travel brochure examples in bohol

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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Bohol Island, Philippines – Comprehensive Travel Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive Bohol travel guide, a part of our larger guide to the Philippines. Bohol, located in Central Visayas region and almost at the heart of the Philippines, is one of our favorite travel destinations for its unique combination of natural beauty and man-made attractions, including the serene Bohol countryside and exciting Bohol countryside tours. Although it’s not as popular as other tourist spots in the Philippines, our numerous trips here have shown us that each trip to Bohol reveals more of its beauty. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information for travelers to Bohol, especially if it’s your first time in Bohol.

How to Get to Bohol Island

Embarking on your trip to Bohol starts with choosing your mode of transportation to this enchanting destination in Bohol. Accessible by both air and sea, the journey itself is part of the Bohol experience. Flights, especially those by Cebu Pacific, offer a quick and convenient way to get to Bohol. This section of your travel guide to Bohol details all you need to know about reaching this beautiful island, whether it’s your first-time in Bohol or a return visit.

Regular flights from Manila make it convenient to fly to Bohol, arriving at Panglao Airport. The flight duration, usually around an hour, makes a quick trip to Bohol quite feasible. Notably, in our last visit in June 2023, we were pleasantly surprised when our journey to Bohol from Manila landed us directly in Panglao, a popular starting point for many Bohol itineraries.

There are direct international flights going to Bohol, but they’re mostly from Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. It changes from time to time though. And in our last visit, the only international flight schedule I saw was from South Korea. So if you’re coming from another country, the best option you have is to get a connecting flight from your country to Manila International Airport, then get on a plane to Bohol from there.

Click here to know more details about how to get to Bohol.

If you’re adventurous, I know there’s an option to go to Bohol by Ferry . You can go to Cebu City first and hop on a Ferry from there. Travel time to the island of Bohol from Cebu is 1 to 2 hours. Choose fast craft vessels for a faster and more comfortable travel. Click here for more information on how to go to Bohol from Manila .

Hotels and Accommodations

Bohol offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels and resorts in Bohol. Whether you’re planning your stay around the island or seeking a beachfront property, you’ll find suitable options for every travel lifestyle. Below are some tips to help you choose the best place for your Bohol trip.

Budget Hotels

There are numerous budget hotels in Bohol. On our last visit we stayed at a budget hotel for $100/night, breakfast included. The room easily fits 5 people.  And the room right beside even had a family of 8 inside.

Boutique Hotels

If you want a more personalized experience and service, go with boutique hotels. They typically have 10 to 20 rooms. This means less noise and foot traffic and more attentive service.

Vacation Rentals

This could be private villas, apartments, or houses available for rent for a period of time. This is great for travelers who want more space, privacy , and just be able to move the way you want to. that home-away-from-home experience. Kind of like having a home away from home. If you’re traveling in a big group, I think this is a great choice.

I’ve seen some recently near Alona beach. They provide room accommodation only with basic amenities like bathroom and air conditioning. If I remember correctly I saw the ad saying $20 a night. Could be worth looking into for backpackers. After all, backpacking in Bohol is very economical.

I love resorts because they combine comfort, luxury, and stunning views. Bohol offers a number of notable resorts, including luxury resorts, with a loyal following. And most of them have their own beachfront. It could be a bit pricey but it’s worth it especially if you want to combine adventure and relaxation.

Some of the more popular resorts in Bohol are the Bohol Beach Club, South Palms Resort, and Henann Resort in Alona.

With this many options, choosing your accommodation in Bohol should not be a problem, just make sure to consider the hotel’s price and location to get the best hotel in Bohol for your stay. And if you’re still wondering what area to stay in Bohol, click here to read the article.

Bohol Tourist Spots

If it’s your first time to visit Bohol, I highly recommend that you stay in Panglao first. It’s “beginner friendly” as it’s the most visited place in Bohol. And there’s a lot of tourist spots in Panglao and nearby places. If you want to learn where to go in Bohol Panglao, read this article .

Chocolate Hills

These hills are actually grass-covered hills shaped like chocolate kisses. Chocolate hills got it’s name from the fact that they turn to chocolate brown in the summer or dry season. So, if you want to catch the chocolatey color, you better visit during summer time in the Philippines(March to May).

Fun fact, we were told initially that the chocolate hills count to around 1200. But it increases every time we visit. In our last visit, our local guide said its number sits at 2000 plus, I’m not sure if that’s accurate. I don’t even know who’s counting! Just to add, I read that these hills are made with marine limestone or something.

Take note that if you want to get a vantage point, you will have to visit the town of Carmen where the Chocolate Hills Complex is located. Then you have to get to the summit of the viewing area. It’s around 200 steps to the top. It’s worth it though, you can take great pictures there for your instagram. This is one of the best places to visit here so make sure to include this in your itinerary.

When you’re in Bohol, definitely come and see these hills. This could be the single top reason why you should visit Bohol in the first place.

Tarsiers are endemic to the Philippines. One of the smallest primates in the world, measuring only about 3 to 6 inches. They have big brown eyes. And looking into those eyes you’ll read “please let me sleep” because they are nocturnal animals. So I don’t look them in the eye. Luckily every time we visit they are mostly asleep. It seems they’re not disturbed much by the noise.

You can visit these little creatures at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in the municipality of Corella. Although tarsiers are considered a tourist attraction, please be considerate and don’t make any loud noises. Make sure to turn off your camera flash too.

I can say that the beaches in Bohol rival the more popular ones in the Philippines. The white beaches have powdery sand too and the water is just beautiful, oh my goodness most waters in the beach are turquoise green! It’s very pleasant to the eyes and very serene.

Alona beach is actually one of the most popular beaches here, I think it’s because it’s one of the first commercial beaches in the area. There’s tons of businesses and establishments on the sandbar. And just nearby the beach, there’s Alona Square where firedance happens every night, and most tourists gather there too.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

If you’re a history buff or you’re just someone who likes to know stories about the places you visit, you’d be pleased to know that Bohol has some places with historic significance. Churches that are hundreds of years old. Sites where this and that happened, I think the most famous one is the blood compact. I’m ashamed to say I can’t remember all those events from our history class.

Loboc River

Yes, Loboc River is a famous tourist spot, but I think it’s more the Loboc River Cruise than the actual river itself. It’s a river cruise where you get to eat on the boat while it’s cruising. And at the end of the trip you’ll see some natives or locals doing their dance and you can take a picture with them.

Oh, it’s a buffet so you can eat as much as you want. And they are serving Filipino dishes of course. There’s also a small band playing “oldies but goodies” songs if you’re into that.

Bohol Bee Farm

Bohol bee farm is an organic farm showcasing their sustainable practices. At the heart of the farm if of course their bee colonies where they get their honey from. They have this farm-to-table model where all their ingredients are freshly picked from their farm. If you only eat organic foods, this is one of the best places you could. If you’re in to sustainable tourism , this is a must visit.

We tried their organic ice cream, which was surprisingly good. I thought it was going to taste like something else but it was really good. I think they also sell their ice cream in the nearby areas because I saw a stall selling it in Alona Square.

If you’re wondering where else you can find a place to eat, read this article .

Virgin Island

One of the top tourist spots in Bohol, I think it’s because of the name, it’s very intriguing right? This is actually a very small island with a white sand beach. The thing is, during high tide, you can’t see the beach, and the whole island, because it’s covered in water. I would rename it to “Hiding Island” because of this, but that’s just unappealing I guess and the water only goes up to your shin at max.

Fun fact, there used to be some restaurants on the island a few years back where you can enjoy fresh seafood, But because there were reports of overpricing from tourists, the local government removed them altogether to protect the visitors and preserve the integrity of the place. I think this is a great testament showing the government’s concern for the place and the tourists.

Something to take note of, before going to Virgin Island, you will have a stop-over at Balicasag Island. This is a good site for snorkeling.

There’s a ton of popular destinations here in Bohol. I can’t cover them in one go, but I am going to release more articles to cover more places and detail each one according to our experience. To give you more ideas, you can visit the official Bohol page of the Philippines Tourism Department .

Activities in Bohol

Aside from visiting famous places in Bohol, there’s a lot of other activities you can do. Here’s a list but this is not exhaustive, there may be some activities that we haven’t tried yet.

• Island hopping
• Dolphin watching
• Cave exploration
• Ride an ATV
• Swim in waterfall basin

There’s a lot of things to do in Bohol but for now I’ll leave the list at that. There’s also a tourist package that includes multiple activities from the list above. You can talk to your hotel staff or even your driver, if you hired one, about these packages.

Sample Travel Guide and Itinerary

So, this is this is what we did on our 2nd day in Bohol, just to give you an idea of how your day may be like when you go on a tour. We got the Panglao Island tour.

• 0600H – Our driver picked us up from our Hotel. Take. note that we were all ready at this time, we just needed to get in the van.
• 0800H – We arrived at our first destination, Bohol’s famous chocolate hills. We stayed here for about an hour.
• 0930H – We were already at the tarsier sanctuary to see the Philippine tarsier. I think it took only about 30 minutes to get from the entrance to the exit.
• 1015H – We arrived at the Bohol Butterly and Lemur Sanctuary. This is where python was placed around shoulder so I can take a picture of it while feeling somewhat…horrified.
• 1100H – We were at the man-made forest, our driver advised us to get off the van and take pictures, made me think it was necessary. It was a nice place though.
• 1220H – We arrived at the Loboc River Cruise. This is where we ate lunch.
• 1345H – By this time we were on our way back to the hotel and we stopped at the Baclayon church to take some pictures.
• 1415H – We stopped by at the Sandugo Blood Compact shrine for some last stop picture taking.
• 1445H – We were back at the hotel.

