Travel Philippines Smarter This Summer: Where to Go & How to Save using 12Go?

Planning a summer trip across the Philippines? With popular routes like Cebu–Bohol, El Nido–Coron, and Caticlan–Boracay in high demand, booking transport early isn’t just smart—it can save you time, money, and stress.

12Go lets you compare ferries, vans, and buses on these top routes and more, including lesser-known gems like Bohol–Siquijor and Cebu–Jagna. Plus, if you book ahead, you catch a deal—some routes offer up to 10% off. Here's how to travel smarter this season and make the most of every island hop.

It’s the ideal chance to explore the Philippines at a slower pace and at a better value. The promotion runs from until September 31, 2025.

Top travel routes in the Philippines

  1. Cebu to Bohol

Traveling from Cebu to Bohol is a great way to add variety to your trip, with ferries making the journey quick and easy. Bohol offers a more relaxed vibe, with natural attractions like the Chocolate Hills and the chance to see tarsiers in their natural habitat. Panglao Island, connected to Bohol, is known for its white-sand beaches and excellent diving. You can also take a river cruise along the Loboc River and explore charming countryside towns. It’s the perfect contrast to the city experience in Cebu.

Getting from Cebu to Bohol by ferry is quick and easy, with a travel time of around 2 hours. The distance is about 100 km, and tickets start from $11, with discounts often available for kids under 14. Check reviews and port locations before choosing a company to ensure a smooth trip.

  1. El Nido to Coron

Traveling from El Nido to Coron gives you a chance to experience two very different sides of Palawan. El Nido is known for its towering limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, while Coron offers surreal lakes, hot springs, and some of the best wreck diving in the world. The journey between them can be an adventure on its own, especially if you take a multi-day boat tour with island camping. Coron tends to be quieter and less developed, making it a good follow-up to El Nido’s busier spots.

To get from El Nido to Coron, you can choose between ferry or flight. Flights are fastest, taking about an hour, but also the most expensive—tickets range from $94 to over $400. Ferries are cheaper, starting at $46, and take 3.5 to 6 hours depending on the boat. There are around 5 ferry departures and up to 10 flights daily. Most travelers prefer the ferry for the scenic ride, but it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season.

  1. Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes you from the laid-back capital of Palawan to one of the most stunning coastal destinations in the Philippines. The journey itself offers glimpses of rural life, lush landscapes, and limestone cliffs that hint at what’s to come. Once in El Nido, you're surrounded by karst islands, crystal-clear lagoons, and some of the best island-hopping in Southeast Asia. The contrast between the two places makes the trip feel like a mini adventure in itself.

To get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, your options are limited to bus or shuttle van. The trip covers about 230 km and takes between 5 and 9 hours depending on the vehicle and departure point. Vans are slightly faster (around 5–7 hours) and cost 10-12 USD, with regular departures from the airport and San Jose Terminal. Buses take 6–9 hours, run every 2 hours, and cost 11-15 USD depending on the class. If you're short on time, choose a van, but be prepared to wait if it's not full.

  1. Caticlan to Boracay

Traveling from Caticlan to Boracay is the fastest and most convenient route to reach the island. It offers a short boat ride with frequent departures, getting you to White Beach in under 30 minutes. Caticlan Airport is very close to the jetty port, making transfers easy and stress-free. This route is ideal if you're short on time and want to start enjoying the island as quickly as possible.

  1. Bohol to Siquijor

Traveling from Bohol to Siquijor gives you a chance to explore a quieter, more mystical island with beautiful waterfalls, natural healing traditions, and uncrowded beaches. The journey itself is straightforward by ferry, making it a smooth hop between two unique destinations in the Visayas. If you’re into nature, folklore, and a slower pace, Siquijor offers a refreshing contrast to Bohol’s more developed tourism. It usually takes about 120 minutes to travel from Bohol (Tagbilaran) to Siquijor by ferry. The fare typically starts around 11–12 USD for a one‑way ticket

  1. Cebu to Jagna

Traveling from Cebu to Jagna gives you a chance to explore Bohol’s quieter southern coast and its local island life. The ferry ride offers scenic views and a relaxed journey across the Bohol Sea. Jagna is a convenient entry point to Anda’s white-sand beaches and nearby waterfalls. It’s also less crowded than Tagbilaran, making it ideal for a more peaceful trip.