travel brochure in bohol tagalog

Bohol Travel Guide with a Sample Itinerary (2024)

• Post author By Project Gora
• Post date January 12, 2024
• 1 Comment on Bohol Travel Guide with a Sample Itinerary (2024)

So, you’re thinking about traveling to Bohol? Good choice! This island is one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or have an adventure, Bohol has got you covered. And lucky for you, this Bohol Travel Guide has all the essential information you need, including the must-see tourist spots, things to do, and how to get there. So, let’s dive right in and get you ready for the time of your life in Bohol!

Table of Contents

Bohol Travel Guide: Top 5 Tourist Spots in Bohol

Bohol travel guide: things to know before you go, bohol travel guide: top 10 restaurants in panglao island, bohol travel guide: sample 4d/3n itinerary.

Bohol offers world class attractions both in-water and outside. The best way to get the most out of your stay is to combine countryside tour with island-hopping excursion, and then spend the last day relaxing on the beach. This will allow you to fully discover the many faces of this island which makes it so special. In this Bohol Travel Guide, I included the top 5 tourist spots in Bohol that I personally recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

Beach Hopping in Panglao Island

There’s no doubt that Bohol boasts some of the best beaches in the Philippines, if not the world. In Panglao Island alone, you can find Alona Beach , which is arguably the most famous beach in the island. Here you can find many beachfront resorts, restaurants and bars.

Another famous beach in the island is Dumaluan Beach , where you’ll find some of the most popular beach resorts like South Palms, Bohol Beach Club and Dumaluan Beach Resort. Unlike Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach has fewer tourists and is quieter at night. While you’re in Dumaluan, you can continue walking towards Libaong Beach , which is not that touristy.

If you’re looking for less touristy beaches in Panglao Island, Doljo Beach located on the northeast coast of the island might be for you. It features the longest stretch of white sand in Panglao and offers one of the best sunset views in the island.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in Loboc River

If you love adventure, I highly recommend Stand-Up Paddle boarding in Loboc River. You can avail a 1-hour Loboc River SUP Tour with SUP Tours Philippines , which is the first SUP school in the country. SUP tour rate is 800 pesos per person and includes SUPs, paddles, guide and refreshments after the tour. Most resorts along the river also offer SUP tours so no need to make prior arrangements.

See the Tarsiers at Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

One of the best experiences I had in Bohol was an encounter with a sleeping tarsier in Corella, Bohol. Founded by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in 1996, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary provides a natural habitat for these endangered primates. Unlike the sep up in Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area, where they are held captive in small enclosures, the tarsiers here can roam around a big forested sanctuary. Thus, tourists are only allowed in the designated pathway (Tarsier Trail) where you can look for the tarsiers in their natural habitat.

Note: Most tours in Bohol offers a visit to the Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area. This is not the place you would want to visit if you care about wildlife. Make sure to request Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary instead. They will probably ask for additional fee because the location is far from Tagbilaran and Loboc.

See the Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills is one of the top tourist attractions in the Philippines. They are arguably one of the top reasons why travelers want to go to Bohol. When I first traveled to the island, it was one of the first destinations that I visited. It did not disappoint so I would recommend it to anyone traveling to Bohol for the first time.

To get a stunning panoramic view, you can visit the Chocolate Hills Complex Viewpoint in the town of Carmen, the main viewing destination in Bohol. You can also take a trip to Sagbayan Peak , a 5-hectare mountain resort located in the town of Sigbayan. It’s farther than the viewing point in Carmen but it’s less touristy so it may be worth the drive.

Snorkelling and Freediving in Panglao Island

Bohol Marine Triangle is one of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots in the world. It includes the threes islands, Panglao, Balicasag and Pamilacan, home to hundreds of coral species and marine animals such as whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and many more.

For freedivers and scuba divers, Napaling Dive Point should be included in your itinerary. For non-swimmers and snorkelers, Balicasag Island is one of the best places to see sea turtles.

Pamilacan Island day tour

Discover the hidden gem of Pamilacan Island, a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the pristine beauty and rich culture of Bohol firsthand. This exclusive Pamilacan Island day tour allows you to snorkel among coral reefs, spot sea turtles in their natural habitat, and enjoy dolphin watching, among other adventures.

Best Time to Visit Bohol

The best time to visit Bohol is from January to March for the ideal weather and fewer crowds. However, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of Bohol at other times of the year, depending on their preferences and tolerance for heat and rainfall.

How to get to Bohol

Bohol is an hour and a half away from Manila by plane. There are flights coming in from dozens of different places, including Manila, Cebu, Davao and many more. With so many available flights, it is very easy to find a cheap one, with regular prices ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 pesos.

Alternatively, you could catch a ferry from various islands in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Oceanjet Ferry , one of the most reputable ferry operators in the Philippines, caters to passengers from Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran) and vice versa. For as low as 890 pesos, you can book your Cebu to Bohol ferry ticket via Klook and get instant confirmation. Your seat is guaranteed upon booking!

How to get around Bohol

In order for you to make the most of your time in Bohol, I highly recommend renting out a motorcycle and start exploring as early as you can. Additionally, there are others ways to get around the island such as hiring a tricycle or a private car for a day. Also, if you are solo traveling, find other tourists to join the tour so you can split up the cost.

You may avail a private car charter via Klook for a hassle-free tour. For as low as 2,800 pesos (1-3 pax) for a 4-hour tour or 3,200 pesos (1-3 pax) for an 8-hour tour, you will have the freedom to see as many attractions as you want. For bigger groups (4-10 pax), the 4-hour tour costs 3,200 pesos while the 8-hour tour costs 4,100 pesos.

Where to stay in Bohol

Being one of the most popular tourist spots in the country, Bohol has literally hundreds of different places to choose from. These range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury, and you can easily find your preferred mode of accommodation with a simple Google search.

Peak season is between March and May, so booking in advance is advised to get better deals. If you prefer to stay near the beach, I recommend beachfront resorts in Panglao such as Modala Beach Resort , Hennan Tawala Resort , Mithi Resort and Spa , and South Palms Resort . If you prefer to stay in mainland, I recommend Water to Forest Ecolodge in Loboc.

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner, healthy eats, or traditional Filipino cuisine, these top 10 restaurants in Panglao, Bohol are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

• Garlic ‘n lemon bistro – This restaurant is known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including its signature garlic shrimp and lemon chicken.
• Luna Rossa Vegetarian Italian Restaurant – A great option for vegetarian and vegan travelers, Luna Rossa serves up authentic Italian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast – A great option for pizza lovers, Giuseppe Pizzeria serves up authentic Italian-style pizza and other Italian dishes in a casual, laid-back setting.
• Shaka Bohol – A popular spot for healthy eaters and surfers, Shaka serves up a range of smoothie bowls, salads, and wraps made with fresh, organic ingredients.
• Mangaon Ta Restaurant at Modala Beach Resort – This beachfront restaurant is known for its delicious Filipino dishes, including grilled seafood, adobo, and lechon.
• Vanilla Sky Restaurant – With stunning ocean views, Vanilla Sky is a romantic and upscale dining option serving up fresh seafood, grilled meats, and other international dishes.
• Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant – A must-visit for foodies, the Bohol Bee Farm serves up farm-to-table dishes made with organic ingredients, including its famous homemade ice cream.
• Saffron – This restaurant offers a fine dining experience with its fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, paired with an extensive wine selection.
• Bougainvillea Spanish Restaurant – For those craving Spanish cuisine, Bougainvillea serves up tapas, paella, and other traditional Spanish dishes in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
• Sisa Bistro – Located in a restored heritage house, Sisa Bistro offers a unique dining experience with its fusion of Filipino and European cuisine.

Day 1: Bohol Countryside Tour

If you are the explorer type who likes DIY trips, it is certainly possible to do this tour on your own. You can rent a motorbike pretty much anywhere in Panglao, or head to Tagbilaran and rent a car or a van for the whole day. You can also book a Bohol Countryside Tour via Klook.

• Early flight to Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG)
• Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella)
• Chocolate Hills View deck**
• Man-made forest
• Loboc River stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)
• Check in resort in Panglao at around 4 PM

In Carmen, where you will find the Chocolate Hills, it is possible to go down closer to the hills by ATV tour . It’ll just mean the rest of your itinerary will be a bit more cramped.

Day 2: Freediving in Napaling Dive Point

Freediving in Napaling Reef in Panglao, Bohol is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore the underwater world and witness the beauty of the coral reefs and marine life in their natural habitat. Located just off the coast of Panglao Island, Napaling Reef is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral formations, and diverse marine ecosystem.

Day 3: Bohol island hopping tour

• Pickup from resort at 6 AM
• Dolphin watching in Balicasag Island
• Continue to Balicasag Marine Sanctuary
• Snorkel with sea turtles at Balicasag Island
• Move to the 2nd snorkeling spot in Balicasag Island, which has stunning coral reefs and fish
• Virgin Island
• Back to resort around 1 PM to freshen up
• Spend the rest of the afternoon at Alona Beach or Dumaluan Beach

Day 4: Chill at the beach

Spend your last day in Bohol to relax and recharge your batteries. Bohol has some of the nicest beaches you’ll ever see, and you can also rent a motorbike and spend a full day going between different beaches. The main beach is of course Alona, but Dumaluan is just as nice.

How about you? Have you been to Bohol? What can you add in this itinerary? Let’s chat down below!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

One reply on “Bohol Travel Guide with a Sample Itinerary (2024)”

[…] Beach Resort is located in the northwest tip of Panglao, Bohol. I learned that the resort just opened in 2020, making it the newest resort in the island. Aside […]

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Exploring Bohol Island: A Gem in Visayas, Philippines

by Aileen Adalid Philippines , Things to Do 42 comments

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It’s no news that the Philippines  gained more international attention in the past years, and there are two main contributors that I could think of: first , the successful campaigns put forth by the DOT (Department of Tourism, “It’s More Fun in The Philippines”) , and second : the articles (which often went viral) that are posted by several travel writers who have been enchanted by the country’s beauty. (Bohol)

In a blink of an eye, the Philippines’ white sand beaches, limestone formations, and pristine islands have easily become a hit to a lot of foreigners.  However , what a lot of people might not know is that there is still MORE to the country than the sea-and-sun combo. For one thing, apart from our breathtaking beaches and coastlines, we also have a rich collection of fauna, flora, history, landmarks, landscapes, and underwater life.

A perfect example of this would be this gem of a place in the Visayas called Bohol!

Deemed as the 10th largest island out of the 7,000 others in the Philippines, it’s not as internationally famous as  Boracay  or Palawan ; yet, Bohol holds incredible sights and dive spots that can easily capture anyone’s heart. And I deem myself as fortunate to have seen its beauty, albeit for a short time.

It was in 2013 that I went here with two friends who graciously invited me to join their trip. It was for just two days, but we were able to do the following activities that already gave us a glimpse of the wonder that Bohol holds — which I hope you could see for yourself!

» Quick Travel Planning

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Table of Contents

Things to Do in Bohol

» visit the famous ‘chocolate hills’.

As a Filipino, I first saw Bohol’s Chocolate Hills in a ‘ Sibika ‘ (History) book back in elementary school and I find it a shame that I didn’t see it sooner… but I guess, it’s “ better late than never “, right?

Now, as you can see, the Chocolate Hills (or as we Filipinos would call it: Tsokolateng Burol) is a unique geological formation comprised of unique cone-shaped hills that all look identical — almost. From what I’ve learned, there are at least 1,200 of them that span an area of more than 20 square miles! To be more precise though, these ‘hills’ are actually made of limestone covered with grass and they vary in sizes from 30 up to 120 meters in height.

“…WAIT. You say ‘Chocolate Hills’ but they look so GREEN! What’s so chocolate-y about this?!”

You might be wondering this ^ and well, they are called as such because during the dry season, between months of December and May, the grass that covers these limestone hills would dry up and turn into a browner color. This will then make them seem like endless rows of Hershey’s chocolate kisses — hence, the name. (We rather visited in the month of July).

TRIVIA : Legend has it that these Chocolate Hills were created by 2 giants who decided to have one big messy fight with one another using sand and stones. When they became exhausted, they suddenly turned into friends. They started to have a jolly good time with one another, that as a result, they forgot to clean up their mess — which brings us Chocolate Hills today. . Before we drown ourselves in an amusing fantasy, the reality of course is that this didn’t happen. But I guess this is a more ‘cool’ explanation to give to tourists than saying: “We don’t really know how exactly…” I say this because there is actually no consensus yet as to how the hills have formed. The most accepted theory they have is that the hills are “weathered remains of some marine limestone on top of an impermeable layer of clay”. . NOTE : Apparently, you can also rent an ATV and venture out into these hills. It’s worth a try if you ask me!

» Linger in Bohol’s Mahogany Forest

On your way to the Chocolate Hills, it will be hard to miss Bilar and Loboc’s 2km “Man-Made” Mahogany Forest what with its carpet of trees that tower on both sides of the highway, standing tall, uniform, and green.

Apparently, this was part of a bigger reforestation project that was created in the 90s as a response to the deforestation caused by a slash and burn farming system that we call in the Philippines as kaingin . As such, it’s a man-made forest being that the seeds were planted by humans.

NOTE :  In here, there are no parking spaces but if you’re with a tour group, they would usually stop by somewhere on the road so that you can step out and venture into the forest. Most people prefer to just stay by the highway to take photos though — wait, scratch that: people prefer to stay in the middle of the road to take photos! . It’s fine to do this, but just remember to  EXERCISE CAUTION. This is still a highway; so before you go crazy doing jump shots or whatnot, please pay careful attention to your surroundings.

» Witness the ‘Tarsier’ (arguably the world’s 2nd smallest primate)

Much like the Chocolate Hills, I was also very excited about the chance of finally witnessing the world-famous tarsier that is said to be the 2nd smallest primate in the world . They are predominantly found in certain parts of Southeast Asia only, one of which is here in Bohol in the Philippines (yep, we’re absolutely lucky to have them!)

As based on my books back in school — and as you can see in the photo — they also look so cute; so naturally, I was looking forward to it a lot!  (If you’re a Star Wars fan, they definitely look like a cuddlier and smaller version of Yoda, no?)

…But much to my dismay, I was unknowingly brought to a place that did NOT practice responsible tourism. This saddened me because the Tarsier is an endangered animal that is very delicate.

For instance, did you know that if they are handled wrongly, touched carelessly, be surrounded by too much noise, or simply held captive, they can easily get stressed and commit suicide ? Therefore, when I found out that the place we visited, the  Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area in Bohol , was NOT a certified Tarsier sanctuary and which also had such poor conditions set out for the Tarsiers, I absolutely felt the need to spread the word to you guys!

Please, please, please, don’t support this center. If you really want to witness the Tarsiers, it’s better to head over to  Correla ‘s Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary which is not only a certified sanctuary for Tarsiers but also practices responsible tourism for these animals.

To see a detailed discussion as to why, where, and how, please see my post below.

» READ: Why You Should Avoid Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area in Bohol

» Do a Loboc River Cruise

Some people tend to skip this activity but I found it a fascinating experience nonetheless — so why not try it out? Besides, they serve scrumptious Filipino food WHILE you’re cruising down the river. Oh wait, did I mention that it was a buffet feast? Yup. It is! ( DISCLAIMER : The food isn’t that spectacular but it’s hearty enough to fill you up.)

But in order to not seem too much of a glutton, of course, there is more to the river cruise than the food (which I have now painted as sub-par — please hang on, I’m getting to the good part).

You see, apart from the love songs that they will be playing in order to ‘serenade’ you during the cruise, you will also be leisurely gliding through the Loboc River as you glance upon the rustic terrain that surrounds the area. There is also a stop along the way that lets you watch children and old people alike perform native Filipino performances.

At the end of the voyage, you will also glance at  Busay Falls  — it’s not a big natural display but it remains to be quite a charming ‘ending’ to the river cruise.

Overall: the Loboc River Cruise is a chill activity and if you’ve got the time, it’s a nice thing to try out. Otherwise, if you’re thinking of a different activity for this river area, you could actually try  standup paddleboarding  and there are providers around the area that can give you the equipment that you need.

» Step into Baclayon Church

Declared as a National Cultural Treasure and a National Historical Landmark, Baclayon Church is the 2nd oldest church in the Philippines. This is a nice stopover to make while in Bohol especially if you want to take a glimpse into the early history of the Philippines during the Spanish occupation.

Built by Jesuit priests back in 1959, this church holds several important relics and images that date back to the historic Roman Catholic religion in the country. Just look at that altar — it’s an interesting display, isn’t it?

NOTE : Do dress appropriately when you visit the Baclayon Church; rest assured though, if you’re wearing shorts like I did, they will hand out shawls by the entrance so that you can cover yourself.

» Have some fun in the sea

Bohol is an island after all, and there are long stretches of picturesque beaches that you can head off to. In fact, it has 75 more minor surrounding islands! For the topmost places to take note of:

Panglao Island: This place is easily accessed via a bridge that connects it to the main island (Bohol). It has several beaches but the one that’s notable would have to be Alona Beach — a gorgeous stretch that is about 1.5 kilometers long. It is lined with a lot of resorts so you could also choose to have your accommodation here when in Bohol. For activities, you should definitely try snorkeling if not scuba diving.

TIP : Go here to book a half-day guided tour to Panglao.

Virgin Island:  A small uninhabited island that has a picturesque sandbar. Though there’s not much to do here, it remains to be a quaint place to lounge in and soak some sun.

Balicasag Island:  This is considered one of the best diving spots in the country! Wall dives can be done 50 meters from the beach as it falls down to about 50 meters. If you’re not experienced yet, you can always snorkel around the island to see the colorful corals and fishes. (On your way here, you can actually sight dolphins too!)

NOTE : For other things to do, you can check by Chocolate Hills Adventure Park or do an exhaustive Bohol Guided Tour !

Bohol Travel Guide

» how to get to bohol.

By air.  There are no direct international flights to this island. To get here, you would need to take a flight either from Manila or Cebu in order to head on to Tagbilaran Airport (Tagbilaran is the name of Bohol’s capital).  Flights from Manila or Cebu can go for as low as $10 (Php 500) especially when you watch out for promos from local airlines like Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and PAL Express.

By boat. There are ferries that sail every day from the port of Cebu and Dumaguete. To book, go to the links below: – From Cebu to Bohol and back – From Dumaguete to Bohol and back

» Where to Stay in Bohol

READ: Best Hotels in Bohol

A lot of people would prefer to stay in Panglao Island and so when it comes to the best accommodations on any kind of budget, I recommend the following:

• Budget:  Alexis Cliff Dive Resort 
• Mid:  Panglao Homes Resort & Villas
• Luxury:  Henann Resort Alona Beach

If you rather want to stay on the main island in Tagbilaran:

• Budget:  Tr3ats Guest House Bohol
• Mid:  Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel
• Luxury:  Peacock Garden (we stayed here as part of our sponsored trip and this place was hands-down amazing!)

Otherwise, you can always check Agoda.com or Booking.com for the best deals on other hotels, inns, and hostels in Bohol!

» How to Get Around Bohol

By motorcycle.  There are a lot of rental shops in Tagbilaran and Panglao and you can rent a motorcycle for as low as $4~ (Php 200). In this way, you will have enough freedom to go to any place you want in your own time.

By car.  Car rentals are also possible of course and the rental shops are mainly found in Tagbilaran with a starting cost of $31~ (Php 1,500).

By public transportation.  There are tricycles, jeepneys, and buses that are very cheap and they can be found easily in the main streets. But they don’t typically have fixed schedules, so if you’re setting off from one far-off place to another and are pressed for time, it can be tough to hail one down. It’s better to rent your own vehicle if not join a tour.

By arranged tours.  Like I said, if you sign yourself up for a tour beforehand, your transportation woes within the island are easily fixed!

* For island hopping, boat rentals typically cost $31~ (Php 1,500) to $62~ (Php 3,000) depending on the type of boat and the number of passengers.

» Top Bohol Tours «

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park Experience a thrilling day at this eco-tourism park!

Panglao Island Hopping …with dolphin watching!

– – –

If you’re planning a summer getaway to the Philippines, it should be apparent by now that a trip to Bohol should be a part of your itinerary! Not only will you experience more of the country’s sea-and-sun combo, but you will also get to experience several other unique experiences and sights that are unique to this area.

…So what are you waiting for? Go and book your tickets!

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How to start a successful blog, 42 comments.

Bohol is an amazing place. Been there 2 times and dying to go back. Please drop by Bohol Bee Farm. Try their honey, muffins, and everything in between :)

What a great blog. My family and I also visited Bohol before the pandemic hits. It’s such an amazing place, we really had so much fun.

I had a trip to the Phillipines lined up before Co-vid hit. I might need to add Bohol in to the itinerary when I do go. The beach in particular looks amazing!

This is probably one of the travel locations I want to travel with after this pandemic. My colleagues went there last year but since I focus on my job, my dream didn’t happen yet. For now, igala mo muna ako :)

Never got the chance to visit Bohol. Been to Coron (I think in 2016?) though, they have something similar to chocolate hills there ;)

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The Happy Trip

Bohol tourist spots + travel guide | hotels, tour, itinerary.

 BOHOL PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE | TOURIST SPOTS, TOURS, ITINERARY, HOTELS, RESORTS

 bohol, philippines, and its tourist spots.

Here’s your comprehensive  BOHOL PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE + Tourist Spots, Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Itinerary, Tourist Spots.

The Island is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines, attracting tourists from various parts of the globe. Tagbilaran is the city capital and center of trade and commerce of the Province of Bohol.

Bohol, Philippines is composed of one main island and 75 smaller islands and islets.

BOHOL, PHILIPPINES TOURIST SPOTS, TOURS, ITINERARY, AND BUDGET

There are various ways to explore the Island. The easiest is to book a Bohol Tour Package.

Presented below are several activities which you can do for five days stay in Bohol Island:

Day 1 Bohol, Philippines Countryside Tour Day 2 Bohol Island Hopping Day 3 Panglao Island Tour Day 4 Danao Adventure Day 5 Anda Beach Adventure

Of course, your trip and the adventure you will pick would depend on how many days you will be staying on the Island.

BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS | COUNTRYSIDE TOUR (1 DAY)

This itinerary will cover for a day visiting historical landmarks of Bohol as follows:

• Blood Compact Site
• Baclayon Church
• Bohol Outdoor Adventure Park
• Tarsier Sanctuary
• Loboc River Cruise
• Bilar Man-made
• Hanging Bridge
• Batuan Shiphaus
• Chocolate Hills
• Python, Forest Butterfly Conservation Center – Honestly, I skipped these two during my visit because I don’t find it spectacular. Instead, I spent more of my time in some other attractions. However, if you wanted to see these, they are just along the way as you head towards the chocolate hills.

LOBOC CHURCH

The Loboc Church in Bohol suffered much during the 2013 earthquake. While still unrepaired as of this moment, it would also be interesting to pay a visit to this great church.