All the traveling combined with the heat was a little exhausting so we decided to take a nap. We were traveling with a toddler so we can’t really travel all day. But that’s how a typical travel day in Bohol would look like.

How to Get Around Bohol

There are various ways to get around Bohol , the following are the ones that I know of and the most common. This is how we get around when we explore Bohol. Take note that these are not the only mode of transportation though. Knowing how to get around is important because this will affect your decision on how long to spend in Bohol .

You can hire or rent this. There’s not shortage of people offering different packages. They even have tour packages too. If you don’t want the tour package you can just rent a car and hire a driver. The driver can of course serve as your guide too.

If you don’t know the place well, hiring a driver can save you a lot of time in finding a place you want to go to. Most drivers here have at least a decade of experience so they know the shortest route to every place.

Tip: If you plan to rent a van or get a tour, make a deal outside of the airport, it’s much cheaper. There’s not shortage of people offering different packages in Bohol.

If you want to get around on your own terms and break a little sweat while traveling, maybe renting a bicycle is for you. Expect that you could be sweating a lot though. Those rent-a-bike businesses do not have a website for now, I’ll post it here when I find one. In the meantime, you can ask the locals where you can rent one, they would be very glad to help you out.

You could also get around just by riding a tricycle. This is way cheaper than renting a car, but less comfortable. However they are always available almost anywhere, especially around beaches and restaurants. In our case we usually make a deal with a tricycle driver, we get their contact number, and send them a message if we want to get picked up. We pay extra but it’s still much cheaper. And we only do this when going to nearby places from/to the hotel.

Weather in Bohol

Because Bohol is in a tropical country, it’s mostly sunny throughout the year. Weather becomes erratic during the rainy season due to thunderstorms. June and October receives the most volume of rainfall, in fact we were just there in June and there were 2 consecutive afternoon that it rained. Summer is in March to May, so during this time you’ll get pretty stable sunny days.

The average temperature can range from 71 to 89, the highest temperature recorded 91 in the summer. You can refer here for more weather details in Bohol.

Best Time To Visit Bohol

When planning a trip to Bohol, one of the key considerations is identifying the  best time to visit . Typically, the dry season in Bohol, which runs from March to May, is ideal for tourists looking to enjoy the island’s best beaches and engage in various Bohol tours. During this period, the Bohol sea remains calm, perfect for those planning to explore Bohol and Panglao or embark on a Bohol adventure.

For first-timers in Bohol, this season offers comfortable weather to experience the vibrant towns in Bohol, located southwest of mainland Bohol, and to visit the capital of Bohol. The climate in Bohol during these months is typically hot, ideal for outdoor activities and making the most of your tour in Bohol. Additionally, this is a great time for food enthusiasts wanting to eat in Bohol and try specialties at various restaurants in Bohol, including the famous Shaka Bohol.

What to Wear

Now, with the information about the weather and the activities you can do, you should now have an idea of what to wear in Bohol . Light clothing for your everyday use, at least a pair of swimwear, and some shirt for outdoor activities. Try to bring extra because there are many outdoor activities that are famous in Bohol .

Travel Tips for Bohol

• Getting to Bohol:  The travel time to reach Bohol is typically around an hour by flight from Manila. For a scenic approach, Bohol is also accessible via ferry. This is crucial in your trip plan and sample itinerary.
• Climate Considerations:  Bohol is hot most of the year. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially when exploring Bohol’s best tourist spots.
• Accommodations:  A wide range of options available in Bohol includes hotels, resorts, and local inns. Booking in advance is advisable, particularly during peak seasons.
• Local Transportation:  Travel via tricycle, motorcycle, or car. Each mode offers a unique perspective of Bohol in the Philippines and is adaptable to your schedule, especially useful if it’s your last day in Bohol.
• Food and Dining: Bohol offers a diverse culinary scene. From local eateries to upscale restaurants, there’s something for every taste. Click here to go for a food tour in Bohol.
• Health and Safety:  Prioritize hydration, sun protection, and be mindful of local health advisories for a safe trip.
• Exploring Bohol:  While this Bohol travel guide provides essential information, don’t miss out on spontaneous adventures. Every hour in Bohol can lead to new discoveries and memories.
• Visa Duration and Extension:  If considering an extended stay in Bohol, be aware of the visa extension procedures to avoid overstaying. Always ensure your visa is valid until your departure date.
• Consult Official Sources:  For the most accurate visa information, consult the official Philippine immigration website or your local embassy. This ensures a smooth experience, especially for those visiting Bohol’s best tourist spots. Check out our guide here if you plan to apply for a visa soon.

For more Bohol travel tips, go to our page here .

Tourism in Bohol Philippines

Although not as great as before the pandemic, tourism in Bohol is still going great. Although not as many tourists come here compared to the more popular islands in the Philippines, I can say that Bohol is just starting to get discovered around the world. More and more people will come this island province as it gains popularity.

As a last note, there’s no more travel requirement in Bohol, even the VAX card is no longer required. You can read this news article about it.  

Come See the Magic of Bohol

Bohol is a really special place in the Philippines with beautiful beaches, fun adventures, and friendly people. It’s perfect for everyone – whether it’s your first trip or if you’ve been here before, there’s always something cool to see and do. We invite you to come and explore all the fun and exciting things in Bohol. You’ll make lots of great memories and have stories to tell about the awesome time you had here. We can’t wait for you to see how amazing Bohol is!

• 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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Sample bohol itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour or more + tourist spots to visit.

The Province of Bohol in central Philippines is gifted with so many natural wonders. Without a doubt, it is one of the top tourist destinations and most visited tourist spots in the Philippines.

Sample bohol itineraries 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour 2024, are you ready to explore and discover bohol let's go, bohol travel requirements.

3D/2N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)

Day 1: arrival + bohol countryside tour.

• 06:00 am - arrival at Panglao Airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
• 07:00 am - proceed to your hotel
• 08:00 am - arrive at your hotel / leave bags at the hotel

FOR PRIVATE TOURS:

• 09:00 am - hotel pick up
• Blood Compact site
• Baclayon Church
• Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
• 12:00 pm - Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch
• Butterfly Garden
• Python Sanctuary
• Hanging Bridge, Loboc
• Bilar Manmade Forest
• Chocolate Hills
• Souvenir shopping
• 04:00 pm - hotel drop off

FOR JOIN-IN TOURS:

• 12:00pm Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch
• 04:30 pm - hotel check-in
• 05:00 pm - freshen-up and rest
• 07:00 pm - dinner
• 09:00 pm - sleep

DAY 2: PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING + MANGROVE RIVER KAYAKING

• Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching - [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 05:30 am - meet up at beach area
• Dolphin watching in Balicasag Reef
• Snorkeling and fish feeding in Balicasag Reef
• Virgin Island
• 11:00 am - drop off at beach area
• 11:30 am - back at the hotel and have lunch
• Bohol Mangrove River Kayaking Tour - [ BOOK HERE! ]
• 01:00 pm - hotel pick up
• 01:30 pm - arrive and checkout paddle
• 02:00 pm - mangrove tunnels kayak
• 04:00 pm - return to hotel

ANOTHER OPTION is to do a Bohol Firefly Kayaking Tour at night. See tour rates and availability here.

Day 3: panglao island land tour + departure.

• Breakfast, prepare your bags and leave bags the hotel
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Dauis Church
• Panglao Church
• Shell Museum
• 11:30 am - lunch at Bohol Bee Farm or any restaurant of preference within Panglao
• Alona Beach/Bolod Beach
• 01:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 02:00 pm - hotel check-out
• 02:30 pm - proceed to the airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
• 04:00 pm - departure

4D/3N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Day 3: anda beach private day tour.

• 07:00 am - breakfast and prepare for the tour
• Combento Cave
• Candijay Rice Terraces
• Can-Umantad Falls
• 06:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 07:00 pm - freshen-up and rest
• 08:00 pm - dinner
• 10:00 pm - sleep

DAY 4: PANGLAO ISLAND LAND TOUR + DEPARTURE

5D/4N: Sample Bohol Itinerary (5 Days and 4 Nights)

Day 3: bohol waterfalls tour.

• Dimiao Twin Falls
• Canawa Cold Spring
• 05:00 pm - hotel drop off
• 06:00 pm - freshen-up and rest

ANOTHER OPTION: Mag Aso, Kawasan, and Camugao Falls Tour

• Mag-aso Falls
• Kawasan Falls
• Camugao Falls

DAY 4: ANDA BEACH PRIVATE DAY TOUR

Day 5: panglao island land tour + departure.

6D/5N or More: Sample Bohol Itinerary (6 Days and 5 Nights or More)

Cebu day trip from bohol itinerary.

