Melo Villareal
Top 24 Best Bohol Tourist Spots
The island of Bohol, officially the Province of Bohol, is world-famous for its Chocolate Hills. But the scenic vacation destination has more to offer with its eco-tourism sites, white sand beaches, and prime spots for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. The diverse attractions and countryside charms of the province continue to draw crowds of tourists, both local and international. It can be quite confusing where to travel in Bohol as the province consists of several smaller islands apart from Bohol itself, and this travel guide aims to highlight the best tourist spots in Bohol for first-time visitors.
Explore Tagbilaran City
As the capital city of the Province of Bohol, Tagbilaran City has some of the biggest malls, parks and amusement centers, historic heritage sites, and museums that showcase the uniqueness of Bohol. The capital city used to be a trading partner with other Southeast Asian countries and now serves as a jump-off point to the natural and man-made attractions in the province, such as the iconic Chocolate Hills and the stunning beaches of Panglao Island.
Some of the capital city’s most notable tourist attractions include the National Museum of Bohol, which exhibits the history of the province; the St. Joseph The Worker Cathedral Parish with its beautifully preserved façade and ornately-designed interiors, and the Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House, which was formerly occupied by the eighth president of the Philippines.
Visit the Chocolate Hills
Hailed as the country’s third National Geological Monument, one must not forget to visit the Chocolate Hills. The best time to go to the observation deck is by sunrise or sunset to see its beautiful colors. Also, note that these impressive hills turn green during the rainy season and brown by the end of the dry season.
With over a thousand mounds of Earth filling the vast expanse of an area in Laoay, Bohol, the Chocolate Hills attracts people from every corner of the world yearly to revel in its unique appearance.
The unique geological formation and rich vegetation of the Chocolate Hills is a natural landmark to marvel at. One of the country’s most iconic and well-known natural landmarks, the panoramic views of the Chocolate Hills can be seen from the viewing decks at the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, Bohol, and Sagbayan Peak Resort in the neighboring town of Sagbayan, Bohol.
Other means of viewing Chocolate Hills are riding an all-terrain vehicle, a hot air balloon, or a zip line ride from the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park. It’s best to visit the hills during the dry season, around January to May, to see its iconic chocolate brown look resembling Hershey’s chocolate kisses.
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the majestic beauty of these verdant hills. They turn green as the rainy season comes in and brown during summer. So what are you waiting for? Visit Bohol’s most popular tourist spot.
Explore Hinagdanan Cave
The historic Hinagdanan Cave is known for its naturally lit limestone cave, spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations, and a turquoise pool of water at least 3 meters deep. Decades ago, Hinagdanan Cave was used by locals to hide from the Japanese Imperial Army.
Visitors can take a tricycle to reach the Hinagdanan Cave and take the staircase entrance downwards to the cave.
- Entrance Rates: PHP25
- Location: Bingag, Dauis, Bohol
- Operating Hours: 7:30AM to 5PM, Daily
- *Rates may change without prior notice
Visit Alona Beach
This 1.5-kilometer stretch of white sand beach is perhaps the most popular beach among all the beaches on Panglao Island. Alona Beach is considered one of the province’s best destinations for diving, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and island hopping. The quiet beach also has a mellow nightlife, more relaxed and peaceful than other beach destinations in the province.
The beach’s name, Alona, is attributed to actress Alona Alegre, who was loved by locals due to her sincere kindness and magnetic charm. In the 1970s, Alona Alegre shot a movie at this beach, referred to as where Alona filmed her movie.
See Cabagnow Cave Pool
Cave pools found in the southeastern part of the Province of Bohol are slowly gaining popularity. These are limestones filled with spring water collected for millions of years from seawater seeping through the soft limestone rocks around the area.
Cabagnow Cave Pool is the deepest and biggest cave pool in the area, with the deepest parts around 25 feet deep and the shallow parts at 12 feet deep. Other notable cave pools include Combento Cave Pool, Kaligoon Cave Pool, East Coast Cave Pool, and Kalorenzo Cave Pool.