Must Read: Loboc Church, Man-made Forest, Ship House

BACLAYON CHURCH

Baclayon Church is the oldest church in Bohol, Philippines. The church building which suffered from the 2013 earthquake was constructed in 1727. It has a museum housing fantastic collection of religious artifacts and treasures.

LOBOC AND BILAR MAN-MADE FOREST

The Loboc and Bilar Man-made Forest is a 2 kilometer stretch of hardwood trees planted on the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Because of the uniformity of trees growing in the area, tourists can’t help but notice such a fantastic kaleidoscope of foliage lining the route.

BOHOL CHOCOLATE HILLS

Bohol Island will never be Bohol without the Chocolate Hills. Composed of approximately 1,700+ hills, which turned brown during summer. These hills are very iconic of Bohol Island.

Must read: Chocolate Hills

BOHOL, PHILIPPINES TARSIER  SANCTUARY

While in Bohol, don’t forget to pay a visit to one of the province’s icons, the Tarsiers. These little creatures just measure 5- 6 inches and considered as the world’s smallest primates.

Must Read: Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary

BOHOL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARK

Another  Bohol Tourist Spot is the Chocolate Adventure Park, which offers various outdoor activities such as canopy walk, zip line, hiking trail, pipe dreams, zip bike, monkey bridge, and 275-meter zip line using a mountain bike to cross from one chocolate hill to another.

Must Read: Bohol Outdoor Adventure Park

CRUISE LOBOC RIVER

While in Bohol, try to experience the Loboc River Cruising. While riding the floating restaurant carried by two banka-hauls, music is played while you enjoyed your buffet meal.

HANGING BRIDGE

Bohol created two bamboo bridges at Sipatan River connecting two Barangays in Sevilla. The Hanging bamboo Bridges measure 20 to 25 meters high above and span 40 meters long. While crossing, the bridges sway, giving you a different kind of thrill.

BLOOD COMPACT SITE

Even for a few minutes, do drop by at the Blood Compact Site in Bohol, located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City. The  Blood Compact Site was made in remembrance of the historic event in the Philippine  history done between Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol’s Rajah Sikatuna.

National Artist Napoleon Abueva created the sculpture depicting the   Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact, which is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between Spain and the Philippines. This historical event is now celebrated in Bohol through its “Sandugo Festival.”

BUDGET/RATES

I did not get any tour package during my trip, and I was traveling alone. For backpackers traveling alone, you can simply rent a hab-habal, which costs much lower. However, at that time, I was not entirely well, so I rented a car to bring me around. Here are the rates of car rentals on the Island. The prices might have increased, but for sure, it will not be that significant.

Van php 2,500 Car php 2,000 Bus php 9,000 Coaster php 6,000

Loboc Cruise/Buffet Lunch – P450/head

The famous Chocolate Hills [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

Baclayon Church. One exciting feature of the Island is its collection of historical and cultural heritage dating back to the Spanish colonial era. It’s century-old churches, and its museum is a must-see place. [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS |  ISLAND HOPPING TOUR (1 DAY)

It would be best to ask for the assistance of your hotel to help you arrange for this tour. This tour will cover the following:

• Dolphin and Whale Shark Watching
• Balicasag Island Snorkeling
• Virgin Island

DOLPHIN AND WHALE SHARK WATCHING

One exciting activity during this tour is to see up close, beautiful sea creatures found in Bohol. Guides and spotters for this tour used to be hunters of sea dolphins, and they are very much skillful where to find these creatures.

BALICASAG ISLAND SNORKELING

It would be best to bring your underwater camera for this part of the tour. Bohol Island’s marine life is so abundant, and you will surely enjoy watching colorful tropical fishes and corals.

VIRGIN ISLAND

The Virgin Island is one small Islet in Bohol, the Philippines, which is usually part of the circuit for this tour. The pristine blue waters and white sand of the Island will surely delight you.

BUDGET/RATES:

Pumpboat Rental 1-4 pax P 1,800 5-10 pax P 2,000 11-15 pax P 2,500

Hennan Beach Photo from the Hennan’s site [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS | PANGLAO ISLAND TOUR (1 DAY)

This itinerary covers the following destinations:

• Dauis Church
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Bohol Bee Farm
• Shell Museum

DAUIS CHURCH

One old church in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines, is the Our of Assumption Church popularly known as Dauis Church. The church building made of stone was constructed during the Spanish Colonial era. The church’s belfry is detached from the church.

HINAGDANAN CAVE  

Still, in the Municipality of Dauin in Panglao Island, Bohol is another popular tourist attraction, the Hinagdanan Cave. Beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a deep lagoon, can be found inside the 100 meters cave. The cave is naturally lit by sunlight coming from the holes in the ceiling.

BOHOL BEE FARM

Famous for their organic products, the Bohol Bee Farm is also frequented by guests visiting the Island. Guests will surely enjoy some watching activities like basket weaving, bee culture, and organic farming. The place even offers rooms for stay-in guests.

SHELL MUSEUM

The last stop for this tour would be a visit to the Bohol Shell Museum. The place showcases an extensive collection of common and rare seashell specimens from the Island and other areas in the country.

PANGLAO BEACH

One of the most popular Bohol Island tourist spots in Panglao Island. Its main attractions are its white sand beach, clear waters, and tranquil ambiance. Its abundant marine life is ideal for snorkeling and, now, attracting several divers from all over the place.

Car Rentals in Panglao Island covering this tour itinerary are as follows:

Van (Toyota Grandia) -PHP 2,500

Van -PHP 2,000

Car – PHP  1,500

Bus – PHP  7,500

Coaster -PHP 4,500

For the single backpacker, a habal-habal ride would come very practical.

 try some organic treats from Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS | DANAO ADVENTURE PARK TOUR ( 1 DAY) 

For the outdoor buddies, try the Danao Adventure Tour. This place offers the EAT, which stands for Extreme Adventure Tour, which covers activities like rappelling, rock climbing, river trekking, zip line, and much more.

Located at Barangay Magtangtang, 72 kilometers from the City of Tagbilaran at approximately 3 hours ride away.

Getting to Danao Adventure Park

From Tagbilaran, take a bus bound for Danao at the Dao Terminal right in front of the  Island City Mall.

Please take note of the Bus Schedule from Tagbilaran to Danao:

Morning: 5:00 am, 6:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am

Afternoon: 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30pm and 6:30 pm last trip.

The moment you reach Danao, take a Habal-Habal or Tricycle to bring you to Danao Adventure Park. The tricycle would typically charge PHP 40/person, or you can charter the ride for PHP 120/one way. Transportation going back would be scarce, so it would be best to arrange for the vehicle to wait for you, just agree on the price first.

RATES AT DANAO ADVENTURE PARK

• Caving P 400/pax
• River Tubing P 250/pax
• River/Mountain Trekking/Hiking P 150/pax
• Rappel (60 m.) P 650/pax
• Rappel with Root Climbing P 450/pax
• Suislide (Ziplining) P 400/pax
• Suislide (Ziplining) – same day ride P 200/pax
• Camping P 35/pax
• Village Tour P 250/pax

A view from East Coast White Sand Resort, Anda [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS | ANDA ADVENTURE

Still, on its way to being a famous destination, the Anda in Bohol…The place offers another option should you wish a bit mellowed place. It has talcum-white sand beaches which any beach lover will surely love.

If you want to enjoy the beach more, then you can spend the whole day or even overnight at the place.

For details about this adventure, click here: Anda Bohol

The century old Loboc Church, still in ruins after the earthquake

Here are my other articles about my travels on Bohol Island:

• Best Places to Visit in Bohol Island 
• Lake Side View, Guindulman, Bohol
• East Coast White Sand Resort
•   The Buzzz Cafe (Bee Farm Restaurant)

Blood compact site [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

When in Bohol Island, it is recommended to use most of the time, your cash. Only big restaurants, hotels, and resorts are accepting credit cards. ATM machines and money changers can also be found, especially in Tagbilaran.

GETTING CONNECTED

For foreigners, you can simply buy your Sim card in many stores the moment you arrive, Tagbilaran. Area Codes are as follows: Philippine: +63. Tagbilaran, (38).  Some hotels, resorts, and restaurants have a WiFi internet connection. A few internet cafes can also be found around the Island.

at the Tarsier Sanctuary [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

WHERE TO STAY | LIST OF BOHOL HOTELS, RESORTS

There many accommodation facilities in Bohol Island. You can choose between the quite expensive Hotels and resorts down to the budget  Pension Houses or Inns.

The Bellevue Resort Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Panglao Island BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Metrocentre Hotel & Convention Center C.P.G. Avenue, Tagbilaran BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Belian Hotel Graham Avenue, Tagbilaran BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel Blood Compact Monument, East Tagbilaran Road, Brgy. Bool, Tagbilaran BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

717 Cesar Place Hotel CPG North Avenue, Tagbilaran BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Aliria Bed and Breakfast 0260 F. Torralba St. (formerly known as SACRED HEART VILLAGE), Tagbilaran BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Bohol Sea Resort Danao Beach, Panglao Island BOOK YOUR BOHOL HOTEL/RESORT ROOM HERE FOR THE BEST DEAL

Click below for more Hotels and Resorts in Bohol:

• List of Hotels in Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
• List of Hotels in Bohol Island 

HOW TO GET  TO BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

You can reach Bohol by air and sea. Various domestic airlines offer direct flights to Tagbilaran City, the capital of the Island. There also passenger ships and ferries plying the routes between coastal cities and towns of the Island

By Air: For guests coming abroad, you can take a flight to either Manila or Cebu before taking another flight or boat ride to Bohol. Cebu City is preferable than  Manila since it is closer. If you are flying in Manila, you can choose any of the daily domestic flights to Tagbilaran City (Bohol Airport), which takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.

By Sea : Much slower than an aircraft, Ferries, and ships can save you a whole lot of money, especially if you are not in a hurry. RoRos are coming from Manila that pass by Tagbilaran, Bohol.

From Cebu, you may choose to ride a fast craft to Tagbilaran City Seaport. This usually takes about an hour and a half. For guests traveling on a budget, there are slower ferries that can take you to Bohol at less than half the price of fast crafts, but they usually travel in four hours.

There are also boat rides in the Northern part of Bohol, such as Tubigon or Talibon. From Tubigon or Talibon, you can then ride a van or bus to Tagbilaran City or any other town within Bohol.

Cebu Airport to Tagbilaran City – From Cebu International Airport, you can take a taxi to Pier 4. You will then have to take a ferry. All ferries take approximately 2 hours to get to Tagbilaran City.

Tagbilaran City to Panglao – The moment you arrive at Tagbilaran City, you can take a taxi or a tricycle (a small motorcycle cab) to your hotel. Taxis are few in Bohol, so your best choice is to get a tricycle. It would be best to agree first on a fixed rate before taking your ride.  For routes outside the city, you can take the jeepneys or multi-cabs.

Panglao Island – Guests going to Panglao Island, specifically Alona Beach, can have their hotel pick them up in Tagbilaran City airport or pier for an additional fee. Alona beach can also be reached by taxi or tricycle.

SCHEDULE OF FERRIES   (Schedules are subject to change without prior notice)

Shipping Line: 2Go Travel

• CEBU-TAGBILARAN (4 trips/ day; 2 hours travel time): 7:00 am, 8:45 am, 1:45 pm, 7:40 pm
• TAGBILARAN – CEBU (4 trips/day, 2 hours travel time): 6:30 am,  9:25 am,  11:15 pm,  5:25 pm

Address: 2Go Travel/ SuperCat Fast Ferry Corporation (SFFC) Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, Philippines Customer Care : Trunkline: (+63 32) 2337000, Fax: (+63 32) 2349667 Website: http://www.SuperCat.com.ph | Email Address: [email protected]

Shipping Line: Weesam Express

• CEBU – TAGBILARAN ( 2 trips/ 2 hours travel time): 6:00am, 4:30 pm
• TAGBILARAN – CEBU (2 trips/ 2 hours travel time): 8:15 am, 6:30 pm

Address: Weesam Express Pier 4 North Reclamation Area, Cebu City (032) 412-9562 or 231-7737 | 09228660347 | 09177104967 Tagbilaran City (038) 501-8223 | 09228660336

Shipping Line: Ocean Jet Ferries

• CEBU-TAGBILARAN (9 trips, 2 hours travel time): 6:00 am,7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:20 am,10:40 am, 11:40 am, 2:00 pm, 4:20 pm, 6:35 pm
• TAGBILARAN-CEBU (9 trips, 2 hours travel time): 7:05 am,8:20 am, 9:20 am, 11:40 am, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:20 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm

Skip the line, book your ticket online here –

You can also travel to Bohol from Dumaguete. Click here to know the schedule and book your ticket –

You can also travel between Siquijor and Bohol via Ocean Jet. Click here for the schedule and to book your ticket –

Address: Ocean Jet Ferries Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. Pier 1, Cebu Pier Area, Cebu City, Cebu Philippines | Tel Nos: +63(32)255 7560, +63 (32) 255 0115, 0917 638 0000, 0918 898 2188   |   Email: [email protected]

 Adventure Park [ Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide: Tourist Spots, Tours, Itinerary, Hotels, Resorts, Tourist Spots ]

HOW TO GET AROUND BOHOL FOR THE TOURIST SPOTS

Getting around Bohol is not that difficult. The dominant mode of transport in Tagbilaran City and other places in the Island is the tricycle, in some other Asian countries they call this “tuk-tuk.” The majority of the drivers of tricycles have an excellent tourism orientation. They can also act as your tour guide should you desire to hire them.  The moment you land on the Island of Bohol you will notice that tricycle drivers will offer you some tours. In my recent visit to the Island, I saw that they have standard tour rates.

Aside from tricycles, jeepneys are also available on the Island of Bohol. Some places cannot be reached by the standard mode of transportation. In this case,  Habal-habal (motorcycle) comes conveniently. However, please take note that habal-habal is not licensed to operate; some drivers tend to drive fast without any headgear.

The most relaxed and comfortable mode of transportation is the rent-a-car. Most hotels and resorts are renting cars or can facilitate renting the vehicle for you.

I  tried Habal-habal while I was on the Island because it is cheap. But on my last day, I rented a car because I was already tired.

FACES OF BOHOL, PHILIPPINES

Outside Tagbilaran: Lake Side View Resort is located at  Guindulman, Bohol, Philippines. You may not want to stay here unless you have a specific business. (I went here to conduct training.)

River Cruising: Enjoy the scenic view of the place while enjoying your sumptuous meal at Loboc River.

 Souvenir shops selling magnets, shirts, and much more are found in almost all of the tourist spots on the Island. it’s nice to buy some souvenirs because this is also helping the locals

  The Ship Haus (Ship House) or “Bay Barko” is another spot in which you can stop on your way to Chocolate Hills. There nothing much about this place, but I just drop by for some photo op.

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• TOURIST SPOTS IN THE PHILIPPINES + FESTIVALS + FOOD

58 Comments

I love Bohol! My family and I went there before the pandemic hits. The island is beautiful and the people so warm and welcoming. Can’t wait to visit again soon.

We were in Bohol before the pandemic hits and we had so much fun! Try the ATV adventure, loved the mud! 😀

Spending time to travel when your are off duty. Bohol is one of my favorite place to stay. Taking those things to do and famous Countryside Tour in Bohol is the best tour activities. People having fun because a trip you spend for 8 hours is worth paying for. You will visit 10 spots and take a buffet lunch during cruise. A bamboo restaurant that floats in Loboc River that is so much beautiful

Hello, I would like to ask kung may marerecommend kang best place to stay for overnight but we’re on a tight budget. We are going to Bohol this coming feb 24, our arrival will be on the afternoon. We’d like to stay overnight in panglao, so that the next morning we can get easily a boat for island hopping. Please give me some tips and advices. Thank you ☺

Hi me and my friends planning to go to bohol. Do you have contact person for loboc river cruise and also for island hopping?

Thanks in advance!

You can just inquire from your hotel, or any vehicle driver the moment you arrive in Bohol. Anyone will offer you a tours and their prices are almost the same 🙂

This is very informative! Thank you for this!

“I hope you can read this ASAP….. we are planning to do your Day 1 itinerary but we have much questions heheheeheh….. if there some payment in every place that you mentioned like entrance fee or something? and from Manila(actually where in Manila? hahaha), what can you suggest as the best Boat/Ferry that we can ride?… thank you and more power.

Hi Sam sorry for the late reply, for the I don’t know if you refer to my Day 1 itinerary which is the countryside tour or the 1 day Island hopping tour. For the Country Side tour, the entrance fees are very minimal e.g. P15. For the Island hopping, you need to rent a boat your hotel can help you find the cheapest one. Also, almost all rates in Bohol are the same and standardized: enjoy your trip

It looks such s absinthe place . You describe it ver well, good post .

thank you for taking us on a bit of a journey I love being introduced to new sites that I may never actually be able to travel to come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

such a beautiful place. I am sure there is lots of adventure to find in a place like that.

This looks like a fab place to visit. I would love to go to the philipines some time soon.

True Angela Milnes, the offers a wide array of beautiful spots and attractions

Wow! This looks like an amazing place.

Yes, Meagan, it is an amazing Island with so much to offer for its guest

Looks like so many neat things to do! Love all the churches, so pretty.

This looks like an amazing place to visit! Love the photos! Will add this to my travel list 🙂

Never been in Bohol and that is the one of beautiful place and I wanted to go there if I have a chance

Every time I see a knew article, I am blown away by the beauty of the Philippines! I truly would love to visit them some day.

Wow! As always I wished I could change places with you for the day! Gorgeous places and beautiful pictures!

I feel lucky to have seen it’s beauty. It is really an amazing place!

I always go back to Bohol and enjoy outdoor activities. I still miss the place and will be back again this coming all saints day.

Wow Bohol island looks just amazing! And the food from Buzzz cafe looks so delicious.

This place looks simply gorgeous! I would love to visit one day.

I decided to celebrate my birthday in Bohol and found this paradise in Anda. I fell inlove with the photos and fell inlove deeper when I reached the place.

Bohol Island sounds wonderful. It looks like such a beautiful place. Now I’m daydreaming, maybe one day 🙂

Whoa! The The Altar of the old Baclayon Church is absolutely stunning! It definitely looks like a place I would love to visit!

Those mountains covered in grass are sooooo pretty!!!

We are planning on a trip to Asia and I would love to include Bohol in our itinerary. The Chocolate Hills, the old churches, the views are all worth visiting! Thanks for sharing this travel guide. I wish our dream Asia trip would come true soon!

I just clicked the hotels in Alona Beach. The beach is so beautiful and green. It looks peaceful too. I would love to visit this beach someday.

Church and chocolate hills. These are most definitley on my must see list

This looks like such an amazing place to visit. I would LOVE to get here one day.

I would love to explore the old churches on Bohol Island. I am super interested in old architecture.

Never been to Bohol but it seems to be a so good place. I love the photographs.

What an amazing place! I have a friend who is visiting the Philippines right now, as a matter of fact. I would love to go some day. LOVE the architecture of those churches!

That sounds like a lovely place to visit. I would love to go there someday.

first of all i want to visit tha loboc church, and also to see the tarsier and the chocolate hills. #advertising

What a stunning place! It’s no wonder that it’s famous for its Chocolate Hills. They are spectacular!

Bohol has a lot of history to offer. I am glad you are able to present nice stuff about the place.

Never been to Bohol but will surely visit this place once I save a little money. Nice review!

Thanks for sharing a wide list of things to do in Bohol. I hope we can go back there when my baby gets a little older.

Hello Jo. I looked at your blog posts about Bohol and they’re really filled with helpful information. I am from Bohol but I now live in Mindanao with my husband. Through your posts, I am even discovering new places to explore there as I only come home to Bohol once or twice a year. Thank you for all these. And glad to know that you’ve had a great time there.

The pictures are pretty. I love island vacations.

Those beaches look stunning. I would love to visit. That bicycle zipline looks more than my anxiety can handle!

Oh! The beach looks divine and I am a total sucker for nature, so the trees are just the place for me. I really like that you have provided many resources to the readers in order to get the most information for Bohol. Thanks for this nice breath of fresh air (virtually!)

Oh my gaaaad Jojo! love your photos… The last time I want to bohol, we only get to experience the loboc tour and the city tour. I actually did not enjoy it because I didn’t like the person whom we are travelling with. (yes, napilitan lang ako.. hehe) I will definitely travel to Bohol and explore it once more armed with your tips and all. -Jaimie of THE MERMAID IN STILETTOS

Bohol is really great! I’m from Philippines and it is in my bucket list. I would love to go there with my family.

Bohol sounds like an amazing place to visit! Love the beach, places to visit! Amazing!

My family and I went to Bohol before and it was one of the best vacations that we had. We were complete and it was just so much fun.

ah! i’ve never been back in philippines for 4years! not really missing it tho but i would like to explore places like this. so much things to do and adventure

That’s so amazing! I would love to travel to Bohol someday and enjoy all the attractions and the beaches! There’s just so much to see and do there!

I always love visiting Bohol because of of its natural wonders from beaches, to its forest and to the chocolate hills.

Everything about Bohol Island sounds wonderful! From the food to the local shops! Love it! Wish I can go visit one day!

I really have to see this place. I would like to check out Bohol Island

This place is beautiful. The mountains look like they are manmade, so neat. From the safety of my bed I want to try the bicycle in the air. Not sure if I would say the same thing if I was there and it was my turn.

Bohol is always on my bucket list but I haven’t got the chance yet I saw some promo fare going to Cebu and Bohol via Air Asia and Cebu Pacific but I wasn’t able to avail any because I don’t think i can travel there alone.. I love to see the Baclayon church and the Chocolate Hills too!

This place looks amazing! Such beautiful sights, really wish I could go and see it all. Brill review of the place 🙂

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How to plan a Bohol Trip

The ultimate bohol travel guide: plan your trip.

Bohol and Panglao Island are highly sought-after tourist destinations in the Philippines, with many travelers seeking guidance on the best time to visit and places to stay. We trust that this article has provided valuable insights to help you plan a memorable trip to Bohol and Panglao Island.

Cebu and Bohol | 6 Days

Cebu, Bohol and Palawan Escapade | 8 Days

Bohol Countryside and Chocolate Hills

Come to palawan, when to visit bohol.

Bohol and Panglao Island are popular tourist destinations in the Philippines that can be visited all year round.

High Season

The high season is from November to early May, with public holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter attracting large crowds. During this period, it’s best to book your accommodations well in advance.

The low season is from June to October, and adverse weather can occur during this period. Travelers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions, such as tropical storms or low-pressure areas, that can ruin their vacation.

Bad weather

The last significant typhoon to affect Bohol was Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, which caused some damage to the province.

When planning a trip to Bohol and Panglao Island, it’s essential to be aware of the weather conditions that could impact your travel. While these destinations can be visited all year round, adverse weather can occur anytime and potentially disrupt your plans.