• 05:00 am - hotel pick up
• 06:00 am - Tagbilaran via OceanJet
• 08:00 am - arrive at Cebu
• 08:30 am - Magellan's Cross
• Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
• Fort San Pedro
• Parian Monument
• Taoist Temple
• 12:00 - pm buffet lunch at Pino restaurant (local cuisine)
• Mactan Shrine
• Guitar Factory
• Souvenir shop
• 05:30 pm - depart Cebu via OceanJet
• 07:30 pm - arrive at Tagbilaran; hotel drop off

TRAVEL TIP: For more Sample Cebu Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour or more, please visit my previous post .

Scuba diving sample itinerary (morning/afternoon dive).

• 07:45am - 8:30am / 12:45pm - 1:30pm - hotel pick up (for guests staying in Alona Beach only)
• Orientation and briefing
• Confined water (swimming pool) skills training
• Transfer to dive spot
• Boat transfer and open water dive in the sea
• Transfer to dive center
• Photo taking
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm / 5:00pm - 5:30pm - hotel drop off (for guests staying in Alona Beach only)

I hope these SAMPLE BOHOL ITINERARIES help you plan an exciting and memorable Bohol Adventure! For more things to do, tourist spots, attractions and where to stay and how to get there, please check out my BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS .

• Sample BORACAY Itineraries
• Sample CEBU Itineraries
• Sample BACOLOD Itineraries
• Sample DUMAGUETE-SIQUIJOR Itineraries
• Sample SIARGAO Itineraries
• Sample CORON Itineraries
• Sample EL NIDO Itineraries
• Sample PUERTO PRINCESA Itineraries
• Sample LA UNION Itineraries

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2 comments :.

Hi! If we have a private vehicle and stroll around bohol. Can we join lunch at luboc river and island hopping? Thank you

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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 bohol: a comprehensive travel guide.

Bohol is a beautiful island province located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. If you're planning a trip to Bohol, this travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make the most of your experience on the island.

Cebu and Bohol | 6 Days

Cebu, Bohol and Palawan Escapade | 8 Days

Bohol Countryside and Chocolate Hills

Come to palawan.

Bohol is a must-visit destination in the Philippines, offering a variety of breathtaking natural wonders and unique experiences.

Known for its iconic Chocolate Hills , the province also boasts pristine beaches, world-class diving spots, and fascinating historical landmarks.  Be sure to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the adorable and endangered primates that can fit in the palm of your hand. For a unique dining experience, hop on one of the floating restaurants that gently glide down the Loboc River.

With its warm and welcoming locals, Bohol is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and culture.

What to See in Bohol:

If you’re planning to visit Bohol and Panglao Island for your next vacation, make sure to add these must-see places to your itinerary:

Chocolate Hills

With over 1,000 hills covered in grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, this is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in the Philippines.

Tarsier Conservation Area

Created to ensure the safety of the tarsier, one of the smallest living primates, this sanctuary allows visitors to observe these adorable creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Alona Beach

Located in Panglao Island, this is a popular spot for scuba-diving and snorkeling, with crystal clear waters and an abundance of marine life to discover.

Loboc River

Famous for its scenic river cruise on floating restaurants, this attraction allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the river while indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Anda Beach in Bohol is a hidden gem known for its white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in a peaceful and secluded setting away from the crowds.

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary

Balicasag Marine Sanctuary is a 400-meter area of healthy corals off the coast of Panglao, attracting pelagic marine species. Balicasag Island is known for snorkeling and diving . Visitors can see sea life, vibrant coral, and swim with sea turtles.

When to go to Bohol:

Bohol and Panglao Island are year-round destinations, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

The weather in Bohol is generally warm and tropical all year round, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F). The island experiences two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from November to May, and the rainy season, which runs from June to October.

During the dry season, the weather is generally hot and dry with occasional cool breezes. This is the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the beaches and other outdoor attractions. 

The summer season from March to May offers the driest and hottest weather, making it the perfect time to see the iconic Chocolate Hills in their best chocolate-brown color.

Typhoons can occur in the Philippines from June to November.

Getting to Panglao Island, Bohol

There are several ways to get to Panglao Island, one of the popular destinations in Bohol:

The easiest way to get to Panglao is by flying to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. There are daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. 

Bohol is easily accessible by sea, with Tagbilaran serving as the main tourist seaport. Daily ferries operate from nearby islands such as Cebu and Siquijor, making it a convenient option for those who prefer sea travel.

Getting around

Upon arrival in Panglao, options for transportation include renting a motorbike, taking a tricycle, or hiring a car to explore the island and its attractions.

Recommended Tours

There are several day trip activities to do in Bohol from the hotels in Panglao Island, in addition to snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The most popular day trip activities are as follows:

Experience the Bohol Countryside , where you can witness the natural wonder of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, cruise along the Loboc River, and visit the Tarsier Conservation Area dedicated to preserving the small primates native to Bohol.

Embark on a Dolphin Watching Tour and witness several species of dolphins up close. You can also explore nearby islands such as Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, or Virgin Island.

Explore the stunning Hinagdanan Cave located in Dauis, Bohol. Marvel at the limestone cave’s beautiful rock formations, underground pools, and unique ecosystem while swimming in the cool waters.

For the adrenaline junkies, head to the Danao Adventure Park in Bohol. Here, you can enjoy a range of thrilling activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, river tubing, and root climbing, all set in a picturesque natural setting.

If you are seeking a comprehensive tour of the best destinations in the Visayas region, the Classic Tour Cebu & Bohol is highly recommended. This tour includes the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks in Oslob, and visit the stunning Moalboal. Once you’ve explored Cebu, the tour will take you to Bohol to witness the famous Chocolate Hills, Panglao Island, and the Tarsier Sanctuary.

If you are looking for a more personalized experience and would like to see attractions that are not included in our ready-made tours, we offer Tailor-Made Tour to cater to your specific interests and preferences.

Click the following link to view all of our available Bohol Tours .

Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching

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

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Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Bohol

How to plan a Bohol Trip

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

Table of Contents

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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2024 Bohol DIY Travel Guide (Itinerary + Budget)

Accessible, beautiful, diverse. This is Bohol – a province that holds almost every bit of the thousands of islands of the Philippines. From the world-famous naturally diverse dive sites, rivers, hills, canyons, mangroves, caves, pristine beaches, historical and cultural sites, wildlife to fun-filled adrenaline rushing adventures; Bohol has it all in its plate which makes it an ideal place to visit and explore. If you also plan to visit the province soon, here’s a Bohol DIY adventure guide to help you with!

About Bohol

Bohol is a province in the Central Visayas region that is widely known to be the home of the famous Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate in the world, the tarsiers. But more than these, the province is actually a place of culture and history and a home to overwhelming wonders in the land and the seas. These made the province a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. Bohol can provide you with both a relaxing to an adrenaline-packed adventure.

Best Time to Visit

Safe to say, the best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season in the country – around March to May. This is also when you can best enjoy its pristine beaches and you’d be able to witness the Chocolate Hills being the ‘chocolate brown’ that they are. However, expect a surge of tourists in these times. Generally, though, Bohol is among those places in the country that can be visited all year round.

Though the wet season comes around the third quarter of the year, some tourists would opt to visit the province especially the city of Tagbilaran to attend the Sandugo Festival held every July. This Festival is a celebration and commemoration of the blood compact between the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the chieftain of Bohol, Datu Sikatuna.

Language Spoken

The language that is widely spoken in the province is Bisaya. Most of the Boholanos, though, could understand and speak Tagalog and could converse in English.

Getting to, Around and Away

How to get there, from manila to panglao, bohol.

• Book a flight from Manila to Panglao. Cebu Pacific , Philippine Airlines and AirAsia has two flights from Manila to Panglao daily.
• From Bohol-Panglao International Airport, you can take a van just outside the Arrivals to your hostel. Fare is usually at Php 100.00 per person.

From Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

OceanJet has four trips daily from Cebu Pier to Tagbilaran, Bohol that departs every two hours. The first trip is as early as 7:00 AM with a travel time of more or less two hours. Fare ranges from Php 655.00 to Php 1,175.00.

Lite Ferries, another shipping line that is currently operational, is a cheaper option with a fare starting at Php 255.00. However, take note that travel time is longer as it is a cargo ship (RORO).

From Balbagon, Camiguin to Jagna, Bohol

The Super Shuttle Ferry sails daily from Balbagon Port in Camiguin to Jagna, Bohol. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours. The same ferry departs from Jagna port at around 1:00 PM. Fare is at Php 425.00 for Economy class.

You may also want to read: CAMIGUIN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2021 (Itinerary + Budget)

From Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental to Tagbilaran, Bohol

Trips from Dumaguete City to Tagbilaran, Bohol are very limited as it is only on Mondays and Fridays. There’s only one trip as well which is usually at 2:30 PM. Travel time is around 2 hours with the fare starting at Php 700.00.

From Larena, Siquijor to Tagbilaran, Bohol

OceanJet has only one trip everyday at departing at 12:30 PM from Larena Pier in Siquijor to Tagbilaran Pier in Bohol.

Getting Around

• Rent a Motorbike – If you opt to go into short rides here and there, renting a motorbike is more ideal and practical. You can rent and drive your motorbike around for only Php 350.00 (gas not included). There are lots of shops around where you can rent one. Just make sure that you at least have a driver’s license with you.
• Rent a car – Shall you decide to go on a long drive or road trip for your Bohol DIY trip, renting a car is among the best options. We rented one (Toyota Innova) which costs Php 2,300.00 a day (gas not included).

