bohol business travel

Bohol Philippines Travel Guide & How To Visit

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

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

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

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

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

Where Is Bohol Island Located?

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

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

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

How To Get To Bohol Philippines

• from manila to bohol.

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

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

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

Shop Now: Flights To Bohol

• From Cebu To Bohol

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

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

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

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

Book Now: Bohol Ferry / Tour From Cebu

• From Other Places

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

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

You can shop for flights to the Philippines at Skyscanner.

The famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol Philippines!

Blue and turquoise waters at Balicasag Island

How To Get To Get Around Bohol Island

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

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

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

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

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

Tropical scenery on the Loboc river cruise

Philippine Tarsier

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

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

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

Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

• chocolate hills.

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

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

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

Book Now: Bohol Countryside Tour

Panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills

• Philippine Tarsiers

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

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

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

• Loboc River

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

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

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

Loboc river cruise

• Alona Beach

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

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

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

Funny sand castle at Alona Beach

• Dumaluan Beach

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

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

South Palms Resort

Dumaluan Beach ( South Palms Resort )

• Balicasag Island

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

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

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

Book Now: Bohol Island Hopping Tour

Drone pic of Balicasag Island

The beach at Balicasag Island

• Virgin Island

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

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

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

Virgin Island

Sandbar at Virgin Island

• Pahangog Falls

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

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

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

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

Pahangog Falls — turquoise pool and waterfall!

• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

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

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

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

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

• Can-umantad Falls

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

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

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

Can-umantad Falls is the biggest waterfall in Bohol Philippines

• Pamilacan Island

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

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

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

Book Now: Pamilacan Island Tour

Map Of Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

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

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

Best Beaches In Bohol

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

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

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

A secluded corner of Alona Beach

How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines

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

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

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

Bohol Travel Itinerary

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

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

Jungle views on the Loboc river cruise

Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines

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

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

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

Best Bohol Tour Packages

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

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

Virgin Island sandbar

Other Tips For Bohol Island

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

More Philippines Travel Guides

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

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

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

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

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

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• Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines – Budget & Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Sections of this Bohol travel guide

Bohol Overview

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

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

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

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

How to get to Bohol island

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

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

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

Manila to Bohol ✈️

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

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines

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

Cebu to Bohol ⛴️

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

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

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

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

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

Ferry schedules between Cebu and Bohol (updated September 2018)

Bohol (Tagbilaran) – Cebu (Cebu City)

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

Cebu (Cebu City) – Bohol (Tagbilaran)

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

Dumaguete to Bohol ⛴️

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

Siquijor to Bohol ⛴️

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

Best time to visit Bohol

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

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

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

My weather experience in Bohol

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

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

Weather in Bohol

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

What to pack

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

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

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

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

Getting around Bohol

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

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

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

Other more local ways of transportation include jeepneys and buses .

Getting from Tagbilaran to Panglao

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

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

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

Are tours in Bohol worth it?

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

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

Jeepneys and tricycles in Bohol

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

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

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

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

Vans and buses in Bohol

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

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

What to do in Bohol

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

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

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

Tarsier Sanctuary (the real one!)

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

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

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

Corella Tarsier Sanctuary

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

Loboc River

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

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

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

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

Chocolate Hills

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

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

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

Balicasag Island

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

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

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

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

Beaches of Bohol & Panglao

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

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

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

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

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

Beaches in Panglao and Bohol

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

Sample Bohol Itinerary

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

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

Where to stay in Bohol

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

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

Bohol Beach Club

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

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

Bohol South Beach

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

Find your accommodation in Bohol

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

Or make your own research:

Food in Bohol

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

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

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

What to eat in Bohol 🍳

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

Places to eat in Bohol 🍽️

Bohol bee farm restaurant (panglao).

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

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

Gerarda’s Place (Tagbilaran)

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

The Wine Cellar (Panglao)

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

Sunset Grill Authentic Mexican Food (Panglao)

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

Coco Loco (Anda)

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

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

Cost of things in Bohol

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

Bohol budget and daily costs

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

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

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

Bohol Travel Tips

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

Bohol Review

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

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

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

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

27 Reasons To Visit The Philippines

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

Bohol Travel Guide – Other Useful Links

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

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

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135 comments 💬

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

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

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

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

Anyway, I enjoyed reading your blog posts.

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

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

How did it go Stella?

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

Plenty of pictures here!

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

Thanks for your kind words Billy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you Meeky, I feel validated

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

Thanks for passing by Lee. Safe travels!

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

Have a wonderful trip Sweety 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

I don’t April, I’m sorry!

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

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

That will be a special trip Henry 🙂 Enjoy!

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

It is indeed, need to book earlier!

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

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

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

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

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

Let me know how it goes 🙂

very informative and helpful 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi. Is tricycle accessible in Bohol?

It is accessible, yes.

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

Awesome! Thank you!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing by!

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

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

Thank you jahdiel, that’s the goal anyway!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy travels to you too!

Sir, may rent a car din ba?

I’m sorry?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you tried to stay at Hennan Bohol?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for sharing!

I’m excited for you 😀

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

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

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

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

Hello Janna,

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

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

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

How much is the entrance fee to Bohol Beach Club?

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

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

You’re going to have a blast!

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

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

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

Sorry I’ve never even heard of that!

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

Yay, thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Travels Everyone!

Tom, 2bearbear.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great to hear! enjoy!

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

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

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

thanks for this trivia! 🙂

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

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

Destinations🌎

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.

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[…] 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 Travel Guide 2024 – EVERYTHING You Need to Know Before Visiting

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by  Manoling Martinez

December 25, 2023

Note: This post may include affiliate links. Read more about this here .  

When I first stepped into Bohol, my first question was:

Why didn’t I come here sooner???

Few places in the Philippines are as beautiful and well-developed for tourism as Bohol. 

From the Chocolate Hills and the main tourist zones, all the way to the quiet and lesser-visited towns, Bohol is through and through an amazing island. 

In this Bohol travel guide, I’ll go over: 

• Travel facts you should know before visiting
• How to get to Bohol from anywhere in the Philippines
• Transportation options and how to get around
• A Bohol travel map
• Where to stay in Bohol
• What you can do on the island
• Sample Itineraries
• Where to go after visiting Bohol

And I’ll also answer a bunch of FAQs people usually ask about the island. 

Let’s dive in!

Bohol Travel Facts – 3 Things You Should Know Before Visiting

Before we get into all the details you trip planners need to know, let’s start with the fun stuff. 

Here are a few things that make Bohol unique! 

Bohol Travel Facts #1 – Bohol is One of the Best Places for Solo Travelers

“Why are you here alone???” 

That’s something I hear a gazillion times in my travels. And it’s true… some places in the Philippines are hard for solo travelers. 

Not Bohol. 

Bohol was one of the only places where everyone understood what solo travelers were. No one gave me weird looks about it. 

Aside from that, there are also a BUNCH of travelers from all over the world here, so meeting like-minded people is super easy. There are hundreds of hostels you can stay at, and there are a bunch of group tours you can join! 

And if mingling with others isn’t your thing, their tourist spots are the types where you can just drive up on a motorbike alone and enjoy yourself. 

Bohol Travel Facts #2 – But It’s Also a Place for Everyone

Even if you’re not an adventurous solo backpacker, you’ll still LOVE Bohol. 

If you’re the type of person who prefers luxurious resorts and fancy restaurants, you’ll find PLENTY of that in Bohol. 

If you’re the type of person that wants to go freediving, or bungee jump off a cliff, you can do that in Bohol as well!

If you like doing private tours, or if you’d rather get on a motorbike and explore alone, both options are great in Bohol. 

There’s truly something for everyone on this majestic island! 

That’s because:

Bohol Travel Facts #3 – Bohol is One of the Best Developed Islands for Tourism

Bohol is a tourism powerhouse. 

It’s one of the most visited islands in the Philippines, and it’s very easy to see why. 

Aside from the main tourist spots, even the less visited towns have tourism officers! 

I was shocked when I visited Alicia to find a super enthusiastic officer who arranged my hike up the Panoramic Peak (more on that later) . 

But for now, let’s get into the planning details!

How to Get to Bohol From Anywhere

Bohol is one of the most accessible islands in the Philippines. No matter where you are, there’s bound to be a quick and easy way to get here. 

I’m going to cover how to get to Bohol from the 5 main entry points: 

• Oslob / Moalboal
• Siquijor, and

How to Get to Bohol from Manila

There are daily direct flights to Bohol from Manila courtesy of Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia. 

Travel time is 1 hour, and tickets are generally affordable if you book in advance (especially if you wait for promo fares) . 

If the schedule doesn’t work for you, you can also consider flying into Cebu City first. Which brings us to…

How to Get to Bohol from Cebu City

There are dozens of boats from Cebu City to Bohol. Most tourists ride the Ocean Jet fast craft from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran. Travel time is 2 hours, and tickets cost php800 – php1,000. 

This is considered the best route for tourists because it’s fast and convenient, and it docks in Tagbilaran, which is very close to the main tourist zone Panglao. 

Other options include fast and slow boats to Getafe, Tubigon, and a bunch of other ports in Bohol. If you choose these, you’ll have to get on a bus going to Tagbilaran, and then a tricycle to Panglao. 

How to Get to Bohol from Oslob or Moalboal

There’s one ferry that leaves daily from Quartel Beach in Oslob to Momo Beach in Panglao. It’s run by Apekop Travel, and travel time is around 1.5 hours. 

If you’re in Oslob or Moalboal but don’t want to go back to Cebu City to get to Bohol, this is a godsend. 

You can check updated schedules and book tickets online here . Right now, it leaves at 11:30 am and costs roughly php1,000. 

Note: this is the best way to get to Bohol from Moalboal, but you have 3 other options which I wrote about here !

How to Get to Bohol from Siquijor

There’s a daily direct fast ferry from Siquijor Port to Tagbilaran Port. It’s run by Ocean Jet, costs php800 – php1,000, and travel time is 2 hours. 

You can check the latest schedule and book online here . 

Alternatively, there’s also a fast boat that leaves daily from Larena Port to Tagbilaran. It’s run by Apekop .

How to Get to Bohol from Camiguin

There’s a daily ferry from Mambajao, Camiguin to Jagna, Bohol. It runs once a day costs php760, travel time is 4 hours, and you can book at the port or online. 

This route is run by Super Shuttle, and the ferry currently leaves at 9:30 am . However, schedules are bound to change. You can Super Shuttle’s Facebook page for updates. 

Bohol Travel Requirements 2024

Bohol currently has no travel requirements! Everyone is free to enter Bohol with or without vaccinations, and no pre-booked accommodation is needed. 

How to Get Around Bohol

So now that you’ve arrived at Bohol, the next big question is:

How do you get around???

There are plenty of options, so I’ll go over them one by one. 

Renting a Motorbike (Best Option)

Remember what I said about Bohol being great for backpackers?

Well, this is one of the reasons why. 

It’s super easy to rent a motorbike here and just travel wherever you want, whenever you want. The freedom you get from driving a motorbike is unmatched.

There are a bunch of motorbikes for rent right outside the Tagbilaran Pier for php400/day, so you can pick up and drop off the bike as you enter and exit Bohol. 

There are also motorbike rentals all over Panglao, Tagbilaran, and Anda; pretty much anywhere there are tourists.

Motorbike rentals range from php300 – php500 a day. You typically have to leave a security deposit or an ID (note for foreigners: never leave your passport!). 

Ride Tricycles or Habal-Habal (Motorcycle Taxi)

If you can’t / don’t want to rent a motorbike, you can opt for tricycles or habal-habals instead. 

You can find them all over Tagbilaran and Panglao. 

However, prices are mostly unregulated, so prepare your haggling skills! 

For short distances, expect to pay around php20 – 50, medium distances will cost you php100 – 400. And long distances (like Tagbilaran Pier to Panglao) usually start at around php500. 

Some tricycles also offer land tours. These usually go for around php1,500 – php2,000. 

In Bohol, buses are primarily used for long-distance travel. And in Bohol, you never pre-book these.

If you’re heading to Jagna to catch the ferry to Camiguin, or if you’re going to spend some time in Anda, or if you’re going to Carmen to DIY your Chocolate Hills visit – buses are the way to go. 

There are also buses every hour from the Dao Terminal in Tagbilaran to the Alona area in Panglao. If your timing is right, you can hop on one instead of taking a tricycle. 

Bus fares are typically cheap. Tagbilaran to Panglao only costs around php100, while Tagbilaran to Anda will cost around php150. 

Like buses, vans are often used for longer-distance travel. Most organized tours also use vans. 

Unlike buses, it’s easy to get a private van to take you around. These usually cost around php3,200 for 8 hours. 

Bohol Travel Map

A fun, Bohol travel map coming soon! For now, here’s a map by Bohol Philippines. 

When you’re traveling Bohol, there are really 6 areas that tourists should be aware of:

• Carmen – Loboc (and central Bohol)
• Anda (and East Bohol)
• San Isidro (and West Bohol)
• Danao (and North Bohol)

Let’s take a closer look! 

Tagbilaran – The Main City

Tagbilaran is the main city and entry point into Bohol. 

It’s bustling, full of buildings and stores, and can also get quite traffic. 

For travelers, it’s here you’ll find:

• The Tagbilaran Pier
• Motorbike rental (right outside the pier)
• Dao Bus Terminal (for getting around Bohol)
• Shopping centers for any needs you have

Other than that, there’s not much you can do or see around the city except for the Blood Compact Shrine (which is just a shrine) . 

Panglao – Main Tourist Zone

This is where you’ll find all the accommodations – from hotels and resorts to homestays and hostels. You’ll also find the airport here.

The main strip in Panglao is along Alona Beach. 

Alona area gets extremely lively, with bright lights, live shows, and countless food options. But it can also get overcrowded, especially during peak hours. 

There are plenty of accommodations and restaurants scattered all over Panglao. But the further you go from Alona, the more spread out they become. 

Panglao does have a few tourist spots worth visiting (which I’ll get to in a bit) . And it’s also the main hub for scuba and freediving! 

Carmen, Loboc, and Central Bohol – Main Sightseeing Area

Before heading to Bohol, I thought the Chocolate Hills would be near my hostel (in Panglao) . 

Boy was I wrong! 

It turns out most of the sightseeing spots are in Central Bohol, which is a full 1.5 hours away from Panglao! 

But I’ll say this, the spots here are well worth the long drive. From the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers to the manmade forests and the green Loboc River, these are some of the most unique spots I’ve been to (more about them in a bit) . 

Plus, they’re all relatively close to each other, so you can visit them all in one go. 

Anda and East Bohol – SUPER Underrated Destination

Easta Bohol is SO beautiful…

And SO underrated…

I’m going to write a full travel guide just for this place. 

Let me just give you a quick summary here! 

Anda is a full 2 hours away from Panglao, which is why it doesn’t get nearly as much attention. 

But the beaches and the spots here are just as beautiful – and arguably even better since they’re not as crowded. 

From the cave pools of Anda to the stunning hills of Alicia, I can’t express how much I love this place. 

A MUST visit for backpackers! 

San Isidro and West Bohol – Waterfalls and Off-The-Beaten-Path

I’m going to be honest…

I don’t know a lot about West Bohol, and I doubt many travelers do too. 

There are some ports to Cebu here like Tubigon and Loon. 

And you’ll also find waterfalls like Camugao and Kawasan here (worth a visit btw) . 

But other than those, it’s very much off-the-beaten-path. 

If you’re the type of traveler who likes that kind of stuff, this might be a good place to start. I remember seeing another bright green river here that isn’t as well known as Loboc (I didn’t even know the name) . 

Danao and the North – Bungee Jump and Off-The-Beaten-Path

Last, there’s North Bohol, which, aside from the Danao Adventure Park, has no famous spots. 

So head up here if you’re up for some thrills – like the highest canyon swing in the world (75 meters) . 

Or maybe head up here if you want to escape the crowd. 

There’s also a port to Cebu in Jetafe, which is one of the closest ones to Cebu City. 

Where to Stay in Bohol

Instead of giving you exact hotels to stay at (there are so many of them) …

I’m instead going to give you a general idea of what the areas are like, and where I stayed.

Then you can head to your favorite booking site and look for hotels near that area. How does that sound?

Where to Stay in Bohol – Alona (duh)

For travelers, the default area to stay is around Alona Beach in Panglao. 

There are countless options in this area, from dirt-cheap hostels to luxurious resorts like Hennan, The Bellevue, and South Palms. 

If you don’t like big crowds, you can always stay a few minutes away from the main strip. There are plenty of tricycles all over Panglao that can take you to the main zone anytime (or you can rent a motorbike). 

However, keep in mind that Alona Beach is mediocre. 

If you’re looking for cleaner, whiter sand, less crowded, and bigger beaches, you can stay in the Dumaluan Beach area (which is right beside Alona) . 

When I visited, I stayed a full week in Sunrise Huts, a quiet, secluded hostel that’s right beside Dumaluan. 

It’s not a social hostel by any means, and there’s nothing that’s walking distance from it. But it was a cozy and quiet place which I loved. 

Finally, you’ll find lots of quieter places to stay all along Panglao. Just double-check how far away they are from Alona (because that’s really where all the action is!)

Where to Stay in Bohol – Central Bohol Resorts

If you want a quiet escape, then you should probably look around Central Bohol. 

All along the majestic green Loboc River, you’ll find resorts that allow you to get away from it all. 