In case of bad weather, ferry and flight schedules might be canceled, and it’s essential to note that all tour operators in Bohol and ferry companies are not responsible or liable for any extra expenses incurred due to these situations. Therefore, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended, especially during the wet season. Most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation due to reasons beyond your control, such as adverse weather conditions.

Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:

• Chocolate Hills
• Alona Beach
• Dumaluan Beach
• Tarsier Conservation
• Loboc River

Classic Bohol Tour Options:

The Bohol Countryside Tour is a must-do experience when visiting Bohol. The tour takes you to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the area, including Chocolate Hills, Tariser Sanctuary, Bilar Manmade Forest, Loboc River and Butterfly Sanctuary. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Bohol’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Experience the best of Panglao Island with our island hopping tour! Watch dolphins play in the waters around Pamilacan Island, explore the colorful Balicasag Reef, and relax on the pristine sands of Virgin Island

Danao Adventure Park is an eco-adventure park in Bohol, Philippines that offers various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, river trekking, caving, and more. It is a popular destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Discovering Bohol in 4 days

Day 1: Arrival in Panglao Island Upon arrival at the airport, take a private transfer to your hotel in Panglao Island. You can spend the day settling in and exploring the nearby beaches, such as Alona Beach, or simply relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.

Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour and Chocolate Hills Start your day early with a Bohol Countryside Tour that will take you to the famous Chocolate Hills, one of the most popular attractions in the region. You’ll also visit the man-made forest, the tarsier sanctuary, the Loboc River, and other interesting landmarks. 

Day 3: Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching Take a boat tour around Panglao Island to discover its hidden gems and see the dolphins in their natural habitat. You can visit Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and other nearby islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and dive in crystal-clear waters. 

Day 4: Departure from Panglao Island Enjoy your last day in Panglao Island by relaxing on the beach or exploring other nearby attractions, such as the Hinagdanan Cave or the Bohol Bee Farm. Depending on your flight schedule, you can arrange for a transfer to the airport or take a ferry to another destination in the Philippines.

Where to stay:

If you’re planning to explore Bohol, Panglao Island is an ideal location to stay. Connected to the main island by a bridge, Panglao boasts stunning beaches and diverse accommodations.

For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, Alona Beach is the perfect destination, with numerous hotels and restaurants nearby.

On the other hand, if you prefer a serene and peaceful environment, we highly recommend visiting Dumaluan Beach. Its tranquil ambiance and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit location during your stay in Bohol.

Bohol Beach Club is a beachfront resort that offers a relaxing tropical getaway. It features a private white sand beach, outdoor pool, and lush gardens. The resort has various types of accommodations, including deluxe rooms and beach cottages that are designed with traditional Filipino-inspired interiors.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine, as well as a beach bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while lounging on the beach.

With its serene ambiance and natural beauty, Bohol Beach Club is an ideal destination for those who want to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Dumaluan Beach.

Amorita Resort Bohol is a luxurious resort located in the beautiful Alona Beach. The resort offers breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea and the surrounding lush greenery. Amorita features elegantly designed rooms and suites that are well-appointed with modern amenities, and some even come with their own plunge pools.

The resort boasts an infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delectable cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy various activities such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Amorita Resort is a perfect getaway for those seeking a luxurious and tranquil retreat.

Located on a lush 6.5 hectare property on the pristine shores of Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, the Henann Resort Alona Beach welcomes guests with beautifully designed structures and warm, open spaces. The coastal-inspired interiors emit a relaxing vibe, offering guests an instantly tranquil stay.

With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, Henann Resort Alona Beach offers a plethora of features that ensure guests get the best of everything, whether visiting for a vacation or business. From luxurious accommodations to modern facilities and amenities, everything has been carefully curated to provide ultimate comfort and convenience.

Guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s stunning swimming pools, indulge in delicious cuisines at the on-site restaurants, and be attended to by warm and friendly staff

What to bring along

Are you planning a trip to  Bohol? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.

• Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
• Shorts and Cotton T-Shirts: A few lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts are perfect for casual daytime wear.
• Flip Flops: Essential for any beach vacation, flip flops are perfect for the sand.
• Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
• Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
• Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
• Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
• A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
• Insect Repellent: Keep mosquito away with a good DEET insect repellent, especially during the evening.
• Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
• Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.

Good to know

Getting around bohol and panglao island.

There are many ways to get around the island of Bohol. All vehicles with a “rainbow plate” are accredited by the Department of Tourism. Public transportation options include tricycles, which are the most popular mode of transport in Bohol and can take you to most locations within Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island.

Tricycles are motorbikes with carriages on the side and a luggage compartment at the rear and can carry up to three passengers. Longer routes to neighboring towns are served by multicabs, buses, and jeepneys.

Bohol offers a range of dining options. Higher-end restaurants are located within beach resorts, while many restaurants in Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach offer inexpensive dishes that combine classic Filipino delicacies with western food.

For a unique dining experience, try a “dampa” in Alona Beach, where you can choose your own selection of fresh seafood and have it cooked by a local chef. The seafood can be grilled right off the hook for an authentic gourmet treat, and San Miguel Beer is a popular choice to wash down your meal. Most nightlife is found along Alona Beach, where the majority of tourists prefer to stay.

Shops, Markets, and Crafts

Bohol is known for its handicrafts, including mats, baskets, raffia woven cloth, fashion accessories, woodcraft, processed food, and ceramics. There are countless gift shops all over the island where you can buy native delicacies and souvenirs.

Special buys include Peanut Kisses (a famous Bohol delicacy shaped like the Chocolate Hills but made out of peanuts), purple yam (locally known as Kinampay or Ubi), and baskets from the town of Tubigon made from local fibers and buri leaves.

Bohol is a top destination for diving, with impressive coral gardens teeming with colorful marine life. The island’s unique dive sites were created by continental shifts during prehistoric times, resulting in deep, steep walls. Diving is close to most resorts, so you don’t have to travel far from the dive shop to the actual dive site. The majority of Bohol diving is concentrated around the southwestern end of the Bohol mainland.

The islands of Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, and Cabilao are all synonymous with excellent diving year-round. Panglao is a great place to base yourself, but resorts are also available on the outlying islands. Whichever you choose, diving is close to shore and very accessible.

Bohol Travel Guide: Requirements, Itinerary, Things to do, and more

Travel guide to bohol with itinerary and travel requirements.

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DIY Trip: Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Bohol

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As a big island flourishing with an abundance of natural wealth, Bohol radiates as a land full of promise, beauty, and everything else that is eternally good.

This Central Visayan island province owns up to the marvels of the entire Philippines. It has an expansive land popping with more than a thousand concave limestone hills to fulfill the world’s greatest natural wonders; wild forestry sitting on its tiered limestone terrain, which houses rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, including the endangered Tarsiers; beyond 70 spectacular islets with a vibrant marina; the world’s best beaches; the world’s best people, and more. Thus, it takes a curious, open-minded, and compassionate traveler to understand and enjoy the beauty of this island.

In this Bohol Travel Guide blog post, we listed down all the helpful travel tips for first-time travelers. Aside from the must-visit destinations, we also included tips on how to get there, how to get around, places to stay, and more. We will continue updating this blog with new things to do, the best beaches in Bohol, and recommended places to eat on the island.

Bohol Travel Requirements as of May 2022

For guests flying from Manila to Bohol, please present the following travel document requirements, to be accepted for flight.

For fully vaccinated travelers:

• Vaccination Card or Vaccination Certificate
• Government-issued ID

For partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers:

• Negative RT-PCR (swab) / Saliva RT-PCR (from Philippine Red Cross only) test result, conducted within seventy-two (72) hours before departure.
• For Minors who are eleven (11) years old and below:

Exempted from RT-PCR test requirement, provided that they are accompanied by fully vaccinated parent/s or guardian/s These are the requirements we have as of the date indicated.

Requirements may change from time to time without prior notice. Please continue checking with the local government unit of your destination for the latest updates. Source: Cebu Pacific

Getting there

The quickest way to go to Bohol is by air. Major domestic airlines offer flights from the country’s major city, Manila with an estimated 1 hour and 15 minutes to Tagbilaran.

If direct flights to Bohol are closed, then an alternate route from Manila is a flight going to Cebu, which takes around 50 minutes, plus land and boat travel to Bohol, which estimates up to an addition of 2 to 5 hours.

The airport on Panglao Island, on the other hand, is well underway and will start operating soon to accommodate tourists vying straight for the island’s famous beaches.

Flights going to Tagbilaran Bohol from Manila

Flights from Tagbilaran Bohol to Manila 

For online booking and Flights Information:

•   www.airasia.com    
• www.cebupacificair.com
• www.philippineairlines.com

Traveling by sea is perfect for those who want to experience sea travel with no time constraints, as well as for those who need to transport bulks of baggage for a minimal fee.

There is the Carlos A. Gothong Lines departing from Manila twice a week, from Pier 18 wharf at 11:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday, and arriving at Cebu City Pier 7 wharf at 10:00 PM the following day.

From Cebu, there are fast ferries taking an hour and a half travel time and regular ferries taking four hours to Tagbilaran. Meanwhile, boats traveling to other parts of Bohol, such as Tubigon in the west and Talibon in the north are also available from Cebu.

Accommodation in Bohol

As a world-class tourist destination, Bohol offers a number of accommodations set in the island’s diverse sceneries to fit every traveler’s desires.

In the southern part of the island where the scenic Loboc river flows is Loboc, a town blessed with a splendid panorama and holiday havens to take in its dense nature.

There is Balay Silangan , also known as the Sunrise House, which sits on top of a hilly terrain, encompassing the coasts, rainforests, and watersheds of Loboc. It is akin to a resort complex, highlighted with a fully-functional house, a swimming pool, a covered basketball court, dormitories for backpackers, and lush gardens all around; making it an ideal location for private parties, retreats, and big groups.

Down by the river is the Fox and the Firefly Cottages , a quaint resort made unique by its laid-back surfer feel. It has three cozy cottages, with two private for double-occupancy, and one dorm-type for six individuals, a beautiful outdoor bathroom for all in-house guests, and homemade healthy food.

Guests here get to maximize the beauty of the town through the resort’s adventure-filled offerings, including Stand-up Paddle (SUP) tours along Loboc River, SUP yoga, mountain biking tours, hiking, and other fun-filled excursions to adjacent islands.

While on the island resort of Panglao, there are Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa and Oasis Resort that come closest to the rustic tropics quality that the island holds true.

Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa attracts guests who like to indulge in the wonders of this lush paradise resort. With sprawling gardens, superb cottages, top-class amenities, good food, and a sparkling white beach, one could easily get rejuvenated from the busy air of the city.

For a more affordable type of paradise on the beachfront in Panglao, there is Oasis Resort, which is quite commendable for its clean native cottages, well-maintained swimming pool, good service, delicious food, and verdant scenery, qualities that families would definitely enjoy.

Hotels and Resorts in Bohol:

• 7 Reasons Why I Love Amorita Resort Bohol
• Donatela Hotel in Panglao Island
• Hotel Review: Henann Resort Alona Beach, Bohol
• Resort Reviews: South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol
• Resort Review: Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island
• Ultimate List of Best Hotels and Resorts in Panglao Island, Bohol

Things to do and see in Bohol

Exploring the nooks and crannies of the island can virtually be accomplished within two to three days only as the island’s hotspots are simply found along the National Highway.

Bilar Manmade Forest

Starting from the Loboc, you can journey to the Bilar Manmade Forest and walk through a deep forest penetrated by 63-year-old Mahogany Trees for free. You can bring your own food and have a picnic in the middle of the forest, which is about 45-minute walk from the entrance.

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

If you’re traveling with your kids, you might like to get up close with a colony of colorful butterflies at Simply Butterfly Conservation in Bilar. There you will delight in the rich and flourishing ambiance of the area and see how these vibrant insects are born.

Visit the Chocolate Hills

A few minutes away is the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town. There you can grasp the legendary beauty of these thousand hills of wonders in many different ways. You can do horseback riding around the area, camp on the field, go on hiking, take photos from the high viewing deck, and bicycle ride on a zipline above the hills.

Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary

From there you could go to Corella and see the island’s own endangered primates at the Tarsier Sanctuary.

As you approach Panglao Island, you can already set your sights to luxury seaside indulgences, such as basking in the pristine white beaches and getting pampered in the spa.

Danao Adventure Park

On another side of the mainland, the Danao Adventure Park also promises a lot of adventure with river tubing, an organic farm, cliff rappelling, and lots of nature activities orchestrated to give guests a fulfilling and fun experience.

Visit National Museum Bohol

Housed in an old City Library, the Tagbilaran Branch Museum presents the results of the archaeological excavation and exploration of the sites in the Anda Peninsula. The archaeological data gives insights into the prehistory of the island of Bohol. Also Read: The National Museum Bohol

Learn Boholano Dialect

• Yes – Oo
• No – Dili
• Stop – Para (if you are riding a public transportation)
• Please – Palihug
• Good Morning – Maajong Buntag
• Good Afternoon – Maajong Hapon
• Good Night – Maajong Gabi-i
• How are you? – Kamusta?
• How Much? – Tag pila?
• What time is it? – Usang Oras na?
• Thank you – Salamat
• Where is the (location)? – Asa dapit ang (location)?
• Delicious – Lami
• I’m Hungry – Gigutom ko!
• Breakfast – Pamahaw
• Lunch – Paniudto
• Dinner – Pahihapon
• Let’s Eat – Mangaon ta!
• Left – Wa-la
• Right – Tuo
• What’s your name? – Unsa’y pangalan nimo?

DIY Tour of Bohol

Most of the tourist spots in Bohol can be visited through authorized tour operators or by hiring a van with a touristy driver per day that fits 10 pax for 2,500php. If you want to traverse the island in the open air, then you could either hire a tricycle for 750php per day, rent your own motorbikes anywhere from 500php to 1000php, or a mountain bike for an added workout to your hard-core adventure in Bohol.

• Top 10 things to do while in Bohol
• 10 Amazing Things To Do In Bohol In 2 Days

What to eat and where?

Having an abundance of fertile soil and a lush marina, it is granted that Bohol conceives the most memorable dishes in the country.

In Tagbilaran, it is great to spend a full day before your flight so you could take the time touring the old towns and tripping on delicious foods.

SMOQUE bistro + Cafe & Bar

Opened last December 2017, foodies from different parts of the country are continuously recommending this restaurant in Tagbilaran. Located at Carlos P. Garcia East Avenue in Tagbilaran City, this restaurant is famous for so many good reasons. After ordering your food, they will serve you a complimentary bread roll with liver pate. I guess that’s the start of everyone’s gastronomic journey at SMOQUE! You may contact them at 0918 300 8180.

Lic-Lic’s Eatery

For the quintessential and very affordable seafood dishes go to Lic-Lic’s Eatery and sample its famous Adobong Pusit and Seafood Paluto in Mangga.

Gerarda’s Place

If you want to dine in a place that has a closed indoor restaurant setup, which is more family-friendly, then go to Gerarda’s . This family-run dining stop is beloved for its home-style dishes like the Seafood Kare-Kare, Crispy Tadyang Beef Ribs, a spiced pork delicacy called Dinakdakan and Sizzling Chicken Omelet.

Chicken Ati-atihan

For good affordable Chicken Barbecue, dine at Chicken Ati-atihan , either in Tagbilaran or Panglao. You could also find other Filipino dishes there like Kinilaw (fish marinated in vinegar), Pochero (beef shanks stew), and more.

Golden Cowrie

If you’re looking for a more comfortable Filipino dining place, then check out Golden Cowrie , also in Tagbilaran.

Loboc Cruise with Lunch or Dinner

When you’re in Loboc, then hop on the Loboc Cruise with Lunch or Dinner . The meal is usually a buffet that costs 350php per person plus 100php for the boat’s maintenance. Children from 4-8 are at 50% off, while older children until 11 are 250php each.

And when you’re in Carmen, then you have to try Tanya’s Native Chicken House .

On Panglao Island, there are a handful of resorts that locals keep going to for good food.

At Linaw Beach Resort’s Pearl Restaurant , you could dine utterly relaxed with your bare feet kissed by white sand and your soul meeting the sunset. Sample the Chicken Cordon Bleu, Seafood Platter, Lapu-Lapu Sweet, and Sour and Beef Tagalog in Oyster Sauce.

Go to Villa Formosa in Panglao for authentic Italian cuisine and delight in a tranquil poolside and garden setup. Italian Chef Matthias dishes up an array of sumptuous Italian food, ranging from pasta, pizzas, and flavourful meat and seafood dishes. Try his wood-baked pizzas, seafood pasta, and Roast Beef.

• Restaurant Review: Bohol Bee Farm Buffet Lunch
• Lunch in Saffron Restaurant and Bar in Amorita Resort Bohol
• Degustation Lunch at Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa

Banks, ATMs and Currency Exchange

Banks in Bohol are exclusive to its homegrown First Consolidated Bank, which is likewise found everywhere on the island. It is as equipped as major banks with ATMs, currency exchange, money deposits, and more.

The country’s major banks, which are also linked to most foreign banks, are found in Tagbilaran City. So it’s best to do your necessary bank transactions already upon arriving on the island.

For quick and easy cash withdrawals with major national banks, you can go to the ATM counters in every First Consolidated Bank on the island. If you need to receive money from your international Credit Card, Master Card or Visa, or Maestro, to ATM machines in Tagbilaran.

To exchange your foreign currency, visit the Indian or Pakistani currency exchange outlets in Tagbilaran City, exactly in the street between Rose Pharmacy and the Jollibee Restaurant. Another moneychanger that also offers a good rate is at the basement of Island City Mall.

Otherwise, you can ask your hotel if they could exchange your money for you.

Shopping in Bohol

Bohol’s beloved handicrafts are as useful, just as they are beautiful and precious.

Bring home your own Buntal Straw Hat in various colors, as well as hand-woven baskets, mats, slippers, and souvenirs made from shells found in the coastal areas. You can find these in the town’s public markets, in shopping malls in Tagbilaran, and in souvenir shops in the boutiques of resorts, usually in Panglao.

Other good finds are their woodwork products, enhanced by the skillful hands of artists who have meticulously carved intrinsic details on them. You can find some small boxes to put on your desk or jewelry boxes to give as presents to your loved ones.

Inday’s Ube Jam and Ube Pastillas

Ube or Purple Yam is one of the most cultivated root crops in the countryside of Bohol. In fact, there’s an Ube Festival being celebrated every year to showcase the Ube products from various towns of Bohol. If you want to try Ube Products from Bohol, visit Inday’s Ube Jam and Ube Pastillas in Tagbilaran City. You can also contact them at (6300) 412-2472 / (6300) 501-8747.

Locally Produced Chocolates at Dalareich Chocolate House

We all know Chocolate Hills in Bohol because of its Chocolate Kisses shaped hills but did you know that some of the best cacao beans used by local chocolatiers in Bohol actually come from the famous Chocolate Hills? Dalareich Chocolate House is located at 0091J 6300, Bukid Dr, Dakabayan in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. To book a factory tour, check out www.dalareichchocolatehouse.com. Read more about Dalareich Chocolate House .

There you have it, in-depth information about Bohol to satisfy your curiosity about the country’s famous island. The only other thing to do is to book your own flight and soar on to your chosen destination.

This Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide blog post is a work in progress, please comment or suggest additional information that you want to contribute to this article.

Important Contact Details:

• Bohol Police – 501-9834
• Fire Service – 235-9491
• Provincial Hospital – 411-4813
• Emergency Hotline – 911
• TaRSIER117 – 117
• Bohol Provincial Tourism Office – (038) 412-3666 / 501-9186
• Loboc River Cruise
• Why You Should Visit Bohol Soon?
• 15 Of The Best Beaches In Bohol (Photos + How To Get There)

Written by Amanda Virrey

Amanda Virrey is a free-spirit who loves to experience and write about the sweetness of life with her young daughter in places, food, events and people, far and wide, never getting old, but always staying young, fit and happy.

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Home to the famous Chocolate Hills

Bohol is the 10th largest of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands. This island-province is made up of 47 towns and 75 component islands strewn about it. There is an abundance of sightseeing here which proves much to do while you are on vacation.

Bohol is well known for its famous Chocolate Hills. They are named this way because the grass covering the limestone hills turns a shade of brown during the dry season, thus giving them their name. These formations can be seen two ways: on land, by climbing the highest point, or by air through air tours. 

The island is full of pristine white beaches and dive sites that allow for exploration of the rich marine life. You can have many exciting jungle adventures on land, visit a bee farm and explore history with the colonial stone churches. Bohol is a place where the local culture is expressed in their music, dances, visual arts, and theater. 

• Bohol-Panglao International Airport opened in late 2018 and is now a global travel route.
• Bohol can be reached from nearby Cebu City and Dumaguete City via seafaring fast crafts and slow boats from Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao.
• In Bohol, you can hop on jeepneys, tricycles, for-hire vans, and taxis. The local form of travel is a habal-habal motor-taxi, where passengers ride in the backseat of a motorbike.
• Be sure to carry Philippine pesos.
• Explore the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol , the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Spread out over  50 kilometers, the hundreds of green mountainous hills that litter the landscape are unique.  
• Spend time on some of the world’s best beaches, which are home to many water sport activities. 
• Go diving in Panglao, Cabilao, and Balicasag Islands, and explore the underwater marine life, including unique species of corals and nudibranchs in Anda town.
• Chase hundreds of spinner dolphins in Pamilacan Island as early as 5 o’clock in the morning and head to Balicasag Island for snorkeling, swimming, and a seafood lunch.
• Visit the Blood Compact Commemorative Shrine, a historical landmark that memorializes the friendship between a Spanish explorer and a local Chieftain.
• Go for a river cruise with lunch at Loboc River,  a floating restaurant that looks like a giant house, complete with a roof and dining room. You’ll be serenaded by local musicians and entertained by local dancers or performers.
• Fly through the jungle on an exhilarating high-speed bike-zipline over the jungle and river, providing an amazing view of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park.
• Enjoy the white-sand beaches in Panglao Island (Alona Beach, South Palm/ Bohol Beach Club)… 
• Bohol Habitat Conservation Conservatory contains a deep collection of natural beauty, flowers, and animal cultures, such as birds, butterflies, spiders, and various insects. 
• The Cabagnon Cave pool is known as  the most impressive of many such cave pools on the island. This one contains a deep pool of clear blue water, perfect for swimming.
• The Dimiao Twin Falls (known as Pahangog Falls) are the best waterfalls on the island.
• The Tarsiers (known as mamag) are the  endangered species protected inside of Bohol’s Tarsier Conservatory. These tiny and cute primates fit right in the palm of your hand.
• The Cathedral of San Jose is the largest and most visited church in the city, where locals go during  the week and  particularly on Sundays for mass. 
• Quinale Beach contains so much rich life, including starfish, which are scattered everywhere.
• Bohol ’s rice terraces sprawling flat plains  with bright green colors.
• Cebu Lechon is roasted young pig that is stuffed with spring onions, lemongrass and various herbs.
• Try some ice cream made with ube, a purple yam root vegetable that makes this dessert denser and more full bodied. 
• Flower salad, which is available at the Bohol Bee Farm, is made with the indigenous flowers gumamela, bougainville and cosmos. 
• Gerarda’s Family Restaurant is one of the island’s busiest and well-known places to eat. They serve Filipino dishes with a twist.
• Bohol Bee Farm’s Buzzz Cafe serves dishes made with only fresh and organic ingredients. Try their uniquely-flavored ice creams made from coconut and carabao’s milk, served in a cassava cone. The farmers here offer lectures about organic farming.
• Antequera is home  to thousands of weavers in the basket-making industry. It is a 30-minute drive west of Tagbilaran City. 
• Bohol is the heartland of the weaving industry, and you can find excellent basketry made with fine craftsmanship. 
• Bohol Quality Mall has the most to offer in terms of a Filipino experience. Known locally as BQ Mall, this modern and air-conditioned shopping center has restaurants, clothing boutiques, and bargain outlets.
• Island City Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Bohol. This is a popular place for families, and here you can find a large selection of products, including clothing, books, and gadgets.
• Bohol island has many shops selling local desserts, baked goods,  and items like peanut kisses,  dried mangos, and pineapple.
• The Bohol Bee Farm sells sustainable local handicrafts, food delicacies, and souvenirs. 