You may opt to book your self-drive motorbike for as low as Php 350.00 and car at Php 1,500.00 via Book2Wheel . This website allows tourists or travelers to book their desired ride in advance, anytime and anywhere. To book your ride in Bohol, click the photo for 10% discount upon booking. You may also use my unique code, “ Queen-Cebu ” to get an additional 25% discount.

3. Hire a Tricycle – Tricycle fare starts at Php 50.00. However, we noticed that we are usually charged Php 150.00/head especially when going to South Palms, Napaling and the port/ tourism office. This is only ideal if you are going out maybe once or twice. If you do more than that, rent a motorbike instead.

Where to Stay

For expats and travelers on a budget, hostels are always the top and best choice of accommodation. One of the best hostels to stay at in Panglao near Alona beach is Moon Fools Hostel. You’d really get that backpacker feels as you share rooms, breakfast and common areas with other travelers. What we also loved about it is that it is just a few minutes away from Alona beach, the banks, convenience stores and restaurants.

Apart from Moon Fools, here are the other hotels in Panglao that you may want to consider:

• Moon Fools Hostel (Panglao) +63925 588 9868
• Island World Panglao (038) 427 4925
• Ecostay Panglao +63939 155 3800
• Amihan Resort Panglao (038) 427 1929
• Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort (038) 416 0695
• Modala Beach Resort (038) 411 0808
• Hennan Resort, Alona Beach, Panglao
• South Palms Resort Panglao

During our Bohol DIY road trip, we planned to visit the town of Tubigon and stay for the night in there, too. We found out about this resort called Reimer Residences in a private subdivision in the town. We had the whole resort to our group which definitely gave us a break from the tourist-packed places that we’ve been to in the past few days. It was also just few minutes away from the town proper where the market is as well as lots of stores and shops for food. Further, the host was very nice and accommodating!

There were three apartments in the resort with two having its own kitchen. Rates range from Php 1,299.00 to Php 1,799.00. You can also save by renting the whole resort at only Php 4,000.00. For inquiries and booking, you may reach them through the following:

email : [email protected] Mobile (Philippines) : +63 977 0656 422 Mobile (Outside Philippines) : +4917622583529 Facebook : Reimer Residences Tubigon Bohol Instagram : @reimer_residences

Places to Visit

Blood compact shrine.

One of the most significant historical events that happened in the province is the ‘sandugo’ or blood compact between the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Bohol’s chieftain, Datu Sikatuna. Boholanos have set up a monument in Tagbilaran City to commemorate this treaty of friendship with an annual celebration through a Festival every July.

Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church is said to be built in 1717 from corals cemented with egg whites. Few years after the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared it as a National Cultural Treasure and a Historical Landmark , a destructive earthquake in 2014 damaged it severely. Recently, the Boholanos reconstructed it.

Chocolate Hills

Bohol is known to be the home of the famous Chocolate Hills. These hills are smooth, uniformly-shaped conical, isolated hills are dead build up of coral reefs, now limestones, from 2 to 5 million years ago. During the dry season in the country, these hills turn into brown – the reason why we all call it the Chocolate Hills.

Tarsier Sanctuary

Tarsier Sanctuary and Conservation Area is just a few meters away from the man-made forest. With an entrance fee of Php 100.00 ($2.00), you can see the four tarsiers (as of time of writing) in a seemingly natural habitat. I refused to see them on my visit because two of my friends who have been there told me how they didn’t like the idea of them being in the sanctuary. Tarsiers, the smallest primate in the world, are endangered nocturnal animals and they seemed to be bothered by the presence of the tourists around them in the day who visit and take photos of them. My friends said the looked distressed in people’s presence. So we honestly skipped it.

Man-made Forest

Man-made forest is located in Bilar, Bohol. It features tall Mahogany trees on both sides of this 2-Kilometer long road. It is a reforestation project in the 1960s in response to the alarming aftermaths of Kaingin in Loboc. As peaceful and beautiful as it may seem, it is nothing but a 10-hectare land of Mahogany without a thriving wildlife. The forest is a “biodiversity-dead zone”. Mahogany trees are considered an alien and harmful to the land and researchers have explained that native ones such as Molave, Mango and others could have been more productive.

Loboc River

For only Php 550.00, you can enjoy a cruise with lunch before a cultural show for more or less an hour and a half in Loboc River. The best time to visit of course is during the dry season or when it’s generally sunny since it brings out the river’s natural beauty.

Danao Adventure Park

If you are into extreme adventure, Danao Adventure Park is among the best places to be in Bohol. It is where you can try the famous “Plunge” – a 75-meter freefall by the canyon. Apparently, it is the highest canyon swing the world. Apart from Plunge, you may also enjoy the other activities in the park such as Suislide (zipline), Skyride, Giant Swing, Glass cliff walk, Sky biking, Kayaking, Root Climb Rappelling and more. Each ride has a separate fee apart from the Php 40.00 entrance fee to the park.

Alona Beach

One of the best public beaches of the province is the Alona Beach. It is a long stretch of clean white sand beach in the southwest part of Panglao, Bohol. Apart from sunbathing and swimming, you may also go snorkeling and diving into it. There are also lines of restaurants by the beach.

Napaling Dive Point

If you would want to swim with the sardines of Bohol, Napaling Dive Point is the place to be. From Panglao, you can reach Napaling Dive Point in a 25-minute tricycle or motorcycle drive. The driver charged us Php 300.00 for a ride from our hostel near Alona Beach Almira’s Dive Resort in Napaling. Take note that they charge separate fees for the entrance (Php 100.00), environmental fee (Php 100.00) and guide fee (Php 100.00 per hour/ per person). There are other resorts in Napaling that you may check into. There’s Kalikasan and Molave as well whereas the former is nearer to where the sardines usually are. The fees are the same for most of the resorts but when we stayed at Kalikasan, they only charged us Php 100.00 for guide regardless of the number of hours we were diving.

Balicasag Island

If you’re looking forward to swimming and diving with lots of turtles and fishes, Balicasag Island is the place to be. On the right side of the island facing the ocean, you could dive with turtles at 5 to 7 meters depth. Be reminded not to go near them for about a meter nor attempt to touch them as they would swim away in distress.

During our Bohol DIY trip, we rented a boat worth Php 2,500.00 for a half day. Upon stepping into the island, the staff asked us to stay at the holding area to wait for our small boats. Each or two of us had to get into a smaller boat which costs Php 100.00 (per head). These took us to the dive sites where we only stayed for less than an hour.

Capadpadan Rice Terraces

Another off the beaten path destination in the province is the Capadpadan Rice Terraces in Candijay. Embarking into the long dirt road of this east countryside of the province promises a breathtaking scene. This creative farming practice by the slopes of Candijay mountains has attracted tourists who would endure a long drive from the city to experience the beauty and serenity in the place.

Can-umantad Falls

This 60-feet high tiered falls is considered to be the tallest in the province. It sits just by the Capadpadan Rice Terraces in the quaint town of Candijay. The locals named the falls after its height ‘can-uman’ which means sixty. Don’t miss out on this waterfalls bring on your Bohol DIY adventure!

After enjoying the scenes of the landscape in the east, you may not want to miss out on its very own long stretch of powdery white sand beach of Anda. One of those that you shouldn’t miss in the town is the Quinale Beach. It is among the most gorgeous and pristine beach that you’ll ever see.

Benliw Dam is a Small Reservoir Irrigation Project located in the municipalit of Ubay, Bohol. It serves more or less 400 hectares of rice fields in the barangays nearby. This has recently become a favorite off the beaten path destinations of some due to the serenity of the place not to mention how dramatically scenic it is!

Cabagnow Cave Pool

You can also go extreme as you jump and swim into more or less a 20-25 feet deep cave pool in Anda. These cave pools are actually limestone caverns that collapsed turning into pools. Worry not, though. There are ladders that the caretakers had set up for you to climb to get out of it. There are more or less two to three cave pools around the area so if one gets crowded, you can always walk your way to the other.

Sample 5-Day Bohol DIY Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival and bohol diy countryside adventure tour.