For backpackers looking to take public transport, you’ll also find a couple of cheap inns around the Carmen area. 

Carmen is where the Chocolate Hills are, so you can see why this is a popular place to spend the night! 

Where to Stay in Bohol – Tagbilaran

Or rather, where to NOT stay in Bohol. 

Tagbilaran is a city. 

So unless you have business to do, I really don’t recommend staying here. 

Even though it’s a small city, its roads are tiny, so it still jams up with traffic. 

There’s absolutely no reason for travelers to base themselves here (unless it’s for a luxury resort on the city outskirts) . 

Where to Stay in Bohol – Anda

When visiting East Bohol, Anda is the automatic place to stay. 

It’s a beautiful and secluded beach town, and has plenty of resorts to stay at too. 

When I visited, I stayed at One Peace Beach Resort, which was a little bit isolated, but not a worry because I had a motorbike. 

The resort was super peaceful, it had its own beachfront, and I got a bed in a dorm for just php500/night (pretty sweet) . 

The Belgian owner, Boris, is also very friendly. He even offered to draw me a hiking route map of Anda if I wanted. 

What To Do in Bohol – 7 Things To Do and See

Now for the fun part! 

There are a gazillion things you can see and do in Bohol. 

I’ll get more in-depth into everything in my Bohol Tourist Spots post (coming soon) , but for now, here are some ideas on what you can do! 

Things to do in Bohol – Visit the Chocolate Hills

The most famous landmark on the entire island is the Chocolate Hills.

A UNESCO Global Geopark, the landscape of these hills is unlike anything you’ll ever see. 

The hills themselves are limestone karsts. There are over a thousand of them, but the main one is where you’ll find the Chocolate Hills Complex. 

There’s a paved road hugging the hill, and there are stairs that’ll take you to the very top, where the best views of the hills are. 

Entrance here is php100, but it’s very much worth it. 

You can always go crazy and just try to climb a random chocolate hill you find for free. But I don’t recommend doing this! 

You can get to the Chocolate Hills by renting a motorbike and driving here, or you can also join the popular Bohol Countryside Tour. 

Speaking of which…

Things to do in Bohol – Go on the Countryside Tour

The Countryside Tour is by far the most popular tour in Bohol. 

You can go with a tour agency or, if you’re like me, just rent a motorbike and do it yourself. 

The reason it’s so popular is because even though the spots are far away from Panglao, they’re all close to each other, making it super easy to visit them all in one day. 

The Countryside Tour includes: 

• Chocolate Hills
• Tarsier Sanctuary
• Bilar Manmade Forest
• Xzootic Animal Park (don’t recommend)
• Loboc River
• Baclayon Church

All of the spots are worth a visit, except maybe Xzootic (which is a bit of a sad zoo) . 

The Tarsier Sanctuary is one of the only places in the world where you can come face-to-face with the tiny primates. 

The manmade forest is just a road surrounded by trees, but it’s picturesque. 

Loboc River is glowing green, and going on their lunch buffet cruise is a wonderful experience (php850) . Loboc is so beautiful and has a lot to do, many people come all the way just for it. 

Finally, Baclayon Church is a nice old church. It’s not too different if you’ve seen Philippine churches before, but still a nice stopover before heading back. 

Things to do in Bohol – Go Island Hopping!

Like almost every other province, Bohol has its own version of island hopping as well. 

But here’s the thing:

Bohol’s island hopping is one of the better ones. 

It’s a half-day tour, and stops include:

• The dolphin-watching area
• Virgin Island sandbar
• Balicasag reef
• Balicasag island

The dolphins only show up early in the morning, so try to leave as early as possible. If you’re not traveling alone, you can also get a private boat to take you out so you can leave at 6 am and beat the crowd. 

The Virgin Island sandbar is a cool bunch of sand in the middle of the sea. It’s great for a quick swim, but there isn’t much else to do around here. Also, there’s usually a long line of people taking pictures with the Virgin Island sign. 

Balicasag Reef is one of the most amazing reefs I’ve seen. Found about 50 – 100 meters from shore, this reef is BURSTING with life. It’s a deep drop, and the wall is home to all kinds of colorful fish and corals. I didn’t know where to look because there were too many fish (the picture doesn’t do this justice) ! 

Balicasag Island is a small island with a few eateries. The beach isn’t extraordinary, but there are a few turtles that hang out on the shallows which you can check out. After checking out the turtles, you’re pretty much forced to buy and eat lunch on the island (lunch is not included on most tours) . 

Overall, the dolphins and the Balicasag Reef make it worth it. 

Prices when it comes to island hopping are all over the place. I went with GoPanglao’s joiner tour for php999, but you can find joiner tours anywhere along Alona Beach. 

If you want a private boat (which I recommend for bigger groups to avoid the crowd) , you can also book online here . 

Things to do in Bohol – Explore Panglao

I’ll be honest, Panglao’s spots aren’t the most spectacular. 

Nonetheless, since most of you are going to be staying there already, why not explore it? 

There are some organized tours you can join, but renting a motorbike and seeing the spots on your own is the way to go. 

Panglao’s spots include:

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

Hinagdanan Cave is the main event of the Panglao land tour, and for good reason. It’s a very unique cave, with a lovely swimming pool. It would’ve been one of my top spots of all time if it wasn’t for the crowd! The cave is relatively small, and on busy times, there are about 30 people jam-packed in the cave. 

Panglao Church is a cozy place. Nothing spectacular, but it’s a nice place to sit down and watch people go about their business.

Bohol Bee Farm lost all its bees during Typhoon Odette. That said, they still serve their famous ice cream in a casava cone for php80. The Bee Farm also has a pasalubong store, a cafe, and a restaurant. Not a must-visit, but a cool place to go if you have time. 

Finally, the Shell Museum is exactly what it sounds like. I didn’t get to visit, so I can’t say much. But if this is your type of thing, definitely go check it out! 

Things to do in Bohol – Try Freediving

Bohol is one of the freediving hot spots in the Philippines.

There are a bunch of instructors and schools based in Panglao, so it’s very easy to get into it here. And there are great spots to go freediving too. 

I tried freediving in the Napaling Reef, which is home to the famous orange Napaling crack. 

You can try freediving by yourself. Or, if you want to learn how to do it properly, enroll in one of the many freediving schools around Panglao! 

Things to do in Bohol – Chase Waterfalls

Bohol isn’t as well-known for waterfalls as Siquijor or South Cebu, but they do have their fair share of beautiful ones! 

And here’s a little secret: 

Bohol’s Camugao Falls is one of my favorites of all time. 

The tall falls, the green water, and the lovely swimming area were something I would go back for over and over again (even though it was out of the way) . 

Aside from Camugao, Bohol also has Kawasan (not the same as the one in Cebu) , Pahangog (not too far away from Bilar) , and Can Umantad Falls (found in the Anda area) . All of which are worth a visit!

Things to do in Bohol – Visit Anda

Again, I’m going to write an entire blog post about the East side of Bohol because it’s almost a completely different destination. 

But if ever you’ve explored the main spots in Bohol, and you still have a few days left, a quick trip to Anda is a great way to spend your time! 

Anda is one of the most laid-back beach towns I’ve ever been to. 

Plus, the towns beside it are full of exciting spots to visit like:

• Cabagnow and other cave pools
• Quinale Beach
• The Alicia Panoramic Hills
• Can-Umantad Falls, the tallest in Bohol
• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
• Canawa Cold Spring

And many other lesser-known spots!

Bohol Sample Itineraries (and Budgets)

Bohol is an island you can stay in for weeks and weeks and never run out of things to do. 

I stayed on the island for 10 days, and that didn’t feel nearly enough. 

That said, if you’re short on time, here’s how you can make the most out of it. 

You can see all the highlights in 2 days, but I’d say the minimum to enjoy the island is 3 days. 

Sample 3-Day Bohol Itinerary and Budget = php5,785

Here’s how I would explore Bohol if I had only 3 days and wanted to go as cheaply as possible! 

Day 1 – Arrival and Countryside Tour

Notes: if you don’t want to rent a motorcycle and explore on your own, there are several countryside tour providers . You can book online or when you arrive in Bohol. 

Day 2 – Island Hopping / Explore Panglao

Notes: If you’re traveling with more than 3 people, I highly recommend getting a private boat instead of doing joiner tours. We almost missed the dolphins because of our late start! You can book island hopping tours online or anywhere along Alona Beach (there are LOTS of them). 

You can also book private Panglao tours , but I recommend renting a motorbike and going to see the spots yourself. 

Day 3 – Waterfalls and Chill

Notes: On the third and last day, there’s a bunch of different things you can go for. I personally recommend checking out some waterfalls (since they’re super underrated), but you can just as easily go see the Whale Sharks, or visit the Danao Adventure Park for a bungee jump. 

Sample 4-Day Bohol Itinerary 

If you’re staying for four days, I’d do most of what’s listed above, but I’d also throw in a day for either scuba diving or freediving!

Here’s how I’d do it: 

Day 1 – Countryside Tour 

Day 2 – Island Hopping and Explore Panglao

Day 3 – Scuba Dive or Freedive, Chill in Dumaluan

Day 4 – Chasing Waterfalls and Exit

If you’re not into trying diving, you can also head to Lila Bohol and go whale shark watching, which is similar to the one they have in Oslob Cebu. You can also book this tour online here. 

Sample 5-Day Bohol Itinerary 

If you’re staying for five days, you can either add an extra day to completely relax. Or, you can split your trip into 3 days in the Panglao area, and 2 days in the Anda area. 

Here’s what that’d look like:

Day 1 – Countryside Tour

Day 3 – Chase Waterfalls, transfer to Anda

Day 4 – Cave pools, waterfalls, rice terraces

Day 5 – Hike Alicia Panoramic Hills, swim in Canawa Cold Spring, exit Bohol

As always… I’ll write a detailed guide on Anda soon, so stay tuned! (I’ll link it here if it’s done)

Where to Go After Bohol

That’s almost everything you need to know about Bohol. 

The last question (before the FAQs) to answer is where should you go after Bohol??? 

Bohol is quite a hub, and there are 3 really cool destinations that you can easily get to from Bohol. 

Siquijor is my favorite island in the entire Philippines! 

It’s a magical place with beautiful waterfalls, lovely beaches, unique spots, and great diving too. 

There are direct ferries from Bohol to Siquijor that only take 2 hours. The most popular one is run by OceanJet. 

You can book tickets online here, head to any booking office in Panglao, or book directly in the Tagbilaran pier. 

I highly, HIGHLY recommend visiting Siquijor. You won’t regret it!

You can read my full Siquijor travel guide here !

One crazily underrated island is Camiguin. 

With some of the most beautiful forests and white-sand beaches I’ve ever seen, Camiguin is another must-visit island.

A lot of people don’t know that there’s a direct ferry from Bohol to Camiguin. 

It leaves from the town of Jagna, which is about 1.5 hours away from Tagbilaran. To get there, you can ride a bus from the Dao Terminal in Tagbilaran. 

The ferry only runs once a day. You can check schedules and book online here , or you can book directly at the port. 

Check out my Camiguin travel guide to help with your planning! 

South Cebu (Oslob & Moalboal)

Finally, there’s South Cebu. 

In Oslob, you can swim with the whale sharks and check out Tumalog Falls, while Moalboal is famous for its sardine run. 

South Cebu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, so it makes a lot of sense to combine visiting Bohol and South Cebu in one go. 

The great news?

There’s a direct ferry from Momo Beach in Panglao to Quartel Beach in Oslob! 

That’s right.

No need to travel all the way to Tagbilaran and Cebu City anymore. 

The ferry is run by Apekop Travel, and it currently leaves back and forth once a day. You can check updated schedules and book online, find a travel agency, or book at the port (there are limited seats so I recommend booking ahead ) .

Check out my Moalboal travel guide here !

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling Bohol

Last but not least!

Let’s get to some frequently asked questions about traveling Bohol.

If you can’t find the answer to your question here, do leave a comment down below and I’ll get right back to you. 

Let’s go. 

What’s the Best Time to Visit Bohol?

The best time to visit Bohol is around January to March. The dry season runs from December to May, while the wet season runs from June to November. 

Keep in mind that Philippine weather is very unpredictable, so there can be storms during the dry season, and there can be long, sunny weeks during the rainy season! 

January to March is the best time to visit because not only is it dry, but December, April, and May are peak seasons, so there can be a LOAD of tourists. 

However, no matter what your schedule is, my advice is to just go! You’re never going to time the weather perfectly, so don’t stress too much about it. 

How Long Should You Stay in Bohol?

You should stay in Bohol for at least 3 – 4 days. 2 days is passable, but super rushed, while 5 days may be too slow for some people. 

That said, you can stay in Bohol for 10 days like I did, or you can stay for months. You’ll find out very quickly once you’re here that there are a gazillion things to do and see!

What is Bohol Famous For?

Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills! If there’s only one thing you can do in Bohol, it should be to go and see these hills. 

They’re super unique and iconic. 

Can You Drive Around the Whole Bohol?

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Bohol is a HUGE island, and it’d take you almost a whole day of nonstop driving to get around the whole island (not to mention the interior) . 

If ever you plan to do this, make sure to stop by and stay in some popular towns like Carmen and Anda. 

What is Bohol’s Pasalubong Item?

Bohol’s most famous pasalubong, or gift, item is Kalamay. Made from coconut, sugar, and glutinous rice, it’s popularly sold inside coconut shells. 

If you’ve never tried it, you have to! It’s sweet, delicious, and super unique. 

Ready to Travel Bohol?

And there you have it!

Thank you for reading my Bohol travel guide! This took a lot of work to create, and my wish is that it’ll be useful for your trip. 

Bohol is one of my favorite islands of all time, and I’m so excited that you’re going to visit. 

So go and start planning away!

I’m SO excited for you!

– Manoling

P.S. If you have any more questions, leave a comment down below. I love helping people plan their trips! 

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Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

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TRAVEL ADVISORY: See Updates and Precautionary for COVID-19 in Bohol

About bohol.

Located at the heart of Central Visayas, the Island province of Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 4,117.3 square kilometres. It is composed of an oval-shaped mainland surrounded by 72 smaller islands.

A popular tourist destination, the province is abundant of beaches and resorts. Its well-known beaches are found in Panglao Island, which is situated south-west of the province, and in Anda, located on the island’s east side. Bohol is composed of 1 city and 47 municipalities.

Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, is known as the “City of Friendship.” Situated in the south-western part of the province, it has a total land area of 32.70 km2 (12.63 sq mi) and a coastline of 13 km (8.1 mi). The city shares its boundaries with the municipalities of Cortes, Corella, and Baclayon. It is 630 km (390 mi) southeast of the national capital of Manila and 72 km (45 mi) south of the regional capital, Cebu City.

Tagbilaran City’s name is derived from “Tagu Bilaan” which means TAGU (to hide) and BILAAN (a Muslim marauder tribe) – hence its name means to hide from Muslim marauders.

For more information, click FACTS, USEFUL PHRASES, and the DO’S & DONT’S

• Creative Industries

News and Updates

Alicia Ultra 2023

Apr 14, 2023

The ALICIA ULTRA this coming April 16, 2023 is scheduled to be Bohol Island’s first trail ultramarathon. The race will be held in the beautiful town of Alicia. The trail course is set over the luscious green rolling hills of the...

Bohol Loop Dive Expo 2023

Apr 13, 2023

Over a hundred individuals who are passionate about underwater photography, diving, and instructing are scheduled to gather in Bohol from April 13 to April 30 for the inaugural Bohol Loop Dive Expo, also known as BHOLDEX 2023,...

Visita Iglesia de Bohol

Apr 4, 2023

Your pilgrimage to 7 Bohol Churches not only during lent but-all-year round.St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral (Tagbilaran City) The Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker is the main seat of the Catholic faith in Bohol, with the...

Travel Highlights

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Travel Essentials

Now it’s time to make your Bohol vacation a reality! Perfect! To get you started, we’ve compiled everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Here you’ll find everything from money matters, health & wellness, happy stories, where to shop, prayer time, moving around, T.A.R.S.I.E.R and additional info. We’ve figured everything out, so you don’t have to!

Money Matters

Health & Wellness

Happy Stories

Where to Shop

Prayer Time

Moving Around

T.A.R.S.I.E.R 117

Additional Info

ITB Berlin 2024

Mar 5, 2024

​Last year, UNESCO conferred upon our dear island the honor of being included in its Global Geopark Network, making it the first destination ever to receive this distinction in the entire Philippines. This marked the culmination...

7TH PFTC 2024

Feb 26, 2024

The country’s farm tourism sector has made a strong comeback with the hosting of the 7th Philippine Farm Tourism Conference on the scenic Panglao Island in Bohol. Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism...

PHIDEX 2024

Feb 23, 2024

Bohol joins PHIDEX 2024 DIVE7 DOT Central Visayas actively participated in PHIDEX 2024, the Philippines' premier diving exposition held at the World Trade Center Manila from February 23–25, 2024. Themed 'Heart of Asia's Diving:...

Now it’s time to make your Bohol vacation a reality! Perfect! To get you started, we’ve compiled everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Here you’ll find everything from money matters, health & wellness, happy stories, where to shop, prayer time, moving around, T.A.R.S.I.E.R and others. We’ve figured everything out, so you don’t have to!

Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines

An Overview of the Mysterious Home of the Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills

Per-Andre Hoffman/Getty Images

To travel to Bohol in the Philippines is to encounter a curious place, steeped in devout folk Catholicism, bustling with energy, and intimately connected to nature.