HOW TO GET HERE

• Option 1 : Fly from Canada (One-stop from Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ) to Tagbilaran (TAG) via Philippine Airlines, Air Canada, as well as US, Asian and European airlines.
• Option 2 : Layover in Manila, Cebu, or Clark (Philippines) or Asian countries like Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan and others. Then, fly from Manila (MNL) to Bohol(TAG)

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Banaue sagada.

SEE THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF BANAUE AND SAGADA Get ready to traverse mountains at Banaue and Sagada, where two stunning destinations await you: the UNESCO World Heritage – listed Banaue Rice Terraces, said by legend to have been made as a stairway to the heavens, and the charming mountain town of Sagada, home to the hanging coffins and burial caves. This chilly part of the Philippines will make you forget our tropical climate for a while; have your thermal.

Departure: Check-out and depart from Banaue to Manila, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

Note: Rates are available upon request Refer to list of hotel options*

Embrace Manila’s Old-World Charm

Experience the colorful fusion of history and modern Filipino life in the bustling financial, economic, commercial and natonal capital of the Philippines. It is the best start-off point to getting anywhere in the country, and a great introducton to the naton’s historical roots.

Manila American Cemetery or Ayala Museum

Visit the largest cemetery for the fallen American military of World War II, which overlooks Laguna de Bay and distant mountains, in Fort Bonifacio. Proceed to the ayala Museumin makati, where pre-colonial treasures of the philippines and indigenous Philippines textiles are in display along with a variety of cultural and contemporary art exhibitions and workshops. Head back to your hotel and relax with a foot spa treatment and relaxing massage.

Stroll or ride a calesa round the walled city of Intramuros, the former heart of 16th century Spanish rule in Manila, and observe the well-preserved Spanish-style buildings and cobblestone streets.

Fort Santiago

Visit the centuries-old structures and the legendary holding-cell of Jose Rizal before he was sentenced to death and made to walk from Fort Santiago to Luneta, now Rizal Park, to be put to death. Look for his footsteps embossed in the pavement. Dine at Romulo Café, a restaurant created in honor of Philippine diplomat and statesman Carlos P. Romulo by his grandchildren. Unwind at the posh Salon de Ning for wine and cocktails.

Taal Lake and Volcano

Let the pilot take you across the Southern Tagalog coastline to see the majestic Taal volcano and lake as you descend to the tail-end of Cavite province.

Enjoy the lush organic flora and a luxurious healthy meal at Sonya’s Garden and take the scenic route back to Manila via a private van.

Departure: Check-out and depart from Manila homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

Note: Rates are available upon request Refer to list of hotels for other accommodation options* Museums are closed on Mondays**

ADMIRE NATURE’S HANDIWORK IN PALAWAN

Accessible only from Manila or Cebu and not from island to island, Palawan is an elongated island you should not miss. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush forests, breathtaking views, spectacular beaches and stunning marine wildlife under its belt, it’s no surprise that everyone says the islands of Palawan have the makings of an adventure like no other. Choose one of these three main islands of Palawan and get your sunscreen, swimsuits, and stamina ready: you’ve never seen the water this blue.

Meet-up and transfer to resort for check-in and refreshments. Afterwards, explore the exquisite Lagen island.

Departure: Check-out and depart from El Nido homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

Note: Rates available upon request. Refer to list of hotel options*

Puerto Princesa

Departure: Check-out and depart from Coron homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

CHASE THE SUNSETS OF BORACAY

Not only a beach capital but also a cultural experience, the most-visited island in the Philippines is only four miles long and two miles wide, but bury your feet in its powder-fine white sand beaches, swim in the crystalline blue waters, try a watersport and explore the whole strip of it and find out why everyone who’s ever gone to Boracay would want to visit again and again.

Note: • Rates are available upon request • Refer to list of hotel options*

Coming soon

LIVE LIKE LOCALS IN CEBU

Right in the middle of Visayas is Cebu, the second interna9onal gateway to the Philippines. Culturally and biologically rich, it is the country’s secondary. Although more popular as a diving and snorkeling site, Cebu is an exci9ng place to experience authen9c Filipino culture and everyday life.

Option 1: Bohol

Just one ferry ride away is the scenic island of Bohol, where a variety of natural and cultural landmarks as the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, and the famous Philippine tarsier await you. Hop on a motorized tricycle, the Philippine version of an auto rickshaw, which someYmes is designed like a miniature jeepney, and breathe in the salty air of the seaside as you explore the city’s perimeter in the open-air transport.

Option 2: Oslob

Spend your day in Oslob, more than two hours’ drive from Cebu City. Proceed to Brgy. Tan-awan and watch the friendly whale-sharks swim among humans from your banca, an indigenous boat. Visit the heritage spots in its Municipal Heritage Park, which overlooks the brilliant blue sea: Calle Aragones, the old Spanish cuartel, baluarte and its walls and gates are a fascinaYng sight.

Relax and dine at the Bluewater Sumilon Island resort.

Option 1: Snorkel in Mactan

Put on your snorkeling gear and aqua shoes for a fun and informative snorkeling experience with a marine biologist guide who will fill you in on the diverse marine life you see underwater.

Option 2: Ralfe Gourmet Chocolate Boutique

Tablea, or unsweetened chocolate tablets, are a Philippine breakfast and snack staple. Used mainly for hot chocolate and chocolate rice porridge, tablea is distinct Filipino treat. Learn the art of traditional Philippine chocolate making at the Ralfe Gourmet Chocolate Boutique, where fermented and sun-dried Philippine cacao beans are roasted, ground and molded to create 100% cacao tablea chocolate, liquor, and other decadent products.

Option 3: Relax at the Shangri-la Mactan

Departure: Check-out and depart from Cebu homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

ECO-ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Experience the best of both worlds in the Philippine’s largest city outside of Metro Manila and Luzon.

Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and feel at ease at the some of the most popular amenities Davao has to offer.

Get a taste of the freshest produce on the island, as it is known for being the leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.

Departure: Check-out and depart from Davao homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.

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ITINERARIES

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Bohol Travel Guide: Discover the Wonders of the Island

If Bohol is in your bucket list, then this Bohol travel guide will come in handy. Provided in this guide are latest information that will make it easier for your to plan your trip to the island paradise. Know the latest travel requirements, information on getting there, where to stay, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.

Behold Bohol!

Behold Bohol , an island of limitless possibilities! From sea to summit and everything in between, the island offers an unforgettable experience with history and heritage, unparalleled encounter with nature and exhilarating adventures.

Nested in the middle of the Visayan archipelago and surrounded with the rich waters of Bohol and Camotes Seas, the island province of Bohol is gifted with nature’s best offerings – the vivid depths of Balicasag, Cabilao and Danajon; the fine white sand of Panglao; the thousand hills of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan; the tarsiers of Loboc; the cave pools of Anda; the the rice terraces and waterfalls of Candijay and more! Bohol definitely has it all!

Aside from its natural wonders, Bohol also serves as an open air museum that features the province’s rich heritage and deep Catholic faith. Almost every town has centuries-old stone church with fresco paintings, carvings and bell tower made of crushed corals. Some were severely damaged by the 2013 earthquake including those in Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc and the newly restored Baclayon. Others survived and still standing such as the ones in Jagna, Talibon, Tagbilaran and Dimiao.

Behold Bohol, an island of limitless possibilities! Its wealth of natural and other attractions, rich delicacy and lovely people… all these comprise the charm that will make you fall in love with Bohol!

How to Get to Bohol

By plane from manila, davao and clark.

The new Panglao International Airport in Panglao Island is the gateway to the province of Bohol. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia have daily flights from Manila, Davao and Clark to Tagbilaran City. From Panglao International Airport flag a taxi, tricycle or a multicab at the highway to take you to your resort in Panglao Island or to the city center. At the city center, you can take a ride to anywhere in the province.

By Fast Craft or Ferry

From cebu city to tagbilaran.

Supercat and Ocean Jet Fast Craft have multiple departures daily from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City, travel time is around two hours. Meanwhile, Cokaliong, Lite Shipping, Trans-Asia Shipping and F.J. Palacio Lines also have regular ferry or RoRo departures with varying frequencies daily or weekly, travel time for slow ferry takes four hours. From Tagbilaran Port, flag a tricycle to take you to Dao Terminal and catch a bus (P100) or van (P120) to Anda at Dao Terminal, travel time is two to three hours.

Book your ticket from Cebu to Tagbilaran City below:

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM CEBU TO TAGBILARAN

From Cebu City to Tubigon

The town of Tubigon, north of Tagbilaran, is the cheaper alternative from Cebu City. Fastcrafts and slow ferries depart from the port of Cebu to Tubigon everyday from 530AM to 5PM daily. It only takes one hour of voyage for fast craft with fare starting at P250. Meanwhile, slow ferry takes two hours and fare start at P170.

From Tubigon Port, there are vans and buses to Talibon, Sagbayan, Carmen and Tagbilaran. Sagbayan is just an hour ride while Carmen and Tagbilaran is almost two hours travel.

Book your ticket from Cebu to Tubigon below:

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM CEBU TO TUBIGON

From Larena, Siquijor to Tagbilaran

Lite Shipping Corporation has multiple departures weekly from Larena, Siquijor to Tagbilaran City, travel time takes at least four hours.

Book your ticket from Siquijor to Tagbilaran City below:

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM SIQUIJOR TO TAGBILARAN

From Nasipit, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin and Dumaguete to Jagna

Ocean Jet has daily fast craft from Dumaguete City and Cagayan de Oro City (via Camiguin) to Jagna, Bohol, travel time from Cagayan de Oro is three hours, and two hours from Camiguin or Dumaguete. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines have mulltiple departures weekly from Cagayan de Oro City for nine-hour journey while Cokaliong Shipping Lines serves Nasipit to Jagna route once a week for a travel time of five hours. From Jagna, Tagbilaran is at least two hours away by bus.

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM CAMIGUIN TO BOHOL

RESERVE YOUR FERRY TICKET FROM CAGAYAN DE ORO TO BOHOL

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM DUMAGUETE TO BOHOL

Going Around and Away

Tricycle, multicab and single motorcycle are the primary mode of transportation in Tagbilaran and almost everywhere in the province.

Transportation around Tagbilaran City and for short distanced destinations such as Lila, Baclayon, Cortes, Corella and Loboc are stationed in City Square Mall. Buses to interior and other towns such as Anda, Jagna, Ubay, Carmen, Danao, Candijay, Cabilao and Talibon, among others, are located in Dao Integrated Bus Terminal beside Island City Mall. Meanwhile, multicabs and local buses to Panglao originate in Dao Bus Terminal and pick-up passengers at Rocha-Hontanosas Jeepney Stop.

You can take a flight out of Bohol from Panglao Airport to Manila or a ferry from Tagbilaran, Jagna or Tubigon to Cebu, Nasipit, Cagayan de Oro, Siquijor and Dumaguete. You can book your ferry ticket from anywhere in Bohol to Nasipit, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin and Dumaguete below.

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM BOHOL TO CEBU

RESERVE YOUR FERRY TICKET FROM BOHOL TO CAGAYAN DE ORO

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM BOHOL TO SIQUIJOR

RESERVE YOUR FERRY TICKET FROM BOHOL TO DUMAGUETE

BOOK YOUR FERRY FROM BOHOL TO CAMIGUIN

Where to Stay in Bohol

Tourists in Bohol usually stay in Tagbilaran City or in nearby Panglao Island where numerous hotels and resorts that cater to every type of traveler are available to choose from.

Accommodations in Tagbilaran City

Top-rated / highly recommended accommodations in tagbilaran, bohol, recommended budget accommodations in tagbilaran, bohol, accommodations in panglao, top-rated / highly recommended accommodations in panglao, bohol, recommended budget accommodations in panglao, bohol, activities in bohol.

• Go on an island tour and visit the usual attractions: Hinagdanan Cave, Blood Compact Site, Baclayon Church, Man-Made Forest, Loboc River Cruise, Loboc Church, Hanging Bridge, Tarsier Conservation Site and Chocolate Hills
• Bask in Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach of Panglao
• Go island hopping and visit Balicasag Island and Virgin Island
• Scuba Diving, Free Diving and Snorkeling in Panglao, Balicasag, Cabilao, Anda and Danajon
• Spend a day or two in Anda: Swim in the cave pools, laze in Quinale Beach, and more
• Visit Can-Umantad Falls and Cadapdapan Rice Terraces of Candijay
• Climb the Sagbayan Peak and Carmen Peak (Chocolate Hills Adventure Park) to see the famed Chocolate Hills
• Try the other activities in Chocolate Hills Adventure Park: Bicycle, zip line, etc.
• Chase waterfalls: Mag-Aso Falls of Antequera, Ingkumhan Falls and Pangahug Twin Falls of Dimiao, Kinahugan Falls of Jagna, Camugao Falls and Kawasan Falls of Balilihan, Kilab-Kilab Falls of San Isidro, among others
• Experience the exhilirating adventures offered by Danao Adventure Park
• Witness the sea of clouds at the highlands of Danao
• Trek the summits and mountains ridges of Alicia
• Dive the double barrier Danajon Reef

Sample Bohol Itineraries

Basic bohol itinerary (3d/2n in tagbilaran and panglao).

Day 1: 1100H: Arrival in Tagbilaran / Lunch 1230H: Proceed to Panglao’s Dumaluan or Alona Beach / Check-in at Hotel 1400H: Free time / Beach / Snorkeling / Balicasag or Virgin Island / Sunset 1800H: Dinner

Day 2: 0700H: Call Time / Breakfast / Check-out 0800H: Bohol Island Tour: Hinagdanan Cave, Blood Compact Site, Baclayon Church, Man-Made Forest, Lunch at Loboc River Cruise, Loboc Church, Hanging Bridge, Tarsier Conservation Site and Chocolate Hills 1800H: Back in Tagbilaran City / Check-in at Hotel 1900H: Dinner

Day 3: 0700H: Call Time / Breakfast 0800H: Free time / Shop for Souvenirs / Visit Tagbilaran Church 1000H: Check-out / Proceed to Airport

Offbeat Bohol Itinerary (3D/2N in Anda and Candijay)

Day 1: 1000H: Arrival in Tagbilaran / Tricycle to Marcelina’s Guesthouse (P10/person) 1030H: Check-in at Marcelina’s Guesthouse (P1300/night for 5 guests) 1130H: Lunch 1230H: Jeep from Cogon Market to Antequera (P25/person) 1300H: Antequera Tour (P200/motorbike for two pax): Mag-Aso Falls (Entrance P20/person), Mandahugan Cave Spring and Inambacan Cave Spring 1630H: Bus to Tagbilaran (P25/person) 1730H: Back in Tagbilaran / Free time / Dinner / Socials

Day 2: 0400H: Call time 0500H: Van from Tagbilaran to Lungsodaan (P130/person, one-way) 0700H: Arrival in Candijay Market / Breakfast 0800H: Habal-habal (P160/person, round-trip) to Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and Can-Umantad Falls (Entrance Fee: P25/person – motorbike parking share included) 1100H: Return to Lungsodaan / Bus to Guindulman (P10/person) / Tricycle to Anda (P30/person) 1300H: Arrival in Anda / Check-in at R&S Seaside Unit (P1900 per room per night, good for five)/ Rest / Lunch 1430H: Cabagnow Cave Pools 1730H: Quinale Beach / Dinner / Socials

Day 3: 0530H: Call time / Breakfast / Sunrise at Quinale Beach 0900H: Check out / Photo-op at Quinale Beach / Tricycle to Guindulman (P30/person) 0930H: Van to Jagna (P40/person) / Habal-habal to Kinahugan Falls (P60/person, round-trip) 1000H: Kinahugan Falls 1100H: Back to Jagna Poblacion / Bus to Dimiao (P27/person) 1130H: Lunch at Dimiao 1230H: Habal-habal to Barangay Guingoyuran (P100/person, round trip) / Trek to Pangahug Twin Falls 1300H: Pangahug Twin Falls 1430H: Trek back to Barangay Guingoyuran 1500H: Travel back to Dimiao 1530H: Back at Dimiao proper / Bus to Tagbilaran (P30/person) 1800H: Back at Tagbilaran City / Tricycle to Tagbilaran Port (P20/person) 1830H: Depart Tagbilaran to Cebu by Oceanjet Fastcraft

• Best months to go are during dry months or from April to July
• Every day in the month of May, at least one village celebrates fiesta
• There are ATM and banks in Tagbilaran City and town centers
• Major establishments accept debit and credit card
• Mobile signal is present almost everywhere
• Tubigon is the cheaper alternative if you are coming from Cebu

*Originally Posted: 16-Feb-2013 | Updates: 29-Sep-2017; 22-Apr-2018; 7-May-2020

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Bohol Travel Guide: Discovering the Beauty of the Philippines 2023

Bohol, an enchanting island paradise in the Philippines, beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, vibrant underwater world, unique geological formations, and rich cultural heritage.

Bohol Island in the Philippines has recently gained prestigious recognition by being designated as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark . This remarkable accolade, bestowed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), highlights the island’s unique geological identity and heritage. Spanning an impressive 8,808 square kilometers, the geopark encompasses both land and marine areas, offering a rich tapestry of natural beauty and geological significance.

The UNESCO Global Geopark status was officially declared on May 24, 2023, during the 216th UNESCO Executive Board Session in Paris, France. This declaration not only places Bohol on the global stage but also underlines its exceptional natural landscapes and geological features. The inclusion of Bohol Island in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network is a testament to its outstanding geological characteristics that have been shaped over millions of years.

Our all-new comprehensive Bohol Travel Guide offers valuable insights and up-to-date information to help you make the most of your trip to this captivating destination. From discovering the iconic Chocolate Hills to swimming with sea turtles, Bohol has something for everyone.

>>  (Check also Our TOP 10 Picks for the Best Luxury Resorts in Bohol)  <<

Getting to Bohol:

Bohol is easily accessible by air, sea, and land. The newly-opened Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) is the primary gateway for domestic and international flights. Bohol is well-connected to various regions of the Philippines, including Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Here’s how you can reach Bohol via flights and ferries from these regions:

From Luzon:

1. Flights: The most convenient way to reach Bohol from Luzon, particularly Manila, is by flying to the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). Multiple airlines, such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, operate daily flights from Manila to Bohol.

2. Ferry: Alternatively, you can travel by sea. Take a bus from Manila to the Port of Batangas, then board a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol’s capital. Ferry operators like 2GO Travel, OceanJet, and Starlite Ferries provide services on this route, with travel time ranging from 8 to 12 hours.

From Visayas:

1. Flights: If you’re coming from Cebu, you can catch a direct flight to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The flight takes around 30 minutes.

2. Ferry: The most common way to reach Bohol from the Visayas, particularly Cebu, is by fast ferry. Several ferry operators, such as OceanJet, SuperCat, and Lite Ferries, offer services between Cebu City and Tagbilaran. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours. You can also find ferries connecting Bohol to other Visayas destinations like Dumaguete and Siquijor.

From Mindanao:

1. Flights: If you’re traveling from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, or other major cities in Mindanao, you can find direct flights to Bohol-Panglao International Airport with airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Flight durations vary depending on the departure city but generally range from 1 to 2 hours.

2. Ferry: You can also travel by sea from various ports in Mindanao to Bohol. For instance, you can take a ferry from Cagayan de Oro to Jagna, Bohol, operated by Lite Ferries and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. The journey takes approximately 8 hours. Additionally, you can take a ferry from Surigao City to Tagbilaran, which takes around 6 hours.

Top Attractions:

1. Chocolate Hills: Marvel at the iconic Chocolate Hills, a unique geological formation consisting of over 1,200 symmetrical grass-covered hills that turn brown during the dry season.

2. Loboc River Cruise: Embark on a scenic cruise along the Loboc River while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch and live music from local performers.

3. Tarsier Sanctuary: Visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation’s sanctuary in Corella and catch a glimpse of the world’s smallest primate in its natural habitat.

4. Panglao Island: Explore the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life of Panglao Island, a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

5. Anda Beach: Discover Anda Beach’s white-sand shoreline and turquoise waters, a hidden gem perfect for a relaxing beach day away from the crowds.

6. Hinagdanan Cave: Delve into the natural beauty of Hinagdanan Cave, a limestone cavern adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and take a refreshing dip in its underground pool.

7. Blood Compact Shrine: Pay homage to the historic Sandugo or Blood Compact, a symbol of friendship between the Filipino chieftain Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, at this iconic shrine in Tagbilaran.

8. Bamboo Hanging Bridge: Cross the picturesque Bamboo Hanging Bridge in Sevilla, a thrilling and unique way to experience the natural beauty of Bohol’s Loboc River.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Diving and Snorkeling: Dive into Bohol’s underwater paradise at sites like Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, and Alona Beach, teeming with vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and even shipwrecks.

2. Dolphin and Whale Watching: Join a boat tour to spot playful dolphins and majestic whales in their natural habitat around Pamilacan Island.

3. Stand-up Paddleboarding: Explore the serene waters of Loboc River or the picturesque coastlines of Panglao Island on a stand-up paddleboard, a fun and eco-friendly way to experience Bohol’s natural beauty.

4. Bike Tour: Pedal through Bohol’s scenic countryside, visit local villages, and discover hidden gems on a guided bike tour.

5. Ziplining and Adventure Parks: Get your adrenaline pumping at the Loboc Eco Adventure Park or Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, where you can zipline across lush landscapes, tackle rope courses, and enjoy panoramic views.

6. Firefly Watching: Embark on a magical firefly-watching tour along the Abatan River or Loboc River, and witness these enchanting creatures illuminate the night.