7:00 AM – ETD from Panglao Airport 7:30 AM – Blood Compact Shrine & Baclayon Church 8:30 AM – Loboc River Cruise 11:00 AM – Man-made Forest 11:30 AM – Tarsier Sanctuary 12:00 PM – Lunch 1:00 PM – Chocolate Hills 2:00 PM – Danao Adventure Park 6:00 PM – Alicia Backpackers Inn/ Check in 7:00 PM – Dinner

Day 2 – Bohol DIY Countryside Adventure Continuation

4:30 AM – Rise and Shine 5:00 AM – The Alicia Panoramic Park 7:00 AM – Breakfast 9:00 AM – Cadapdapan Rice Terraces + Can-umantad falls in Candijay 11:00 AM – Early lunch 1:00 PM – Cabagnow/Cabugnaw Cave Pool 3:00 PM – Anda Beach 5:00 PM – ETD for Panglao 8:30 PM – ETA Panglao/ Dinner at Alona Beach 9:00 PM – Moon Fools Hostel/ Check in

Day 3 – Snorkel/Dive and Beach Day

6:00 AM – Rise and Shine; Breakfast 7:30 AM – Napaling Dive Point (Kalikasan/ Molave or Almira’s Dive Resort) 8:00 AM – Snorkel/ Dive 12:00 NN – Lunch 1:00 PM onwards – Swim and Chill at Alona Beach or at South Palms Resort

Day 4 – Dolphins and Turtles Day

5:00 AM – Rise and Shine; Breakfast 6:00 AM – Panglao Tourism Office/ Boat dock 6:30 AM – ETA for Balicasag Island 7:00 AM – Dolphin Watching 7:45 AM – ETA Balicasag Island/ Briefing 8:30 AM – Snorkeling/ Diving and Swimming with the Turtles 9:30 AM – Snorkeling/ Diving at the Wall 10:30 AM – Back to the Island 11:00 AM – Lunch at Balicasag Island

*You may opt to stay the whole day at Balicasag Island or go back to Panglao to chill and hang out at Alona Beach. If you choose to stay, you may either pay another Php 100.00 for the boat or just swim to the snorkeling areas. Make sure that you have someone to accompany you.

Day 5 – Chill and Departure

7:00 AM – Rise and Shine 8:00 AM – Swim and Chill at Alona Beach or visit Hinagdanan Cave 10:00 AM – Back to hostel; pack up 11:00 AM – Panglao Airport 12:15 PM – ETD from Panglao Airport

Sample 5-Day Bohol DIY Budget

DAY 1 & 2 Car (Self-drive) rental – Php 2,300.00 x 2 days: Php 4,600.00/ 5 = Php 920.00 Gas – Php 2,500.00/ 5 = Php 500.00

Breakfast – Php 100.00 Loboc River Cruise + Lunch – Php 550.00 Tarsier Sanctuary entrance fee – Php 80.00 Chocolate Hills entrance fee – Php 50.00 Danao Adventure Park entrance fee – Php 40.00 Giant Swing – Php 800.00/ 2 – Php 400.00 Skyride – Php 250.00 Alicia Backpackers’ Inn – Php 500.00 Dinner – Php 100.00 DAY 1 TOTAL (+half of car rental and gas) = Php 2,700.00

Alicia Panoramic Park entrance fee – Php 30.00 Guide fee for Day trek – Php 300.00/ 5 = Php 60.00 Can-umantad entrance fee – Php 20.00 Lunch – Php 150.00 Cabugnaw Cave Pool Entrance – Php 50.00 Dinner – Php 150.00 Accommodation – Php 500.00 DAY 2 TOTAL (+half of car rental and gas) = Php 1,670.00

Tricycle to Napaling – Php 150.00 x 2 (back and forth Panglao) = Php 300.00 Resort entrance fee – Php 100.00 Environmental fee – Php 100.00 Guide fee – Php 100.00 Food – Php 350.00 Accommodation – Php 500.00 DAY 3 TOTAL = Php 1,450.00

Tricycle to Tourism Office/ port – Php 150.00 x 2 = Php 300.00 Boat to Balicasag Island – Php 2,500.00/5 = Php 500.00 Food – Php 350.00 Accommodation – Php 500.00 DAY 4 TOTAL – Php 1,650.00

Bus fare from Alona to Tinago – Php 50.00 x 2 Hinagdanan cave entrance fee – Php 20.00 Van to airport – Php 100.00 Food – Php 250.00 DAY 5 TOTAL – Php 470.00

5-Day Bohol DIY Trip Estimated Budget – Php 7,940.00

Take note that this budget is only estimated and does not include the airfare as its price varies depending on the season and airline seat sale. Be reminded as well that food in Panglao is a bit pricey. Staying in hostels has perks, though. You may cook your own food as they make the kitchen available to guests.

Bohol DIY Adventure Tips

• The best time to visit Napaling Dive Point and Balicasag Island (especially for Freedivers) is at 6:00 AM.
• If you go around a lot, rent a motorbike instead especially if you know how to ride one. The tricycle drivers would charge you more or less Php 150.000 to Php 200.00 per ride.
• If you want to make the most out of your Bohol trip, book the earliest flight then embark into a countryside trip especially if it’s your first time in the province.
• Airlines are stricter especially during these times. Make sure that your hand carry baggage are not too big and bulky and your check-in baggage (if you have any) wouldn’t be more than two bags.
• Make sure that you’ll be at the airport at least an hour and a half earlier than your boarding time especially if you have check in baggage. The counters close an hour before the flight since they need to do some disinfecting.

Bohol Travel Requirements 2023

Vaccination card.

The province of Bohol requires an entry of a fully-vaccinated tourist. You may either present a vaccination card, a Bureau of Quarantine vaccination certification or the vaccination certification from Department of Health’s website. If you are vaccinated in the Philippines, you may check your vaccination certification at https://www.vaxcert.doh.gov.ph If it does not show yours, you may apply through entering your vaccination details or present the LGU released vaccination card.

Those who are not or at least partially vaccinated should present a negative RT-PCR result.

Bohol DIY Adventure, In a Nutshell

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.

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27 comments.

Hi! We’re going to Bohol soon and planning to self-srice. Have been reading though that DIY tours are not allowed. Is this correct? Or will we be able to drive ourselves around? Thanks in advance for reading and replying.

Hi! We rented a car and went around Bohol, literally, around Bohol on our own 🙂 There was no problem at all as long as the drivers have license, maybe.

Hi! Do you have a contact number for the car/vehicle rental? Thank you so much for this article!

Hi! It’s in the article 🙂

This is very helpful thank you ❤️

Thanks for reading, Alen! ?

Thank you for the deets! Very helpful! I just have a couple of questions and it’ll be wonderful to read your response. 1. Is rtpcr required? If yes does it have to be an accredited medical services? Is antigen also allowed? 2nd is the accommodation have to be accredited also? Thank you so much! And travel safe ?

Hi! RT-PCR/ antigen tests are no longer required 🙂 As for the hotels, the opened ones are mostly DOT-accredited already. Hope this helps! 🙂

Ashlie Dionisio

Is there a minimum stay required for a dot accredited accommodation? Tyia ?

Hi, Ashlie! None, we were not asked of any during our stay 🙂

Hi po. How much po fare? or mas ok po ba kung mag rent kami ng Van? Thanks po

Hi! If you are a group and you have a lot of places to visit in your itinerary that are located in different towns, I think it’s better that you rent a van. If not (by that I mean the locations that you would like to visit are just nearby one another and near from your accommodation), then resorting to hailing tricycles would be ideal (fare starts at Php 100.00 per ride).

On your day3 – South Palm Resort, did you stay there for day tour? Tama ba yun yung 500php accommodation? Thank you 🙂

Hi, Joann! We only went there to eat and hanging out is free already 🙂 We spend the whole afternoon lounging at their beach 🙂

Hi! May I know what’s the maximum pax allocation in a boat for the Island hopping? We are a group of 9 and we want to rent a private boat going to Balicasag and Virgin Islands only. Btw, great blog, very detailed and helpful esp for those who are DIY-ing like me. More power!

Hi, Gladz! Not really sure now that the travel restrictions are lesser, but during our trip (around November 2021), the maximum capacity of the boat is at 8 pax only. Perhaps coordinating with their local tourism office would help ?

Hi! Where did you rent a boat for the Balicadag tour?

You can inquire at the tourism office for this 🙂

Thanks for this blog. We’re planning to go there by August. Hopefully we’ll catch a good weather despite the rainy season. We’ll be staying for 3days only so i’m planning to copy your day 1, 2 and 4. What do you think, Anne? ?

Not really sure about the weather especially now with the climate change but that itinerary sounds good! Praying with you for a good weather ?❣

Joel B. Aberca Jr.

Hi! we are planning to go in Bohol by January 2023, for non vaccinated tourist arestill they required RT- PCR test?

Hi! Yes, they do.

No more requirements you can go anywhere in the Philippines.

Marcel Proksch

Are foreign tourists allowed to visit Bohol now or are there still covid restrictions in place?

Hi! Bohol has been open to tourists, even foreigners, too 🙂

Just came back from Bohol every thing is open you can go and have fun

Just got back from Bohol, Amazing times. 800 for an ocean jet ticket plus a 25 terminal fee. Staying at peace and place for 250 pesos bunk bed. Rented scooter for 300.

Amazing time. Make sure you rent a motorbike or car other wise you pay a lot. Your hostal might be far and if yo want to visit all the places above mentioned you can do it by motorbike rental or car rental.

Motorbike rental in Bohol is 300 and car is for 1500. If you rent a car in Bohol you can take other people with you to cover the cost.

Hope this can help another user. The food is nice and cheap. Many nice places to visit

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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.

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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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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

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Bohol
• Visa requirements
• Best hotels & hostels
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

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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Bohol & Panglao 2023 – Travel Budget & Sample Itinerary

Planning a trip to Panglao & Bohol? Here’s a sample travel itinerary & budget to help you plan your own adventure. I’m posting some quick tips here from my recent trip, so make sure to check my travel guides on Bohol & Panglao as well.