Only a few generations out of small-town mode, the island of Bohol retains a laid-back feel that sometimes seems at odds with the noise of the capital, Tagbilaran , and the fun-seeking party atmosphere of nearby Panglao Island .

Much of the charm of the island draws from its unique geography: Bohol's islands, caves, rivers, and odd geological formations take their shape due to Bohol's karst topography: due to an abundance of limestone in the bedrock, Bohol boasts of a series of odd natural formations, including (but not limited to) the Chocolate Hills. 

This quirky limestone-based geology serves as the Bohol tourist's ideal backdrop for adventure: whether you're into diving around Panglao, or viewing the Chocolate Hills (or even better, ATVing around them), or visiting a "mystical island" on the other side of Bohol.

• Important Information: For data on visas and other important traveler info, read about Philippines Travel Information .

Getting Your Bearings on Bohol

Bohol is the tenth-largest island in the Philippine archipelago, covering about 1,590 square miles (only slightly larger than Long Island in New York ). The egg-shaped island lies about 550 miles south of the Philippines' capital Manila; regular flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA: NAIA) fly to Bohol-Panglao Airport (IATA: TAG) on adjacent Panglao Island, and ferry services serve sea routes between Manila or Cebu and Bohol.

• Making it Plane: For details on how to get to Bohol from abroad or from selected Philippine gateways, read this article: Transportation to Bohol, Philippines .

From Bohol's capital Tagbilaran, three major highways split up to cover Bohol's coast and interior, three traffic arteries linking to the island's major attractions. The well-developed road network in Bohol allows travelers to reach deep into the island; riding from end to end can take about two and a half hours' straight drive.

How fast you get to where you want to go depends on how much you plan to spend - if you have a middling to big budget, you can rent a private car with driver; if you have less money, the rest of Bohol is perfectly accessible via the island's public transport system, if you don't mind tacking an extra hour or three on your travel schedule.

Tagbilaran, Panglao, and Bohol's Other Attractions

The main city on Bohol Island is Tagbilaran , the island provincial capital, on the southwestern coast. As the only city and the main gateway to the rest of the Philippines, Tagbilaran is the island's main nerve center for commerce and transport.

Buses, jeepneys and v-hires departing from the Integrated Bus Terminal connect travelers to the rest of the island. From the IBT, Baclayon (home of Baclayon Church) lies just 4.3 miles east of the city; the Chocolate Hills, about 34 miles northeast; and Panglao Island, about 11 miles west, accessible via two bridges spanning the Panglao Strait.

Panglao Island is one of Bohol's main travel stops, as it possesses some of the province's best-known white-sand beaches and finest dive spots. A few islets off Panglao are ideal for island-hopping and sunbathing: Gak-ang and Pontod can be reached by boat hire through any of the resorts on the island.

• Busy in Bohol: For a more detailed list of activities for travelers in this part of the Philippines, read our list of Things to Do in Bohol - which includes details on the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers, and river tours that tourists come to Bohol to find.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Bohol has taken a while to wake up from its sleepy stupor, but the tourist market has quickly picked up on the area's natural attractions, hot diving spots, and charming churches.

Panglao beach bums have plenty of options: these resorts in Panglao Island , provide great value on island accommodations. Access to the beach costs more, though - but the off-the-beaten-path resorts offer some relief from the noise of areas close to the beach.

When to Go to Bohol

Bohol is good for travelers all year round, but the dry, cool season between December and March is the perfect time to go. Summer really heats up between March and July, until the heat breaks with the coming of the rainy season.

Carefully consider any travel in Bohol between August and November, as heavy rains fall on the island between these low tourist months.

• Rain rain go away: For more information on the island's climate, read our article on weather in the Philippines .

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Bohol Travel Guide: More Than Just Pretty Beaches

by Julie Nov 11, 2023 Philippines , Travel

You can snorkel, dive, and lie on a beach on pretty much any island in the Philippines.

ONLY in Bohol can you get up close to one of the smallest and oh-so-cutest primates in the world , the tarsier monkey .

And that’s NOT all!

In Bohol, you can explore some of the oldest churches in the Philippines, kayak or paddleboard down jungle-clad rivers, spot turtles and dolphins in the wild, and catch a view of hills covered in chocolate.

Ok. I admit that the last one isn’t true,

Bohol does have over 1,776 unique-looking hills called the Chocolate Hills . And if you visit at the right time of the year (spring), they do sort of look chocolatey.

In this Bohol itinerary and travel guide , I’m going to share with you EXACTLY how to see all these amazing places. You’ll find out how to visit the sights without having to rely on a motorcycle or scooter.

I have also updated this post to reflect 2023 and 2024 prices and information. 

Bohol is one of my top 15 places to visit in the Philippines . You can click here to find out what my other favorite places to visit in the Philippines are as well.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

In This Post, You’ll Find…

Click on the link to jump to the section that interests you the most.

Bohol Essentials

• How to Get to Bohol

How to Get Around Bohol

Top things to do in bohol.

• Bohol Itinerary

Where to Stay in Bohol

• What to Pack for Bohol

Solo Travel in Bohol

• When to Visit Bohol
• Final Thoughts

Bohol is one of the 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines.

It’s located in the Western Visayas . Just a hop, skip, and jump from Cebu Island.

5 KEY Tourist Destinations in Bohol:

The island is quite large, but tourism is mostly focused on the southern and eastern coasts and interior of the island .

Here are the 5 KEY tourist destinations you should know about:

• Smaller Islands – Pamilacan, Balicasag, and Cabilao

Let’s take a closer look at each of them so that you know where to go and what each has to offer the traveler:

1. Tagbilaran

Tagbilaran is where the port is for ferries coming from and leaving to Cebu City and Siquijor

The only reason to book your hotel here is because it’s convenient. You can catch buses to other parts of Bohol.

Other than that,

Most travelers don’t stay here. It’s a  noisy and ugly town. The only reason is that it’s a convenient place to stay with its transportation connections to other parts of Bohol. And perhaps hotels and hostels are cheaper here than in other parts of the island.

I didn’t spend much time in Tagbilaran city.

Most head to a smaller island called Panglao , which is connected to the mainland of Bohol by 2 bridges.

Panglao is the most touristy part of Bohol.

It’s got lots of hotels and a few nice beaches .

This is where I stayed when I was in Bohol.

The other area that tourists visit is the interior to the northeast of Tagbilaran . This is where you’ll find the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, and several old churches.

The main city in this area is Loboc, which makes for a good tourist base . However, you can also stay in Panglao and do day trips to Loboc.

I visited Loboc on a group tour and I felt it was nice for a short visit. If you want to stay longer, get a place on the river where you can relax in a hammock and do some paddle boarding.

Another more off-the-beaten-path area of the country is Anda , which is on the eastern coast of the island. This area is harder to get to but less touristy and more low-key than Panglao.

You’ll find some great beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear water , cave pools, waterfalls, and rice terraces.

I did not make it here because I ran out of time and it wasn’t easy to get to. Don’t let that intimidate you. I’ll share with you how to get there in the How to Get Around Bohol Section of this post.

5. Smaller Islands Around Bohol

Bohol has a few off-shore islands worth exploring for their snorkeling and diving: Pamilacan, Balicasag , and Cabilao .

I stayed a few nights on Pamilican. You can read more about my experience in the Pamilican section of this Bohol travel guide.

PRO TIP: No one likes to think about insurance, but accidents do happen. I highly recommend getting travel insurance. During my travels over the past 2 years, I've been using SafetyWing for my insurance. They're very affordable for all ages, and digital nomads can use their insurance long-term.

HOW TO GET TO BOHOL

You can EASILY get to Bohol from these Philippines destinations:

• Manila – plane
• Cebu City – ferry (2 hours)
• Siquijor – ferry (2 hours)
• Camiguin – ferry (4 hours)

I’ll tell you how to get to Bohol from each of those places:

1. Flights from Manila

By plane, you can fly non-stop from Manila to Bohol . Bohol’s airport is on Panglao. Check flights on 12Go or Skyscanner .

You can read about h ow to get to and from the airport in Manila in my post here .

2. Ferry from Cebu City to Bohol

Ferries leave from Pier 1 in Cebu Cit y ( Google Maps ).

There are 3 ports in Bohol ferries arrive at:

• Tagbilaran – THIS is the port you want for Panglao Island and most other tourist destinations in Bohol ( Google Maps )
• Tubigon ( Google Maps )
• Getafe ( Google Maps )

These are 2 ferry companies that can get you from Cebu City to Tagbilaran in Bohol.

• Ocean Jet – 2 hours – US$16 – $24 – depart hourly – 6 am – 6:30 pm
• Lite Shipping – 4 hours – US$8 – $11 – 1 – 2 departures/daily

Buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines, sold-out tickets, and missing your departure. When I bought my ticket, the lines were VERY LONG!

These are 2 VERY GOOD websites for buying ferry and bus tickets:

SUPER IMPORTANT: Even if you buy your ticket online, you still MUST PAY the Ferry Terminal Fee of PHP25 and a checked baggage fee of PHP50-100 per bag when you get to the terminal.

I did NOT check my large backpack when I took the ferry to Bohol. Instead, I brought it on board with me and placed it near my seat. No one cared, but I had a feeling I wasn’t supposed to do that because I didn’t see anyone else on the ferry with their luggage.

Arrive at least 1 hour BEFORE your boat departs .

You can see the timetable for ferries to Bohol here .

3. Ferry from Siquijor to Bohol

You can also get to Tagbilaran, Bohol from Siquijor.

There are 2 – 3 departures per day depending on the day of the week ( Check ferry schedule here ):

• Apekoptravel – departs from Larena Pier – 2 hours – 1:00 pm departure – US$13
• Oceanjet – departs from Siquijor Pier  – 2 hours – 8:20 am departure – US$16 – $24
• Lite Shipping – departs from Larena Pier – 3 hours – 7:00 pm – US$15

You can buy your tickets online ahead of time from this website:

You can read more about traveling in Siquijor in this easy-to-follow itinerary guide. 

4. From Camiguin to Bohol

You can travel between Camiguin and Bohol by ferry as well.

There are 1 – 2 departures per day depending on the day of the week. You can check the schedule here .

• Super Shuttle Ferry – 9:30 am or 2:30 pm – 4 hours

The ferry arrives in Jagna, Bohol ( Google Maps ).

You can buy ferry tickets online ahead of time from these TRUSTED websites:

Here’s the BAD NEWS about Bohol:

The public transportation system is STINKS! Public buses and jeepneys are infrequent, they’re hard to figure out, and they don’t target the cool tourist destinations.

Plus! It’s such a big island that it takes a long time to get to the different Bohol attractions.

But it’s NOT impossible!

Your Transportation Options Around Bohol:

• Rent a scooter or motorbike
• Hire a car and driver
• Join a group tour
• Take public transport

1. Rent a Scooter or Motorbike

• PHP500 – 550/day (US$9 – $10/day). Prices get cheaper the more days you rent.
• Ask at your hotel or hostel for advice on renting or rent from a place near the port in Tagbilaran
• Good for getting around Panglao and around Loboc area but the Anda area may be too far for a scooter
• If you’ve NEVER ridden a scooter before , I think Bohol is NOT a good place to try it out for the first time. Panglao is flatter and might be more manageable, however. Still, don’t feel pressure that you need to rent one. 
• PRO: Inexpensive and loads of freedom
• CONS: accidents happen; roads in the interior of Bohol are narrow and hilly

2. Rent a Car

• You can rent a car at the Panglao Airport in Bohol
• Necessary to have a car to visit the Anda area
• PROS: Amazing freedom; safer than zipping around on a scooter; travel farther than on a scooter
• CONS: Can be expensive; roads are narrow and twisty
• Check car rental prices on Klook

3. Charter a Private Car with Driver

• US$50/4 hours or US$60/8 hours
• RATING: 6/5 (731+ Reviews)
• PROS: safer than zipping around on a scooter or driving yourself; relative freedom to go where you want
• CONS: Can be expensive if traveling alone
• Check care hire prices with Klook

4. Join an All-Day Group Tour of Bohol

• Most tours are 8-9 hours long
• Most tours visit the same places: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Baclayon, Loboc River Cruise, Hanging Bridge, and a few more minor places
• Most tours do hotel pickup and dropoff
• This is how I got around Bohol
• PROS : Ideal for solo travelers; inexpensive
• CONS: Can be very touristy; no control over your Bohol itinerary
• Southwest Tours – US$35 – $58 depending on group size – Reviews for this tour have been AMAZING – RATING: 4.8/5 (266+ reviews; 5k booked) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!
• Countryside Bohol Tour – US$11 – AMAZINGLY cheap! – Reviews for this tour have been FANTASTIC – RATING : 4.7/5 (1,000 Reviews; 10K booked) – Check TOUR PRICES HERE!
• Abraham Tours – US$49 – The tour includes an ATV ride around the Chocolate Hills and SUP on Loboc River – RATING: 4.9/5 (26+ Reviews) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!

5. Public Transportation

It’s possible but challenging to get around by public transportation. It just requires patience and a sense of adventure.

Riding on a public bus can be the best way to meet regular Filipinos who are not working at your hotel or guiding you on a tour.

Here are your public transportation options:

• Tricycle – 3-wheeled vehicle for 1 – 3 people
• Shared mini van

PRO TIP: The KEY to taking public transportation around Bohol is to know where the main bus terminal is in Tagbilaran – Dao Bus Terminal (aka – Integrated Bus Terminal ). The Dao Bus Terminal is where buses leave from for other parts of Bohol .

PRO TIP:  Here's a list of essential items to pack for all of your island-hopping tours while in the Philippines:

• Dry bag - Your stuff will get wet while on island hopping tours so a dry bag is ESSENTIAL for the Philippines.
• Waterproof bag or pouch for your cell phone especially for your visit to such places as the Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon in El Nido and island hopping in Port Barton.
• Water shoes - It's important to have a pair because sometimes you'll need to be walking on rocks to get to your destination. You'll thank me later for bringing them.
• Sunscreen - You buy sunscreen in the Philippines, too, but it's pricey (500 - 700 pesos depending on the store--shop around!)
• Mask and snorkel -  I recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel. If you're new to snorkeling, start with the full face mask and snorkel . That's what I did.

Bohol is so unlike other Philippines’ islands. In Bohol, there’s more to do than just beachy things like swimming, snorkeling, and suntanning. You’ve got the tarsier sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, old churches, and jungle rivers.

1. Chocolate Hills

COST: PHP100 (US$1.76) | LOCATION: Google Maps

The main reason I visited Bohol was to see the Chocolate Hills, one of the Philippines’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

There are around 1,200 to 1,700 hills dotting the interior of Bohol.

In the spring when it’s dry from little rainfall , the hills are brown, like chocolate . But during the rest of the year, it rains and the hills turn green. Therefore, the hills are not as impressive. 

Go in the spring!

To see the hill, most travelers go to the Chocolate Hills Viewing Complex . Here you and all the other tourists can experience a 360-degree panoramic view of the hills.

I won’t lie to you. It was a bit of a letdown for many reasons:

• The Chocolate Hills were NOT brown like chocolate at all. They were green.
• It’s very touristy.
• I saw them at the wrong time of day. Maybe it’s better to see them in the early morning or late afternoon.

The park now has ATVs that you can rent to explore the Hills.

Easiest Way to Visit the Chocolate Hills:

Join a group tour that includes a stop at the Chocolate Hills. Here are 2 tours:

• Southwest Tours – US$35 – $58 depending on group size – Reviews for this tour have been AMAZING – 4.8/5 (266+ reviews; 5k booked) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!
• Countryside Bohol Tour – US$11 – AMAZINGLY cheap! – Reviews for this tour have been FANTASTIC – 4.7/5 (1,000 Reviews; 10K booked) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!
• Abraham Tours – US$49 – The tour includes an ATV ride around the Chocolate Hills – RATINGS: 4.9/5 (26+ Reviews) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!

How to Get to the Chocolate Hills Independently:

First, go to the Dao Bus Station in Tagbilaran and take a bus heading to Carmen . Get off the bus when it gets to the Chocolate Hills Viewing Platform. Expect to pay around PHP80.

2. Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

COST: PHP80 Entrance + additional charges for each activity (ziplining is PHP750) BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS ONLINE | OPEN: 8:30 – 5:30 every day | LOCATION: Google Maps

Bohols’ newest attraction is the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. If you’re looking to have some thrills while visiting the Chocolate Hills, then this is it!

There’s ziplining, Tarzan swinging, hiking, horseback riding , and all kinds of other crazy things .

It’s ideal for those traveling with children or for those who want a unique way to see the Chocolate Hills.

The Adventure Park was not open yet when I visited, so I can’t say if it’s worth it or not.

For hassle-free entry and discounted tickets, you can buy your tickets in advance on line from Klook .

How to Get to the Adventure Park Independently:

First, go to the Dao Bus Station in Tagbilaran and take a bus heading to Carmen . Get off the bus when it gets to the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Expect to pay around PHP80.

3. Tarsier Sanctuary

The Tarsier Sanctuary was my favorite place in Bohol .

Tarsiers are one of the smallest primates in the world–about the size of the palm of your hand .

And they are utterly adorable!

Tarsiers are fascinating animals. They’re the only carnivorous primates, subsisting on insects, birds, and lizards for food.

Their distinguishing features are these 2 large bulging eyes that are bigger than the size of their brain and freakishly long thin and powerful fingers that help them jump from branch to branch.