Cultural Experiences:

1. Bohol Bee Farm: Learn about organic farming, beekeeping, and sustainable living practices at the Bohol Bee Farm, and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience.

2. Baclayon Church: Visit the historic Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, and admire its well-preserved architecture and religious artifacts.

3. Bilar Man-Made Forest: Stroll through the serene Bilar Man-Made Forest, a testimony to Bohol’s successful reforestation efforts and home to diverse flora and fauna.

4. Local Markets: Immerse yourself in Bohol’s local culture by visiting bustling markets such as Tagbilaran’s City Public Market or Tubigon’s Loom Weaving Center, where you can purchase handwoven fabrics, crafts, and local delicacies.

Travel Tips:

1. Best Time to Visit: Bohol’s dry season (November to April) is the ideal time to visit, with sunny skies and minimal rainfall. However, be prepared for larger crowds during peak travel seasons such as Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week.

2. Currency and Money Matters: The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the official currency of the country. Be sure to carry cash, as not all establishments accept credit cards. ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas, but may be scarce in remote locations.

3. Language: While English is widely spoken in Bohol, learning a few basic phrases in the local language, Bisaya or Cebuano, can help you connect with the locals and enrich your travel experience.

4. Transportation: Bohol’s public transportation options include jeepneys, tricycles, and buses, which are affordable and easy to navigate. Alternatively, you can rent a motorcycle or hire a private car or van with a driver for added convenience.

5. Safety and Security: Bohol is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take necessary precautions, such as securing your belongings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and staying informed about local news and advisories.

6. Local Etiquette: Show respect for local customs and traditions by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Also, be mindful of your environmental impact by practicing sustainable travel habits, such as using reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and respecting local wildlife.

Where to Stay in Bohol?

Bohol offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to all preferences and budgets. Here are some suggestions for where to stay in Bohol, based on location and type:

1. Panglao Island: Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, Panglao Island is a popular choice among travelers. Consider these options:

• Luxury: Amorita Resort , BE Grand Resort , or Henann Resort Alona Beach
• Mid-range: Alona Vida Beach Resort, Bohol Sea Resort, or Lost Horizon Beach Resort
• Budget: Alona Hammocks, Natura Vista, or Chill-out Guesthouse Panglao

2. Tagbilaran City: As the capital of Bohol, Tagbilaran offers convenient access to various attractions, shopping centers, and transportation options. Accommodation options include:

• Luxury: The Bellevue Resort or Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort
• Mid-range: Ocean Suites Boutique Hotel, Bohol Tropics Resort, or MetroCentre Hotel
• Budget: TR3ATS Guest House, Panda Tea Garden Suites, or 717 Cesar Place Hotel

3. Anda: For a more secluded and serene experience, Anda Beach offers pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Consider these options:

• Luxury: Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa or Blue Star Dive Resort
• Mid-range: Anda Cove Beach Resort or Anda White Beach Resort
• Budget: Anda de Boracay, R & S Seaside Unit, or Old Castle Bed & Breakfast

4. Off-the-beaten-path options: For a more authentic and immersive stay, consider these unique alternatives:

• Homestays: Experience local hospitality by staying with a local family, such as the Loboc Homestay or Nipa Hut Village.
• Eco-lodges: Immerse yourself in Bohol’s natural surroundings by staying at an eco-lodge, such as Bohol Bee Farm, Nuts Huts Resort, or Fox & The Firefly Cottages. These accommodations often focus on sustainable practices and promote responsible tourism.

5. Luxury Resorts: If you prefer indulging in upscale amenities and services, consider these luxurious resorts:

• Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa : Located on the southern tip of Panglao Island, this exclusive resort offers private villas, a spa, and world-class dining.
• Hennan Resort Alona Beach: This beachfront resort in Panglao features multiple pools, a spa, and various dining options, catering to travelers seeking luxury and relaxation.
• Mithi Resort & Spa : This upscale resort is nestled on a secluded beach in Panglao and offers well-appointed rooms, a private beach, a spa, and beautiful ocean views.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive and up-to-date Bohol Travel Guide is designed to help you plan the perfect getaway to this captivating island paradise in the Philippines. With its diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable outdoor experiences, Bohol promises an unforgettable adventure for every type of traveler. So pack your bags, and get ready to discover the wonders that await you in Bohol! Balik sa Bohol !

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BOHOL: Budget Travel Guide

Whenever a foreigner asks me for recommendations, Bohol is always in my top three. The reason is simple: a wide array of extraordinary attractions.

Sure, other islands in the Philippines are worth recommending, too, but most boast one or two of the following — white beaches, incredible sites, diverse wildlife, interesting history. Bohol has them all. From wild encounters with dolphins to the incomparable views of the Chocolate Hills, Bohol is a province that is easy to promote. It doesn’t need much sales talk. And given that I’ve only explored the southern edge of the province and a few of its islands, I wonder just how much harder I would love Bohol when I point my compass northward.

Here’s some information I have gathered in the three times that I visited Bohol. Hope it could help you plan your trip to this one-of-a-kind tropical paradise!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

How to Get to Bohol

The fastest and easiest way is by plane. Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and AirAsia Zest operate multiple flights from Manila to Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. Travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

You may also opt to travel by boat. Tagbilaran City Pier is the destination of a number of ships coming from Manila. There are also vessels from other parts of the Visayas including Dumaguete and Cebu. If you’re coming from Mindanao, you may hop on a boat to Bohol in Cagayan de Oro and Dipolog. There are also boats from Camiguin but the destination is Jagna in the southeastern corner of Bohol.

Places to Visit in Bohol

Again, I have only set foot on the southern coast of the main island up to the Chocolate Hills and some outlying islands. Here are some attractions that you might not want to miss. The photos are linked to specific posts narrating in detail my experience at the place.

Here are other destinations you should also check out:

• Pamilacan Island . A small island that has become a favorite among divers and snorkelers. It is famous for dolphin-watching and whale-watching.
• Danao Adventure Park . A destination for the more adventurous! Located in the municipality of Danao, it offers a wide array of extreme yet educational activities including suislide, river trekking, kayaking, root climbing, and rappelling.
• Hinagdanan Cave . A naturally lit limestone cavern in Panglao Island.
• Anda, Bohol . Tucked in the extreme eastern edge of the province, the municipality of Anda boasts a number of white beaches and other natural attractions.
• Mag-aso Falls in Antiquera
• Punta Cruz Watch Tower at Maribojoc Bay
• Sagbayan Peak

The north remains waiting for me and I hope I could go back soon.

Bohol Tours

The two most popular tours in Bohol are the Island-Hopping Tour and the so-called Countryside Tour. But here’s a list of the other tours with the destinations that are usually covered.

• Countryside Tour . Usually stops at Chocolate Hills, Sandugo Site, Baclayon Church, Loboc River Cruise, Manmade Forest, and other smaller attractions (some of which are just tourist traps, to be quite honest.)
• Island-Hopping Tour . Usually involves dolphin-watching and snorkeling in Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. Rates vary from P1500-P2500 per head.
• Danao Extreme Adventure . A whole-day stay at Danao Adventure Park.
• Sagbayan Peak Tour . Usually stops at Sagbayan Peak, Mag-aso Falls, Punta Cruz Watchtower, Hinagdanan Cave.
• Firefly Tour . Commonly starts with dinner at a restaurant and then moves on to Loboc River for the tour.

Getting Around Bohol

Getting around the island can be a little tricky for tourists who wish to make the most of their stay. For short distances, the humble tricycle is a good choice. It’s cheap and can be easily found in the streets of Tagbilaran. These trikes can take you to any point of the city and other neighboring towns like Panglao, Dauis, and Baclayon.

For inter-town travels, public transportation such as buses and jeepneys, while safe can be unreliable due to inconsistent schedules. If you want to see so many places within a short period of time, these modes of transportation might prove inefficient. For this, I recommend chartering a private vehicle or joining a tour.

If you know how to drive a motorcycle, you can rent one for P300 to P1000 depending on the model. Car rentals are also available, P1500 to P2500. The best thing about renting a car is that you get to divide the cost with your companions.

For island-hopping, boat rental cost varies depending on the season, boat size, and which islands you want to visit. The most common is Virgin Island + Balicasag Island, which is usually at P1500-P2500. It can ferry up to 10 passengers.

Another good option is to just join a pre-arranged group tour. You will join other groups and the cost will be divided among the group. Most resorts and hotels offer tours but the rates, as always, vary according to the number of persons joining the tour. For example, on my most recent visit to Bohol, Bagobo Beach Resort in Panglao Island charged us only P4200, which is inclusive of the following:

• 4 days/3 nights accommodations (basic airconditioned room)
• countryside tour (Loboc, Baclayon, Chocolate Hills)
• sea tour (Virgin Island, Balicasag Island)
• breakfasts and dinners
• land and boat transfers

We were a group of six. It could still go lower if the group was bigger. In comparison, in my previous trip, we were charged P3800 per head. We were a party of eight that time.

Sample 3D/2N Bohol Itinerary

If it’s your first time in Bohol, you might want to try the more popular tours — Countryside Tour and Island-hopping Tour. They are popular for a reason — they highlight some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the province. If your resort or hotel is in Panglao, you might also want to explore the island, too. Here’s a sample 3D2N itinerary. Note that this itinerary is based on the assumption that you’re taking a packaged tour from your hotel or resort.

Day 1 – Arrival, Countryside Tour 07:00 am – Arrival at Tagbilaran Airport 07:30 am – Check in at resort 09:00 am – Start of Countryside Tour: Tagbilaran, Baclayon, Albur 11:30 am – Loboc River Cruise 01:30 pm – Loboc Tour, Chocolate Hills 06:00 pm – Back to resort/hotel and dinner

Day 2 – Island-Hopping Tour 05:30 am – Depart for the islands 06:00 am – Island-hopping tour 04:00 pm – Back at the resort

Day 3 – Panglao Island, Departure 07:00 am – Tour Panglao Island: Hinagdanan Cave, etc. 11:30 am – Lunch at Bohol Bee Farm 02:00 pm – Check out 04:00 pm – Flight back to Manila

Check Rates and Availability Here

Budget breakdown.

If you’re a group bigger than six, prepare at least P4500 for this trip, excluding the airfare. The bigger your group, the lower the cost because that means more people sharing the expenses. Here’s the usual cost of things you might consider taking for this trip:

Transportation Car rental – P1500 to P2500 per car (usually with driver) Motorcycle rental – P300 to P1000 depending on the unit Boat rental – P1500 to P2500 depending on the boat size

Entrance Fees Baclayon Museum – P25 per head Chocolate Hills –  P50 per head Loboc River Cruise – from P450 per head Tigbao Hanging Bridge – P15 per head Balicasag Island – P150 per head

Note that if you’re taking a travel package, these entrance fees may have already been included. Ask the tour organizer to confirm. These rates may have also been outdated since my last visit.

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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Hello there.. This package still available in August ? Thanks God bless..

i wonder what are those two other places u usually recommend to tourists? :)

Hi mt! Usually, Palawan and Sagada/Banaue :D

available ba ito until oct.30 and nov1 2013 good for two. how will i know?

We’re planning a vacation in Cebu and Bohol this June.do you know pf some hotels from cebu that offers a day tour in Bohol so that qwe can save by joining a group tour?

Any latest bohol itinerary?

Hi.poh..wer planing a vacation in bohol this october or december..kmi lng tatlo me my husband nd my two yrs old bb…wer from cagayan de oro city..may package tour poh ba kau..? Salamat poh

Hi Angie. Ako wala. :)

boss san ka nag-stay sa bohol panglao island?

Hi Anna! Bagobo Beach Resort.

Hello, how can we contact Bagobo Beach Resort?Thank you

When I was in Tagbilaran we stayed at this place owned by teachers and it’s a big room with 2 beds and aircon cost only 500 per night.

Can you share the name of this place? We are planning to go this coming September, and I am looking for ways to save.

I am scheduled to go in bohol this month october 28, 2014. i want to rent motorcycle please let me know how to avail. thank you

hi,we are planing to have a 1 day tour in bohol this coming march 1,may i ask for tour suggestion (countryside tour) and how much it cost. thank you.

Hi, we have a cebu-bohol trip on July with my family (4 of us)..would like to ask if mas makakatipid ba ang DIY or kukuha kami tour packages?

hi the 450/person loboc river inclusion na ang food or entrance fee lang?

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Bohol Philippines Island Travel Guide & How To Visit

The island of Bohol Philippines is a unique one, with exotic landscapes like the ‘Chocolate Hills,’ and wild tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate. Bohol may not be quite as popular as islands like Coron or El Nido Palawan , but it’s still worth a visit.

There are lots of good things to see and do in Bohol island. You can go island hopping to enjoy some white sand beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving, or you can do a driving tour of the countryside to see waterfalls, rice terraces, churches, and of course the Philippine tarsiers.

It’s relatively easy to get to Bohol Island from Cebu or Manila, and you can even visit Bohol on a day trip from Cebu and go back in the same day, although there are enough activities on the island to keep you busy for at least a few days if you have time to stay longer.

This travel guide for Bohol Philippines will explain how to get there, where to stay, what to do on the island, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Table of Contents show 1) Where Is Bohol Island Located? 2) How To Get To Bohol Philippines 3) How To Get To Get Around Bohol Island 4) Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines 5) Map Of Things To Do In Bohol Philippines 6) Best Beaches In Bohol 7) How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines 8) Bohol Travel Itinerary 9) Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines 10) Best Bohol Tour Packages 11) Other Tips For Bohol Island 12) More Philippines Travel Guides  

Where Is Bohol Island Located?

Bohol island is located in the Central Visayas of the Philippines, just south of Cebu. It’s about 30 kilometers from Cebu city as the crow flies.

You can get there by flying from a big city, or taking a ferry from one of the nearby islands.

Drone pic of Balicasag Island — one of the most popular places in Bohol Philippines!

How To Get To Bohol Philippines

• from manila to bohol.

From Manila, you can fly to Bohol with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. The flight is non-stop and only takes about 1.5 hours.

The Bohol international airport is located in Panglao (code: TAG), which also happens to be the best area for tourists to stay. There are a bunch of flights on this route every day, and the prices are very reasonable — sometimes as low as 1,700 pesos ($30 USD) for a one way ticket!

If you have a choice, I would go with Philippine Airlines because they have the best service, but the other airlines are fine too.

Shop Now: Flights To Bohol

• From Cebu To Bohol

From Cebu, you can get to Bohol by fast ferry with Oceanjet or Supercat . The boats are safe and relatively comfortable, and the journey takes about 2 hours. Keep in mind, the ferries may be canceled if there’s stormy weather.

The Cebu ferry terminal is a short distance from the Cebu city center, and it’s easy to get there with a taxi. There are lots of ferry departures every day, so you can choose the date and time that fits your schedule best.

Prices are a very affordable 900 pesos ($16 USD) for a one way ticket, and there’s a small terminal fee to pay as well. It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance though, so you can save time at the ferry terminal and guarantee your spot on the boat.

There are even day tours to Bohol from Cebu that include hotel transfers, ferry tickets, and a visit to many of the top sights on Bohol island. This can be a good option if you’re short on time and want an easy way to see some of the main highlights of Bohol.

Book Now: Bohol Ferry / Tour From Cebu

• From Other Places

You can also get to Bohol by ferry from other nearby islands in the Philippines like Siquijor , Dumaguete , or Camiguin .

Last, but not least, there are direct flights to Bohol from Davao (DVO) or El Nido (ENI) in the Philippines, or from Seoul–Incheon (ICN) in South Korea.

You can shop for flights to the Philippines at Skyscanner.

The famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol Philippines!

Blue and turquoise waters at Balicasag Island

How To Get To Get Around Bohol Island

The best way to get around Bohol island is by car, motorbike, or tuk-tuk (motorized tricycle).

Motorbike is the cheapest transport, and you can easily rent a bike from your hotel in Bohol or from one of the motorbike rental shops on the island.

Tricycles are an intermediate option. They’re a bit safer and more comfortable than motorbikes, but still pretty cheap. You can flag down a trike taxi on the road, or ask your hotel to call one for you.

Car is the most expensive way to get around Bohol, but it can still be very economical if you share it with a group of friends. It’s also the safest and most comfortable way to explore the island. For long distance trips, this is the way to go.

Klook has a private car charter for Bohol so you can hire a local driver with a car or van for up to 8 hours of touring all over the island. They also have airport transfers by car for Panglao and other areas of Bohol.

Tropical scenery on the Loboc river cruise

Philippine Tarsier

Last, but not least, another way to get around in Bohol is by joining a group tour. Klook has Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours that are very reasonably priced, especially if you’re a solo traveler. I did the countryside tour for only $10 USD!

One thing to keep in mind is that even though the tours are nice, you don’t really see the true countryside of Bohol, just the most popular tourist sights.

I still think the tours are worth doing, but if you really want to see the beauty of Bohol you should rent a motorbike or hire a private driver and go to something more remote like the Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad Falls. Even the drive out there is incredibly scenic and worthwhile!  

Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

• chocolate hills.

The Chocolate Hills are one of the most iconic sights in Bohol Philippines! There are more than 1,000 of these cone-shaped hills spread out in the interior of the island, and it has to be one of Southeast Asia’s most unusual landscapes.

You can see the brown color of the hills in the dry season (January to May), but I actually prefer the green color during the rainy season months (June to December). Either way, this is one of the best things to do in Bohol island.

There’s a platform you can climb for panoramic views of the hills, and they also have some tourist activities like 4-wheeling (ATVs) and zip lines. The Chocolate Hills are located in central Bohol, about a 1.5 hour drive from Panglao.

Book Now: Bohol Countryside Tour

Panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills

• Philippine Tarsiers

Bohol is famous for being home to the Philippine tarsiers. These little bug-eyed animals are the world’s smallest primates.

There are two main places to see tarsiers in Bohol: the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary or the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area . The sanctuary gets better reviews, but you have to visit it independently since the tours usually go to the other one.

At the conservation area, it was disappointing to see crowds of noisy tourists being disrespectful and ignoring the signs to keep quiet. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals, so please try not to disturb them too much, and remember to disable the flash on your camera.

• Loboc River

The Loboc River is another popular spot to visit on the Bohol countryside tour . For this one, you’ll hop on a scenic boat cruise along the river, enjoying a buffet meal and a Filipino cultural dance.

When I saw the crowds and the long line to get into the boats, I was worried this might turn out to be a pointless tourist trap, but the boat cruise was actually pretty enjoyable. The meal was a bit pricey, at 850 pesos, but all of the food was fresh and good, and I came back for seconds and thirds.

The tropical scenery along the river gets better as you go, with steep mountains and palm trees lining the riverside. Overall, it was a nice experience and a fun memory from my trip to Bohol Philippines!

Loboc river cruise

• Alona Beach

Alona Beach is Bohol’s main tourist beach, with lots of hotels , bars, restaurants, massage places, and souvenir shops.

You can relax on the beach or do watersports, and it’s also a nice beach for seeing the sunrise or sunset. The hawkers can be a bit annoying, but if you ignore them they’ll go away.

I wouldn’t say Alona is a very special beach compared to some of the other great beaches in the Philippines, but it’s certainly worth a visit!

Funny sand castle at Alona Beach

• Dumaluan Beach

Dumaluan Beach is the nicer, more quiet alternative to Alona. It’s cleaner and less developed, and not as many people know about it. There’s also an entrance fee to go to the beach, so that keeps some of the crowds away.

For nice places to stay at Dumaluan, check out the South Palms Resort or Bohol Beach Club . These are really beautiful hotels, although they’re on the pricey side.

South Palms Resort

Dumaluan Beach ( South Palms Resort )

• Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is the main destination for the Bohol island hopping tours . It’s a circle shaped island that’s located not too far southwest of Bohol.

We stayed 2.5 hours wandering the island, soaking up sun on the beach, and snorkeling at the reef, where you can swim with sea turtles. This is a fun island to visit on a day trip from Bohol Philippines!

Balicasag is a busy island with lots of boats on the beach, but you can find quiet areas if you look around. There are also restaurants, bathrooms, and other basic accommodation. It’s a 1 hour boat ride to Balicasag from Alona beach.

Book Now: Bohol Island Hopping Tour

Drone pic of Balicasag Island

The beach at Balicasag Island

• Virgin Island

Virgin Island is a natural sandbar and it’s usually the second place you stop on Bohol island hopping tours . It’s only a 30 minute boat ride from Alona beach or Balicasag island, so it’s easy to reach, although you have to go at low tide to see the sandbar.

I have to say the name is a bit misleading. This is not really a ‘virgin’ island since there are boats all over it every day, and I’ve seen much nicer sandbars in the Philippines. This one also has lots of seaweed which tends to spoil the beach view a little bit.

In spite of these things, Virgin Island is still worth a visit in my opinion, but don’t expect anything too amazing. We stayed there for about 30 minutes, which was enough. If you’re lucky, you might see some starfishes lurking in the shallow water here.

Virgin Island

Sandbar at Virgin Island

• Pahangog Falls

Pahangog Falls is a nice turquoise waterfall in the southern part of Bohol island, about a 1.5 hour drive from the Panglao tourist area.

Also known as the Dimiao Twin Falls, this spot probably wins the award for the most beautiful waterfall in Bohol, in my opinion. The water is bright turquoise and it’s good for swimming if you want to cool off.

A guide isn’t needed for Pahangog, but can be helpful. From the parking area, it takes about 15-30 minutes to hike to the falls depending on your pace, although it’s a bit slower going back because it’s uphill.

If you get exhausted, there are friendly drink sellers above and below the hill. We saw a little bit of trash, but not too much. All in all, this waterfall is a nice hidden gem that the main Bohol tours don’t visit!

Pahangog Falls — turquoise pool and waterfall!

• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

There are rice terraces all over Bohol island, but the most spectacular ones to see would probably be the terraces at Cadapdapan. These are almost as nice as some of the rice terraces in Bali !

The only drawback is the distance. From Panglao, it’s at least a 2.5 hour drive to the Cadapdapan rice terraces, and there aren’t group tours that go here yet, so you have to drive yourself or hire a private driver (and surcharges will apply because of the distance).

However, this is one of the best spots in Bohol Philippines, and it would be a shame to miss it. It’s especially nice if you come at sunrise or take pictures with a drone.

The Cadapdapan rice terraces are far from town, but it’s such a wonderful natural landscape!

• Can-umantad Falls

Can-umantad is the tallest waterfall in Bohol, and it’s only a short distance away from the Cadapdapan rice terraces.

In fact, you can access it by a path that leads down from the terraces. The best place to park your car or bike is at Eleuterio’s Restaurant . From here, you can see the rice terraces and then hike down to the waterfall in about 15 minutes.

Can-umantad Falls is a nice 2-step cascade with a turquoise pool where you can swim below the waterfall, and there are little drink stands where you can buy fresh coconut juice and other refreshments. It’s one of Bohol’s best waterfalls!

