visayas region. This guide will be all about my Central Visayas solo backpacking guide.

The Central Visayas region is in the central part of the Philippines. It is between the islands of Luzon and Mindanao. Needless to say, Central Visayas consists of four island provinces. Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor. With that, I decided to go solo backpacking in the Central Visayas region. Upon reading this blog, you will get to learn more about the Central Visayas region. This is a solo backpacking guide to Central Visayas!

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Mentioning the four islands of Central Visayas, they must be your top destinations. The vast arrays of lush green forest plants and the stunning landscapes of the mountains. In addition, they are home to the best white-sand beaches. Moreover, here, you can try mouthwatering local and exotic food. You can also get to meet hospitable people. These reasons make the Central Visayas region fit your bucket list!!!

Not to mention, there are a lot of things to see and do around the Central Visayas region. You can go hiking and go swimming with sea turtles. You can also visit historical places, walk around the cities, and talk to the locals.

My Central Visayas Solo Backpacking Story

This is my first time traveling solo in the Visayas region. A year ago before my trip, I booked a flight to Dumaguete to explore the beauty of the island.

At first, it wasn’t my plan to visit the other islands. But, the mere fact that the other islands are near Dumaguete! Given that opportunity, I eventually decided to visit the other islands. I planned to visit Siquijor and Bohol. I decided to go solo backpacking in the Central Visayas. Although, Cebu was part of the itinerary, unfortunately, I couldn’t make it for some reason. Oh, I have already visited Cebu twice. I’ll have another itinerary for this.

I was able to stay in the region for 5 days and 4 nights although I needed to go back to Manila on my 5th day in the morning. Thus, I was able to explore the island and get to know more of it for 4 days.

5D4N Central Visayas Itinerary

• Entry Point: Dumaguete
• Exit Point: Bohol

Day 1: Dumaguete

Dumaguete was the first stop of my solo backpacking in the Central Visayas. Dumaguete is a tiny busy city that is jam-packed with people; either locals or tourists. The city looks stunning with its century-old ancient houses and buildings around it. In fact, it makes the city look interesting and historical at the same time.

I observed that the place didn’t seem to bother with the time that has gone from the past through the present. Also, I enjoyed talking with the locals, they were all friendly and they would even smile at you all the time. I felt safe in the city. Known as the “City of Gentle People” and referred to as “a university city”, Dumaguete is one of the best places to visit! Since I only had a day to explore the city, these are the only places that I visited and the things I did:

St. Catherine Of Alexandria Cathedral

It is a historic church located in the city of Dumaguete facing Rizal Park. The church was originally constructed from 1754 to 1776. Yet, people reconstructed it in 1885 and the present facade extended in 1936. You may also call it, Dumaguete Cathedral.

Campanario de Dumaguete Bell Tower

You can see this watchtower because it is right near the church. One fact about it is, that this bell tower has been part of Dumaguete’s history for centuries.

Silliman University

This is one of the oldest universities in the country. In fact, this is one of the most popular landmarks in Dumaguete.

Rizal Boulevard

This is where you can find different kinds of restaurants in this area. As a matter of fact, the best place where you go on a food trip. As a matter of fact, people love to go here. Therefore, you can see a lot of food stalls where you can different kinds of food at very affordable prices.  

Chapters Cafe

You may realize that Chapters Cafe is one of the most popular cafes in the city. Due to its creative interior and exterior design, it seems to be very appealing and makes you go and stay inside. The place is definitely an Instagrammable spot!

Watch the Sandurot Festival

Funny thing when I arrived in Dumaguete, it was around September. To my surprise, they were celebrating their annual festival. That is the Sandurot Festival. I was able to witness how they celebrated it, I watched the parade and talked with the locals. I wasn’t very familiar with their festival until I saw it! Surprisingly, it was fun and amazing to watch!

Where to stay in Dumaguete? 

• Mahogany Upland Resort: The Magohany Upland Resort is such a good place to relax. Certainly, you will love the serenity of the place. In fact, it is just 30 minutes away from the city.

Day 2: Siquijor Island

Siquijor Island is the third smallest island in the Philippines. In spite of that, it doesn’t change the fact that this magical island has a lot of beautiful places to visit! Historically speaking, this island used to be called Isla De Fuego or “Island of Fire” by the Spaniards during the Spanish era.

Places to Visit in Siquijor

• Welcome to Siquijor Sign
• Saint Francis De Assisi Church
• I LOVE SIQUIJOR Sign
• Paliton Beach
• Enchanted Old Balete Tree
• San Isidro Old Church
• San Isidro Convent
• Cambugahay Falls
• Man-made Forest
• Salagdoong Beach Resort
• Hapitanan Cafe and Restaurant

How to get to Siquijor from Dumaguete?

From Dumaguete port, take the Montenegro Ferry which only costs Php140 per head. But, if you want to arrive in Siquijor right away, you can take Ocean Jet (fast craft) which costs Php 250 per head.

Terminal Fee: Php 25

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Day 3: Bohol Countryside Tour

There are more than enough reasons to make this place part of your bucket list! Its pristine beaches and hospitable locals. More to that, its a vast array of scenic views and the untouched beauty of nature.

Bohol was my last stop after conquering the Central Visayas region and I decided to stay here for two days! I decided to rent a tricycle for the countryside tour. I didn’t get to visit all the places because I decided to spend a long time in each place.

Places to Visit in Bohol Island

• Chocolate Hills
• Shiphaus
• Tarsier Conservation Center
• Bilar Man-made Forest
• Baclayon Church
• Souvenir Shop

Day 4: Panglao Tour

I spent my last day touring around the island of Panglao. I visited some of the most popular tourist destinations! This time around, I rented a habal–habal (a motorcycle with a driver). In comparison, it was much cheaper than I expected compared to a rented tricycle.

Places to Visit in Panglao

• Hinagdanan Cave
• Bohol Bee Farm
• Dumaluan Beach
• Panglao Church

How to get to Bohol from Siquijor Island?

There are two ferry companies operating from Larena port, the Oceanjet (fast craft) and Lite Shipping Corporation. Oceanjet has trips every day leaving at 12:30 PM. As a matter of fact, it takes two hours to get to Tagbilaran port. Therefore, the ferry arrives around 02:30 PM.

Yet, Lite Ferry only operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday which departs at 7:00 PM. It usually takes 4 hours to get to Tagbilaran port.

TAKE NOTE: Purchasing the ticket on the same day of departure is not highly recommended. It gets sold out fast.

Day 5: Back to Manila

In 4 days, I was able to visit the three islands of Central Visayas. Therefore, I was glad that I was able to get to know more about the places as well as the people. It was really fulfilling and truly a dream come true to me!

Among the three islands that I visited, I couldn’t say that I’ve got the most favorite one. The fact that each island has its own charm, you get to appreciate every little thing about it. Thus, why not try solo backpacking in the Central Visayas region, too?

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Ara Patria

Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.