Another cool thing that they can do is that they can actually twist their heads 360 degrees.

Tarsiers are incredibly shy and do not do well in captivity. If held in zoos, they’ve been known to commit suicide by banging their head against something.

This tendency to kill themselves is one reason it’s hard to find them in captivity and also why you should be careful about where you go in Bohol to see these animals.

Where to See Tarsiers

There are 2 places in Bohol to see tarsiers:

• Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary
• Tarsier Conservation Area.

1. Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary

COST : PHP150 | OPEN: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (every day) | LOCATION: Google Maps | CONTACT: Facebook

The Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary  is a nonprofit organization that protects tarsiers in their natural habitat.

This is where you want to go to see tarsiers. They are not held in cages and are free to stay or leave the sanctuary whenever they want.

You walk around a small wooded area where tarsiers are clinging to trees. Wherever there’s a tree with a tarsier, a guide is standing next to it. You can look at the tarsier and take pictures, but you can’t touch them.

When I visited, there were 6 tarsiers in the area but only 5 were visible. Sometimes when you visit, they hide in the trees and avoid looking at you, so you don’t get to see them. And since they’re nocturnal, they’re not active during the visiting hours . Luckily, I was able to see their faces and I even got to see one tarsier jump from one tree to another.

2. Tarsier Conservation Area

The Tarsier Conservation Area is a for-profit business that holds tarsiers in captivity.

They are supposedly kept in cages at night and only taken out into the open during visiting hours. As I said before, they don’t do well in captivity. However, sometimes bus drivers will drop you off here rather than the Tarsier Sanctuary, and so you’re stuck seeing them here.

Easiest Way to See the Tarsiers

These tours stop at either the Tarsier Sanctuary or Tarsier Conservation Area.

• Abraham Tours – US$49 – RATINGS: 4.9/5 (26+ Reviews) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!
• Southwest Countryside Tour – This tour gets AMAZING reviews RATINGS: 4.8/10 (300+ Reviews) Check Tour Prices Here

Getting to the Tarsier Sanctuary Independently

First, go to the Dao Bus Terminal. Catch a bus going to Sikatuna on the Corella Route.

4. Relax on the Beaches of Bohol

Bohol doesn’t have the best beaches in the Philippines. The ones that are easy to get to are crowded and the sand isn’t that spectacular.

These two areas have the best beaches in Bohol:

Panglao Beaches

Most people stay on Panglao Island. There are 3 beaches with good sand and water for swimming.

Alona Beach

White beach, dumaluan beach.

I recommend heading to White Beach and Dumaluan Beach .

The BEST way to get to these 3 beaches is by tricycle or jeepney.

Cost: Free | Location: Google Maps

Alona Beach is the busiest and most developed .

The beach and water are lined with bars, restaurants, and hotels. It’s crowded with middle-aged or old guys and their twenty-something girlfriends.

I suggest NOT bothering with this beach.

White Beach is a better one to hang out on than Alona Beach.

It’s narrow, long, quiet, and uncrowded . Decent sand and crystal-clear water.

There are few hotels along the beach as well. It’s a 15-minute walk from Bohol Coco Farms .

Cost: Free via White Beach | Location: Google Maps

Dumaluan Beach is the most stunning beach on Panglao. It’s got gorgeous sand and crystal-clear water.

The beach is a bit hard to find. The best way to get to it is via White Beach . To get to Dumaluan Beach from the main paved road requires you to pay money to pass through a high-end resort.

Anda Beaches

Cost: free | Location: Google Maps

A great alternative to Panglao is the off-the-beaten-path beaches in Anda. They’ve got lovely white sand and are much quieter than Alona Beach.

Anda is 3 hours by bus from Tagbilaran, so if you want to visit for the day, you need a car . For those doing public transportation, you’ll need to stay overnight or book a tour . Klook has a tour of Anda that includes the rice terraces and waterfall.

Easiest Way to Visit Anda

If you’re short on time, you’re not staying in Anda, and/or you don’t drive a motorcycle or car, you can visit Anda on a tour. Here are some options for you:

• 2-Day Bohol Tour – This tour is so JAMPACKED that it seems too good to be true!. Day 1 – Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Cabagnow Cave Pool, and Anda; Day 2 –  rice terraces, and Can Umantad Falls. Stay overnight at hostel in Anda. Includes lunch, breakfast and entrance fees – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

How to Get to Anda by Public Transportation

Take a bus from Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran to Anda (3 hours); I was told to get off in Guindilman and take a jeepney to Anda – PHP155.

5. Island Hopping Tours

If by this point in your Philippines itinerary you’re not too sick of island-hopping tours, Bohol offers its own tours for you to try. 

I didn’t go on one when I was in Bohol. I’d been on so many already that I was tired of them.

However, I met other travelers who went on the tours and they raved about the snorkeling off Balicasag Island . The fish AND coral are supposedly stunning!

A typical island-hopping tour includes early morning dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag Island (photo above), and a visit to Virgin Island (sand bar) . The tours leave really early in the morning at 5:00 or 6:00 am and return at mid-day between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

How to Book an Island-Hopping Tour in Bohol

You can book a tour from your hotel or hostel or book one from a tout on Alona Beach.

• Half-Day Virgin Island Tour – This tour includes a visit to Virgin Island sandbar and a fun chance to do some night swimming in the ocean! CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!
• Island-Hopping Tour with Southwest Tours – This tour includes dolphin watching, visits to Virgin Island and Balicasag, and lots of snorkeling! Chance to see sea turtles! CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

PRO TIP: Download these apps onto your phone for your trip to any country in Asia. They will make your life so much easier!

• Grab: - Grab is the ride-sharing service that people use in Southeast Asia. It's a must-have for getting around Manila, Hanoi, Singapore etc. It's not so necessary on the smaller islands.
• Klook - Klook is a tour-booking website used by lots of travelers in Asia. You're more likely to book with an honest tour company through Klook than through anyone else.
• WhatsApp : What's App is the best service to use for getting in touch with other travelers, tour guides, and businesses in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.
• Booking.com: I think Booking.com is the best website to use for booking accommodations in Asia.
• MAPS.ME & Google Maps: I have both of these apps on my phone. Sometimes MAPS.ME works better than Google Maps and vice versa. Make sure to download your maps to your phone before you start your adventure so you can view them offline. If you switch SIM cards, you might lose your downloaded maps.

6. Explore Remote Pamilacan Island

If you’re looking for a peaceful, nontouristy tropical island , then Pamilacan is for you. You can visit on a day trip or stay overnight .

I spent 3 nights on this tiny, remote island . During the day, about 10 day-trippers visited the island, but in the late afternoon and evening, they left and it was just me, a handful of other tourists staying overnight, and locals.

There’s a nice white sandy beach , crystal clear water, a coral garden with the most colorful coral I’ve ever seen, a place for snorkeling with turtles, and some great diving spots. In the morning, you can hire a boat to take you out to see the dolphins snacking on tuna.

Just be aware that there’s no running water on the island and the internet is just about non-existent .

You can book accommodations on Booking.com . I stayed at Mary’s Place , and I am going to recommend that you DON’T stay there . They were incredibly stingy and unkind.

Instead, I recommend staying at Junior & Nemesia’s Cottages. They’re decent and they’ve got huts with sea views. A budget option is Shirley’s Cottages. For more luxury, you can stay at Liwayway sa Bohol Pamilacan Bed and Breakfast .

How to Take a Tour of Pamilacan:

• Pamilacan Day Tour – This tour offers lots of free time to explore Pamilacan island or just relax on the beach. Dolphin watching, snorkeling with sea turtles, and lunch! RATING: 8/5 – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

How to Get to Pamilacan:

These are the ways you could get to Pamiliaan Island when I was in Bohol:

• Fishing boats left from the Baclayon Pier to the island for PHP250 pesos (US$5). The boat left when it was full.
• You could also get a boat from Alona Beach for PHP1,000 (US$20).

If your hotel arranges the boat ride for you, double-check the price. Some places have been known to charge you double. It takes 1-2 hours to get there depending on the weather.

7. Go Scuba Diving

The Philippines is one of the best places in Asia to dive, and many people visit the country just for this activity. Bohol has some of the best diving in the Visayas. It’s known for its stunning coral, wall dives, and reef sharks.

Some popular diving places are Balicasag Marine Park, Pamilacan, and Cabilao Island. There are lots of dive shops in Alona. You can also reserve a spot with your hotel or hostel.

How to book a dive online before your trip?

You’ve never been scuba diving before?

Don’t worry!

In Bohol, you can go scuba diving without any previous experience and without a long course. These tours will give you a short training and then take you out on the ocean for one dive with assistance from instructors and guides.

But if you want to get full PADI Certification , you can also do that with one of these courses: 

• Discover Scuba Diving – Includes a short introductory course and practice diving in a swimming pool before going out on the ocean for a real dive! RATING: 7/5 – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!
• PADI Open Water Diver course – Become PADI certified to dive in open water with this full PADI Open Water course – CHECK COURSE PRICE HERE!
• PADI Scuba Diving Refreshing Course – This refresher course is ideal for those who haven’t dived in a while but are already PADI certified. Includes one dive! – CHECK COURSE PRICE HERE!
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course – Get training in advanced open water techniques. Includes 5 open water dives! CHECK COURSE PRICE HERE!

8. Swim With Whale Sharks

Entrance Fee: PHP1,500 (foreigners) | TIME: early morning | LOCATION: Google Maps

One of the most unique things to do on Bohol Island is to swim with whale sharks, or if you don’t want to swim, you can just watch them from a boat . Still, whether you’re in a boat or in the water, both are cool experiences!

The waters off the coast of Lila, Bohol is home to a large number of whale sharks. There are private businesses that can take you out in a boat to look at or snorkel with the huge but very tame whale sharks. Usually, you get about 30 minutes to interact with the sharks.

Unfortunately, this activity has gotten really popular in the past year and the area of the ocean people go to interact with the whales has become heavily congested —way too many tourists and boat tours! So you’ve been warned.

Also, invading the whale sharks’ space might not be the most ethical thing to do.

How to Join a Whale Shark Tour

• Whale Sharks and Waterfalls Tour – This tour includes both snorkeling with whale sharks AND visiting Pahangog Twin Falls. The waterfall isn’t easy to get to so this tour is PERFECT for those who don’t have their own wheels. RATING: 5/5 – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!
• Whale Sharks and Countryside Tour – This tour combines the whale sharks with the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc river cruise. RATING: 4/5 – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

9. Go Dolphin Watching

Every morning, the dolphins around Bohol have their breakfast of tuna , tuna, and more tuan. You can go out on a boat and chase down these dolphins and watch them jump and spin in the air as they try to eat as much as they can.

There are a  couple of ways to see the dolphins. Island Hopping Tours will usually include dolphin watching. You can also hire a boat to take you out in the morning to watch the dolphins eat and swim.

I hired a boat while I stayed on Pamilacan Island (PHP1,000 pesos (US$20). There were lots of dolphins out and about that day. We didn’t get too close to them but we did see them jump and twist in the air. A lot better than Seaworld.

How to Go Dolphin Watching:

10. enjoying laidback loboc.

Loboc is a small, laidback city along the Loboc River. It’s got a population of a little over 17,000.

A lot of travelers use Loboc as a base for exploring the other interior sights of Bohol and for just relaxing along the Loboc River. I had planned to do this as well, but I enjoyed Panglao so much that I stayed longer there instead. So, I only visited Loboc on a day trip tour .

How to spend your time in Loboc? 

These are some of the most popular things to do in Loboc :

• lie in a hammock beside the Loboc River
• go standup-paddleboarding
• go on a lunch or dinner river cruise
• hike through the jungle.

I did the very popular river cruise , which I’m NOT going to recommend. You sit in a boat eating an expensive lunch buffet of Western/Filipino food while listening to live music and looking out at the river. The river is nice, but it’s nothing to write home about.

Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) on the Loboc River

A much better alternative to doing the touristy river cruise in Loboc is to go down the river by paddleboard. You can stand up or sit down on the board and paddle yourself lazily along the river.

• SUP Tour of Loboc – They have BOTH a day AND night SUP tour that gets RAVE reviews – RATING: 4.7/5 – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

Joining a Tour of Loboc

Lots of Bohol day tours include a stop in Loboc. But they often just include the lunch on the river cruise that I mentioned earlier. Here are just a few popular and highly rated ones:

• Abraham Tours – US$49 – Ask if they do SUP rather than river cruise – RATINGS: 4.9/5 (26+ Reviews) – CHECK TOUR PRICES HERE!

How to Get to Loboc with Public Transportation

30 pesos – Take a bus from the bus terminal in Tagbilaran to Loboc (45-60 minutes)

Check Out These Bohol Tours:

• Island Hopping Tour: Dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag Island, and visiting Virgin Island sandbar
• Countryside Tour: Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary, Hanging Bridges, Chocolate Hills, Loboc, Baclayon Church, and much more.
• 2-Day Bohol Tour with Stay in Anda – Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, Anda, Waterfalls, and Rice Terraces!

11. Go on a Firefly Adventure

Another fun and unique thing to do in Bohol is to travel in the dark along the Abatan River and mangroves seeing swarms of nature’s most wonderful and magical creatures–fireflies.

You can experience the fireflies in 2 ways:

• Boat Cruise

The lazy way to experience the magic of the fireflies is by taking a boat cruise along the Abatan River . Check South Farm tour prices here.

I did the firefly kayaking tour with Kayakasia and it was AMAZING! We kayaked down the Abatan River at night . It was so dark that you could barely see in front of your face. We stopped at a few spots to see swarms of fireflies dancing in the dark. It was a fun and incredible experience!  I booked through my hostel on Panglao and only paid US$35. Their website lists the tour as US$50.

I was picked up by a van at 4:45 pm from my hostel where we were then driven all the way to Kayakasia’s office along the Abatan River.

There were about 12 of us from different countries.

If you don’t know how to kayak, you can go with a guide and he can do the steering. There was 1 kayak that had trouble steering straight, and they had to be rescued and transferred to a boat with a guide.

We kayaked down the Abatan River, whose banks were lined with mangroves, and stopped at 4 locations to view the fireflies . I expected them to be down at eye level, but actually, the fireflies were high up at the top of the mangrove trees.

There were only 4 to 6 places on the river with firefly clusters. There used to be over 30 but erosion had destroyed the fireflies’ habitat . In order for fireflies to survive, habitat conditions need to be perfect. They need the right species of trees placed in the right location with the right amount of wind.

At the end of the tour, we had a simple dinner at the Kayakasia offices.

12. Cross the Twin Hanging Bridges

COST: PHP35 (2020 price) | LOCATION: Google Maps

Most Bohol day tours stop on the side of the road for you to cross the Hanging Bridges. It takes 10 minutes to cross both bridges and take some photos.

However, if you’re on your own using public transportation, the bridge is NOT a must-see.

The Twin Hanging Bridges were built around World War II , and they were originally used by locals to carry their farm products and livestock across the Sevilla River.

There are supposedly more of these bamboo bridges around Bohol , but this is the only one that’s been converted into a tourist attraction.

There are two bridges. You take one to cross to the other side of the river and the other one on your return. The bridges are made of bamboo and they do swing a lot .

How to Get to the Twin Hanging Bridges by Public Transport

 To get to the Twin Hanging Bridges will require you to take a bus heading to the Chocolate Hills. Get dropped off on the side of the road and hike along another road for about 1.1 kilometers. 

13. Baclayon Church

ENTRANCE FEE: Church is FREE; museum is PHP50 (2020 price) | LOCATION: Google Maps

The Philippines is not known for its historic landmarks. Luckily for us history nerds, Bohol has two of the oldest buildings in the country — Baclayon Church and Loboc Church .

The church, whose official name is La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgin Maria Parish Church, was built in 1717 by native forced laborers using coral blocks from the sea . If you’re interested, check out In Our Image by Stanely Karnow for more about how locals were mistreated by the Catholic church under the Spanish.

Admission to the church is free. There’s a small, uninspiring museum filled with religious artifacts and furniture that charges PHP50. Check out the church, but skip the museum.

How to Get to the Baclayon Church by Public Transportation

First, go to the Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. Second, take a bus heading to Baclayon. 

You can also hire a tricycle to take you from Panglao to Tagbilaran. In 2020 it cost PHP300. I’m sure the price is higher now. 

14. Enjoy the Beautiful Waterfalls of Bohol

Bohol has a lot of beautiful waterfalls with amazing pools of water that you can swim in . They also don’t attract a ton of visitors and are not overly commercialized or developed. For one thing, they are hard to get to without your own vehicle . Plus, not many tours take visitors there. 

Here’s a list of some of the waterfalls around Bohol:

• Can Umantad Falls ( Google Maps ) – near the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
• Pahangog Falls ( Google Maps ) – the BEST one!
• Dam-Agan Falls ( Google Maps )
• Kawasan Falls ( Google Maps )
• Mag-Aso Falls ( Google Maps )
• Camugao Falls ( Google Maps )
• Ingkumhan Falls ( Google Maps )

Tours to Take to See the Waterfalls

There aren’t that many tours that go to any of the waterfalls. Here is one that does Can Umantad Falls

• 2-Day Bohol Tour – This tour is so JAMPACKED that it seems too good to be true! Day 1 – Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Cabagnow Cave Pool, and Anda; Day 2 – Rice Terraces, and Can Umantad Falls. Stay overnight at a hostel in Anda. Includes lunch, breakfast and entrance fees – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!
• Hidden Waterfalls Tours – This tour takes you to Ingkumhan Falls, Pahangog Falls, and Dam-Agan Falls – Check Tour Price Here !

15. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay

While not as stunning as the rice terraces in Banaue, the ones in Bohol are still pretty beautiful and worth a visit .

They are NOT easy to get to if you don’t have your own wheels.

According to a friend of mine, when you visit the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay, you need to pay a PHP30 entrance fee . You’re then free to walk around the rice terraces.

The GOOD news…

is that Can-Umantad Falls is within walking distance .

Here are some tours through Klook that will take you to the rice terraces in Candijay:

What Tours to Take to See the Rice Terraces

• 2-Day Bohol Tour – This tour is so JAMPACKED that it seems too good to be true! Day 1 – Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Cabagnow Cave Pool, and Anda; Day 2 – Rice Terraces, and Can Umantad Falls. Stay overnight at a hostel in Anda. Includes lunch, breakfast, and entrance fees – CHECK TOUR PRICE HERE!

16. Explore the Hinagdanan Cave

ENTRANCE FEE: PHP75 | LOCATION: Google Maps

On the island of Panglao is a limestone cave with a lagoon you can swim in and a ceiling hanging with stalactites.

The cave reminds me of the cenotes in Mexico with their sketchy entrances and stairs going down into a hole in the ground. And the water is clear, clean, and refreshingly cold like the water in a Mexican cenote.

You can swim in the lagoon. But the only problem is that the cave is small and it’s popular with tourists , so it can get crowded .

Life jackets are provided for free.

Take a tricycle to the Hinagdanan Cave instead of joining a tour so you can spend as much time as you want here.

17. Swim in Bohol’s Cave Pools

ENTRANCE FEE: PHP20 – 50 | LOCATION: Cabagnow ; Tibaw ; Combento

For those who make it to Anda , there are 3 cave pools that you can swim in: Cabagnow, Tibaw, and Combento.

I didn’t make it out here when I was in Bohol. But according to those who have, the water is sometimes really clean and clear while other times after it rains, it can get murky.

Cabagnow seems to be the most popular and BEST cave to check out. But all 3 are pretty close to each other so if you’re spending any time in Anda, you can do all of them.

How to Enjoy the Cave Pools on a Tour

How to get to the cave pools by public transport.

First, get to Danao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran and then take a bus headed to Anda. 

Bohol Itinerary: 4 to 7 Days

This Bohol itinerary will allow you to see the major attractions of Bohol as well as do some snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and relaxing.

Bohol Itinerary: Day 1

Take the ferry from Cebu in the morning so you’ll get to Bohol by noon. Spend your first night in Panglao .

After checking into your hotel , get some lunch and then check out the beaches. I recommend Dumaluan and White Beach . Alona Beach is the most famous but I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. The one good thing about Alona Beach is that there are lots of places to eat around it.

In the evening, do the firefly-watching kayak tour .

Bohol Itinerary: Day 2

Do an island hopping tour today. You’ll get to see some dolphins , do some snorkeling , and relax on Virgin Island d and Balicasag Island .

Bohol Itinerary: Day 3

On Day 3 visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, Hanging Bridges, and Baclayon .

You can technically do it by public transportation. But I recommend seeing these on a tour. There’s the inexpensive Countryside Tour and the more expensive Southwest Tour . You can also add the whale sharks attraction to your tour as well.

However, I recommend doing the 2-day Bohol Tour that includes these same attractions as well as Cabagnow Cave Pool, Can Umantad Falls, and the rice terraces in Candijay . The tour spends the night in Anda so you’ll get to see the beaches near there.

Bohol Itinerary: Day 4

If you’re on the 2-Day Bohol tour , you’ll be exploring the beaches of Anda, the rice terraces and a waterfall.

For those not doing that tour, you can head out to these places on your own with a private car and driver or rental car .

Bohol Itinerary: Day 5 – 7

If you want to stay longer in Bohol, I recommend heading to one of the river lodges along the Loboc River for some R&R. Traveling can be hard work. You can do some hiking in the jungle and stand-up paddleboarding on the river as well.

The BEST areas of the island to stay in are in these locations:

• Panglao – close to beaches and other travel businesses – tours, restaurants, bars, etc.
• Loboc – Ideal for those who want a laidback place that’s not overly touristy near the Loboc River
• Anda – An off-the-beaten destination; quieter and with lovely beaches

How to Book Your Accommodations in Bohol

I recommend booking your accommodations with either Booking.com or Agoda . Both are international companies that have been in the travel business for many years. I use them for 95% of my hotel and hostel bookings.

If you have problems, you can contact Booking.com and Agoda . Plus! They have a way to leave reviews , so if you’re not happy with your stay, you have some way to communicate your dissatisfaction.

Just make sure you receive the email confirmation of your booking. Booking.com and Agoda also offer a messaging service to communicate with your host before arriving . Touch base with your hotel or hostel BEFORE arrival—let them know your arrival time and get info on how to get to their place from the ferry or airport.

Top 6 Places to Stay in Panglao

Try to get as close as you can to a beach! It doesn’t have to be Alona Beach either. I stayed in Panglao when I was in Bohol and loved it! Not the most convenient place to get around, but it’s still a lovely area.

• $ – Under US$40;
• $$ – US$40 – $100;
• $$$ – Over US$100

Here are the top 6 places to stay in Panglao for all budgets:

Bohol Beach Club ($$$) – You’re right on the beach here at this resort! Can’t beat that! RATING:  9.1/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Amarela Resort ($$$) – Terrific location; Quiet and peaceful; great place to chill out; beautiful décor! RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Blue Planet Panglao ($$) – Highly-rated place with a swimming pool! RATING: 9. 3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Tyner’s Place ($$) – Great location near Dumaluan Beach! RATING: 9.3/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Bohol Coco Farm Hostel ($) – I stayed here when I was in Bohol. It’s a great hostel with comfy rooms (no bunk beds!), a great social area with hammocks, and in a great location near White Beach. RATING: 9 . 6/10 ( Hostel World | Agoda )

Greenspace ($) – This is a highly rated place with affordable private rooms even for solo travelers! RATING: 9 . 5/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Top 3 Places to Stay in Loboc

For booking a place to stay in Loboc, check out the complete listing of hotels and hostels on Booking.com and Agoda .

• $ – Under US$40
• $$ – US$40 – $100

Fox and the Firefly Cottage ($$) – Beautiful décor and excellent location along the Loboc River! Great vibe! Mini oasis! RATING: 8.9/10 ( Booking.com)

Water to Forest Ecolodge ($ – $$) – Another mini oasis along the Loboc River! Has dorms and private rooms! RATING: 9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Loboc River Resort ($$ – $$$) – Beautiful hotel right next to the Loboc River! Surrounded by wildlife and nature! RATING: 8.8/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Top 3 Places to Stay in Anda

For places to stay in Anda, check out the complete listening on Booking.com and Agoda .

Casa Amihan ($$ – $$$) – Fabulous place to stay near the beach; AMAZING views! RATING: 9/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

1Peace Beach Resort ($ – $$) – Great place right on the beach! Quiet and fabulous views! Dorm rooms and private rooms with sea views. RATING: 8.5/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

Island View Beachfront Resort ($$$) – Right on the beach! Comfortable with amazing views. You can walk to Anda town. RATING: 9.5/10 ( Booking.com | Agoda )

PRO TIP: When you arrive in the Philippines, you can buy a SIM card at the airport . There are 2 companies used throughout the Philippines: Globe and Smart . Each of them gives you 10 or 12 GB of memory for 30 days for 1,000 pesos (US$20). I used 2 GB in 30 days.

If you have to "add load" (add minutes or data) for some reason, you can do it at a convenience store around the Philippines. Tell them you want to "add load". You need to give the clerk your phone # to complete the transaction (I usually store my SIM card # in my Contact List).

BUT that's not it. You then need to register your phone . If you have Globe, dial *143#. I usually have the store clerk or someone at my hostel or hotel help me complete the registration. If you don't register after every time you add data to your phone, the minutes and data disappear.

Top 3 Packing Essentials for Bohol

• Dry Bag – You’re sure to go on an island-hopping tour in the Philippines! A dry bag is a must-have as the floor of the boat always gets wet and you often get sprayed with water. Without a dry bag, all your stuff will get wet! | Check Price Here!
• Water Shoes – They’re essential to have when walking on the beach or going on island-hopping tours. They’ll protect your feet from hookworms and sharp rocks and glass. | Check Price Here!
• Rash Guard – To protect yourself from getting sunburned and skin cancer, wear a rash guard when out snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and going on island-hopping tours. | Check Price Here!

Bohol can be both a good place and a bad place for solo travelers. If you stay at Bohol Coco Farms (jump to this section on where to stay ), you should have an easy time meeting other travelers . It’s a very sociable hostel with an inviting commons area where lots of travelers hang out. If you join a tour like the Firefly Tour or Island Hopping Tour, you’ll also have a good chance of meeting fellow travelers.

On the other hand, going on a tour to the waterfalls or rice terraces can be pricey if you’re just one person. Bohol is a big island and the transportation system is terrible, so it can be hard to get to the different sights like the Chocolate Hills or the waterfalls, especially if you don’t drive a motorcycle. You can go on tours, but some of them are too expensive if you’re the only one on them. To make the tours more affordable, you’ll have to round up other travelers, which can be tough to do.

For more solo travel tips and a solo traveler’s personal experience in the Philippines, read my Solo Travel Guide to the Philippines. 

WHEN TO GO TO BOHOL

March – May are the BEST months  to visit Bohol when the island is at its driest . The dry climate turns the chocolate hills brown , like chocolate. In the other months, the Chocolate Hills are green and at this time, most people say they look pretty disappointing.

November to March are the SECOND-BEST months to go. The weather is cooler than at other times of the year. There’s also less rain than from June to November. However, the Chocolate Hills will be green and not brown and hotel prices will be at their highest. Tours are more crowded as well.

June to October is the rainier season in Bohol. Seas are rougher , so going on island hopping tours or swimming isn’t as enjoyable as during other items. Since there are fewer tourists , prices are cheaper .

Final Thoughts on Bohol

There you have it!

I hope this Bohol Travel Guide has answered all your questions. If not, leave a question in the Comment Section below and I’ll answer it as soon as I can.

If you’ve been to Bohol and you think I’ve left something out, please let me know!

And check out all my other Philippine travel posts here !

Are you on Pinterest?

Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you'll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.

More Travel Guides for the Philippines:

• Learn how to take public transportation and a Grab and taxi around Manila -  First-Timers Guide to Getting Around Manila
• Manila Itinerary: 2 Days Exploring the Culture and History of Manila  - In this guide, you'll get a detailed step-by-step itinerary for seeing the sights in Manila.
• Port Barton Itinerary: What to do for 3 Days in Port Barton  - Find out how to discover the most beautiful beach in the Philippines.
• One of my favorite experiences in the Philippines was an island-hopping tour of Sibaltan. Get the details here:  Sibaltan Tour: Finding Your Secret Paradise in Palawan, Philippines
• El Nido Itinerary: An Adventure of a Lifetime - Learn where to go, what to eat, where to see, and of course, what to do in El Nido.
• Bohol Travel Guide: Exploring the Natural Wonder of the Philippines will tell you exactly what to see and do in Bohol, how to get there, where to stay, and much, much more!
• Siquijor Itinerary: Exploring the Island of Fire will give you the skinny on everything you need to know to travel to Siquijor.
• Malapascua Itinerary: Plan Now! Go Later! will help you plan your trip to Malapascua and Kalanggaman Islands.
• Find out what my 15 favorite places to visit in the Philippines are.
• Solo Travel Guide for the Philippines will give you some pointers on how to best travel solo in the Philippines cheaply and safely and still have a kick-ass time!

Hello! Great and detailed, this travel guide it really helps me plan my trip. Thanks for sharing!

Wow so much great information here. I haven’t made it to the Philippines yet (unless the Manila airport counts) but it is high on my list. Saving this information for planning purposes. Thanks!

The animal as big as a cat but looks like it might be a rat, is probably a palm civet 🙂 Very common in SE Asia; my mother often rants at the one that keeps eating her mangoes.

What a comprehensive post! I have yet to visit the Philippines but they are on my list & now Bohol is well & truly up there! I was lucky enough to see a Tarsier in Borneo & it felt such a privilege. Such beautiful animals!

Wow this is amazing – actually I had hoped to be in the Philippines this year, so, thanks to you, it’s almost like I was. 🙂 Thanks for this inspiring post!

What a fantastic , comprehensive review. Thanks so much, Julie. Craig, Australia

You’re welcome! I’m glad you like it!

Wow amazing looks so beautiful guide of Bohol.

Alluring travel guide.Loved reading.Thanks for sharing

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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• Attractions
• Natural Wonders
• Baroque Churches
• Heritage Buildings
• Cities and Towns
• Historical Sites
• Bohol Escapade Package
• Best Tour Packages

Bohol Tours

What to do in bohol.

• Best Things to Do in Bohol
• Whale & Dolphin Watching
• Things to Do in Bohol
• Things to Do in Panglao
• Pristine Beaches
• Adventure Parks
• Island Hopping
• Best Hotels
• Luxury Resorts
• Business Hotels
• Beach Resorts
• Alona Beach Hotels
• Mid-Range Hotels
• Budget Hotels
• Anda Hotels
• Vacation Rentals
• Accommodations
• Restaurants
• Peanut Kisses
• Ube or Purple Yam
• Ubi Kinampay
• Bohol Products
• Getting There
• Cebu to Bohol Ferry
• Bohol to Cebu Ferry
• Panglao Airport
• Getting Around - Modes
• About Bohol
• Bohol Travel

Explore Bohol: Unleash the Magic of the World's Natural Wonder!

Secure your Cebu Bohol  ferry tickets today to start your unforgettable journey!

Welcome to the captivating world of Bohol, an exquisite hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Central Visayas region in the Philippines.

Embark on an adventure like no other as you delve into the diverse wonders of this tropical island province, hailed as one of the World's Natural Wonders . Brace yourself for a journey that will captivate nature lovers, thrill-seekers, history enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike.

What to See in Bohol

Immerse yourself into natural wonders

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Bohol's ecotourism wonders , where lush landscapes and awe-inspiring heritage sites await your exploration. Marvel at the iconic Chocolate Hills , a magnificent cluster of over 1,000 hills that paint the landscape like giant chocolate drops during the dry season.

Get ready to meet the Philippine tarsier , the world's smallest primate, at the Bohol Tarsiers Sanctuary . Witness their adorable charm up close and cherish this extraordinary encounter.

Embark on a tranquil escape as you cruise along the scenic Loboc River , surrounded by verdant vegetation and enchanting mangrove forests. Indulge in a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant cruise  and let the soothing ambiance transport you to a world of serenity.

Recommended Bohol Philippines Tours 

[  Bohol Sight Seeing Day Trips  - Check Out Availability  ]

[  Full Day Cruise and Sailing Tours - Check out Availability ]

[  Full Day Adventure Tours - Check out Availability  ]

Discover more of Bohol's natural wonders through our recommended tours. Click on the links below to embark on unforgettable adventures:

Ready to explore the beautiful islands of Cebu and Bohol? Secure your ferry tickets today through 12go and start your unforgettable journey!

discover Bohol's best White sand beaches 

For beach lovers, discover the best beaches Bohol has to offer. From the vibrant atmosphere of Alona Beach , with its array of exciting water activities, to the serene beauty of Anda Beach and Dumaluan Beach, where you can find peace and tranquility away from the crowds. Take a boat ride to Balicasag Island , a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, and explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface.

Immerse yourself in Bohol's rich Cultural heritage

Immerse yourself in Bohol's rich Cultural heritage by visiting the majestic Baroque churches that stand as glorious testaments to Filipino faith. Marvel at the oldest Baclayon Church , with its fascinating history dating back to the 16th century. Admire the intricate interiors of the 19th-century Dauis Church and the iconic bell tower of the 17th-century Loboc Church .

action filled bohol tours

Bohol Island Tours : Experience the Top Natural Attractions of the islands guided by knowledgeable locals who will unlock hidden treasures at every turn.

Explore the Geological Marvels of Bohol Geopark : Uncover the secrets of Bohol's geological formations and witness the remarkable forces that shaped the landscape.

Whale and Dolphin Watching : Set sail on an extraordinary journey and witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Bohol Diving : Plunge into the world-famous underwater paradise of Bohol, where vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life await your discovery.

Stand-Up paddleboarding  in Bohol: Paddle your way into paradise and glide through crystal-clear waters, soaking in the breathtaking coastal vistas that surround you.

The adventure doesn't end there! Dive into the thrilling world of  Spelunking and Exploring Caves , embark on exhilarating Hiking and Trekking through picturesque landscapes, and bask in the sun-kissed beauty of Bohol's White Sand Sand Beaches .

seek thrilling adventures

Head to the renowned Danao Adventure Park , a must-visit destination for those seeking an adrenaline rush . Brace yourself for Chocolate Hills Adventure Park 's thrilling experiences like zip-lining, rappelling, and rock climbing that will push your limits and leave you with an exhilarating sense of accomplishment.

For an adventure that combines nature and excitement, visit the Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park . Soar through the treetops on a thrilling zipline, navigate challenging obstacle courses, or test your courage with the adrenaline-pumping cable car ride. This park is a haven for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Bohol offers an adventure -filled itinerary that will satisfy even the most daring souls. So, gear up, embrace the thrill, and create unforgettable memories as you embark on adrenaline-pumping escapades in this world's natural wonder.