Bohol Sample Itinerary

Manila to Bohol Flight

• Manila to Bohol flight
• Arrival at Bohol-Panglao Airport
• Bohol Airport to Panglao hotel transfer

OR Cebu to Bohol Ferry

• Departure from Cebu City Pier 1
• Cebu City to Tagbilaran Ferry
• Arrival at Tagbilaran Port
• Tagbilaran Port to Panglao hotel transfer

Panglao Hotel Check-in

Book here Compare rates

Panglao Land Tour

• Hinagdangan Cave.
• Bohol Bee Farm.
• Dumaluan Beach & South Palms Resort.
• Alona Beach.
• Panglao Church.

Other interesting spots in Panglao Island

• MIST (restaurant).
• Moadto Mall & Doljo Beach (sunset view).
• Zara’s Cafe (sunset view).

Panglao Freediving

• Napaling Reef.
• #Freediving near Bohol Sea View Cabin Resort.
• Plane Wreck near South Palms Resort.

Bohol Countryside Tour

• Blood Compact Site.
• Baclayon Church.
• Lo-ay / Loboc River Cruise / Floating Restaurant & Lunch Buffet.
• Chocolate Hills Viewdeck.
• Bilar Man-Made Forest.

Other interesting spots in the Bohol Countryside Tour area

• Corella Tarsier Sanctuary.

Panglao Island Hopping (half-day)

• Dolphin Watching.
• Balicasag Island — Snorkeling & Turtle Watching.
• Virgin Island

Continue Panglao Land Tour or Freediving

Bohol Departure

• Panglao hotel check-out.
• Hotel to Bohol Airport transfer.

Bohol Travel Expenses

Breakdown of travel costs in Bohol. Updated as of June 2023.

• Bohol Airport – Hotel Transfers — P500 one-way. Book here

Attractions

• Bohol Countryside Tour — P620 per person (joiners rate, excluding entrance fees). Book here
• Chocolate Hills Viewdeck — P100 entrance fee per person.
• Floating Restaurant Lunch Buffet — P850 per person.
• Panglao Island Hopping — P1,512 per person for group of 4. P2,310 per person for group of 2. With snorkeling & environmental fees for Balicasag & Virgin Island. Book here
• Panglao Land Tour — P2,350 per group of 2-4. Book here
• Hinagdangan Cave — P125 per person. P50 entrance fee. Additional P75 swimming fee.

Bohol Budget Travel

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates for a 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) trip in Bohol. Rates below are per person assuming you’ll be traveling in a group of 2.

• Activities — P5,180 . Includes Bohol Countryside Tour, Panglao Island Hopping, Panglao Land Tour and fees on selected attractions above.
• Transport — P500 for airport-hotel transfers. Excludes tricab / habal rides within Panglao & flight or ferry to Bohol.
• Accommodations — P2,500 . Two nights in a budget hotel.
• Food — P600 . Six meals in a local eatery.
• TOTAL — P8,780 .

I’ve included a sample budget travel estimate for food & accommodations to give you an idea of the total expenses. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and other activities, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Other Activities & Expenses

• Cebu – Bohol Ferry — P900 one-way or P1,800 round trip. Book here: Oceanjet Supercat
• South Palms Resort Panglao — P588 per person for day use with South Farm access. Book here
• Freediving Fun Dive — P499 per person per site with Islahanon Freediving. Includes safety guide & video assistance. Gears rental available for a fee. Excludes entrance & environmental fees.
• Napaling Reef — P200 per person. P100 entrance fee at Almira Diving Resort. Additional P100 environmental fee.
• Private Car Charter — P3,200 per car for group of 1-3 / 8 hours. Book here

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BEST Bohol Tourist Spots & Activities: Chocolate Hills, White Sand Beaches, Loboc River Cruise

• 1. Visit the Chocolate Hills

2. Lounge at the Beaches of Panglao Island

Alona beach, dumaluan beach, bagobo beach, bolod beach, danao beach, doljo beach.

• 3. Explore Hinagdanan Cave

4. Go on a Bohol Loboc River Cruise Tour

• 5. See the Tarsiers
• 6. Explore Anda, Bohol's beaches and caves

Cabagnow Cave Pool

Combento cave pool.

• 7. Go on Bohol Island-Hopping Tour and See Bohol’s Marine Life

Balicasag Island

Pamilacan island, virgin island.

• 8. Face Your Fears at Bohol’s Adventure Parks

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

Loboc ecotourism adventure park, 9. dine at bohol bee farm.

• 10. Visit the Historic Churches of Bohol

Baclayon Church

Loboc church, dauis church, st. augustine church, cathedral de san jose.

• 11. Learn History at the Blood Compact Shrine

12. Cross a Bamboo Hanging Bridge

• 13. Take photos at Bilar Man-Made Forest
• 14. Plunge Into Bohol’s Waterfalls

Mag-Aso Falls

Camugao falls, kawasan falls.

• 15. Have Fun at a Butterfly Garden

16. Watch Fireflies in Abatan River

17. explore tagbilaran city, bohol museum, rocha-suarez ancestral house, st. joseph cathedral, tagbilaran national museum, provincial capitol, 18. visit the cambuhat oyster farm.

Explore the various attractions in Bohol loved by locals and international travelers alike. Learn about the top things to do in Bohol and must-visit tourist spots such as the Chocolate Hills with this guide. 

One of the top Visayas tourist spots and  top tourist destinations in the Philippines  that deserves worldwide recognition is Bohol . In 2023, it was named the Philippines' first UNESCO Global Geopark. It's known for being home to the iconic Chocolate Hills and sanctuaries of tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world. Aside from nature spots, Bohol is also an island with plenty of beaches that are lined with some of the best honeymoon resorts and  beach resorts in the Philippines , making it a good alternative to the beaches of Boracay . Bohol is also rich in history, being a fountainhead of our country’s Christianization. 

• Read our  Bohol travel guide
• Experience swimming with whale sharks by booking a Bohol whale shark tour
• Book your Bohol Airport to hotel transfer with us

If you're thinking of what to do in Bohol, read this guide to help you plan your Bohol itinerary with the top things to see and do: From Chocolate Hills tours , Tarsier Sanctuary excursions , Hinagdanan Cave adventures , and Alona Beach trips  to name a few.

• Find Panglao Bohol resorts that you can book for your vacation
• Browse our collection of Bohol tours from Panglao

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

Bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

1. Visit the Chocolate Hills              

No trip to Bohol is complete without seeing this iconic landmark, which is even featured in the local Philippine Peso currency . Bohol's claim to fame is the unique geological formation of over 1000 cone-shaped hills that change in color depending on the season – the  Chocolate Hills . You can view the hills from the Chocolate Hills Complex when you book Chocolate Hills tours . There’s a viewing deck with a stunning 360° view of the cone-shaped hills. 

These giant mounds of chocolate-colored earth in the dry season turn green during the wet season. The hills are spread out on a 50-square kilometer land and vary in size.

• Book  Chocolate Hills ATV tours
• Brush up on Chocolate hills facts

According to local legends, the hills were created by two giants who got into a fight and threw boulders and rocks at each other. The mess they left after their battle is said to eventually lead to the formation of the hills that we know today. Another story says that the hills are tears of a heartbroken giant who fell in love with a mortal.

The third story, quite a funny one, is about a giant carabao that plagued the town and ate all the crops. The townspeople then fed it their spoiled food. When the carabao defecated, they dried up to become the hills. 

In reality, the Chocolate Hills are conical karst hills that were formed by the uplift of coral deposits combined with rainwater and erosion. It's considered to be an extraordinary example of karst topography and is the main highlight of most Bohol excursions .

• See our Cebu-Bohol tour packages
• Book your Cebu to Bohol ferry ticket

The Chocolate Hills has been declared the country's third National Geological Monument and is considered by many as an Eight Wonder of the World. There are a lot of ways to enjoy a tour in Chocolate Hills. 

You can appreciate the view on an observation deck, get a picturesque view while riding a bike zipline or enjoy a treetop rope course in the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.

See our popular Chocolate Hills Tours

Panglao is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines and is connected to the main Bohol island by bridges and can be traveled to by land vehicles. This is also where the new Bohol Panglao International Airport is located if you're traveling via flights to Bohol . 

• Find Bohol resorts to book that will fit any budget
• Check out our list of  cheap hotels in Bohol to consider booking for your trip
• Read our recommended Cebu to Bohol itinerary  guide

The majority of top Bohol hotels and best resorts in Bohol are situated in Panglao Island, some of these Panglao Bohol resorts are considered the best luxury resorts in the Philippines . Most tourists who love the sun, sea, and sand stay in this part of the province because of its proximity to pristine beaches and islands.

Here are some of the beaches you can tour and see in Panglao Island to get your much-needed rest: 

The top beach destination on the island, where most luxury resorts in Bohol (some of which offer  Philippine luxury vacation packages ), beachfront resorts , glamping resorts ,  Bohol restaurants , and bars are found. Alona Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best beaches in the Philippines  and one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Philippines .

• Book Bohol beachfront resorts

Aside from working on your tan and trying out various Alona Beach activities , you can try water activities in Bohol like parasailing, banana boat, fly fish, and UFO ride.

Considered to be an excellent alternative to the more famous Alona Beach is you want an uncrowded white sand beach with clear waters. A must-see in Dumaluan Beach is its stunning sunset.