Can-umantad Falls is the biggest waterfall in Bohol Philippines

• Pamilacan Island

Pamilacan is another nice little island south of Bohol. This one has a white sand beach and a circular shape like Balicasag island, but Pamilacan is quieter and less crowded.

Compared to Balicasag, not as many tours go to Pamilacan island, so it may be a bit harder to find a boat to share. However, GetYourGuide has a high-rated Pamilacan tour that includes dolphin watching, lunch, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

I used this tour myself and had a good experience. The boat ride to Pamilacan only takes about 1 hour from Panglao or mainland Bohol.

Book Now: Pamilacan Island Tour

Map Of Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

Here’s a map of some of the best things to do in Bohol Philippines, which you can use to plan your own trip on the island.

You can click on the icons for more information about each place, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

Best Beaches In Bohol

There are a bunch of nice white sand beaches in Bohol. The most popular is Alona Beach, and it’s a good one, but it’s also pretty busy and commercialized, with lots of tourist hotels and restaurants.

For a slightly less busy alternative with beautiful scenery, check out Dumaluan Beach, which is just a 15 minute drive from Alona. There’s an entrance fee for the beach, but it’s clean and nice.

Another good one is Anda White Beach, which is on the far eastern side of Bohol, about 3 hours from Panglao and Tagbilaran. It’s a less touristy area, but you can get there by van or bus from the Dao terminal in Tagbilaran.

A secluded corner of Alona Beach

How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines

You can see the highlights of Bohol in just 2 or 3 days, although you could easily stay longer. For most people, 3 days is probably enough.

My first impression of Bohol was that there might not be a whole lot to do, but after branching out and seeing more of the countryside, I realized this island really is beautiful.

If you enjoy the Philippines, then you could spend weeks just exploring Bohol. There are a lot of things to see and do when you get off the beaten path.  

Bohol Travel Itinerary

If you spend 3 days in Bohol, here’s what your travel itinerary could look like:

• Day 1. Countryside tour. Spend the whole day seeing the most iconic places in Bohol Philippines, such as the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers, then do a boat cruise and buffet dinner on the Loboc river.
• Day 2. Island hopping. Visit Balicasag island, see the beach and do some snorkeling, and then check out the sandbar at Virgin island.
• Day 3. Spend the day relaxing on Alona beach or Dumaluan beach, or go see some of the more distant sights on Bohol island, like the Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad falls.

Jungle views on the Loboc river cruise

Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season (January to May), when it’s less rainy and more sunny. However, these months are also busier with tourists, so there’s a bit of a trade-off.

During the wet season (June to December), Bohol has more rain and clouds, but the bulk of the rain is often in the evenings or at night. I traveled to Bohol in the rainy season and it didn’t really affect my trip at all.

Of course, there are no guarantees you’ll have nice weather in either season, but Bohol seems to be blessed with good weather more often than not! In conclusion, there’s really no bad time to visit Bohol in my opinion.  

Best Bohol Tour Packages

For day tours in Bohol, I used Klook. They have high-rated Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours with very reasonable prices, and they also offer private car charters , ferries , and airport transfers in Bohol.

We’ve used Klook for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Virgin Island sandbar

Other Tips For Bohol Island

• Where To Stay. For a high-end beachfront hotel, check out South Palms Resort . For midrange, there’s the Amihan Resort at Alona Beach. For something budget friendly, check out Greenspace .
• Where To Eat. There are lots of good restaurants in Bohol catering to different tastes. A few recommendations would be Lamoy Restaurant (Asian), Paprika (beachfront), Mahalo Restaurant , and A Tavola .
• Mosquitoes. I saw a few mosquitoes in Panglao and Bohol, but generally they weren’t much of an issue. According to the Philippine Department of Health , Bohol is a malaria-free province, and prophylaxis is not advised here. However, there’s some risk of dengue fever, so it’s still a good idea to wear mosquito repellant when you’re out and about.
• Cell Service. I had good reception and data speeds with Globe on much of the island.
• WiFi. The internet situation in Bohol is improving rapidly, and nowadays you can find fast WiFi even at many of the cheapest budget hotels and hostels.

More Philippines Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Bohol island in the Philippines.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Philippines Travel Guide before you go!  

• El Nido Palawan Island Hopping Guide
• Coron Palawan Island Travel Guide
• Philippines Travel Guide: Tips, Info & Pictures

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Great stuff. Do you have any articles on Cebu, Moalboal, Boracay? thanks

Thanks, not yet but we’re planning to do Balabec, Boracay, and Siargao next year.

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• Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines – Budget & Itinerary

This Bohol travel guide has all you need to know to plan your trip to one of the most diverse and adventure-packed islands in the Philippines. Things to do, how to get around, food and even a sample itinerary. In other words, a must-have for first-timers in Bohol !

I see the island of Bohol as a showcase of what you can find in the entire Philippines . Paradisiac beaches, mangroves, river cruises, jungle adventures and top-notch diving spots all in one place.

This travel guide of Bohol and Panglao is packed with the most up-to-date and reliable information (up to 2024) to start planning your journey.

Find here tips about where to go, what to do, where to eat, budget and much more.

Sections of this Bohol travel guide

Bohol Overview

There are exactly 7,641 islands (!) in the Philippines , but Bohol is surely one of the most diverse and interesting ones you can pick to visit.

If you visit Bohol alone you get a decent idea of what the entire country is all about. An eco-tourism paradise suited for adventurers. Tropical beaches (not the best ones in the country, but we’ll get to that), lush jungle, friendly people and top-notch diving spots all in the same place.

But Bohol checks all those boxes and raises the parade with some unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. Odd landscapes like the Chocolate Hills . Architectural heritage from Spanish colonization. Or the endangered tarsier, the smallest mammal in the world.

In other words: in case you’re still having FOMO about the itinerary for your Philippines trip, don’t. Bohol is absolutely a great choice.

How to get to Bohol island

Whether you come by air or by sea, the main point of entry to the island is Tagbilaran City . It’s less than an hour’s drive to the adjacent island of Panglao , where most visitors stay.

If your hotel doesn’t have the transfer included, you can easily arrange a van, taxi or tricycle to get to Panglao . We paired up with a group of tourists and were able to negotiate a van for five.

Here’s how you can get to Bohol from other places in the Philippines .

Manila to Bohol ✈️

The easiest way to get to Bohol from Manila is by plane (1h30). There are several airlines flying from Manila to Tagbilaran airport in Bohol :

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines

Flights are generally inexpensive but book ahead to guarantee a good price.

Cebu to Bohol ⛴️

The best way to get from Cebu to Bohol is to use the fast ferry (a 2-hour trip).

There are mainly two main ferry companies that do the route Cebu City – Tagbilaran several times per day: SuperCat and Ocean Jet .

Ocean Jet is slightly more expensive (800-1000 pesos), but from what I’ve seen the boats seemed newer and more comfortable. Keep an eye on special promos they offer sometimes.

You can purchase tickets in advance directly from the company websites, or through third-party providers like 12Go Asia .

Alternatively, just head to the ferry terminal and get your tickets there, to be honest, it’s unlikely they’ll be sold out.

Ferry schedules between Cebu and Bohol (updated September 2018)

Bohol (Tagbilaran) – Cebu (Cebu City)

• Ocean Jet : 6:00,7:05,8:20,9:20,10:40,11:40,13:00,14:00,15:20,16:20,17:00,17:40,18:30
• Supercat : 5:50,8:15,11:00,13:15,15:35,17:45

Cebu (Cebu City) – Bohol (Tagbilaran)

• Ocean Jet : 5:10,6:00,7:00,8:00,9.20,10:40,11:40,13:00,14:00,15:20,16:20,17:40,18:40
• Supercat : 5:50,8:15,11:00,13:15,15:35,18:00

Dumaguete to Bohol ⛴️

A 2-hour ferry trip is the best way to travel from Dumaguete to Bohol (Tagbilaran) . Ocean Jet makes this trip twice a day (9:50 and 14:30).

Siquijor to Bohol ⛴️

If you’re in the beautiful island of Siquijor and want to get to Bohol, Ocean Jet makes this trip once a day (12:30). It connects Larena pier in Siquijor to Tagbilaran in Bohol .

Best time to visit Bohol

Like most of the Philippines , Bohol has a tropical climate, which means very rarely the temperatures drops below 20 degrees Celsius. This would make Bohol pleasant for a visit at any time of the year… if it wasn’t for the rainfall. This the key!

June to December is normally considered the rainy season – you can expect much less sunny days around this time. Heavy frequent showers are more common between August and October when the southwest monsoon prevails. You’ll want to avoid this time to visit. Late December is also a peak season for locals so there will likely find more crowds and inflated prices in Bohol .

Anywhere between January and June is a good time to visit Bohol . If you come right after the end of the rainy reason – January to March – the rice fields are still vivid green, everything looks more fresh , and photo ops multiply. If you decide to come between April and June, fields will be likely more brown, including the almighty Chocolate Hills .

My weather experience in Bohol

I visited Bohol in mid-December. The temperatures were warm without being unbearable. However it was still very unpredictable. The weather changed from a clear sunny day to heavy stormy showers in a short bike ride. We were struck by surprise twice when we were on the road.

The good thing is that the rain never lasted for long. 1 hour tops. And being soaked while driving just made us appreciate the warm sunny weather even more!

Weather in Bohol

To help you understand better how does weather work in Bohol , here is some more detailed info about temperature and rainfall.

What to pack

Don’t overthink your clothing options too much. As a tropical island with almost-constant temperatures all-year-round, with light summer clothes, you’ll be fine. Pick comfortable and breathable pieces.

A light rain jacket is recommended – we never know when the occasional storm will appear – and you’ll also want to have long sleeve piece to enter churches.

Landscapes are incredible and the adventure activities are a must, so make sure you bring a good camera and consider getting a GoPro if you haven’t got one.

Other than that, don’t forget sunscreen, a snorkeling mask, and a dry bag to keep your stuff. The latter is super useful if you’re doing sea activities or to simply go to the beach.

Getting around Bohol

Bohol is one of those places I absolutely recommend getting your own wheels. Not only the public transportation is unreliable, but it gives you freedom of schedules and itineraries. It can also be cheaper, with rates ranging from 300 PHP to 600 PHP per day. All depends on the number of days you’re renting and your haggling skills.

In fact, one of my best memories and experiences of Bohol was riding a bike around the island. You get to drive next to vivid green paddy fields, forests or just stunning beaches with a view to the Pacific.

You can also get around by tricycle , a kind of moto-taxi that has a capacity for about 3 people, give or take. They usually don’t have meters and prices are haggled by destination. For a journey of about 10km, expect to pay around 400-450 PHP.

Other more local ways of transportation include jeepneys and buses .

Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao

Most travelers arrive in Tagbilaran to then get to Alona or Dumaluan in Panglao , where most beach accommodation is located. To make this trip, you have some options:

• Hire a taxi. Most convenient but also more expensive.
• Hire a tricycle. It should be around 500 pesos.
• Go on a van. Share it with other people – just ask around – and haggle the price down.

We ended up sharing a van with other travelers to Alona . We were 5 in total paying 400 pesos, which totals a very inexpensive 80 pesos per person!

Are tours in Bohol worth it?

As I mentioned, personally I feel the best way to explore Bohol is to get your own wheels. There’s no need for tours if you’re young, active and know how to ride a motorbike – it adds to the adventurous vibe of the island after all.

However, there are some pre-defined day tours to explore the island – these will cost around 500 PHP to 1500 PHP per person. These are usually rushed, covering all the main sights of Bohol in one day.

Jeepneys and tricycles in Bohol

Jeepney is a local’s favorite and prices depend on the distance. Most jeepneys going along the south side of the island depart from Dao Terminal, including Baclayon , Carmen and Jagna . They’re mostly used by locals.

Don’t expect luxury. Jeepneys are often old and overcrowded. While the experience of a ride amongst dozens of Filipinos as well as animals like chickens (and other random creatures) might be appealing, note that distances in Bohol often mean more than 1-hour long trips.

You can also hire a tricycle driver to get you around Bohol for the day. This can cost you between 800-1000 pesos per day.

Fun fact: did you know tricycle drivers are obliged to place verses from the Bible on the back of their vehicle? Yes, it’s a mandatory law by the Government!

Vans and buses in Bohol

Air-conditioned vans with capacity for 10-11 people are also available. However, they tend to depart from the Dao terminal only when they are absolutely packed with more than 15 people.

Buses going North of the island – Loon , Calape and Tubigon for instance – start from Kogon Market in Tagbilaran .

What to do in Bohol

Bohol is a perfect for for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The island is packed with 7 outdoor experiences and unique activities .

If you’re looking for a more relaxed time, hop on a river cruise in Loboc or hit the white-sand beaches of the twin-island of Panglao await you.

To make things visual, I’ve prepared a map of all the main sights in Bohol . In purple the main towns; in orange the main sights; in blue the main beaches.

Tarsier Sanctuary (the real one!)

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES | 🐒Sanctuary. This little guy is a tarsier and is the smallest primate in the world (size of a human fist! 😅). It’s also one of the most endangered animals: there only 130 left in the wild worldwide. He needs an hectare of forest to live and when kept in cages, he often attempts suicide. It’s a hard task to protect him but sanctuaries like this one in Bohol are key to make this alien-like creature thrive! #Philippines #itsmorefuninph #boholovers #primate #Bohol #animal #tarsier #ig_NeverStopExploring #WanderOut #Destination_Earth #NatGeoTravel #BeautifulMatters #TourThePlanet #TheGlobeWanderer #OurPlanetDaily #boholphilippines #WeLiveToExplore #wwf #PassionPassport #MyTinyAtlas #WildernessCulture #TravelPhotography #lonelyplanettraveller #Goph #the_ph #comeseeph #traversePhilippines #TravelStoriesPH #travel_philippines Uma publicação partilhada por BRUN🌎, The Travel Geek (@bruno_mb) a Dez 11, 2016 às 6:14 PST

When in Bohol you’ll see that are quite a few tarsier “sanctuaries” in Bohol . Make sure you go to the Tarsier Sanctuary near Corella , the only “real” one.

They have less than a dozen animals, but it’s the only place where they live in the wild and have enough space to have an acceptable quality of life. See, when they tarsiers don’t have an hectare of forest to live and are enclosed in little cages, they often attempt suicide. 😥

Corella Tarsier Sanctuary

• Ticket price: 60 pesos
• How to get there: Follow the road to Corella and Sikatuna , turn left on the fitting Tarsier Sanctuary Road. There are buses from Tagbilaran to Sikatuna where you can drop off nearby too.
• What to do: Your main task is to spot the tiny tarsiers in the middle of the trees!

Loboc River

I found Loboc to be one of the most interesting little towns in Bohol . People are friendly and the setting is beautiful, right next to the jungle-resembling Loboc River .

Next to it, the Baclayon and San Pedro churches, destroyed during the 2013 earthquake that stroke the Philippines are there to remind of the country’s Spanish colonial past.

Loboc is also popular for its cruises that take you up and down the river, and often include a fancy meal aboard.

• Ticket price: N/A
• How to get there: Loboc is nearly halfway between Tagbilaran and the Chocolate Hills.
• What to do: From the popular floating restaurants to mountain biking & paddleboarding tours, there’s a lot to do here. Don’t miss the iconic bamboo bridge!

Chocolate Hills

Probably the most iconic postcard of Bohol , the Chocolate Hills are a geological formation consisting of 1,776 conical-shaped hills ranging from 30 to 120 meters high. The name comes from the fact that during the dry season they change their color to a light brown color. In the rest of the year, they’re actually a lovely vivid green!

The Chocolate Hills Complex is located in Carmen , in the very center of Bohol . The road there wanders across beautiful paddy field sceneries but nothing prepared me for the moment I got to the viewpoint. The hundreds of identical hills going as far as your eyes can see are dazzling. Don’t miss this.

• Ticket price: 50 PHP
• How to get there: Follow the road to Carmen . After you pass the Man-Made forest, it’s a fairly straight ride. If you’re on a a bus, take one at Tagbilaran bus station heading to Carmen . You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills .
• What to do: On a clear day, you can spend hours admiring the landscape.

Balicasag Island

The Marine Sanctuary of Balicasag is a world-class diving spot. Featuring rich wildlife of fish, dolphins, turtles, and corals it’s a must if you’re into the underwater world.

That said, there have been rising environmental concerns regarding snorkeling. The high number of boats with careless tourists touching starfishes and turtles (they’re sensitive to human bacteria) and swimming with sunscreen on (whose chemicals can literally destroy the corals). Please be aware of this when going there.

To get away from it all, you can also spend the night in Balicasag Island Dive Resort .

• Ticket price: Don’t pay more than 300 PHP if you’re going on a organized tour
• How to get there: Join an organized tour or haggle with a boatmen to take you there on a outrigger
• What to do: Snorkeling and diving are the main highlights here.

Beaches of Bohol & Panglao

To be completely honest, I was expecting more from the beaches in Panglao . My biggest disappointment was the infamous Alona Beach . What once was a tropical paradise, now it’s a dirty overcrowded beach, full of restaurants, bars and dodgy stalls oriented for mass tourism.

I’ve toured across other beaches and whether was the trash, the algae or the total absence of sand to lay in, they all seemed they needed some kind of maintenance.

While Bohol has Anda Beach , a rising eco-tourism hotspot, most beaches are actually located in the twin island of Panglao . On the map it looks like an appendix , but this place boasts a different vibe from Bohol .

Panglao is packed with at least a dozen white-sand beaches to choose from. Some of them boast beautiful palm trees, clean sand, and crystal clear beaches, especially if they are maintained by resorts or hotels. In this category, Dumaluan Beach was my favorite.

If you’re a beach bum and mostly want beach time, there are better islands in the Philippines .

Beaches in Panglao and Bohol

• Alona Beach : don’t matter what Google images tell you, skip it. What it used to be a picture-perfect beach in Panglao , today is a mega-touristy and rather depressing stretch of sand full of boats, trash and restaurants.
• Anda Beach : unspoiled stretches of sand in the southeast tip of Bohol . A great choice if you’re looking for the off the beaten track.
• White Beach : packed at first, but pretty secluded after a 10-minute walk. I still found some plastic and trash on the sand, but nothing dramatic.
• Dumaluan Beach : awesome. You need to pay an entrance fee to the STUNNING Bohol Beach Club , but it’s worth it. This the kind of beach you see in travel magazines.
• Doljo Beach : the scenery here is stunning. The sand is so white it creates a natural mirror during low-tide. Lots of starfish. I didn’t find it amazing for swimming though.
• San Isidro Beach : super disappointed with the level of trash and low level of sand. The way I’d describe it: a dirty rocky bay.
• Danao Beach : another one not inviting enough to lay around for long.

Sample Bohol Itinerary

Find below a suggested itinerary to explore Bohol and Panglao . Even though I’ve created a list of sights up until 5 full days available in Bohol , I’d say 2 full days is the absolute minimum to have a well-rounded experience of the island.

This itinerary is in order. If you only have 3 days available on the island, my suggestion is that you do the things on the first 3 rows.

Where to stay in Bohol

My first suggestion is to skip beach-front accommodation in Alona Beach . Firstly, all the prices are inflated. And then from what I’ve seen, I can hardly call it a “beach” anymore.

Basing yourself in Panglao is a good idea, specially if you’re looking for some beach-bum time. But instead, base yourself near Alona Beach . If your budget allows, don’t even think twice. Stay in Bohol Beach Club :

Bohol Beach Club

You might never want to leave this place. The setting is fantastic and right next to the best beach I’ve seen in the entire Philippines . Book now >>

I understand if you can’t spend that much. Here’s another suggestion of good value:

Bohol South Beach

Comfy hotel, cose to a private beach. The breakfast is rated as excellent.

Find your accommodation in Bohol

If you want to find your own hotel, start with this shortlist of the top-rated hotels and resorts in Bohol, with WiFi and breakfast included .

Or make your own research:

Food in Bohol

Compared to other places in Southeast Asia like in Vietnam , the food in Philippines can be somewhat disappointing.

Or maybe I was biased because I came to the Philippines coming from Ninh Binh in Vietnam which has some of the most delicious food I’ve tasted.

In any case, I had some pretty nice meals in Bohol .

What to eat in Bohol 🍳

• Chicken Adobo : chicken marineted in a delicious rich sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, peppercorns and bay leaves
• Kare-Kare : traditional Filipino stew complimented with a thick savory peanut sauce. Beef, pork, ox or chicken meats can be used.
• Lechón : roasted suckling pig. I don’t eat babies so I didn’t try this, but I got to say it looked good!
• Halo-halo : the most famous dessert in the Philippines . It’s a rather odd and indulging mix of shaved ice, jelly, sweet beans, coconut and fruits.

Places to eat in Bohol 🍽️

Bohol bee farm restaurant (panglao).

This restaurant in Panglao is part of a hotel with the same name and serves healthy, organic food.

The ingredients come from the owner’s farm and the view of the sea brings up the experience by a notch. They also have a smaller café right in Alona Beach – The Buzz Café – where I went religiously every evening for their organic ice creams.

Gerarda’s Place (Tagbilaran)

Located in Tagbilaran , this family-owned restaurant serves unpretentious, delicious and inexpensive food. Good for trying local flavors. Try the buttered chicken, actually served on butter!

The Wine Cellar (Panglao)

It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum but when you’re on vacations, sometimes you need a treat. Boasting a wide choice of Asian and European dishes and wines from Germany and Austria, you can rest assured to have a neat meal here.

Sunset Grill Authentic Mexican Food (Panglao)

Well, the name says it all! When you’re traveling through Asia , mixing things up with different flavors is a breath of fresh air. This authentic Mexican place with great food and big servings is the place to go.

Coco Loco (Anda)

One of those beach bars serving delicious food all-day-long. Come for the breakfast menus, stay for craft beers. Perfect spot to unwind, with the beach just a few steps away.

🇵🇭 PHILIPPINES | 🌱 Paddy fields. When you stop the bike on the middle of the road to take a picture you know it’s going to be a good one. Paddy fields are such an eye-candy here! #Philippines #itsmorefuninph #PaddyFields #green #nature #ricefields #landscape #ig_NeverStopExploring #WanderOut #Destination_Earth #Wonderful_Places #BeautifulMatters #Fantastic_Earth #TourThePlanet #TheGlobeWanderer #OurPlanetDaily #EarthPix #Sourceadventures #EarthOfficial #WildernessCulture #RoamThePlanet #ThePhotoSociety #TravelPhotography #Goph #the_ph #comeseeph #traversePhilippines #TravelStoriesPH #travel_philippines Uma publicação partilhada por BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) a Dez 22, 2016 às 8:37 PST

Cost of things in Bohol

To give you a good idea of the budget you can expect, I’ll give you some examples of what things can cost. The prices are up-to-date at the date of writing of this article.

