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Alicia Panoramic Park is one of those hidden gems in Bohol that doesn’t attract crowds, probably because it’s a little off the beaten path. The views are absolutely splendid and well worth the effort. We loved it, and if you’re considering this hike, here are some things to know to help you make the most of your visit.
How hard it is to reach Alicia Panoramic Park
Most people stay in Panglao when visiting Bohol, which is about a 3-hour drive to reach Alicia Panoramic Park, making it a full-day trip. If you’re coming from Panglao, it’s probably better to go with a tour, which is much cheaper than a private driver.
We were limited in time with our itinerary, so we opted to book a private driver for the day. We wanted to cover a lot – not just the hike – and also get dropped off in Panglao while starting from the Chocolate Hills. It was a good call to start from Chocolate Hills: the night before our hike, we could enjoy this busy attraction after the crowds had left, and we were only about one hour away from Alicia Panoramic Park.
The budget option from Chocolate Hills would have been to catch public transport from Carmen to Alicia, but we didn’t have time to waste, so we paid for a private driver. If you’re hiring a private driver, ask your accommodation for a quote or check platforms like 12Go or Klook. Make sure you are very clear about the stops you want and get it in writing – even if you think it’s a private driver for the day, extra stops can add extra costs. We stopped at Pilar Rice Terraces viewpoint, had lunch in Carmen and then visited Corella’s Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary before getting dropped off in Panglao.
How difficult is the hike at Alicia Panoramic Park?
There are two hikes in the park: an easy one and a longer loop. When we arrived, our guide described the easy hike as taking around 40 minutes, and the longer one as “very hard,” estimated at 4 hours. Having just hiked Mt Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, which had been one of the hardest hikes I’d done, I didn’t want another very hard hike. We hesitated but still opted for the longer hike, trusting our hotel manager’s advice that it wouldn’t be that hard for us.
In the end, it was only barely moderate – not even challenging and definitely not very hard. We completed it in 2 hours with plenty of photo breaks, including a 30-minute stop at the top. If we’d wanted, we could have done it in much less time. The loop was a big plus: it allowed us to see the landscape from different angles, rather than just hiking to a single viewpoint.
If you’re fit and used to hiking, the difficulty mostly comes from exposure to the sun, not the climb itself. Pace yourself, aim for shade when resting, and drink enough water. The trail is steep in parts, but gradual, with no huge steps requiring your hands. Going down wasn’t too tricky, though a few sections were a little slippery. In wet conditions, I imagine the descent would be much harder.
What time to start the hike
Many people start very early to catch sunrise, both for the views and to avoid the heat.
We didn’t stay near Alicia and needed a couple of hours to get there, so we started around 8 am as we didn’t want to wake up too early. It was already hot – our watch recorded 35 °C – but it was manageable as we took our time, paced ourselves, and stopped in the shade when needed.
If you’re not used to hiking in the heat, starting earlier would definitely make this hike more comfortable.
What to bring
The hike is short (around 4km), and the summit is only 400 metres high. We drank water before going up and each carried just one bottle in our hands. That’s all we brought. Not having a backpack made the climb much easier. There are cold drinks available for purchase at the start and end of the trail, including electrolyte drinks like Gatorade.
In addition to water, clothing and sun protection are more important than anything else. I was glad I wore a long-sleeve shirt with a hoodie to also protect my neck and ears. Breathable, quick-dry clothing is ideal. Our guide also carried an umbrella to create some shade.
Guide, permit, and costs
A guide and a permit are mandatory, but you can organise both when you get there. Be prepared for a few small costs: the guide, entry fees, and a very short motorbike transfer from the entry point to the start of the walk. The motorbike ride is worth it to save time, but pricing can be a little confusing. What you’re quoted may only be per person and per way, so it’s worth checking upfront to avoid surprises. We also ended up having to share the motorbike – three people in total with the guide, without a helmet – and wished we had been clearer about valuing safety, even for a short ride.
Views: What to expect
The views along the hike are stunning all the way up and down, not just at the summit. That’s what makes Alicia Panoramic Park such a great attraction – it’s not just about reaching a single point, it’s about experiencing the landscape throughout the loop. And yes, it is very green and hilly; no filter needed.
Where is Alicia Panoramic Park?
The park is located inland in the east, away from Bohol’s main tourist attractions. The location is part of what makes the hike feel peaceful – you’re rewarded with great landscape views without the crowds.
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