You can also find several cheap resorts in Bohol and hotels here for a fraction of the price of those in Alona Beach. 

It is another uncrowded beach in Panglao Island that is notable for its beautiful white sand lined with towering coconut trees. It's a great spot not just for swimming but for divers and snorkelers as well. 

This features a massive shoreline that is ideal for families with small kids because of its shallow waters. You can also do a picnic here while enjoying your beach day out. 

Here you can find first-class resorts situated near its beautiful white sand shore and azure waters. It's also known as a great diving spot because of its precious marine life. 

 It is a 3km long low-key white sand beach. A couple of Panglao Island's top resorts are found here that offers a quiet tropical escape for tourists.

This beach is located in the northern area of Panglao Island that is relatively unknown to tourists. Go here if you want to get away from the crowd but still want a pristine white sand shore with crystal clear waters.

3. Explore Hinagdanan Cave         

The Hinagdanan Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the Philippines , features a pool of clear water at the bottom. You can swim here under the mesmerizing sight of stalactites and stalagmites. 

The word "hinagdanan" means laddered in Cebuano. This now-famous Bohol tourist destination is said been accidentally discovered by a farmer who built a ladder to access the cave, thus the name.

The cave also holds historical significance as it was once used by locals to hide during World War II. 

During a trip to Panglao Island, only one person at a time can enter the 100-meter long cave. Be careful when traversing the trails as it can get slippery because of the moisture inside the cave.

Once you get inside, you will be treated to a breathtaking site of a freshwater lagoon that's about 10-12 meters deep.

The light filters through the nearby cave entrance, filling the whole area with a relaxing and otherworldly glow. It is not like any swim you've had before! Once you're done taking a dip, you can also check out the souvenir shops right outside the cave. 

One of Bohol’s most beautiful natural attractions is the Loboc River. This beautiful river is a wonder of nature that has been preserved through the combined efforts of the local authorities and the residents.

The scenic river that runs through multiple towns in Bohol is framed with lush tropical trees, perfect for winding down in the afternoon after your countryside tour. 

The most popular activity in the river is the  Loboc River Cruise tour , where tourists board a floating restaurant. The boat cruise will drift along the serene 1.5km long river while you feast on a Filipino lunch buffet.

Guests onboard the boat will be serenaded by a local band until you reach the end of the river at Busay Falls. Here, you will be treated to a spectacular cultural show of song and dance. Feel free to dance with the locals; it will be the highlight of your day! 

For a different (and more private) experience, you may try a Bohol river cruise and paddleboarding adventure that is fast becoming a hit for those who want to explore the river at your own pace.

This activity is a great way to take in the beauty of the Loboc River without the crowd. It's also perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.

See our popular Loboc River Cruise Tours

Bohol countryside private tour & shared loboc river lunch cruise with transfers, 5. see the tarsiers  .

Like the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers and their big eyes are synonymous to Bohol as well. These nocturnal creatures are considered to be the smallest primate in the world.

They grow to be just 15 centimeters long at most, and they're just so cute! Tarsiers can also be found in other Philippine destinations like Samar, Leyte, and parts of Mindanao. But Bohol is known for its tarsier sanctuary tours that help preserve and raise awareness about these species. 

If it's your first time in Bohol, don't miss a visit to the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc or the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. These tarsier sanctuaries allow tourists not just to see these small creatures up close, but also to learn more about them.

For the complete experience, you can join a Bohol day tour  that combines other Bohol tourist tourist attractions with this. 

When visiting the tarsiers, remember that they are nocturnal and are asleep during the day. You'll find them perched on branches around the sanctuaries. Make sure to keep the noise down because they're sensitive to sound.

Taking their photos is fine but keep the flash turned off not to wake them up. Touching them is also a no-no because it will stress them out. 

See our popular Tarsier Conservation Tours

6. explore anda, bohol's beaches and caves .

Anda Beach offers a more relaxing tropical escape compared to Panglao Island's famous Alona Beach. 

Aside from the beach, the town of Anda also offers other natural attractions like blue cave pools. You can explore these and other beaches in the area with a full-day tour of Anda to make the most of your time. 

This natural cave pool, locally known as Kabagno Cave, has been gaining popularity because of its crystal clear waters that you can plunge into from its opening. The cool waters are around 20-25 feet deep and are popular with cliff divers. 

 Another enchanting natural cave pool not to be missed in Anda, Bohol. It has a more shallow pool with just 4-5 feet deep water. The rock formations of the cave look like a chandelier that's why it's named after the word "kumbento" or convent. 

7. Go on Bohol Island-Hopping Tour and See Bohol’s Marine Life

While Bohol already has white sand beaches along its coastline, there are also islands to explore where you can snorkel or dive aside from swimming or sunbathing.

• Check out other destinations where you can experience island hopping in the Philippines
• Browse our list of  Balicasag Island snorkeling tours

Joining an  island-hopping tour in Panglao Bohol  is highly recommended when exploring Bohol. Here are some top destinations that you can visit during when Bohol island hopping : 

Balicasag Island is one of the prime Bohol diving spots  because of its precious marine life that has thrived thanks to the Balicasag Marine Sanctuary . Aside from colorful reefs and fishes, you can also spot sea turtles here if you're lucky! Apart from the underwater sights, joining a Balicasag Island tour is worth it as it boasts a white sand beach that surrounds the whole island where you can lounge in.  

This small island is an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. It's also known for its  dolphin-watching activity  where you can see different species of dolphins. If you’re lucky, you can also spot whales here, too!   You can visit it by joining Pamilacan Island tours.

Also known as Pontod or Pungtud Island, this features a moon-shaped sandbar that fades into the water. It's the perfect island-hopping stop for sunbathing or just swimming.  

See our popular Bohol Island Hopping Tours

Bohol island hopping shared tour | balicasag & virgin islands, bohol panglao island hopping private tour with snorkeling | balicasag island & dolphin watching, 8. face your fears at bohol’s adventure parks .

If you're a thrill-seeker and want a refreshing way to marvel at Bohol's natural wonders, you can visit the adventure parks in Bohol.

These are a must-add in any Bohol itinerary if you're traveling with a group of adult friends and are up for adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, treetop challenges, and more. 

Danao Adventure Park

 A top destination in Bohol for adventure enthusiasts because of the fun and exciting activities in Bohol that await you. A  Danao Adventure Park adventure  will get you to try fun activities like zipline, bungee jumping, and rappelling. You can also try paramotoring, root climbing, and various river activities here. 

Another way to enjoy the view of the Chocolate Hills is by trying out the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park tour. You can also try outdoor adventures like bike zipline and surf zipline, with the Chocolate Hills as your backdrop. They also have other exciting activities like treetop rope challenges and wall climbing.

Get a spectacular view of the Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills when you try their zip line or a cable car ride with the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park experience. 

With all the exploration you'll be doing around Bohol, you're sure to get hungry! The Bohol Bee Farm included in a day tour in Panglao Island offers organic food that's tastefully prepared by its head chef and owner, Vicky Wallace. It's also one of the best restaurants in Bohol . 

Contrary to the name of this attraction, the bees aren't the real stars here; it's the food. 

The Bohol Bee Farm is a private resort that has become a popular stop for a Panglao trip before heading to Panglao Island's Alona Beach. It's perched on a cliff where guests are treated to a relaxing sea view as you dine alfresco. Book Bohol Bee Farm tours so you can explore the property hassle-free.

Its hand-carved dining set with amazing treats (like the appetizer of squash bread with impressive spreads) is the real deal. And yes, the flowers on your plate are meant to be eaten! Other must-tries are their fresh salads, soups, and seafood dishes. 

Don't miss a visit to The Buzzz Ice Cream just right outside the restaurant. They offer unique flavors of ice cream like malunggay, tomato, spicy ginger, and coconut that are served on a cone made from dried cassava.

You can also buy organic food products as souvenirs in their shop, including honey!

10. Visit the Historic Churches of Bohol 

Go on an excursion and see some of the heritage churches in Bohol. You'll be able to catch a glimpse of how the locals devote their time during prayer. And learn about the remnants of the historical past through its architecture. Here are some of the must-see Bohol churches:

This is the oldest church in all of Asia and is a part of a Bohol countryside tour . It's impossible to proceed in the vein of historical churches without visiting this. The devastating earthquake of recent years damaged the original church, but through momentous efforts, the entire church has been rebuilt.

Officially the Church of the Immaculate Concepcion, the church also has a museum with some religious artifacts. It's also pretty accessible since it's an easy drive from the Blood Compact site.

Officially named the Church of San Pedro, this church is the second oldest in the province. If you're looking for something like Sistine Chapel, this is it — the church has excellent exteriors, complete with a heavenly scene painted on its ceiling! It's often included in a day trip in Bohol.

Also known as Our Lady of the Assumption, this church was built in 1697 and is dubbed by The National Historical Commission as a National Historic Landmark. Its neoclassical exteriors perfectly complement its stunning interiors, making it a must-visit church included in a Panglao tour.

The locals know this church as Panglao Church.  It's well-known for its ceiling paintings and marble floors. It's a church included in a sightseeing activity in Panglao.