Paddleboarding in Loboc River
Paddleboarding tours along Loboc River are slowly gaining traction, with tour agencies and nearby resorts offering such services. Guests and visitors can cruise the river at their own pace, enveloping themselves in the quietness of the river and the surrounding forest.
Paddleboarding is relatively easy to learn, and the paddleboarding tours offered in the area always start with an introductory course for its guests.
Lunch and River Cruise in Loboc River
Don’t you love it when you’re cruising with the ones you love? Rivers can really be quite relaxing to marvel at, and at Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park, you don’t just get to cruise the Loboc River, but you also get to be serenaded and served a filling meal at the same time. Wouldn’t that be such a romantic thing to do?
Enjoy cruising along the Loboc River while having a generous lunch from any of the Loboc Floating Restaurants. This river cruise is the highlight of every Bohol countryside tour. The restaurant staff serves popular Filipino dishes, and the local community stage a short cultural performance in traditional Filipino clothing.
- Cruise and Buffet Rates (inclusive of the short cultural performance): PHP850
- Location: Poblacion Sawang, Loboc, Bohol
- Contact: 0948 407 6476 | 0917 306 0010 | 0999 582 4655 | (038) 537 9460 | lobocriverwatch@gmail.com
- Website: lobocriverwatch.com
- *Rates may change without prior notice. Booking is necessary. Guests are requested to be at the complex 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is a refuge devoted to protecting the smallest primates found in Southeast Asia. The sanctuary is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization that ensures the safety and fragile population of endangered species.
Before establishing the sanctuary and the foundation, tarsiers were sold and kept away from their natural habitat as private pets. Visitors can expect to see several tarsiers take photos during the tours the foundation offers. Remember to minimize noise and to turn off the camera flash as the tarsiers might get stressed.
- Entrance Rates: PHP150; FREE for children 7 years and below
- Location: Tarsier Sanctuary Road, Corella, Bohol
- Operating Hours: 9AM to 4PM, Daily
- Contact: philippinetarsierfoundation@gmail.com
- Socials: instagram.com/philippinetarsierfoundation/
- *Rates may change without prior notice
Who wouldn’t love to take pictures with these adorable, wide-eyed creatures? Dubbed to be among the smallest primates on Earth, these tree-hugging mammals are such a sight. They’re featured in lots of blogs, and they seem to be the trademark of Bohol, so would it not be worth it to have some shots with them?
Local NGOs responsible for these creatures’ welfare are quite strict regarding human contact. Tarsiers are among the endangered species in the country, so there’s no doubt that there are several rules to follow.
Maintained by a non-profit organization, one of the most exciting things to do in Bohol is to visit the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary and meet these delicate creatures. It is 4 kilometers from Corella’s town center and 20 minutes from Tagbilaran City.
See the beautiful Anda Beach.
One of the emerging tourist spots in Bohol, Anda, Bohol has some of the trimmest and best-kept beaches in the province. With its powder-soft and white sand beaches, Anda is slowly becoming a favorite among tourists and locals.
The beach stretches for 3 kilometers, its pristine waters are home to rich marine life, and the charming shore is perfect for scenic beach walks. You can also enjoy visiting the mystical Lamanoc Island and experience kayaking around the lush mangroves in the area.
Dive at Balicasag Island
The Philippines is blessed with unlimited diving and snorkeling sites. The rich marine fauna and flora are all worth diving for! The best part is that you can choose from various diving sites around the island.
Balicasag Island is one of the most exciting tourist spots in Bohol because it is one of the Philippines’ premier diving and snorkeling sites. These excellent diving sites include Balicasag Island Marine Sanctuary, Black Forest, Cathedral Wall, Divers Haven, Royal Garden, and Turtle Point.
Divers can expect to swim with large schools of fish, such as moray eels, frogfish, and parrotfish, find underwater sea caves, and marvel at colonies of corals on its drop-off walls. Non-divers can snorkel and swim in the shallow parts of the island or watch the dolphins from above the waters.
- Entrance Rates (Marine Sanctuary): PHP150
- Environmental Fee: PHP100
- Snorkeling Fee: PHP300
- *Rates may change without prior notice
Apart from Balicasag Island, where you meet and greet giant sea turtles. There’s Cabilao Island with its underwater caves, Pamilacan Island for the soft corals, and Panglao Island for the frogfish and pipefish. Take your pick!