Bohol budget and daily costs

• Transportation : The ferry from Cebu on Ocean Jet was 500 pesos (plus extra 100 for the luggage). We haggled down the price of a van from Tagbilaran to Alona for 400 pesos.
• Vehicle rentals : motorbikes can be rented from 350 pesos per day next to Alona Beach . I’m sure you can find for less in other more remote areas.
• Gasoline : if you go to the petrol station, filling your tank can be as low as 100 pesos
• Food : Local restaurants serve main dishes starting at 60 pesos, but on average a lunch would cost around 150-200 pesos. Some restaurants in Alona can be slightly more expensive during dinner: a full meal for 2 people starts at around 300 pesos. A beer starts at 40 pesos.
• Water : don’t forget to hydrate! A big water bottle (1,5L) was around 15-25 pesos.
• Accommodation : I’d say you can expect to pay somewhere between 1000 and 1600 pesos per day for a medium-quality double room in most places in Bohol . Even in Alona Beach . Of course there are backpacker dorms cheaper and resort rooms more expensive than this.
• Entrance fees : everywhere you go in the Philippines you need to pay a small entrance fee (even in airport terminals!). See below the entrance fees for the main sights in Bohol .

I found the prices in Bohol to be in line as compared to other places in the Philippines and a bit lower than in touristy hotspots like El Nido .

If you’re traveling with more people, you can easily get around with less than 1000PHP or 50EUR/USD per day.

Bohol Travel Tips

• Bring sunscreen. You can get burned easily if you’re not careful. Read other stuff to pack while traveling in Southeast Asia .
• Always have some change and small money with you. In the Philippines (too) many places ask for a minimal entrance fee (even churches and airport terminals). They might just change their name to FEE-lipphines.
• Don’t stay right in Alona Beach. Biased by Google Images results and promises of a tropical paradise, I almost made this mistake.

Bohol Review

Bohol stroke me as the most diverse place in the Philippines . While other islands excel in beaches or jungle landscapes, this one seems to have a bit of everything. Sort of a mini-showcase of the Philippines .

While the Chocolate Hills and Dumaluan Beach were definitely an highlight, my fondest memories were actually small things on the day-to-day. Like driving through the island. The winding roads through paddy fields and lush forests are beautiful to look at. The school kids waving at you and older people smiling every time you enter a restaurant or a shop.

The level of infrastructure is just right and it is suited for all kinds of people, from the budget backpacker to the most luxurious traveler. However, some places are starting to lose its charm and yes I’m speaking again of Alona Beach . What a disappointment!

In any case, Bohol is safe, friendly and the definition of adventure. If it’s your first time in the Philippines I highly recommend you stay for a few days.

27 Reasons To Visit The Philippines

Continue reading more about this stunning country with 27 reasons why it should be on your immediate travel plans.

Bohol Travel Guide – Other Useful Links

• Ocean Jet : reliable ferry company in the Philippines
• Weather in Bohol : detailed data about weather in Bohol
• Siquijor Guide – Itinerary, Tourist Spots and Budget
• 7 Awesome Experiences In Bohol And Panglao, Philippines
• My Top 10 Places To Visit in Siquijor Island
• 27 Reasons To Visit The Philippines ASAP

How was Bohol for you? Which island is your favorite in Philippines? Let me know your experience in Bohol and other places in the Philippines!

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135 comments 💬

jame i interesuar te di me shum per ishullin bogol ?………

You’re interested in knowing more? There’s a full blog post right here 😀

Very informative and comprehensive post. I am from Metro Manila but Bohol is one of my favorite provinces to visit. I also share your thought in Alona Beach. Before it was one of the most tourist-visited beaches in Bohol, but according to what you said in one of your blogs, “tourism hits hard Thailand”, I guess that’s what happened in Alona Beach. By the way, the number of islands in your article is not updated though. The Philippines now has 7,641 islands according to the latest data from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

If you can go back soon, I recommend Romblon province for you to visit next time. Visit all of its three islands. It has every nature lover must “visit places.” There are diving sites (even a blue hole), great beaches, waterfalls, mountains to trek, landscapes. It is one of the most underrated places here. And there’s not a lot of tourists there! I’m not sure about you but it’s plus factor for me.

Anyway, I enjoyed reading your blog posts.

Thanks for the insider comment, I appreciate it. Updated the number of islands. And I’ve added Romblon to my bucket list – looks amazing and the sight of few tourists is great. Thank you!!

Wonderful article. I am planning to travel to Bohol next week. Wish me luck. Thanks for sharing this amazing blog post 🙂

How did it go Stella?

I would like to see more of Bohol island before I go

Plenty of pictures here!

What an amazing and comprehensive post on Bohol!! I have visited Bohol twice and I agree with quite a lot of things you have mentioned here (people, food, alona beach, etc.). We at Travel Gentlemen have a soft spot for Bohol because we have several wonderful memories at our stay in Amarela Resort and the people we have met on our trips there. Thank you for featuring your trip in Bohol. Job well done!!

Thanks for your kind words Billy.

Thanks for this very helpful guide. I got a clearer picture on what to do and where to go on my few days stay when I travel there in a couple of weeks. Safe travels & more travel helpful blogs! =)

Thank you, hope you did manage to go in the end.

Thanks for the awesome and informative guide! My friends and I were thinking of having a little food trip in cebu before going to Bohol because we’ll be using the ferry from cebu going there.

That’s a good idea! I spent very little time in Cebu though, so can’t really help there…

Great blog article here. Really informative. Do you think we will be able to visit all or maybe the majority of the spots you mentioned, skipping the island hopping trips and beach activities, through motorcycle in just 2 days? My husband and I are planning to bring along our 2 kids. We have a personal motorcycle that we will be using during the tour. We have no idea how far the spots are from each other.

That is a lot of driving time, but I think it’s possible, yes. Good luck with the weather!

First, extremely informative blog. I ended up doing most of the things written here. For a first timer like me in BOHOL this helps me tremendously. Anyhow my favorite part is the multiple mention of DO NOT STAY IN ALANA i dont know why but everytime i read it i pictured you being so salty BUT i do understand why. Alana is crawling with locals trying to make some $$ out of tourists. It kindah reminds me of old Boracay, crowded and dirty. It has good spots for food tho. But for stays? Definitely a hard pass. Anyway great job on the blog man! And appreciate doing all the research for us 🙂

Thank you so much Airah – it seems we had a similar experience. And I am definitely salty when I say DO NOT STAY IN ALANA! 😀

Hi. An almost perfect blog indeed! Very informative and useful. I’m excited to do a DIY after reading this blog. Thank you for promoting our tourist spots here in PH. More power!

Thank you Meeky, I feel validated

The article is very informative. Thank you for all the tips! I really noted a lot from your personal journey and advice. Have some more travels in the Philippines!

Thanks for passing by Lee. Safe travels!

Glad that i saw this one. We’re going to Cebu-Bohol next week and searching for information that can help us all throughout our journey. Thank you for sharing this, very informative. I’m also looking for Cebu Itinerary. Thank you

Have a wonderful trip Sweety 🙂

I am going to do a travel to the Philippines on July. My idea is visit all the main places. I was thinking on travell by bus but i have seen that sometimes gives problem to the travelers even more if you are foreign. That is why I was thinking on rent a motorbike from people from ther but I am not sure if its risky or not. I heard about different companies the one that gives me more confidence is one called Book2wheel.com does any one know it? Is it safe this option or would you recommendme other one ?

I have never heard of this company. I advise you to book your vehicle once you arrive to the island.

Rented scooter using Book2wheel.com in Manila it was fun. The guy delivered the scooter to the airport. I paid him a 500 pesos delivery fee even though scooter rental was about 300 pesos a day. Rented a scooter for 1 month went everywhere and then return the scooter at the airport it was fun. I would for sure recommend it. Now just check the website you can even rent for 200 pesos a day in manila. This might be due to covid the scooter rental in Manila has become really cheap since no tourists is coming

Hi, super nice, informative blog. We will be going to Panglao this coming April and I am really reading blogs to guide us. Can not find anymore hotels near Dumaluan beach but will surely visit it just to see the difference with Alona. With that, can we just ride a tricycle going there? We will be staying on a hotel near Alona. Do we have to pay something? Thanks a lot in advance.

Of course, tricycles are like taxis, you’ll need to find a driver that takes you there.

Hi! Do you by any chance know when the cabagnow cave pool will open again? I heard they closed it around end of January

I don’t April, I’m sorry!

Thanks for this highly informative blog Bruno! We are a family of 4 and we will be vacationing in Bohol this coming June 2019. It will be some sort of a homecoming for me. My mom is from Bohol and never been there for 30 years! We are currently living in San Francisco CA.

We’ll definitely refer this blog as our guide as we rediscover the beauty of the island. Thanks again!

That will be a special trip Henry 🙂 Enjoy!

Hi Bruno your little guide to Bohol is fantastic, very informative. we are going there at Easter time this year and have found that a lot of the accommodation is already booked out. I guess it is peak holiday time for locals and tourists.

It is indeed, need to book earlier!

Thank you for the information… I will be using this since i was already booked for Bohol this coming holyweek.

Sounds great. Let me know what you think of Bohol!

Hello, I would like to ask if do you have a best place to recommend where we can stay overnight, but we’re on a tight budget. We are going to Bohol this coming Feb 24, our arrival will be on the afternoon. We’d like to stay overnight in Panglao, so that the next morning we can easily get a boat which offers island hopping going to Balicasag and Virgin Island. Please give me some tips and advices. Thank you so much.

If you want something really budget, try Moon Fools Hostel.

It is really helpful to me as I am going Bohol on 27th feb

Let me know how it goes 🙂

very informative and helpful 🙂

Thank you Jasmin, I’m glad it was useful.

I am surfing about Bohol since we’re going there next week. Your blog is VERY helpful. Hopefully you’ll continue with your honest reviews.

Thank you Rowie, let me know what did you think of Bohol!

Hi we are planning on going to bohol next month were family of 8 including 1 month old baby and 7y/o kid. I just want to know is it more cheaper if we will go on our own than taking package tours? Because its too expensive. And do you think we will be able to catch up easily the transportation that we are going to in each destination? Thank you

If there’s anything I learned in my travels is that going on your own is ALWAYS cheaper (and more fun). Not sure what you mean by “catch up easily the transportation” though?

Thank you for the information…learned a lot…quick question though…since we’re a family of five and only one of us has license to drive (motorcycle), and our young ones are 6&8, is it safer than for us to avail of the package tours??? thank you in advance…your response is highly anticipated…thanks again…

I’d look for a private guide with a van or something.

Very informative! Will be coming back to Bohol on November. I was there last year, December. But we only stayed in Henann. It was awesome. And now, be back again but will be staying in another place. Wanna do a DIY trip instead of getting a tour package cause I will be travelling solo. I am considering the motorbike. It is okay to tour around Chocolate hills, tarsier sanctuary, etc.? What are the difficulties you have encountered while touring the place in a motorbike aside from the rain? Thank you for your help!

Hi. I hope you could help me.This is my first time to travel away from Manila with my boyfriend as my birthday gift po. Baka po May pwede kaming masabayan. sobrang mahal po kasi ng tour na inoofer po sa amin. I hope may makatulong din po. Thanks po.

Apart from the tropical weather, the biggest difficulty was the distances involved. Taking a motorbike from Alona area all the way to Chocolate Hills took longer than expected and at the end of the day, my butt was hurt like hell. But that’s us, complete newbies to driving motorbikes, and we still think it was worth it.

Hi, I love this information. I’m planning on going to bohol next year in may. My dad lives there. Do you think three weeks would be too long to stay there? Also I’ve only met my dad once a few years ago so was wondering if you know of any cheap accommodation in case we don’t get along ? I’ll be staying with him. I was planning on only going for two weeks but thought seen I’m going I maybe should stay an extra week. Thanks.

First of all, your dad is very lucky! 🙂 Then, regarding cheap accommodation, take a look at this list and sort by price. Plenty of cheap hostels and guesthouses to choose from.

Is 10 nights too long? Bohol looks amazing and the ease of accessibility from Cebu makes it a no brainier. My husband and I want beaches, a few beach bars, wildlife, and relaxation without jumping all over timbukto. I was in Thailand last spring and wasn’t a fan of travel time to get places.

I don’t think any time is “too long” when you’re talking about a tropical island. All depends on your travel goals and what you are expecting to see and do.

Hi. Is tricycle accessible in Bohol?

It is accessible, yes.

Most useful blog I’ve read so far. Great job!

Awesome! Thank you!

Absolutely fantastic blog. I am planning my vacation around the Philippines now and Bohol is worth a week, however your honest and informed appraisal has reminded me that everything in life is not as it seems in a postcard ! ok I cannot afford the luxury resorts so I am staying at “Nora’s place” with a free scooter ! your guide is an absolute diamond and thank you for your efforts.

Even if you’re not staying at a luxury resort, you’re going to have a gem of a trip. Enjoy!

Hello, Blog listing is so well, this blog very useful and you have mentioned the blog so well. Thank You for sharing us.

Thank you for passing by!

Really useful blog, I’ve recently traveled in the Philippines around Bohol area, used book2wheel, it’s a platform for renting motorbikes from local people, easy access, affordable prices! I’d recommend it to everyone!

Your blog is very informative. It helps tourists and travelers planning to visit bohol. Keep it up!

Thank you jahdiel, that’s the goal anyway!

can I drive a motorbike there without a driver’s license?

Yes. But it’s useful if you know how to ride one 🙂

Good eve..ask lang po..my all in package po ba kayo this april 4-5 days po?

I’m sorry, I don’t understand you. Can you speak in English?

I spent so many days in Bohol – Panglao, to be exact. The vibes there are so rich, I enjoyed each and every day and could rest there after so many weeks of travel and flights. I had tried different accomodations – bunkbeds, normal hotel with private room, higher-end resort and 5* BE Grand, it was fun to see the difference in these places 😀

I only did one further trip. I booked motorbike and went around Pangalo, beuatiful! The other one was typically Chocolate Hills, Tarsier sanctuary, Man Made Forest. If you can, go to Bohol, it is iconic and stunning place 🙂

Thanks for sharing your experience, looks like you had a great time!

Thank you for your description of the beaches. That info is valuable to me as I like to walk. Safe travels!

Happy travels to you too!

Sir, may rent a car din ba?

I’m sorry?

The writer is not a Filipino. If you read his blog, the writer is from Vietnam.

To answer your question – there are rent a car’s available in Tagbilaran port. Or you can just google them. =)

been to bohol with couple of friends. one of my friend’s son acted as our tour guide and we had a van rented. Now my daugther and husband are planning to go to Bohol and they thought because i’ve been there it would be easy for us to go around haha but honestly i can’t be their guide. Thinking of getting a tour package but after reading your blog i felt like a package tour is way too expensive when we could just actually take local rides and book cheap and nice hotels and because we are travelling on a budget. About Dumaluan Island, you mean we had to go through bohol beach club to be able to swim there?

It’s not an island, it’s a beach. You’ll need to pay a fee to the hotel.

I read your review and I found it very informative. My husband and I are going to bohol next month and unfortunately we found a hotel in alona beach. Why did you say it’s a disappointment? I want to know although I would be able to change my date 🙁

Well all the postcards, blogs and images I’ve seen about Alona were of a dreamy unspoilt beach and it was very disappointing to get there to see there was hardly any beach – the sea is occupied by boats (and LOADS of seaweed) and the sand by restaurants. It might have been unlucky or had my expectations not in touch with reality, but it was kind of surreal to be standing in the real sad Alona looking at postcards in souvenir shops of a completely different Alona.

Thanks for this. I’ll be visiting next yr and I will keep your notes in mind. God bless!

Have you tried to stay at Hennan Bohol?

No I haven’t, although I’ve heard good things from a couple there!

Hello, do you think I can go to Bohol on a one day trip from Cebu and be able to do the chocolate hills? Will I have time to do something else? Thanks

Yes it’s possible, just be ready to spend a lot of time traveling!

Planning to visit Bohol in January. Do you recommend visiting the Adventure Park? Is it feasible to visit Chocolate hills, tarsier sanctuary, loboc river, hinagdanan cave, and butterfly sanctuary in a day?

I haven’t been to Adventure Park, so can’t comment on that. It depends if you have your own wheels. With a jeep/car it might be possible, but with bike it will be a rushed and tiring day I reckon.

You just got me super excited planning my trip to Cebu! !!

Thanks for sharing!

I’m excited for you 😀

This blog answers my most questions except for 1.. how much for the entrance fees for children at what age? TIA!

That’s a great question and you’ve caught me off guard. I have no idea, I’m sorry.

Hi! Love your blog! Am planning to travel in Bohol next year around November 2018 and was wondering if you can suggest any local tour guides directly. As we all know, tour agency are way too pricey. Hoping for a prompt response! Thanks in advance!!

Thanks Janna. Sadly I didn’t use any local guides, but I’m sure if you ask around there will be a friendly local willing to give you a tour!

Hello Janna,

As we just returned from 8 days Bohol I can tell you; Ask any hotel staff member if they have a family or friend that can take you around, rent you a scooter or do a boat tour with you! And it is so easy to get around with your own transportation that I highly recommend to rent something for the time that you are there. Hope you enjoy!

I found your blog of Bohol to be absolutely brilliant. My wife and I will be going for 1 week in early January 2018. The only piece of information that I am struggling to find is approximately how long would it take to travel right around the island on a motorbike? I would like to plan an itinerary but it’s hard when I don’t know the travel times. Keep up the great work.

Thank you John. I can say that from Alona to Chocolate Hills we took 1h30 on a bike. We’re not slugs but we were definitely not speeding either. Personally distances were larger than I imagined, so I assume going around the entire island can take a full (and long) day.

How much is the entrance fee to Bohol Beach Club?

I don’t want to lie, but I think the entry fee to that area was around 300 php/person.

Yay! Unbelievable . So excited to visit Bohol this weekend. Great job. Indeed 🙂

You’re going to have a blast!

Finally came across a detailed & an updated blog! Been searching this past few days coz our family will go to Bohol this October & im the travel planner… Thanks a lot for your story, such a big help for doing our itinerary!

Thank you for your feedback and good luck with your planning! 🙂

Hello Sir do you have any idea about Little Paris in Bohol is there any place like that?

Sorry I’ve never even heard of that!

Easily the most helpful blog I’ve read about Bohol, yet. Well written, easy to follow, and informative. Thank you!

Yay, thank you!

A very nice article. I wish I had read your article before going to Bohol.

Thank you! You can always share to friends or family going 🙂

Very informative job! I am a solo female traveller to Bohol, and I plan to go around through a bicycle. IS it doable? Time is not really an issue. Thanks heaps!

Well I guess it really depends on your fitness level. From Alona to Chocolate Hills we took almost 1:30-2 hours on a motorcycle, with some hilly parts.

Personally can’t imagine doing it on a bicycle; but if you plan accordingly and staying in places as you go (as opposed to going and coming back every day), it is doable!

We are two adult with two 5yr kids planning to visit bohol for 3 nights. I have been through travelbuddy & bohol life tour packages. They are doing the country side tour in one day. My question is that a whole day is enough for a country side tour? Such tours include Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Man made forest ,Choco Hills, Loboc River Cruise (lunch at the floating Restaurant), Tarsier Interaction Hanging Bridge Python snake- biggest snake in captivity Butterfly park Aproniana Gift Shoppe

Alot more than what you covered in one day. Above tour includes 20-30minutes stay at choclate hills. Do you think its enough? What would you recommend?

Well for me it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. If you want to rush your holidays, spend the day squeezed in a van with more people and rallying across these sights, go ahead.

Plus, I don’t see the appeal of Butterfly Park and Python Snakes.

I always recommend a DIY plan, allowing you enough time to be where you want when you want, but hey, each to its own.

Hi! I would like to ask about the vans in Tagbilaran port. Are there ready available vans that would go to Panglao? Since i’ll be travelling solo, is it advisable to join on tour groups?

Basically there are loads of people who will try to sell you a spot on their vans. We joined 3 more people who were just standing there and negotiated as a group – highly recommend as the price went down significantly.

Thanks for the informative post! Do check out our coverage on Travelling from Cebu to Bohol by Ferry as well!

Happy Travels Everyone!

Tom, 2bearbear.com

Thanks for your suggestion. Links in comments are not allowed though, so had to remove it from yours.

how much the cost if form Cebu to 3 destinations of Bohol like Chocolate Hills,Tarsier Sanctuary,Hinagndanan Cave?

Can you be more specific? We got to Bohol by ferry from Cebu and then rented a bike to visit those places. We didn’t hire any tour. All the prices are listed above.

cebu to tagbilaran Php 400 via 2GO or ferry available at the pier and then you can rent a tricycle Php 300 going to chocolate hills, tarsier sanctuary, hinagdanan cave or rent a van or join in a tour its your own choice

Was there in Bohol last March. Sad to say, lots of scammers in there. From Tagbilaran port to Alona Beach and even to Balicasag island. Be careful with those guys selling the island hopping tours at the beach side, what u paid for is only for the boat rental, once you arrived in Balicasag Island, you will be handed over to their contact whose gonna lead you for snorkeling , charges you 250php for entrance only for that area, charges 100php for the snorkel gear, charge another 100 for water shoes and additional charge 250php if you want to go to another corner they called turtle area. and WORST, the boatman will take you to that shore where their contact for small eatery is located which offers highly overpriced breakfast (300php for a plate of corned beef, rice & 2 small sausages and a cup of coffee) You wont have a choice but to order from them or otherwise, you cant use their table on the shore to lay your bags and they wont guarantee the safety of your belongings while youre off snorkeling. Bruh! the beach is superb though.Very clear water. Countryside tour is also not worthy. It was only the trip to Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Sanctuary thats interesting. Butterfly Garden & Phyton Sanctuary? Really? whats special bout it? Loboc Lunch Cruise, looks like amateur homemade cooking that’s poorly presented. Hey, raise the standard even if it means raising the price. Tourist went there of course armed with some amount to spend, at least show them the best of your dishes. One thing is true though, Balicasag and Virgin Islands are really great but if locals will keep on ripping tourist the way they do, many will in no doubt take this place off in their bucket list in the future.

Thanks very much for sharing your experience I’m sorry you didn’t have the best time in Bohol.

Yes, I’m aware that many tours in Bohol are scams and full hawkers, that’s why I created this DIY travel guide to the island. In my opinion, exploring Bohol on your own provides a far superior experience than going with any tours. Like I mentioned, the best of the island is to get on a bike/car and immerse yourself in the culture and in the landscape.

I’d never go to Python Sanctuary or Butterfly Garden, I just included them on the article for reference.

As for Balicasag, we ended up not going either. I’ve heard the same form online reviews but all I heard was good things from people there. In any case I can’t really comment.

It’s a shame that such beautiful places are getting destroyed by the greed of some people. Nothing against charging fees or raising prices, but you need to increase a service of quality in return. That’s why I prefer to do almost everything on my own and leave tours to when it’s strictly needed.

Awesome advise. Will visit this april and your guide is a good help. 🙂

Great to hear! enjoy!

