The Complete Bohol Travel Guide: Everything to See and Do
Bohol surprises people. They come expecting the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers and they leave having fallen in love with the entire island. The pristine beaches of Panglao. The firefly-lined river at night. World-class dive sites surrounding Balicasag Island. The oldest stone churches in the Philippines. This is an island that rewards every level of traveler, from the budget backpacker to the resort-seeker, from the dedicated diver to the family looking for a gentle holiday.
Getting to Bohol
Tagbilaran City is Bohol capital and transport hub. Direct flights from Manila (about 1 hour) and Cebu (30 minutes). From Cebu City, fast ferries make the crossing in about 2 hours, with tickets approximately PHP 700 to 900.
The Chocolate Hills
No visit to Bohol is complete without the Chocolate Hills. The main viewpoint at Carmen is genuinely spectacular: 1,268 hills stretching to every horizon. During the dry months (December through May), the grass turns brown and the hills earn their chocolate name. Budget 1 to 1.5 hours at the viewpoint.
Philippine Tarsiers
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is the most responsible place to see these extraordinary animals. Tarsiers are among the world smallest primates, nocturnal, and highly sensitive to stress. The sanctuary lets them live in relative freedom in a forested enclosure. Entrance is around PHP 60.
Panglao Island: Beaches and Diving
Panglao Island is connected to the Bohol mainland by two bridges. Alona Beach is the hub, 1.5 kilometers of white sand backed by restaurants, dive shops, and accommodations from PHP 600 dormitories to PHP 6,000 boutique resorts. Our Panglao island hopping tour covers the best snorkeling spots including Virgin Island and Balicasag Sanctuary.
Loboc River Cruise
A 1.5-hour float down the river on a floating restaurant, with a Filipino buffet lunch and extraordinary jungle canopy overhead. Cost approximately PHP 400 to 500 including lunch. Boats leave from Loay regularly from 11 AM.
Abatan River Firefly Watching
One of Bohol most magical experiences: thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove trees along the Abatan River near Cortes after dark. Tours depart at dusk (around 6 PM), cost approximately PHP 300 to 500 per person, and last about 1 to 1.5 hours. The fireflies synchronize their flashes in ways that create a living light show.
Baclayon Church
Built in 1595, Baclayon Church is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. The adjacent museum holds religious artifacts and historical documents. Entrance to the museum is around PHP 30.
Practical Bohol Tips
- Best time to visit: November through May (dry season)
- Getting around: rent a motorcycle for PHP 400 to 600 per day
- ATMs: available in Tagbilaran and on Alona Beach; bring cash for remote areas
- Three days is the minimum; five days lets you breathe and relax fully