Dolphin Watching at Pamilacan Island
Pamilacan Island is a popular tourist destination for dolphin and whale sightseeing. The coral island is part of the Bohol Marine Triangle, where dolphins and whales travel in small and large groups. Some of the most common whales are Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, melon-headed whales, and the pygmy killer whale. At the same time, the commonly seen dolphins are Risso’s dolphin, spinner dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, and Fraser’s dolphin.
The island’s name stems from the word “pamilac,” meaning harpoon, a fishing tool the islanders use to catch dolphins and whales. This practice of harpooning had since diminished when the provincial government banned the fishing of endangered species. Locals now focus on eco-tourism and protecting the marine life on the island.
Visit Virgin Island
Pungtud Island, commonly known to tourists as Virgin Island, is a shallow islet in the middle of Balicasag Island and Panglao Island. The island’s breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere make it a scenic and relaxing destination, often the quieter part of island hopping tours in the Province of Bohol.
Despite the lack of exhilarating activities, Virgin Island remains one of the most visited tourist spots in Bohol province. The island is best visited before noon, so the sand won’t be too hot for meditative walks.
Explore Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park is an eco-tourism destination with several attractions. These include the bike zip line, surf zip line, tree top rope challenges, rope courses, chicken and fish feeding, mountain biking, horseback riding, wall climbing, Tarzan swing, sumo wrestling, hiking, and camping.
The zip line rides in the adventure park have some of the best unobstructed views of the iconic Chocolate Hills. The park also has a butterfly garden and a serpentarium for visitors.
- Entrance Rates: PHP80 per head
- Location: Camanayon, Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol
- Operating Hours: 8:30AM to 5:30PM, Daily
- Contact: 0946 341 4796 | 0921 770 3226
- Socials: facebook.com/Chocolate-Hills-Adventure-Park
- *Rates may change without prior notice
Dine at Bohol Bee Farm
Bohol Bee Farm is a farm and restaurant producing and selling pure organic honey and honey jams. The open-air dining space of the restaurant has fantastic views of the sea and serves organic-based meals produced by their farm.
Bohol Bee Farm sells honeyed shampoo and conditioner, honeyed body soap, honeyed salve, honeyed salabat, honeyed hot sauce, and honeyed tableya. It offers walking tours of the farm and presents how their bee products are made.
- Location: Dao, Duis, Panglao Island, Bohol
- Operating Hours: 7AM to 10PM, Daily
- Socials: facebook.com/officialboholbeefarm | boholbeefarm.com
Cross a Bamboo Hanging Bridge
Yes, walk while you’re swinging; you’ve read it right. How is this possible, you ask? Well, that’s through treading the hanging bridge in Loboc. The short bridge is made of light materials, particularly bamboo. The bridge hangs above the river, which adds even more thrill to the challenge.
It’ll be a short walk and an excellent spot for photo ops. The bridge alone is a marvel; its brilliant engineering makes it passable. Just a word of advice: it starts swinging when you start walking, so hang on tight and feel the excitement rush into your veins.
Crossing the Bamboo Hanging Bridge will be a delightful experience for adventure seekers. Bridging over the Sipatan River, the bridge was initially constructed with bamboo and ropes before steel cables were added for stability. The Bamboo Hanging Bridge is surrounded by dense forests and has become a popular tourist spot in Bohol.
Stop over at Bilar Man-Made Forest
Drive by and stop at the Bilar Man-Made Forest, a 2-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees along the border of Loboc and Bilar. These mahogany trees were planted by the local government and volunteers as part of a reforestation project decades ago.
Besides driving to the Man-Made Forest, visitors can bike and hike in the woods, use the forest as a backdrop for photos, or take shelter under the shade of the trees during summer.
Visit the Blood Compact Shrine
The Blood Compact Shrine, also known as Blood Pact Shrine, Blood Compact Monument, and Sandugo Shrine, is a life-sized landmark created by Napoleon Abueva, the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture and a native Boholano.