I’m planning a trip to the Philippines in April and this blog post is so honest and helpful! Thanks for the tips. I’ll avoid Alona!

Thanks Mimi, honest policy around here! 🙂 Have a great time in Bohol!

It’s a Lovely place i think it is located in the Central Visayas region and consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding. Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines.

thanks for this trivia! 🙂

After reading this guide, I must say that Bohol is really a worth seeing the place. Especially I would love to visit Chocolate Hills, Camamen the Islan of Chocolate.

Thanks for passing by. It’s a lovely place, such a diverse island!

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Bohol itinerary: 20 best bohol tourist spots and things to do (travel guide blog 2024 for first-timers).

Looking for top things to do in Bohol and best tourist spots to visit this 2024? Let this Bohol Travel Guide Blog with sample itinerary, places to visit, recommended hotels and resorts, tours, and travel tips help you plan an unforgettable Bohol adventure!

2024 bohol travel guide blog for first-timers (updated) - things to do in bohol, tourist spots & places to visit, quick facts about bohol.

• Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines in terms of land area. It is consisted of Bohol island itself and 75 surrounding smaller islands including Panglao Island.
• Tagbilaran City is capital city of Bohol Province. Panglao Island near Tagbilaran City, where most resorts are located is a popular destination among tourists.
• Access: Bohol has a new international airport, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport also known as New Bohol International Airport. It services all flights coming to the province. You can also reach Bohol via ferry from Cebu, Dumaguete or Siquijor.
• Language: Boholano or Cebuano, but English and Tagalog are also widely spoken.
• Currency: Philippine peso (PHP).
• Mode of Payment: Most hotels and resorts, especially the big ones accept credit and debit cards. But cash is preferred in most establishments. Some big resorts have ATMs if you need to withdraw cash. Or you may go to Tagbilaran City where many banks and ATMs can be found. Money remittance centers such as Western Union can also be found in the city.
• Public Transportation: Main mode of transportation within the city is the jeepney. Buses, shuttle vans and tricycles (3-wheeled vehicles) are also available.
• Both Globe and Smart mobile signals work very well in Bohol, especially in the city. Mobile data internet are also available in many areas in the city and in Panglao Island.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BOHOL?

How to get to bohol, cebu to bohol, siquijor to bohol, dumaguete to bohol, bohol private car / van rental.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)

1. Visit the Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran City

2. River Cruise at Loboc River

Other must-try activity in loboc river.

• Loboc River Stand Up Paddle Adventure - Cruise through the famed Loboc River with your own paddle board!

3. Visit Baclayon Church

4. Take a closer look at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen

5. Cross the Bamboo Hanging Bridge in Tigbao

6. Explore the Man-made Forest in Bilar

7. Meet and greet the cute little Bohol Tarsier

8. beach bumming in alona beach, panglao island.

9. Experience Extreme Adventure at Danao Adventure Park

10. Dauis Church

11. Doljo Beach

12. Bohol Dolphin Watching

13. Balicasag Island

14. Bohol Bee Farm

15. Hinagdanan Cave

16. Anda Beach, Cabagnow Cave and Candijay

• See the most beautiful sights of the eastern tip of Bohol on a hassle-free tour
• Relax by Anda Beach, known as one of the best beaches in Bohol
• Be mesmerized with the hole in the ground cavepool known as the Cabagnow Cave and jump in, if you dare!
• See the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and get a glimpse of how local farmers live
• Take a dip in Can-umantad Falls, the tallest waterfalls in the entire province of Bohol

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴀɴɢᴇʟᴏ ᴠíʟʟᴀɴᴜᴇᴠᴀ (@geeloobee) on Jul 3, 2016 at 12:30am PDT

17. Panglao Church

18. Discover Scuba Diving in Bohol

• Discover the sport of scuba diving with the constant guidance of PADI certified instructors.
• Learn about the equipment and the proper method of breathing underwater with your gear.
• Explore the depths of the sea and witness Bohol’s vibrant corals and thriving marine life.
• This activity doesn’t require any previous experience - you don't even need to be able to swim!

19. Napaling Sardine Run Experience in Bohol

• Make your way to Bohol and join this exhilarating sardine run experience with your family and friends!
• Swim amid the thousands to millions of sardines at Napaling and be astonished by this natural phenomenon.
• See schools of sardines encircle around you as you snorkel close to the shores of Napaling.
• Enjoy a convenient experience that is complete with air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees, and snorkeling masks!

20. Buy some Souvenirs

RECOMMENDED HOTELS AND RESORTS IN BOHOL

• Amorita Resort Bohol - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!
• Please read my review on Amorita Resort
• Henann Resort Alona Beach - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!
• Please read my review Henann Resort Alona Beach
• Momo Beach House - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!
• Please read my review on Momo Beach House
• The Bellevue Resort - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!
• Please read my review on The Bellevue Resort
• Bohol Beach Club - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!
• Cherry's Home (Cherry's Inland Resort) - √ SEE DISCOUNTED ROOM RATES + PHOTOS!

RECOMMENDED BOHOL TOUR PACKAGES

If you're coming from cebu city and just want to visit bohol on a day tour, you may avail a bohol sightseeing day tour. for hassle-free, affordable, and organized bohol tour, i recommend that you book a sight-see bohol day tour from trusted and reputable travel agency based in bohol., sight-see bohol day tour from cebu.

• Catch a glimpse of the world's smallest primate - the tarsier!
• Take a cruise along the Loboc River while eating delicious local food
• Stand in awe as you visit Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills
• Visit a colorful butterfly sanctuary and stroll through a lush forest
• Hotel transfers, guide services, ferry tickets and lunch are all included in the tour

If you're flying-in via Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), or you're arriving by ferry from Dumaguete, Cebu, or Siquijor, you may consider these Bohol Tour Packages. Private group tours and Join-in tours are available.

Bohol countryside tour, sample itinerary.

• Time: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
• Pick-ups at hotel/resort at 9:00 AM
• Baclayon Church
• Corella Tarsier Sanctuary
• Loboc River Cruise (Lunch)
• Bilar Man-Made Forest
• Chocolate Hills
• Aproniana Souvenir Shops
• Travel Back to Hotel at 4:00 PM

Bohol Island Hopping and Dophin Watching Tour

• Discover Bohol's most beautiful islands - Balicasag and Virgin Island - as you embark on this memorable island hopping tour.
• Snorkel in the pristine waters of Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary, and swim with numerous fishes and corals.
• Get up close with the marine species of Bohol while fish feeding at Balicasag Reef.
• Cruise to the tropical paradise, Virgin Island, a beautiful sand bar exposed during low tide.

Anda Bohol Tour Package : Explore Bohol's Best

• The iconic Chocolate Hills
• The lush Bilar Man-Made Forest
• Encounter the world's smallest primates at the Tarsier Sanctuary
• Relax with activities on the Loboc River and visit the historic Baclayon Church
• The Cabagnow Cave Pool
• Lamanok Island
• The breathtaking Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
• The Can-Umantad Falls

SAMPLE BOHOL ITINERARY

If you're flying directly to bohol via bohol-panglao international airport (tag), you may choose any of these affordable bohol tour packages:, bohol countryside tour itinerary.

• 09:00 am - hotel pick up
• Blood Compact Site
• Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
• 12:00 pm - Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch
• Bilar Manmade Forest
• Souvenir Shopping
• 04:00 pm - hotel drop off

Bohol Countryside with Panglao Highlights Tour Itinerary

• 08:00 am - hotel pick up
• Baclayon Church and Museum
• Butterfly Sanctuary
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Dauis Church
• Panglao Watchtower
• Shell Museum
• Bohol Bee Farm tour
• 06:00 pm - hotel drop off

Coming from Cebu, here's a sample Bohol Day Tour itinerary:

Sightsee bohol day tour itinerary from cebu.

• 07:00 am - approximately, hotel pick up time
• 09:20 am - ferry transfer to Tagbilaran
• 11:20 am - arrive at Tagbilaran Port
• 11:45 am - view famous Tarsiers
• 12:30 pm - lunch at the Loboc river cruise
• 01:30 pm - see the famous Chocolate Hills
• 02:30 pm - sightsee at Bilar man-made forest, Butterfly Sanctuary
• 03:30 pm - visit Baclayon Church & Museum and Blood Compact Monument
• 05:00 pm - end of tour
• 05:30 pm - return ferry back to Cebu
• 07:30 pm - arrive back in Cebu, hotel drop off

TRAVEL TIP: If you have more time to explore Bohol, please check out my post: Sample Bohol Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour or More!

Bohol travel essentials.

• Private Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) or Tagbilaran Seaport Transfer for Panglao - Travel comfortably between Tagbilaran Airport or Seaport and your hotel in Panglao and vice versa.
• Private Car Rental - For ease and convenience in exploring Bohol, private car rental is available for a hassle-free trip. You can book it online and reserve in advance.
• Local SIM Card or WiFi Device - To stay connected to the internet while in the Philippines, you may purchase a SIM Card or rent a travel WIFI device. This will also save you a lot on data roaming charges if you're coming from abroad.

Bohol Travel Requirements? What do you need to travel to Bohol?

There you have it my top things to do in bohol, tourist spots and places to visit for your bohol itinerary i hope this bohol travel guide blog helps indeed, there are just so many things that you can do and enjoy in bohol that will surely make your trip memorable. go pack your bag and experience beautiful bohol.

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3 comments :.

i think the chocolate hills in carmen are 1,260 all in all since the 8 hills vanished because of the earthquake.

Hi! Thank you for this wonderful information. We've got some ideas about the Bohol's tourists spots and attraction such as the Chocolate Hills and their white sand beaches. It's a big help for us because me and my family are planning to have a vacation leave this July 2022 in Bohol and I hope that we're able to see you and guide us in our travelling. I'm expecting that the following requirements is finalized and there are no other adjustments because as of now, we're preparing some of the needed requirements as travellers. And again, thank you very much and I'm looking forward to you Sir!

Since your trip is in July which is 3 months from now, there might be changes in the requirements. Please check back again soon!

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Chocolate Hills in Bohol: How to Go, Best Time to Go, Activities & Tours

Chocolate Hills Facts & Information

What is the legend of chocolate hills, where is chocolate hills located, how were the chocolate hills formed, how many chocolate hills are found in bohol, best time to visit chocolate hills, how to go to chocolate hills.

• Chocolate Hills Tours and Activities

Chocolate Hills Complex Viewpoint in Carmen

Sagbayan peak viewpoint.

• Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP)
• Chocolate Hills ATV Rental
• Travel Tips

Nearby Attractions

The island province of Bohol in the Philippines may be smaller than its Visayan neighbors, Cebu and Negros, which are home to some of the top tourist spots in Visayas  and most beautiful islands in the Philippines , but it doesn't fall short of stunning sights and activities, such as its famous Chocolate Hills. 

Joining Chocolate Hills tours will treat you to a breathtaking view of a thousand beautiful cone-shaped hills stretched over 50 square kilometers of land across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. This is the tourist spot that put Bohol on the map of top tourist destinations in the Philippines , and that has baffled many geologists.

The majestic Chocolate Hills is one of the Philippines' most popular tourist attractions and is the top destination for Bohol tours  aside from island hopping in the Philippines . It got its name from its strange yet unique formation and rich vegetation that turns into chocolate brown during the dry months, hence, the name. 

• Read our articles on the best resorts in Bohol , the best beachfront resorts in Bohol , and the best budget-friendly resorts in Bohol

The Chocolate Hills is declared the Philippines' 3rd National Geological Monument and is dubbed as an Eight Wonder of the World. It won't take long before you realize why it's one of the must-visit destinations in the country once you see its scenic characteristics firsthand. These iconic hills are even featured in the 200 Philippine Peso bill. You can conveniently explore them via a Bohol Chocolate Hills tour

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

Relaxing 4-day beachfront mithi resort bohol package from manila, fuss-free 3-day bohol package at mithi resort with airfare from manila & transfers, 4-day premier bohol beach club resort package with breakfast & airport transfers.

Complete your  Bohol itinerary by visiting this world-famous geological wonder. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip: 

Bohol's most famous tourist attraction is a sight to behold. But the stories and facts behind it are what make these more interesting for travelers who visit them in Bohol. 

There are various legends about the origin of Bohol's Chocolate Hills originated. One legend says that two fighting giants were throwing stones and sands, which then became the mounds known as the Chocolate Hills. A more romantic version tells a tale about a giant who fell in love with a human girl. When the human died, the giant cried and his tears became the Chocolate Hills.

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol are spread across multiple towns including Bilar, Carmen, Butuan, and more. The Chocolate Hills Complex, a viewing deck that's most visited by travelers to see these mounds, is located in Carmen. 

According to the bronze plaque found at the Chocolate Hills viewing deck in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills were formed by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion.

There are about 1,260 Chocolate Hills in Bohol but it's also reported that they are as many as 1,776 Chocolate Hills scattered around an area of 50 square kilometers. 

The least chance of rainfall is during April. These months make it the best time to visit Chocolate Hills and experience Bohol activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, in the island province.  

Photo by the Philippine Department of Tourism

The Chocolate Hills showcase its iconic chocolate brown look during the dry months of January to May. During the rainy season, the hills' grass turns into a vibrant green, giving them that mint chocolate color. More travelers visit during the dry season when the hills appear exactly as it's called. 

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The province of Bohol is accessible from major cities of the primary islands of the Philippines, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Your jump-off to get here is Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island in Bohol. 

From the Bohol-Panglao Airport, you can make your way to the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal and ride the bus or van to either Carmen or Sagbayan town. When you reach Carmen, ride a habal-habal to take you to the Chocolate Hills Complex. 

For a convenient trip, it's highly recommended to hire Bohol transfers or book Bohol tours with vehicle service . 

• See our Cebu-Bohol tour packages
• Book your Cebu to Bohol ferry ticket

Upon arrival in Tagbilaran port, you can hop on a tricycle to go to Dao Integrated Bus Terminal. From there, take the bus or van bound for Carmen or Sagbayan town and ask to be dropped off at the junctions leading to either Chocolate Hills Complex Viewpoint in Carmen or Sagbayan Peak.  

Chocolate Hills Tours and Activities  

The unique geological formations of Bohol's Chocolate Hills can be enjoyed in different ways since it's accessible from almost all parts of the island province. Here are some of the various Chocolate Hills experiences that you can choose from: 

The complex is built from two chocolate hills. It is developed into an observation area complete with a cemented road, restaurant, conference room, swimming pool, activity area, and covered deck rest stops to the viewing deck.

Travelers would have to climb the 200+ steps leading to the 360-degree overlooking deck to get the extraordinary sight of seemingly endless Hershey's Chocolate Kisses-like hills covering the massive landscape.  

The Chocolate Hills Complex established new buildings to accommodate guests who wish to stay overnight in the middle of the Chocolate Hills. Alternatively, day tour visitors can find this Complex Viewpoint included in the countryside tours of Bohol . 

It's about 10 miles away from the Chocolate Hills Complex Viewpoint in Carmen, and it offers a more spacious and less touristy viewing experience. 

The resort offers a variety of facilities for the guests, including an open-sided chapel, a tarsier sanctuary, a covered pavilion for guests to dine, an air-conditioned café, and a butterfly dome that houses 18 different butterfly species.

There are also several cartoon character figures scattered around the area that are a joy to look at, especially for kids. 

Apart from the beautiful brown hills, visitors can also get a glimpse of the sea that separates Bohol and the island of Cebu. 

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP)

Photo by Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

If you're up to bring your Chocolate Hills tour to a thrilling escapade, make sure to visit the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP), where you can experience biking midair (Bike Zip) or surf zipline (The Wave Runner) overlooking the scenic view of the beautiful hills. 

It is an eco-tourism park located at Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen. Apart from the Bike Zip and The Wave Runner, visitors can also enjoy the park's many activities and facilities, such as their Rope Courses, feed chickens and fishes, admire butterflies as well as the rich flora and fauna in "Ang Paru-Paro" Butterfly Garden, go horseback riding, and trek up and down their Eco-Hiking Trail, among others. 

Right before the long stairs leading to the viewing deck, visitors can check out the Serpentarium, where different species and sizes of snakes are aplenty.

See our popular Firefly Watching Tours

Bohol firefly watching private evening cruise at abatan river with transfers, palawan coron firefly watching walking tour with dinner & transfers, palawan puerto princesa bay cruise & iwahig river firefly watching tour with dinner & transfers, chocolate hills atv rental .

Photo by Chocolate Hills ATV Rental 

For those who want some nature adventure with their Chocolate Hills tour sightseeing, hit the trails by going on a Bohol ATV ride ! You can either choose a guided tour or simply rent an ATV for this exhilarating experience. 

Travelers will be given a quick orientation about how to control the ATV and be taught safety guidelines, and they would need to sign a waiver before hitting the terrain.  

Travel Tips 

While many major establishments in Bohol accept credit cards, and even though you can find ATMs and money changers in Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island, it would still be more convenient if you bring Philippine Peso (PHP) with you.

• Read our article on where to eat in Bohol

Always carry smaller bills in 20, 50, and 100 denominations and loose change for easier and faster transactions. This comes in handy when taking public transportation and buying food from vendors.  

What to Wear

When it comes to what you should wear, you don't have to overthink your options. Make sure to pick breathable clothing pieces, such as light summer clothes, for your comfort. Since the weather is always unpredictable, bring a light rain jacket even if you're only going on a Chocolate Hills half day tour . 

Don't be afraid to ask questions or directions when in Bohol. While many locals in Bohol can speak Cebuano and Tagalog, most of them can understand English. Smile and say hi, and they'll welcome your inquiries warmly.

Apart from the Chocolate Hills itself, you can find other Bohol tourist spots not too far from the famous hills. Here are some of them:

Bilar Man-Made Forest 

Travelers going to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen will be passing along the enchanting Bilar Man-Made Forest, that is why it has become a popular pit stop and photo-op spot for tourists.  

The lush man-made forest, composed of tall white and red mahogany trees, is situated on the border of Loboc and Bilar and runs 2-kilometers long. It's part of the reforestation project to prevent the Loboc watershed deforestation.  

Passing through the man-made forest, you'll notice a sudden change in temperature, especially during summer. The overhanging trees block the sun entirely, greeting you with a cool breeze. The dense forest looks as if it's straight out of a fantasy film, making it a good stop for a travel photo. 

Tarsier Sanctuary

• Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor tour package
• El Nido-Cebu-Bohol tour package

While there are more than one tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol, many tourists visit the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary and Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc. These sanctuaries will not only allow you to meet these cute little animals up close but also educate you more about the species. 

See our popular Tarsier Conservation Tours

Bohol private countryside tour with loboc river cruise buffet & transfers.

Plan Your Trip to Bohol's Chocolate Hills

This famed site will not disappoint, and chances are, visiting it will become one of the highlights of your Philippine tours . If you want a hassle-free stay in Bohol, book any of our Mithi Resort promo , Bohol Beach Club promo, or browse our other best-value Bohol packages .

Check out other reasons why you should visit the Philippines  aside from visiting the unique geographical features of the Philippines like the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Explore other destinations and Philippines guided tours when you browse online trip booking websites and the top Philippines travel agency Guide to the Philippines. 

Aside from tours to top tourist spots, you can also find the best Philippines trip package in Guide to the Philippines. Choose from our many vacation packages for couples , all inclusive family vacation packages with accommodation at 5 star hotels in the Philippines ,  luxury resorts in the Philippines , and farm resorts in the Philippines .

Read our travel guide to Bohol to learn how to get to Bohol , Bohol travel requirements , how to plan your Bohol tourist spots itinerary , activities and things to do in Bohol , where to stay like Bohol beach resorts , and diving in Bohol . Make sure to read up on the latest Philippines travel requirements before your trip for a hassle-free vacation. 

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Bohol Tarsiers: The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary Travel Guide

Did you know that Asia is home to some of the world’s most exotic animals? If you’re looking for an exciting travel destination, consider the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol .

Here, you’ll have a chance to see the world’s smallest primate up close and personal! Keep reading for more information on this unique sanctuary.

Table of Contents

About the Tarsier

Tarsiers are one of the oldest mammal species on earth. They’ve been around for 45 million years and are thought to be related to monkeys, apes, and humans.

These creatures are tiny! An adult tarsier is only about 4 to 5 inches tall and weighs less than 5 ounces. Despite their small size, they have big round eyes that help them see in the dark.

Tarsiers are nocturnal animals, which means they’re most active at night. During the day, they usually sleep clinging to branches or the trunks of slim trees.

Although they look cute and cuddly, tarsiers are actually quite delicate creatures. They easily get stressed out and can even die from too much noise or human interaction.

Tarsiers are also slow to reproduce. Females usually only give birth to one baby at a time and they only have one mating season per year. This low reproduction rate makes it difficult for tarsiers to bounce back from population decline.

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located in Corella, Bohol. It’s a protected area that covers more than 160 hectares of forest.

This sanctuary was established in order to help conserve the tarsier population. The sanctuary works to educate the public about these unique creatures and their habitat. They also work to rehabilitate sick or injured tarsiers.

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is open to the public and has become a popular eco-tourism destination.

When you visit, you’ll be able to learn all about tarsiers in the exhibition area. There are also conference rooms, a souvenir shop, an audiovisual room, and a library full of tarsier-related information.

The sanctuary offers guided tours led by experienced guides. They’ll take you on a short trek through the forest and help you spot some of these shy creatures.

If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a baby tarsier! Seeing one of these rare animals in person is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Getting There

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located in Corella, Bohol. The best way to get there is by taking a bus, renting a car or motorbike. Once you’re in Corella, follow the signs to the sanctuary.

See the Tarsiers by tour

You can also see the Tarsiers as a part of the Countryside Tour at an affordable price. These trips are quite popular in Bohol, and they’re an excellent way to learn about the island while staying safe. For more information and availability, click the button below:

Fees and Opening Hours

The entrance fee is P150 per person. Children 7 years old and below are free of charge. Senior citizens and students are given 20% discount. Bring your ID.

The sanctuary is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm daily.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary are from January to May when the weather is dry and cool.

What to Expect

When we visited the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that the sanctuary does not keep the tarsiers in cages. In fact, they have taken great care to preserve the natural habitat of these creatures.

The guides are very knowledgeable about the tarsiers and are more than happy to share information about these fascinating animals.

We highly recommend you take a guided tour of the sanctuary so that you can learn all about the tarsiers and see them in their natural habitat. It lasts 15 to 30 minutes but you’ll be able to see these rare creatures up close and personal.

During the tour, we got to see three tarsiers up close! One turned its head 180 degrees which was creepy but cute! Haha. It was truly an amazing experience. My face hurt from smiling so much.

Ryk and I were giggling like little girls the whole time. We were just so happy to see these rare and beautiful creatures.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, we highly recommend you visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary!

Want to Donate to the Sanctuary?

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. (PTFI) is a non-profit organization that runs the sanctuary. They rely on donations to help fund their conservation efforts.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so through PayPal or bank deposit. See the photo below for the details.

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