Embark on Bohol Island Hopping adventures

Embark on a mesmerizing Bohol Island Hopping adventure and discover a treasure trove of breathtaking islands. 

Visit the enchanting Virgin Island , a pristine oasis surrounded by turquoise waters.

Experience the natural charm of Pamilacan Island , where stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life await eager snorkelers and divers. Dive into the depths and witness the colorful wonders that lie beneath the surface.

Venture to Balicasag Island , a true diver's paradise. Delight in the kaleidoscope of colors as you snorkel or dive amidst the vibrant coral gardens and encounter a myriad of marine species.

For nature enthusiasts, don't miss the Danajon Bank Marine Reserve , a protected area brimming with marine biodiversity. Dive into its pristine waters and witness the richness of its underwater ecosystem, a testament to the beauty and importance of marine conservation.

Let Bohol's island hopping adventure take you on a journey of discovery and wonder as you hop from one paradise to another, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Indulge in Bohol's vibrant shopping

Indulge in Bohol's vibrant shopping scene and bring home unique souvenirs, products  and handicrafts that showcase the island's rich cultural heritage.

Explore the bustling markets and discover the treasures that await.

Celebrate Bohol Fiestas & Events

Celebrate with the locals as you partake in Bohol's colorful festivals , where history, culture, and religion converge in a vibrant tapestry of traditions.

Join the Sandugo Festival , the Ube Festival , or the Bolibong Kingking Festival, and immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of the island.

Where to Stay in Bohol

When it's time to rest and rejuvenate, Bohol offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs.

Click on the links below to find the perfect retreat for your stay:

Bohol Luxury Hotels : Indulge in opulence and pamper yourself in exquisite five-star hotels that offer unparalleled amenities and breathtaking surroundings.

Best Mid-Range Hotels : Unveil the top 20 stays that strike the perfect balance between comfort and value, offering a delightful experience without breaking the bank.

Bohol on a Budget Options: Discover affordable stays under PHP 3000, where comfort and adventure go hand in hand, making your Bohol experience unforgettable.

Best Bohol Budget Hostels : Uncover the best budget hostels, ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to connect with like-minded explorers.

What and Where to Eat

Begin your gastronomic and foodie  journey through Bohol's culinary landscape, where a fusion of flavors and influences awaits.

Sample authentic Filipino cuisine, savor local delicacies , and indulge in international dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Getting There and Back

Plan your trip to Bohol with ease by exploring transportation options and getting around the island towns  effortlessly.

Discover the best routes, modes of transportation, and travel tips to make your journey seamless.

Bohol's natural wonders are calling, and it's time for you to answer.

Click on the links, dive into the captivating Tourism  guides, and embark on a reading adventure that will transport you to the world's natural wonder - Bohol.

Let the magic unfold as you immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and adventure that await you in this captivating Bohol Islands  paradise.

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recommended hotel booking

Book your stay in Bohol's breathtaking surroundings through Agoda and experience the ultimate relaxation

Top 25 Sights and Attractions in Bohol

• Chocolate Hills  
• Tarsier Conservation Sanctuary
• Panglao Island
• Loboc River Cruise
• Hinagdanan Cave
• Balicasag Island
• Alona Beach
• Bilar Man-made Forest
• Blood Compact Shrine
• Baclayon Church
• Bohol Bee Farm
• Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge Loboc
• Danao Adventure Park
• Sagbayan Peak
• Butterfly Conservation Center
• Clarin Ancestral House  
• Dimiao Twin Falls
• Mag-Aso Falls
• Anda White Beach
•  Lamanok Island
• Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape
• Dauis Church
• Can-umantad Falls
• Punta Cruz Watchtower

Top 20 Destinations of Bohol  

• Tagbilaran City  
• Panglao Town
• Talibon Town
• Loboc Town  
• Tubigon Town
• Alicia Town
• Carmen Town
• Alburquerque
• Sierra Bullones
• Sagbayan Town
• Baclayon Town  

B ack to Bohol Travel Guide

Bohol Transfers

Bohol Ferry Tickets

Bohol is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a unique and diverse vacation experience.

With its stunning natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and range of activities, it's no wonder that Bohol is becoming one of the Philippines' most popular destinations.

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Bohol must see #1.

Full-Day Bohol Countryside Tour from Bohol

Enjoy a spectacular full day tour to the scenic countryside of Bohol

BOHOL MUST SEE #2

Dolphin & Sea Turtle Watching Island Hopping Tour

Embark on a thrilling island hopping adventure; Explore the vibrant marine life and colorful reefs of Balicasag and Virgin Island. 

BOHOL MUST SEE #3

Panglao: Dao, Forests, and Tarsier Sanctuary Tour with Lunch

Uncover the hidden treasures of Panglao on a private tour. 

BOHOL MUST SEE #4

Pamilacan Island Day Tour

Escape to the enchanting Pamilacan Island on a day tour from Bohol. 

BOHOL MUST SEE #5

From Cebu: Full-Day Bohol Excursion

Embark on a captivating journey from Cebu to Bohol on this full-day excursion. 

BOHOL MUST SEE #6

2-Day Bohol Tour with Accommodation in Anda + Meals

Embark on a thrilling 2-day adventure in Bohol with an overnight stay in Anda. 

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CLICK HERE to book your stay in Bohol's breathtaking surroundings through Agoda and experience the ultimate relaxation

Viajeng Bohol Car Rental and Tours

Discover the best of Bohol with with Viajeng Bohol Car Rental and Tours . We are dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences, showcasing the island's natural beauty, rich culture, and unique attractions. Our knowledgeable guides and travel experts will curate unforgettable tours tailored to your interests, while our reliable car rental service offers convenient transportation options for independent exploration. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized attention, we are your trusted partner in creating unforgettable memories on this enchanting island.

BOHOL TOUR PACKAGE

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Bohol Travel Requirements

Heading to Bohol real soon? Here’s the updated Bohol travel requirements to make your visit to the island hassle free! 

Bohol is truly an island of endless possibilities. From the depths of its waters to the highs of its summits and everything in between, the island offers an unforgettable experience with history and heritage, unparalleled encounter with nature and definitely exhilarating adventures. There’s a lot in store for everyone here! Behold, Bohol!

Community Alert Level

Based on latest IATF Resolution, the towns of Batuan, Calape, Corella, Dimiao, Duero, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Maribojoc, San Isidro, San Miguel, Sevilla, Sikatuna and the capital Tagbilaran City are under under Alert Level 1 while the rest of the province is under Alert Level 2 .

Bohol Travel Requirements for Tourists

• For fully vaccinated travelers or those who received the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to arrival: COVID-19 vaccination card or certification issued by LGU,  vaxcert.doh.gov.ph  or legitimate vaccinating establishment
• For unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers: RT-PCR taken within 72 hours
• APPROVED or PENDING for fully vaccinated
• APPROVED for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
• RT-PCR test is not required for kids aged four (4) years and below
• You may book your RT-PCR or Antigen Test at cheaper prices via Klook
• https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph
• https://www.facebook.com/provincialgovtBOHOL/

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

Recommended  accredited accommodations in tagbilaran, accredited budget accommodations in tagbilaran, accommodations in panglao, recommended accredited accommodations in panglao, accredited budget accommodations in panglao, bohol travel guide.

For more information about Bohol, check out Bohol Travel Guide .

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Bohol travel requirements for tourists & visitors.

Planning a trip to Bohol this 2022? What are the requirements to travel to Bohol? Here are the latest Bohol travel requirements and entry protocols for tourists and visitors traveling to Bohol!

Bohol travel requirements for tourists and visitors, for fully-vaccinated travelers:.

• Vaccination Card issued by any LGU, DOH-accredited medical institution, private company, and foreign country or any State/Province thereof authenticated by DOH-BOQ.
• Government-Issued Identification Card .
• S-Pass Travel Pass (Approved or Pending Approval).

FOR PARTIALLY-VACCINATED & UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS:

• Valid RT-PCR negative test result from DOH-accredited laboratories taken not more than 72 hours prior to traveler's departure to Bohol.
• Individuals aged 5 to 17 years old must also present a valid negative RT-PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours before flight departure.
• Children aged 1 to 4 years old are exempted from RT-PCR test result requirement.
• √ Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR Test .
• Government-Issued Identification Card
• Approved S-Pass Travel Coordination Permit from the LGU of destination.

√ SEE ALSO: How to Download Vaccination Certificate from VaxCertPH?

• An individual is considered fully-vaccinated if:
• Two (2) weeks or more have passed after receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series;
• Two (2) weeks or more have passed after receiving a single-dose vaccine;
• Vaccine administered is included in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) list or Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or Emergency Use listing of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Don't forget to pre-book your accommodation in Bohol. √ Click here to see the list of best hotels and resorts in Bohol!
• It is also recommended to pre-book your tours with DOT-accredited tour operators. Tourists are not allowed to have DIY tours, and they are highly discouraged from engaging in personal activities outside of the tourism bubble. I highly recommend that you book a Bohol City Private Car Charter and explore Bohol on your own pace and itinerary.
• Tourists are also highly discouraged from visiting and/or meeting with relatives and friends who are in Bohol.
• Travel requirements may change from time to time without prior notice. Please coordinate with the local government unit of your destination for the latest updates.
• For the latest advice, information and resources, please go to:
• www.tourism.bohol.gov.ph
• www.tagbilaran.gov.ph
• www.facebook.com/provincialgovtBOHOL

Search for Hotels and Beach Resorts in Bohol!

To help you plan your trip to bohol, you may check out the following blog posts:.

• Top Things to Do in Bohol - I shared here some of the best things to do in Bohol, top tourist spots and best places to visit. I also included here best activities and tour packages to avail.
• Best Hotels and Beach Resorts in Bohol - For your trip to Bohol, check out this article for my recommend hotels and beach resorts in Bohol!
• Sample Bohol Itineraries - I shared here some sample Bohol Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6, days or more that you could copy or use as guide in creating your Bohol itinerary.
• More Bohol Blog Posts - Check out my other Bohol blog posts here!

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Bohol Travel Requirements for Tourists and Visitors (October 2021)

• Fully vaccinated individuals may now enter Bohol without showing a negative RT-PCR test result starting October 25, 2021 until further notice. Only a vaccination certificate generated through www.vaxcert.doh.gov.ph and duly authenticated and validated by the DOH-Bureau of Quarantine is required. √ Click here to know how to get vaccine certificate from VaxCertPH .
• Valid Government-issued ID.
• For Minors who are four (4) years old and below, present a Travel Coordination Permit (TCP) from S-PaSS.
• QR Code and letter of acceptance . Register at www.tourism.bohol.gov.ph . Follow the steps below on how to get the QR Code:
• Visit https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph to find a list of all DOT-accredited accommodation establishments, tour operators, and transport services.
• On the same website, click “Tourist Registration”.
• Wait for email confirmation, which will contain the download link for the tourist application and instructions on how to register for the QR Code.
• Make sure you have a printed copy of the QR Code once you enter Bohol.
• Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals must submit a valid RT-PCR negative test result with swab from DOH accredited laboratories or saliva sample from Philippine Red Cross taken not more than 72 hours prior to traveler's departure to Bohol. √ Click here to know where to get Affordable RT-PCR Test .
• Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals aged 5 to 17 years old, must also present a valid negative RT-PCR test result taken not more than 72 hours before flight departure. Children aged 1 to 4 years old are exempted from this requirement.
• All incoming tourists will be issued a QR code which would serve as their contact tracing system while inside Bohol.
• Tourists must have printed copies of the required documents on hand when they enter Bohol.
• For tourists staying in the Municipality of Panglao , you are required to register at the LGU portal, www.panglaolgu.gov.ph . Registered tourists will be issued a letter of acceptance prior to arrival. Failure to present Letter/s of Acceptance will not be allowed to stay in the Municipality.
• For ROF (Returning Overseas Filipinos)/Foreign Nationals : Follow protocols based on IATF Resolution 143.
• Don't forget to pre-book accommodation in Bohol. √ Click here to see the list of best hotels and resorts in Bohol!
• Do not attemp to submit fake vaccination certificate, RT-PCR or S-Pass. Those who will be caught using fake documents will have to pay 5,000 pesos fine, will be quarantined for 5 days at their own expense at a DOT-accredited quarantine facility, and will undergo RT-PCR testing on the 5th day. All expenses will be shouldered by the violator.
• For the latest advice, information and resources, go to:
• Department of Tourism Philippines
• Tagbilaran Travel Guidelines from Philippine Airlines
• Travel Requirements to Bohol from Cebu Pacific Air

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista

1 comment :.

HI! There is no "Tourist Registration" on https://tourism.bohol.gov.ph/ :-)

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

2024 BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL + ITINERARY

by thepinay solobackpacker | Feb 15, 2024 | Bohol , Itinerary , Philippines , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide | 0 comments

This is a detailed blog of top Bohol tourist spots, and best things to do in Bohol with sample Bohol Itinerary (4 days and 3 nights). Also included here are suggested Bohol side trips and  where to stay in Bohol.

Bohol is like a compressed version of the entire Philippines – powdery white sand beaches, colorful marine life, azure lagoons, pristine waterfalls, mystical caves, sprawling rice terraces and gentle farmlands, carefully-preserved historical churches and age-old Spanish-era houses. That’s why it is no surprise why Bohol seduces thousands of tourists yearly. But what I like about this province is, despite its growing luxury trappings and the crowd it brings, most parts of the island remain tranquil and bucolic, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.

If you’re keen on visiting or revisiting Bohol soon, here’s a quick travel guide on the best places to see in Bohol and top things to do in Bohol .

If you’re planning a Cebu-Bohol trip or Bohol-Cebu trip, you can save by getting a Cebu-Bohol Pass, where you can enjoy activities within the 2 cities, ferry, spa and tours. See the link below.

KLOOK CEBU-BOHOL PASS: BOOK HERE

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

1.BOHOL LAND TOUR

If you’re a first-time tourist in Bohol, a practical way to see what the province has to offer is by joining a group tour.  This is quite “touristy” though, but I didn’t mind doing it, it’s a good way to see Bohol’s top tourist spots without emptying my wallet. There’s a bunch of local tour operators offering Bohol Land Tours , and they’re pretty affordable. Basically, you will be joining other tourists in a van and explore the island following a fixed itinerary that usually includes the following top attractions in Bohol.

I’ll write a more detailed travel guide on Bohol Land Tour ; this is just a summary. But here are 4 ways you can do the Bohol Land Tour:

1.1. BOHOL LAND TOUR BY TOUR PACKAGE

Now for Bohol Land Tour, you can book in advance through the link below to save you time and avoid the hassle of looking for a reliable tour operator once you’re in Bohol. You can join a group tour or book a private tour.

BOHOL LAND TOUR: RESERVE HERE

• Tour Duration:  9 hours whole day tour (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
• Tour Inclusion: Driver, Shared AC transportation/Van
• Excluded: Entrance Fees + Meals + Drinks + Personal expenses. See below.

IMPORTANT: Most cheap Bohol Land tours don’t include the entrance fees + the lunch buffet fee at the Loboc River Cruise Buffet Lunch. So, double check that with your travel agency before booking. Now if you’re booking through the link above, the *Bohol Land Tour mentioned the aforementioned fees are NOT included .  So, on top of the Bohol Land Tour fee, prepare the following amount per person:

• Regular ₱850 ($15.35) Senior ₱600 ($10.82) – Loboc River Cruise Lunch Buffet
• ₱150 ($2.71) – Tarsier Conservation Entrance Fee
• ₱100 ($1.81) locals, ₱150 ($2.71) foreigners – Chocolate Hills Entrance Fee

TRAVEL REMINDER: Also check with your tour operator whether you will be picked up at your hotel or you need to go to a certain pick-up location.

1.2. BOHOL LAND TOUR BY PRIVATE CAR

  If you have enough budget, and you don’t want to join other tourists. You can book a private tour for your group or rent a car to explore the island. I highly recommend this of you are a group of 3-4 persons. You can book rent a car through the link below.

BOHOL PRIVATE CAR RENTAL (WITH DRIVER): BOOK HERE

1.3. bohol land tour by motorcycle/scooter.

For those with thirst for adventure a motorbike trip in Bohol countryside is unforgettable. If you are a solo traveler and you know how to drive and you have a driver’s license, you can rent a motorcycle/scooter to explore Bohol, you can follow the Bohol tourist spots listed on this blog. Motorcycle/scooter rental in Bohol typically starts at ₱300 ($5.42) to ₱500 ($9/03) per day, gas not included, good for 1-2 persons. Check out my sample Bohol itinerary below.

1.4. DIY BOHOL LAND TOUR (By Public Transport)

If you are the adventurous type and you are on a budget, doing a DIY Bohol Land Tour is possible. I included how to get to some of the Bohol tourist spots here by public transport, see Access . You would have to take a combination of  local bus, jeepney, and tricycle.  I usually DIY whenever I solo backpack, but I opted to join a group tour because doing a DIY Bohol tour is quite a hassle since the public transportation in Bohol is pretty unreliable, this will take up more time. Quite possibly, you won’t be able to cover all the top attractions listed above in a day.