The monument is where Rajah Sikatuna formed a blood compact and alliance with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi on March 16, 1565, a significant gesture of peace and friendship and was considered the first friendship treaty between the Filipinos and Spaniards.
Spend an afternoon at Sikatuna Mirror of The World
Explore the world in just one park and see some of the world’s most iconic landmarks at Sikatuna’s Mirror of the World. One of the newest tourist spots in Bohol, Mirror of the World exhibits scaled-down versions of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Golden Gate Bridge in California.
One of the best times to visit the park is in the late afternoon when the climate is milder and to take advantage of the nighttime views of the park. Stroll around the park, check out the botanical garden, and take photos of the park’s wonders.
- Entrance Rates (Daytime): PHP150, Adults; PHP50, Children below 3 feet; PHP120, Senior Citizens and PWDs
- Entrance Rates (Nighttime): PHP170, Adults; PHP50, Children below 3 feet; PHP135, Senior Citizens and PWDs
- Environmental Fee: PHP20
- Location: Barangay Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol
- Operating Hours: 7AM to 6PM, Daytime; 6PM to 9PM, Nighttime
- Contact: 0917 706 9682 | sikatunas.mirroroftheworld@outlook.com | sikatunasmotwandbg@gmail.com
- Socials: facebook.com/SikatunasMOTW | sikatunasmirroroftheworld.com
- *Rates may change without prior notice
Spread the love, and bring home Pasalubong from Bohol.
Picture small versions of the chocolate Hills made into a peanut buttery snack, and you get Peanut Kisses, an ingenious snack made from peanuts and eggs. You can also try Osang’s Broas; this crunchy ladyfinger is best paired with hot chocolate.
Many tourists love bringing them home as pasalubongs for their loved ones. So why not get a pack home yourself? They are available in several department stores in Bohol.
Find a Hidden Gem
Finding a hidden gem is quite an adventure. It’s never easy an easy deal. Now, picture it hidden in a lush forest with enormous boulders and rough terrain.
This is probably one of the biggest reasons why getting to the Can-umantad Falls is challenging. Can-umantad is Bohol’s gem.
This falls offers beautiful scenery with the thick vegetation surrounding the area. The view along the trail going to it alone is quite mesmerizing already. It provides excellent clean water where you can take a dip after a long walk. Several spots would offer a good angle for taking photographs as souvenirs.
Visit Lamanoc Island and Be mystified.
Bohol is also known for the Mystifying Lamanoc Island in Anda, Bohol. Tourists don’t know much about this place before, but as the years go by, more and more people are coming here to experience the island.
Visiting the Mystical Caves of Lamanoc Island
The island is dotted with Balete tree, which has quite a reputation with horror stories in the Philippines. Furthermore, the island was used in the olden days as a place of ritual; now, wouldn’t that be something cool to check out?
Feel the adrenaline rush!
Nothing beats a good old adrenaline rush, especially when visiting a new place. With the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, Bohol has some crazy and wild adventures waiting for you. It’s a nature park offering accommodations and many rides that would stick with you forever.
As how they say in Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, “You don’t pay for the ride; you pay for the experience!”
*Danao Adventure Park is undergoing rehabilitation as of this writing
Pray for thanks
church in dauis bohol
As we may all recall, most of the churches here in Bohol were damaged by the earthquake that struck the visayan island last October 2013. Some of the iconic structures that withstood time were turned into rubble. But this doesn’t mean that faith should falter; Boholanos did not falter, and so should we, so even with the absence of some churches, we can visit other remaining churches that are still open for everyone. While we are waiting to restore some historic churches, we should at least say thanks for our safe trip to this quaint little province.
Explore the Sta. Monica Church in Alburquerque Town.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Tagbilaran lies the beautiful Santa Monica Parish Church of Alburquerque, commonly known as the Alburquerque Church. This church is a must-see destination in Bohol.
Not only is it adorned with intricate designs, but it also features a locally carved altar that has been crafted by hand. You won’t be able to contain your surprise when you see it! Under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran, the Alburquerque Church is a must-visit for anyone in Bohol.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
The best time to visit Bohol, a beautiful island province in the Philippines, is during the dry season, typically from December to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The dry season is ideal for beach activities, exploring stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures like snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.