One of the largest and most-frequented churches in Bohol, the Cathedral is made of ancient coral stone. It has undergone some facelifts, but you’ll still see the original pieces that are touchstones to the country’s religious history.

11. Learn History at the Blood Compact Shrine             

If you want to see more of Bohol’s colonial past, make sure to drop by this next tourist attraction.

The Sandugo or Blood Compact Shrine monument found in Bo-ol district of Tagbilaran City is a landmark at the site of the first international treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. It's a popular attraction included in a Bohol day trip .

This place represents a junction in our history that pretty much led to us being who we are now. The Blood Compact Shrine depicts Sikatuna and Legazpi at the famed "Sandugo" moment, as the former pledged allegiance to the latter. The National Artist makes it for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva. 

It is also an easy trip since it's just along the main roads you'll pass as you go around the city. You can hail a tricycle from the town proper and ride a bus from the Dao terminal. Ride the bus that goes through Barangay Bo-ol. 

If you’re not fond of commuting and you want to see the Sandugo Shrine along with other major tourist spots, you can join this fun sightseeing activity in Bohol.

You can also participate in a combination tour that explores the best of Panglao historical and natural sites in a day! Be ready to snap photos of this important event in history.

See our popular Panglao Island Tours and Activities

Bohol countryside tour with loboc river cruise lunch & panglao island tour, bohol panglao island attractions tour with transfers | bohol bee farm, alona beach, hinagdanan cave.

You’ve crossed hanging bridges, but have you crossed one made entirely out of bamboo? This well-known hanging bridge often included in a sightseeing trip in Bohol is made of woven bamboo straps and stretches over a gently flowing river.

The locals know it as Tigbao Hanging Bridge. There's an entrance fee, but you get free access to the tourist spot if you join a sightseeing tour in Bohol as it's mostly included in the itinerary. 

The Tigbao Hanging Bridge is located in Sevilla, Bohol. It's suspended 83 feet above the Loboc River and is the primary connection between two barangays in the town.

Crossing it might scare you at first, especially if you have a fear of heights. But fear not! It's safe and a unique way to get a whole perspective of the Loboc River.

To ease your mind about its structural integrity, the bridge has a set of cables that ensure its stability. Your reward for braving the heights and the wobbling? A souvenir shop at the other end.

It's pretty touristy, but hey, at least there's something! Whether you're a local finding new things to do, or you're a tourist wanting to experience everything extraordinary in Bohol, this is a must-add in your to-do list

13. Take photos at Bilar Man-Made Forest             

It was a successful project as many laborers, government employees, locals, and even students helped each other plant the seedlings. It consists of 20,000 hectares in the towns of Loboc, Batuan, Carmen, Valencia, Jagna, Sierra Bullones, and more.

The Bilar Man-Made Forest often included in a Bohol sightseeing escapade  is great for a slow walk down a natural tunnel formed by the canopies of well-spaced trees. It's a tranquil place, so it's great if you're looking for a short pit stop before your next Bohol adventure, the forest is just north of it.

• Browse our list of Bohol river cruise tours

It has a stretch of two kilometers and is made with white and red mahogany trees. This tourist destination is often packaged with other tourist spots such as Chocolate Hills in a guided sightseeing excursion in Bohol.

It’s also combined with nearby attractions such as this sightseeing tour with Loboc River Cruise .

See our popular Bohol Countryside Tours

14. plunge into bohol’s waterfalls      .

Relax and unwind at Bohol’s famous waterfalls. Take a dip in these gorgeous waterfalls accessible by public transportation or by joining a Bohol waterfalls escapade.

20 kilometers from Tagbilaran and found in the forest of Barangay Can-omay are hidden waterfalls called Mag-Aso Falls, named after ‘aso’ or smoke due to the drizzles resembling smoke that is formed from the strong drop of water.

Out of 20 waterfalls in Bohol, this waterfall is the most accessible from the capital Tagbilaran City and is also less crowded, as it is still not yet commercialized. It’s a must-try half-day tour in Bohol.

Just around an hour’s drive from Alona Beach is one of the most enchanting spots of nature anywhere in the region. The falls themselves are sparkling clean! Take a dip in its turquoise waters and admire the scenic view it offers. The place is quite popular, so expect some company while you’re here.

This waterfall is located at Balilihan, Bohol. It’s one of the highly-recommended waterfalls in the province because of its amphitheater-like cascading of waters. You can swim and laze around the waters for as long as you like!

There's also a Kawasan Falls in Bohol and not just the popular one in Cebu. This gorgeous waterfall has a high drop of 20 meters and is blessed with clean and aquamarine waters. The good news is it's included in most waterfalls tours in Bohol.

See our popular Waterfalls Tours

Cebu oslob whale shark watching, sumilon sandbar, tumalog falls tour with lunch & transfers, cebu oslob whale shark watching & kawasan canyoneering tour with safety gear, lunch & transfers, negros mambukal mountain resort day tour with transfers from bacolod city, 15. have fun at a butterfly garden   .

It aims to help the insect and named after, also studies and preserves local plants that are greatly affected due to illegal poaching and deforestation. 

The Center has several facilities that would take more than an afternoon to cover. Its main one is the Butterfly Garden, where over 50 species of butterflies flutter around freely. Seats and pathways are available for strolling around or idly watching them as they fly by.

Butterflies who are inbred can be visited in the Butterfly Enclosure, which has a waterfall and caterpillar feeding displays as well. Guests can also take a walk at the Nature Trail, located on a small hill where tropical plants, birds, and other small wildlife are also present.

Butterfly and insect collections are displayed in the Visitor Center, where the restaurant is located.

You can reach this habitat conservation center along the highway of Carmen Town. Colored flags serve as the signage to the entrance of the Center, which is roughly 40 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol.

Guests are required to pay an entrance fee before entering the vicinity. But you can get in for free if you  join a sightseeing trip in Bohol that includes this tourist spot in the itinerary.

The roots and the canopy of leaves reflect crisply on the clear water, lending the river its sparkling emerald hue. It's one of the most recommended things to experience!

The Abatan River stretches 20 km traversing several small villages in Bohol province. The river opens to an estuary, which grows as many as 32 mangrove species of the entire Philippines.

Before the fireflies can glow, they spend three years as larvae in the undergrowth beneath the trees. They then metamorphose as bioluminescent fireflies but could only light for one month of their adult lives.

You can go ahead and tour the mangroves on a kayak, either on a shared tour or private tour. Prepare to see the fireflies, which are bioluminescent phytoplanktons that twinkles in the galaxies beneath and above the mangroves come evening.

You can even have a tour package with dinner before or after the Abatan River firefly  tour! The mangrove tunnel tour and firefly tour each lasts 2 hours. Proceeds help sustain ecotourism projects as well as fund local scholars. If you've already been to Abatan, you can also try Loay firefly watching .

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.

Go on a sightseeing tour in Bohol’s city proper, Tagbilaran! See some of the iconic tourist spots and discover the rich heritage of the city. There are many beautiful places in Bohol you can visit while in the area, but these are the top ones included in a Tagbilaran city experience:

This is President Carlos P. Garcia's former mansion turned museum in Tagbilaran. It is reminiscent of the White House due to its color and displays various furniture and paraphernalia belonging to his family. 

This heritage house was built by Julian Rocha, a well-known 19th-century architect in Bohol. It displays a rich and extensive collection of furniture, reminiscent of Spanish ancestral houses during the colonial period.

It’s a must-visit church due to its gorgeous Neo-Romanesque facade, with a depiction of Old Testament symbols on its side interiors.

It’s one of the best museums in Bohol because of its extensive collection of geological remains, rock formations, burial coffins, and others.

Most sightseeing Bohol tours pass by this tourist spot as it’s the perfect place for photography shots. It’s also the region’s biggest government center.

One of the must-try activities in Bohol is a trip to the Cambuhat Oyster farm. It's situated in the municipality of Buenavista, Bohol. It is part of an eco-friendly tourism enterprise by the Cambuhat Enterprise Development & Fisheries Association (CEDFA). 

Tourists get to see how oysters are planted and harvested. Also, learn about the preservation of mangroves on this tour.

• Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor tour package
• El Nido-Cebu-Bohol tour package

Due to its geographic location, the locals of Buenavista engage in farming and fishing as their primary source of livelihood. The locals were able to develop oyster farms along the Cambuhat river.

The people are also into weaving, basket making, and broom making. The local government has developed some of its natural attractions and has been gaining from tourism as well.

This oyster village tour begins takes the tourists to Cambuhat River in Buenavista where participants will board a small boat. They will paddle down the river to see the oyster farm, witness a demo of planting and harvesting oysters and even taste fresh oysters.

The tour guide will also take them through the mangroves and nipa palms, where the guests will learn more about the preservation and management of the river

Plan Your Bohol Trip Now! 

• Read our Bohol travel guide
• Check the  Philippine Travel requirements for COVID-19
• Find out when is the best time to visit the Philippines

Start planning your itinerary with this list of top tourist spots and find  Bohol tours that best fit your needs for that perfect getaway. For a hassle-free experience, book your Philippines trip packages , Philippines honeymoon packages , Bohol diving packages , and Bohol tour packages  or book a hotel in the Philippines  (including 5 star hotels in the Philippines  and Philippine honeymoon resorts ) with a trusted online travel agency in the Philippines .

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