Also, tricycle is pretty expensive in Bohol, even for a short distance ride (5-10 minutes), you will possibly be charged ₱100 ($1.81) to ₱200 ($3.61). It’s like you are renting the entire tricycle. That’s the sad thing about Bohol. I asked some resort workers if they’re charged the same as they are locals, they said yes, unfortunately. I hope the local government can do something about this, perhaps imposed a fare tariff. I’ve read a lot of complaints from other tourists about this.

BOHOL LAND TOUR  – TOP BOHOL TOURIST SPOTS

Chocolate hills.

The picturesque Chocolate Hills is the poster boy of Bohol province attracting thousands of tourists every year. Reportedly, around 1,260 hills to 1,776 hills that are actually conical-shaped limestone mounds clad in grass peppered across a sprawling area. According to the plaque on the viewing deck, “ They were formed by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion ages ago.”

There are 2 locations where you can view the Chocolate Hills.

• Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen – This popular Bohol tourist spot is a government owned viewing deck located in Carmen. The photos above were taken in Carmen. If you are joining a Bohol Countryside group tour or private land tour, this is the place that is usually included in the tour itinerary.
•   Entrance Fee: ₱100 ($1.81) locals, ₱150 ($2.71) foreigner
• Location: Carmen, Bohol
• Access: If you want to do a DIY Chocolate tour, it is possible, but can take up a lot of time because local transportation in Bohol is unreliable. Anyway, here’s how to do it: make your way to Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. If you are staying in Alona Beach, you can ride a tricycle to take you there. Tricycle fare is about ₱200 ($2.61) depending or ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) for about ₱50 ($0.90). Negotiate and agree on the price before boarding because tricycles in Bohol are pretty expensive.  Once you reach Dao Bus Terminal, take a bus to Carmen. Travel time is roughly 1.5 hours and bus fare for non-ac bus is ₱85 ($1.53). Get off at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Register and pay the fees. Ride the free shuttle to the viewing deck.

• Sagbayan Peak – This lesser-known Chocolate Hills viewing deck is located inside a mountain resort in Sagbayan, Bohol.
•   Entrance Fee: ₱80 ($1.44)
• Access: From Tagbilaran, there are vans for hire that can take you to Sagbayan Peak . Otherwise, if you hire a car in Bohol, you can include this in your itinerary.

LOBOC RIVER CRUISE

For first timers, one of the top things to do in Bohol is the Bohol River Cruise, where you’ll get to ride on a large boat and cruise along emerald green river of Loboc while feasting on sumptuous local dishes. And the most exciting part of the Bohol river cruise tour is the cultural show of the local dance troupe where tourists can join and dance Tinikling , a Filipino dance. There are also singers onboard serenading you while dining. Tipping is recommended.

If you book the Bohol Land Tour or Countryside Tour , this is usually included in the tour package. However, the buffet lunch fee is typically EXCLUDED, so you have to pay this separately. Once you arrive at the Loboc River Resort, you have to line up and pay for the buffet meal. You will get a ticket where your table number is written. Make sure you keep it and show it to the staff upon boarding the floating restaurant boat.

Nearby the Loboc River is another charming old church called Loboc Parish Church . If you still have time during your tour, drop by for a quick exploration and photo op.

• Lunch Buffet Fee: Adult ₱850 ($15.35) , Senior   ₱600 ($10.83)
• Open Hours: Daily 9:30 AM -2:30 PM
• Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Location: Población Sawang, Loboc, Bohol
• Access : If you want to DIY the Loboc River Cruise, here’s how: Make your way to Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran, Bohol. From there, take a bus to Loboc and get off at the Loboc River Cruise complex near the Loboc Parish Church. Bus fare is roughly ₱30 ($0.54) and travel time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

LOBOC RIVER STAND UP PADDLE : RESERVE HERE

Tarsier conservation sanctuary  .

The Philippine tarsier ( Carlito syrichta ) is an endemic tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, that can be found in Bohol.  The tarsier is another famous Bohol tourist attractions. There are 3 tarsier sanctuary that you can visit in Bohol, however, it is highly recommended to visit the Philippines Tarsier Conservation Sanctuary in Corella instead, because this is a non-profit organization that protects tarsiers in their natural environment. Meaning, they are not put in cages, they are free to stay or leave the sanctuary. The other tarsier conservation centers in Bohol allegedly put the tarsiers in cages, and let them out during the day for tourists.

• Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
• Entrance Fee: ₱150 ($2.71)
• Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Tarsier Sanctuary Road, Corella, Bohol
• Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
• Entrance Fee:   Regular ₱150 ($2.71), Student ₱150 ($2.53), Senior ₱130 ($2.34)
• Open Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Bilar, Bohol
• Bilar Bohol Enchanted Zoological and Botanical Garden
• Entrance Fee:   Adults ₱150 ($2.16), Children 6-9 yr. ₱95 ($1.71),  below 6 yr. Free
• Lunch Buffet : ₱350 ($6.31)
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Población, Bilar, Bohol

BILAR MAN-MADE FOREST 

Another popular tourist spot in Bohol that is part of the countryside tour is the Bilar Man-made forest. This area was actually part of the reforestation project some 50 years ago were red and white mahogany trees are planted along the roads stretching from Loboc to Bilar. There’s no entrance fee to take a photo or stop here but be careful. Many vehicles and local buses pass through this road and they’re pretty fast.

• Entrance Fee: Free
• Open Hours: 24/7
• Location: Laoay Interior Road, Bilar, Bohol

BACLAYON CHURCH AND MUSEUM

Baclayon Church (Immaculate Concepcion of the Virgin Mary Parish) in Baclayon, Bohol is another top tourist attraction in Bohol. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure and National Historic Landmark. The current church was built out of coral stones in 1727 by the Jesuits. But in October 2013, a strong earthquake destroyed the façade of Baclayon Church. The church was reopened 5 years later after the restoration work.

• Entrance Fee: Church is FREE, Museum is ₱50 ($0.90)  
• Location: Baclayon, Bohol

BLOOD COMPACT SHRINE (SANDUGO)

The Legazpi-Sikatuna Blood Compact (Sandugo) is known as the first treaty of friendship between Miguel Lopez de Jaena, a Spanish Intruder, and the chieftain of Bohol – Datu Sikatuna that took place in Bohol on March 1565. Today, a Blood Compact Shrine stands on the location where the Sandugo  happened and is one of top visited Bohol tourist spots.

• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours : 24 hours
• Location: J.P. EK Inting Street ,Tagbilaran City

SEVILLA TWIN HANGING BRIDGE

The newly constructed Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge has just reopened July this year and is one of the rising Bohol tourist spots. The 40-meter long and 25 meters high hanging bridge is made of woven bamboo slats and offers a scenic view of the emerald green Sipatan River. On the other side of the bridge, local sell souvenirs and refreshments.

• Entrance Fee: ₱50 ($0.90)  
• Location: Sevilla, Bohol

Other Land Tour Attractions in Bohol:

Sikatuna mirror of the world.

This latest tourist attraction in Bohol, also known as Bohollywood which was opened in phases back in 2018 and expected to be completed by 2024. Sikatuna Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden is a sprawling park speckled with scaled-down version of world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty in New York, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil,  Golden Gate Bridge of California, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Merlion of Singapore, among others. You can also dine at their café inside the Acropolis. The park is also home to a Botanical Garden with orchids and palm trees.

Bohol Countryside Tour with Mirror of the World: BOOK HERE

• Location: Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol
• Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Entrance Fee (Day Time Use) 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM:
• Regular – ₱150 ($2.71)
• Senior – ₱120 ($2.16)   
• Children – ₱50 ($0.90)
• Entrance Fee (Night Time Use ) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Regular – ₱170 ($3.07)
• Senior – ₱135 ($2.43)   
• Access: At Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran, take a bus bound for Sikatuna. Tell the driver you are headed to Sikatuna Mirror of the World. Get off at Sikatuna Public Market. Ride a tricycle or habal-habal to Sikatuna Mirror of the World at Brgy. Libjo.

HINAGDANAN CAVE

Another Bohol Tourist spot that is not included in the usual tour package. This is a pretty popular cave in Dauis, Bohol. It is lighted inside by the holes in its ceiling, revealing the stalactites and stalagmites hugging the turquoise lagoon. You can go for a swim here for an extra fee. You can also book the Panglao Island Tour, which includes a trip to Hinagdanan Cave. See link below.

PANGLAO ISLAND TOUR: BOOK HERE

• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Entrance Fee (Regular): ₱50 ($0.90)
• Entrance Fee (Children): FREE for 6 years old and below
• Swimming Fee: ₱75 ($1.35)
• Parking Fee: ₱20 ($0.36)

2. CHOCOLATE HILLS ADVENTURE PARK 

If you are itching to try other outdoor adventures in Bohol aside from the countryside tour and water activities, then try the activities at Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. The park is packed with adventures like the Bike Zipline (The Rush) where you can bike midair, about 150-feet above land and soak in the scenic view of Chocolate Hills. Other activities here include the surf zipline, tree top rope challenge, Tarzan swing, Spiderman wall challenge, tree top rope challenge, and more.  

CHOCOLATE HILLS ADVENTURE PARK: DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

• Entrance Fee: ₱100 ($1.80) per person
• Bike Zip: ₱600 ($10.82)
• Wave Runner: ₱600 ($10.82)
• Tarzan Swing: ₱340 ($6)
• Ultimate Adventure: ₱1,200 ($21.64)
• Open Hours : Daily 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: Camanayon, Brgy.Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol
• Access: Head to Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran. Take a bus to Carmen and get off at the Chocolate Hills Complex. Travel time is approximately is roughly 1.5 hours and bus fare for non-ac bus is ₱85 ($1.53). Get off at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. Register and pay the fees.

3. BOHOL ISLAND HOPPING

Peppered with powdery white sand beaches lapped by turquoise sea and flanked by gorgeous marine reserves, the island of Bohol is a perfect destination for swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, and diving.  So, don’t forget to pack your swimwear and snorkeling gear. One of the must-try activities when traveling to Bohol is Panglao Island Hopping .

The Bohol island hopping tour typically starts at Alona Beach , where outrigger boats (Maximum 15 passengers) wait for tourists around 6:30 AM. Pick up for tours usually start at 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM. The reason why the tour starts pretty early is because of the higher chance of spotting dolphins swimming and playing in the sea.

PANGLAO ISLAND HOPPING TOUR: BOOK HERE

Bohol island hopping tour: reserve here.

*The cheaper tours don’t typically include lunch and snorkel gear + guide.

3.1. DOLPHIN WATCHING

About 20 minutes away from Alona Beach, the island hopping boat will take you near the spot where dolphins swim and play. Typically boats won’t go very near the dolphins to avoid disturbing them.

3.2. BALICASAG MARINE ISLAND SANCTUARY

Next stop is Balicasag Island, the snorkeling spot known for turtles. You can swim with the turtles here and colorful fishes. Tourists can buy food/meals for lunch in Balicasag Island and take it to the next stop. At Balicasag Island, you can snorkel on your own or get a guide with a small boat to take you to the snorkeling sites.

If you opt to get a guide, you will be transferred to a small boat (maximum passenger 3) with 1 guide to take you to the snorkeling area. You need to register and pay for the snorkeling gear rental. Better if you bring your own snorkeling gear to save you a few bucks. There are 2 snorkeling areas, and you can snorkel for 30 minutes maximum at each spot. So, you are given approximately 1 hour for snorkeling in Balicasag Island.

• Mask and Snorkel: ₱150 ($2.71)
• Guide/Small Boat: ₱250 ($4.51)

3.3. VIRGIN ISLAND SANDBAR

The last stop for Island Hopping in Bohol is Virgin Island, a sandbar.

4. BEACH HOPPING

One of the reasons why Bohol is a tourist magnet because it exudes with dramatic coastlines and white sand beaches. This bountiful island is peppered with palm-fringed white sand beaches. If you have another day to spend in Bohol, you can relax and take a dip in its azure water.

• ALONA BEACH: The most popular and most photographed Bohol beach, where most island hopping in Panglao originate. Hugged by powdery sand and turquoise water, its coast is peppered with resorts that never stopped expanding. Downside is, this can be overly crowded during the dry season and dotted with island hopping boats. During the rainy season, it’s not that picturesque and the waves make it annoying to swim. Still, it remains as one of the top Bohol tourist spots.
• DUMALUAN BEACH: Another palm-fringed white sand beach in Bohol that is peppered with resorts along its coastline is Dumaluan Beach . Other tourists prefer this beach than Alona Beach because it has lesser crowd. There’s also a popular free diving site nearby – the Bohol Plane Wreck, just roughly 10 minutes away from South Palms Resort .
• Access: If coming from Alona Beach area, take a tricycle to Dumaluan Beach. Fare is roughly ₱150 ($2.71), good for 2-3 persons. If you will go through the resort, there is an entrance fee of at least ₱100 ($1.80) for beach access depending on the resort. For South Palms Resort, you can avail of the resort day use. Book through the link below.

Here are the other beaches of Bohol:

• KALIPAYAN BEACH BAY
• BIKINI BEACH
• DOLJO BEACH
• BAGOBO BEACH
• PANGLAO BEACH

5. BOHOL RESORT DAY TOURS

If you have an extra day in Bohol and you want to go swimming or relax and lounge in a good resort, you can book a day tour through the link below.

• South Palms Resort Day Use (with South Farm): BOOK HERE
• South Farm Panglao Day Use: BOOK HERE
• Blue Water Panglao Resort Day Use: RESERVE HERE
• North Zen Villas Day Use: BOOK HERE
• North Zen Villas (with South Farm) Day Use: BOOK HERE

6. BOHOL FREE DIVING

Plunge into the turquoise waters of Bohol and discover the marine sanctuary and diving sites dotting the island. Another top things to do in Bohol is free diving. Here’s some of the famous free diving sites in Bohol now:

6.1 NAPALING CRACK

Another rising free diving site in Bohol now is Napaling Crack/Napaling Point (Cliff Dive) best known for its “Sardine Run” experience that can be seen at shallow depths. But what makes Napaling Crack an Instagram favorite is its reef wall with crack clad by colorful soft coral and sponges.  This free diving site is situated at Tangnan, Panglao Island. This is a pretty popular spot now so expect many tourists (especially on weekends and holidays) lining up to dive down the Napaling Crack.

Napaling Point Diving Tour: RESERVE HERE

• Access: DIY Napaling Crack – Rent a tricycle or motorbike or car to take you to one of the 3 resorts that has access to Napaling Crack/Napaling Point. Travel time is about 15 minutes only. Tricycle fare is roughly ₱300 ($5.41) to ₱400 ($7.11) one-way.  You’ll pay around the same amount if you rent a motorbike/scooter for the entire day (gas not included). Prepare around ₱400 ($7.21) to free dive in Napaling Crack/Napaling Point.
• There are 3 resort access points: Molave Cove Resort, Almira Diving Resort, and Panglao Kalikasan Dive Resort. These resorts have stairs leading to the snorkeling area at the foot of the cliff.
• Alternatively, you can book free diving tours at Napaling Point with local tour operators, rates usually start at ₱1,850 ($33.37).
• Resort Entrance Fee: ₱100 ($1.80)
• Napaling Crack: ₱200 ($3.61)
• Environmental Fee: ₱100 ($1.80)
• Bring a tour guide with you when free diving.

6.2.BOHOL PLANE WRECK

A beginner-friendly free diving site is Bohol Plane Wreck.  It’s one of the popular Bohol tourist spots to date. If you’ve booked a free diving tour. This is usually part of the Balicasag Island dive itinerary for free divers. The Bohol Plane Wreck is situated near South Palm Resort, about 10-minutes away. Oftentimes, visibility is said to be poor, so manage your expectations. Try to do this early in the morning.

*Most resorts in the area though will charge entrance fee for access to the resort leading to the beach.

 7. BOHOL DIVING

Bohol Marine Triangle, which includes Balicasag, Pamilican, and Panglao, is reportedly one of the richest marine biodiversity in the world boasting of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and kaleidoscopic marine life. If you want to go diving or learn diving in Bohol, this province is packed with dive shops. You can walk in or book ahead through the link below.

• PADI Discover Scuba Diving: RESERVE HERE
• DISCOVER Scuba Diving in Bohol: RESERVE HERE
• PADI Scuba Refresher in Bohol: BOOK HERE
• PADI Advance Open Water Dive in Bohol: RESERVE HERE

8. BOHOL WHALE SHARK WATCHING

One of the most unforgettable travel experiences is an encounter with the gentle giants – the whale sharks. And unknown to many tourists, you can actually experience that in Taug, Lila, Bohol. Whale watching is now one of the top Bohol tourist spots.  It is said that the best time for whale shark watching in the Philippines is around December to May because this is the season when these gentle giants are migrating naturally. So, you’ll get a higher chance of seeing them.

For a hassle-free whale shark watching tour with Loboc River Cruise, you can book through the link below.

Bohol Whale Shark Watching (With Loboc Cruise): BOOK HERE

Bohol whale shark watching (with countryside tour): reserve here.

• Whale Shark Watching and Snorkeling in Bohol
• Open Hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Lila, Bohol
• Entrance Fee (Locals): ₱700 ($12.63) per person
• Entrance Fee (Foreigners): ₱1,500 ($27.05) per person

*Don’t touch the whale sharks. Don’t feed them. Don’t wear sunscreen, deodorant, or perfume when swimming with the whale sharks.