Visiting Bohol during this time allows you to fully appreciate the iconic Chocolate Hills, explore the picturesque beaches, and witness the unique wildlife, including the tarsiers native to the region.
It’s important to note that Bohol can be pretty busy during peak tourist seasons such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of December or April when there are fewer tourists.
The rainy season in Bohol typically starts around May and lasts until November. The island experiences more rainfall, occasional storms, and higher humidity during this time. While it’s still possible to visit Bohol during the rainy season, outdoor activities may be affected, and some attractions may have limited accessibility.
Overall, the dry season from December to April offers the best weather and optimal conditions to fully enjoy Bohol’s natural beauty and attractions.
How to get there
Bohol is just one of the best vacation destinations in the Philippines, where one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks can be found. But the province is more than just the chocolate-colored hillsides. As a prime tourist destination, Bohol is accessible from several major cities around the country and connects to Bohol-Panglao International Airport, a new airport that services the whole province.
AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines have daily flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark International Airport, and Davao International Airport. Visitors outside the country can arrive at NAIA and fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Top 7 Hotels and Resorts in Bohol
Here are seven top hotels and resorts in Bohol, Philippines, known for their excellent accommodations and hospitality:
- Amorita Resort: Nestled atop a cliff on Panglao Island, Amorita Resort provides stunning views of the Bohol Sea. It features stylish rooms, infinity pools, a spa, and a private beach.
- Henann Resort Alona Beach: Located on Panglao Island, this luxurious resort offers spacious rooms, a beautiful infinity pool, direct beach access, and various dining options.
- Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa: A secluded and exclusive resort in Panglao Island, Eskaya offers private villas with plunge pools, a spa, a restaurant serving international and local cuisine, and a beautiful beachfront.
- Bohol Beach Club: Situated on Panglao Island, this beachfront resort offers comfortable rooms, a large swimming pool, a restaurant, and direct access to a white sand beach.
- The Peacock Garden: Located in Baclayon, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic ocean views or gardens. It features a pool, spa, restaurant, and a tranquil atmosphere.
- South Palms Resort Panglao: Set along a pristine beach in Panglao Island, South Palms Resort offers modern rooms, beachfront pools, a spa, water sports activities, and multiple dining options.
- Bellevue Resort: Situated on Panglao Island, this luxury resort features spacious rooms, a lagoon-style pool, a private beach, a spa, and multiple dining venues serving international and local cuisine.
These hotels and resorts in Bohol provide a range of options to suit different preferences, from beachfront locations to luxurious amenities and serene surroundings, ensuring a memorable and relaxing stay on this stunning Philippine island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Bohol is the best tourist spot?
Bohol is a dazzling gem of a destination, boasting a unique landscape of the Chocolate Hills, the captivating charm of the endangered tarsiers, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and centuries-old churches and cultural sites. But it’s the locals’ warmth that truly makes Bohol an extraordinary place, where natural wonders and historical treasures come together to create a multifaceted and unforgettable allure. Come explore this unparalleled tourist gem and let it capture your heart.
What is the famous thing in Bohol?
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines, are an awe-inspiring sight that draw visitors from all over the globe. These more than a thousand cone-shaped hills, resembling chocolate kisses, provide a captivating view, especially during the dry season when they turn a deep brown. These iconic hills are a symbol of Bohol’s unique natural beauty, offering breathtaking viewpoints and a truly unforgettable experience.
Is 3 days enough in Bohol?
Three days can offer a glimpse of Bohol’s highlights, including the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, heritage sites, and scenic beaches. While it won’t cover everything, it’s enough to appreciate its beauty, but a longer stay allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the island’s attractions.
What is the unique tourist spot in Bohol?
Bohol has many unique tourist spots, but one of the most popular and unique is the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument, a geological formation of over 1,200 hills resembling chocolate drops. These hills are spread over 50 square kilometers and are a popular attraction for tourists.
Bohol Travel and Tour Packages
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Read:
- Bohol Travel Guide: Requirements, Itinerary, Things To Do, And More
- Why You Should Visit Bohol Soon?