9. WATERFALLS HOPPING

Bohol is oozing with pristine waterfalls that is devoid of tourists, since they’re not typically included in the Bohol Countryside tours or on the list of best Bohol tourist spots.  Here are some of the waterfalls that can be reached from Tagbilaran or Panglao for roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour. They’re not usually on the list of the top Bohol tourist spots, but if you’re into waterfalls and have extra time, it’s worth checking out.

9.1. MAG-ASO FALLS

Though this waterfall is surrounded by a dense jungle, it’s not that high, only about 8-meter tall. It’s a popular swimming spot for the locals and the natural pool that served as a swimming area has been developed. Take caution when walking down the stairs because it is slippery. If you want to swim here, wear life vest provided by the resort for safety reasons. There are toilets and changing rooms but they’re not that well-maintained.

• Location: Antequerre, Bohol
• Open Hours: Sunday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed on Saturday
• Entrance Fee: ₱50 ($0.90)
• Access: By motorbike/scooter or car rental it’s approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Tagbilaran or about 1 hour from the main tourist strip of Panglao. Follow Google Maps.

9.2. CAMUGAO FALLS

Another enchanting waterfall in Bohol is Camugao Falls, a tall waterfall surrounded by dense jungle.  It’s unheard of when you talk about the best Bohol tourist spots.  It takes about 10-15 minutes’ walk to reach the cliff from the entrance, but be extra careful as the stairs down to the base of the waterfall can get slippery. Unlike the Mag-aso Falls, Camugao Falls is quite tall and surrounded by a canyon. You can cliff dive here but make sure the landing is clear of rocks and debris for your safety.

• Location: Brgy.San Isidro, Balilihan, Bohol
• Entrance Fee: ₱25 ($0.45)
• Access: By motorbike/scooter or car rental. Follow Google Maps.

10. FIREFLY WATCHING

Cruise along the Abatan River at night and witness the dramatic scene of fireflies.

Bohol Firefly Watching (with South Farm Tour): BOOK HERE

11. hilltop 360 view park.

This is one of my favorite Bohol tourist spots and viewing area for Chocolate Hills and the mountains of Bohol. It’s actually a park with a cringe design, to be honest, but the scenic view here is unparalleled. We just stumbled upon this place during our drive in Bohol, searching for the government-owned viewing deck, and when we entered and saw the view of its surroundings, it was jaw-dropping.

We went to Hilltop 360 View Park pre-pandemic. So, I’m not sure if it’s still open because I can’t find any updated information about it. Their FB page is inactive. I tried texting their number but no response. I checked social media posts and latest photos I could find was back in 2021. So, if you happen to know if this place is already closed, please leave a comment below or private message me on Instagram. Thank you!

12. ANDA BOHOL BEACHES

About 3 hours’ drive from Tagbilaran and Panglao is Anda, Bohol.  This bucolic town is peppered with palm-fringed white sand beaches devoid of luxury trappings, that makes Anda one of the rising Bohol tourist spots.  It’s a nice place to just relax on the beach and enjoy subtle pleasures like the changing color of the sky and clouds at sunset. Here’s 2 of my favorite beaches in Anda, entrance is free for both beaches.

• Quinale Beach
• Talisay Beach

For more photos and mode details on Anda beaches and other attractions in this town, click the link below to read my Anda Travel Guide.

  ALSO READ: ANDA BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE

13. anda cave pools.

Because Anda, Bohol is believed to be made mostly of limestones, the geological activities overtime, along with heavy rains and weather, eventually formed the cave pools. You’ll be surprised that the town is actually peppered with a couple of cave pools that is now included on the list of best Bohol tourist spots. But since our time was limited, we only visited Cabagnow Cave Pool. For more details, check out my separate travel guide on Cabagnow Cave Pool.

• Cabagnow Cave Pool
• Entrance Fee: ₱20 ($0.36)

ALSO READ: HOW TO GET TO CABAGNOW CAVE POOL

Other cave pools in Anda:

• Tibaw Cave Pool
• Cateres Cave Pool
• Combento Cave Pool

14. CADAPDAPAN RICE TERRACES

If you fancy the outdoors and taking off-the-beaten path, the sleepy town of Candijay will surprise you with natural and man-made attractions. Here, you’ll find the picturesque Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, now a popular Bohol tourist spot.

ALSO READ: CANDIJAY BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by gael (thepinaysolobackpacker) (@thepinaysolobackpacker)

15.CAN-UMANTAD FALLS

• Open Hours: 7:00 AM -5:00 PM
• Tour Guide: Not required but available, in case you are alone and want someone to help you with your photos or videos. Or if you just want to help the local community, you can hire a local guide.

16.CANAWA COLD SPRING 

Canawa Spring is a turquoise spring in Candijay, Bohol. Not your typical Bohol tourist spot.  You can do this as a side trip when you visit Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and Can-umantad Falls. It’s about 15 minutes away by motorbike. The entrance is not particularly enticing as you will see a man-made swimming area.  But if you go further, you’ll see the undeveloped part under the tree with a clear turquoise water, perfect for a quick dip.

17. ASIN SA TIBUOK

  A Filipino artisanal salt made in Bohol with a sharp, smoky taste. This is done by soaking coconut husks in seawater for several months and burning them into a pile. It is usually done from December to May. You can visit the Asin sa Tibuok workshop in Alburquerque, Bohol. The Manongas family revived this ancient sal-making tradition in 2010 after it has disappeared in the 80’s. To order Asin sa Tibuok contact Veronica Salupan at +63907 1680 961.

18. DAUIS GOLD MAKERS

Though it’s not usually included on the list of top Bohol tourist spots, there’s more to see in Dauis aside from Hinagdanan Cave.  Did you know that Dauis has gold jewelry makers? Yes. There’s an ancient tradition here where the women create hand-crafted gold jewelry using the traditional stamping technique.

You can even buy the Dauis gold jewelry online now. Upon research, I found the online store named: Ermalaplatera, that creates jelwelry in Dauis. You can check them on Instagram at @erma.laplatera .

19. OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN BOHOL

• President Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House
• Clarin Ancestral House
• Cloribel’s Ancestral House (Dauis)
• D’Original Osang’s Home-Made Pastries
• Catigbian D.A.T.E Park

BEST TIME TO VISIT BOHOL

Best time for me to visit Bohol is around January to March before the peak season. The weather is quite okay during these months, not too hot, and lesser crowd compared if you travel during April to May, which is the summer season in the Philippines.

• Pocket WIFI: RENT HERE
• E -Sim Philippines: BUY HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL:

New hotels and resorts are springing up like mushrooms in Bohol. Here’s some of the recommended places to stay in Bohol by previous guests.

BUDGET HOTELS

• 717 CESAR PLACE HOTEL
• Location: Tagbilaran
• BOOK HERE  OR CHECK RATES HERE
• TRAVEL BEE SEASIDE INN
• Location:  Tagbilaran
• BOOK HERE OR RESERVE HERE
• BELIAN HOTEL

MIDRANGE HOTELS

• Henann Bohol
• Location: Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol
• BOOK HERE OR CHECK RATES HERE
• Mithi Resort and Spa
• Location: Dauis, Panglao

LUXURY HOTELS

• Donatela Resort and Sanctuary
• Location: Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
• CHECK RATES HERE OR RESERVE HERE
• Amorita Resort

HOW TO GET TO BOHOL

There are several ways to get to Bohol.

  Manila to Bohol – From Manila, there are several airlines flying to Bohol such as Cebu Pacific, Airasia, and Philippine Airlines.

Cebu City to Bohol – From Cebu City, there are fastcraft to Bohol (2 hours) and ferry (4 hours). You can check the Cebu-Bohol-Cebu fastcraft and ferry schedule through the link below.

Cebu-Bohol-Cebu Ferry Ticket: BOOK HERE

  Siquijor to Bohol – From Siquijor, you can get to Bohol by ferry. There are 2-3 departures per day. Travel time is roughly 2 hours.

Camiguin – From Camiguin, there’s a ferry to Bohol with 1-2 departures per day. Transit time is approximately 4 hours.

Bohol to Camiguin Ferry Ticket: RESERVE HERE

Also read: cebu-bohol-cebu ferry schedule and fare, bohol aiport to alona beach and panglao .

If you’re coming from Bohol International Airport and you need to get to your resort in Alona Beach or Panglao.  Get outside the airport gate and hail a tricycle to your resort. There are usually tricycles waiting for passengers outside. Fare is around ₱200 ($3.61), good for 3-4 pax. Travel time is roughly 10 minutes to Alona Beach or Brgy. Tawala. If you are alone or a party of 2 only, if  want to save you can talk to other passengers and share the cost.

If you have heavy luggages, or you’re traveling with kids or seniors and you just want a hassle-free Bohol Airport transfer to your hotel, you can book a private airport transfer below.  Many luxury and midrange hotels in Bohol also include an aiport pick-up on their package.

KLOOK BOHOL AIRPORT TRANSFER: BOOK HERE

Getting around bohol.

  I already discussed this above. There are 5 ways you can get around Bohol.

• By bus and jeepney – Buses and jeepney in Bohol are unreliable. They will eat up your time. But if you want to save money, this is the way to go.
• By tricycle – Tricycle is pretty expensive in Bohol, a short ride will cost you ₱100 ($1.80) to ₱200 ($3.61).
• By car rental – I’d recommend this if you’re a group of 3-4 persons, you can save more than joining a group tour that charges per person.
• By scooter rental – You can rent a motorbike or scooter in Panglao or Tagbilaran starting at  ₱300 ($5.41) per day. Gas not included.
• By group tour or private tour – If you’re a solo traveler or a party of 2, this is a good option, especially if it’s your first time in Bohol since you’ll be able to visit the top tourist spots in a day.

WHERE TO EAT IN BOHOL

  I don’t usually plan ahead where to eat when I travel. I dine wherever is nearby when I’m hungry or wherever my feet take me. LOL But if you’re a foodie, here are some restaurants that I’ve personally tried. I’m easy to please when it comes to food though, my palate is only picky when it comes to Japanese food.

• Paprika Restaurant – Latest restaurant I tried in Bohol is Paprika Restaurant at Donatela Resort. They have okay food, lots of choices. I especially love their fish ala plancha, salmon pappilotte, and truffle pasta. I like their complimentary breakfast too, especially the egg with hints of bacon. You can dine at al fresco at Paprika Restaurant and enjoy the view of the endless sea.

• Henann Alona Beach Restaurant – For Henann Resort in Alona Beach, they have dinner buffet for ₱898 ($16.20)  every Friday to Sunday, and ₱798 ($14.39) every Monday to Thursday. Unlimited drinks is ₱250 ($451).

• Saffron – This is the restaurant inside Amorita Resort. I tried it years ago.
• Giuseppe Pizzeria and Sicilian Roast
• Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant

BOHOL ITINERARY (4 Days 3 Nights)

Here’s a sample Bohol itinerary for 4 days 3 nights. This is good for first timers because this will cover the top Bohol tourist spots. Hotel, airfare, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses not included.

I will write a separate Bohol Travel Guide with itinerary and budget and will include other attractions in Bohol for those who plan to return to Bohol and explore other places.

BOHOL ITINERARIES 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 DAYS

Puerto galera tourist spots, san juan batangas tourist spots, baguio tourist spots + itinerary, things to do in boracay + tourist spots, san vicente palawan tourist spots, guimaras tourist spots, related posts.

PUERTO GALERA ITINERARY (TRAVEL GUIDE + BUDGET) 2024

ORIENTAL MINDORO: Things to Do in Puerto Galera + Itinerary 2024

BAGUIO TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) (2024)

2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

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Travel Blog

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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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 .

See our popular Bohol Vacation Packages

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How to make business travel more sustainable

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s standard practice for companies to send employees great distances for business growth opportunities. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) predicts that global corporate travel costs will rise to more than $1.4 trillion this year —with no signs of slowing down.

At the same time, businesses are more aware of—and invested in—travel sustainability. According to Statista, 20% of companies rate climate and sustainability as the number one concern facing business travel as of January 2024.

It seems like a catch-22: businesses must travel more to grow—and reduce traveling to remain environmentally responsible.

But with the right business travel partners and tools and a commitment to reducing emissions (like how Uber has committed to becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040), it’s possible to travel smarter, cleaner, and greener.

What is sustainable business travel?

Sustainable business travel is the practice of managing corporate trips to minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Sustainability goals in business travel are vital, as they support environmental conservation and reduce corporations’ ecological footprints. These goals also align with growing consumer and stakeholder expectations for businesses to reduce emissions over time.

Benefits of traveling green

Deloitte reports that just over 40% of American and European companies say they are refining their corporate travel policies to lessen their impact on the environment. And many companies around the world have adopted carbon emissions reduction plans that include modifying business travel practices to be more sustainable.

Below are some of the advantages of commiting to green business travel.

Environmental benefits

There’s a reason why , 66% of organizations are working to increase their energy efficiency. When companies commit to sustainability, they significantly reduce their carbon footprint and consume fewer resources.

Business travel often contributes heavily to carbon emissions, so adopting sustainable travel practices has a positive impact on the environment.

Positive perception of company values

Green business travel policies (and enforcement of them) show a company’s dedication to sustainability, which enhances its public image, boosts customer loyalty, and improves employee perception.

Forbes reported that 92% of consumers are likely to trust a company that supports social or environmental issues. And 88% are more loyal to these companies.

Cost savings

Traveling green is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. Efficient use of resources, such as opting for less-resource-intensive travel options, can lead to significant financial savings for companies.

McKinsey’s research identifies a significant relationship between a company’s resource efficiency and its financial success. By minimizing resource expenses, a business can enhance its operating profits by up to 60%.

Employee satisfaction

Deloitte reports that 69% of employed adults want their companies to invest in sustainability —including reducing carbon. And over 70% of employees at large US companies are more likely to opt to work somewhere with a strong environmental program.

A company's commitment to sustainability attracts talent and contributes to employee morale. When people know that their employer values environmental responsibility, it increases their job satisfaction.

Ideas to make business travel more sustainable

Every year, more travelers, employees, and businesses are dedicated to sustainable travel. But what steps can companies take to accomplish this goal? Below are 4 key ideas.

1. Book trips selectively

Aviation currently accounts for 3% of all global emissions , according to Reuters. Aviation companies are actively investing in pollution-lowering projects and working toward finding more sustainable fuel. But it will take a more collaborative approach to reduce emissions. Corporations can reduce their carbon footprints through more active planning and smart travel analysis. In other words, corporate travel managers can conduct cost-benefit analyses to identify which trips are critical to the business and which they can eliminate from their travel agendas. In terms of ground transportation, corporations can invest in the Uber for Business platform. The platform allows companies to set limits and allowances for ridesharing to reduce any unnecessary travel.

2. Choose sustainable accommodations

Companies can further their commitment to sustainability by selecting eco-friendly hotels that prioritize green practices.

Choose hotels, for example, that commit to actively reducing energy and water consumption. This can include advocating for reusing towels and linens or allowing guests to opt for room cleaning as needed.

Many hotels also incorporate energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, such as using LED lighting, solar panels, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. These measures reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint, creating an ideal partnership for business travel.

3. Explore eco-friendly transportation options

The airline industry isn’t the only travel industry investing in environmentally friendly solutions. The automotive industry is creating more lower-emission and electric vehicles. Municipalities are making cities increasingly bikeable. And Uber for Business offers sustainable travel options as well, like Uber Green and Uber Comfort Electric .

These industries, governments, and businesses are on the right track, and corporate travel managers and bleisure travelers can take action individually to further the cause. Opt to do the following:

Use eco-friendly ground transportation alternatives. Commit to carpooling, pick low-emission rideshare options, or book zero-emission vehicles (electric vehicles) with a service like Uber Comfort Electric .

Take nonstop flights. Takeoffs and landings involve high fuel consumption and emissions. Nonstop flights minimize the environmental impact. They also have shorter durations, decreasing the amount of fuel needed per trip.

Get some exercise. Is the destination within walking or biking distance? Dust off those walking shoes, unlock your bike, and pick a more environmentally friendly way to travel. If it’s a bit farther, consider an e-bike or an e-scooter.

4. Eat and shop local

Encouraging business travelers to eat and shop at local establishments promotes sustainable travel. By choosing restaurants and vendors that prioritize sustainability and source their products locally, companies can reduce the environmental impacts of food transportation and support local economies to boot.

Opting for local dining options also allows employees to walk or bike to their destinations—further reducing their carbon footprint.

Learn from available data

Moving toward more sustainable business travel practices hinges on the ability to track data and monitor progress. Below are some ways to reduce CO2 emissions through data tracking and reporting:

Carbon emissions tracking

Through the Uber for Business dashboard, you can access sustainability insights. This allows companies to track carbon emissions data related to corporate travel.

To monitor CO₂ emissions from business flights, consider investing in software that integrates with travel booking systems to calculate the carbon footprint of each flight.

Transparency and reporting

As environmental regulations increase, it’s essential for businesses to remain transparent about their climate impact each year.

To maintain their commitment to sustainability, it’s important for companies to track emissions caused by corporate travel and create an annual environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.

Among other data, ESG reports include the company’s annual carbon footprint and energy usage metrics. Companies can then demonstrate how these elements align with their long-term sustainability goals and progress toward becoming a net-zero company.

Drive progress with Uber for Business

Reducing (or eliminating) carbon emissions from business travel doesn’t happen overnight, but setting goals, tracking data points, and investing in partnerships with organizations that care about the environment take you one step closer.

Uber for Business is dedicated to becoming more sustainable and helping your business reduce its carbon footprint. Be part of the movement toward net-zero emissions with Uber for Business .

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