Welcome to Bohol, one of the most beautiful and unique islands in the Philippines! (Though aren’t they all?) With its stunning beaches, natural attractions, and the hospitable Filipino culture, Bohol is a true paradise that’s well-earned it the name “Jewel of the Philippines.”
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Bohol’s got you. I mean, have you ever heard of the natural wonder of the Chocolate Hills? Have you ever seen a Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate that’s only native to the island? A bit off-the-beaten-path compared to El Nido but I guarantee, Bohol is an island that will capture your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
How to Get to Bohol from Manila
Getting to Bohol from Manila is relatively easy, here are some of two ways:
- Plane: The easiest and most convenient way to reach Bohol from Manila is by plane. There are several daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol. The flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cost: Around 2,200 PHP (40 USD) on 12Go - Ferry: Another option is to take a ferry from Manila to Tagbilaran. This is a great option if you want a more scenic journey and don’t mind spending a bit more time on the road. There are several ferry companies that operate this route, including 2GO Travel and OceanJet. The journey takes around 25 hours, so it’s best to book a cabin for a more comfortable experience.
Cost: 800 PHP to 2,500 PHP (15 USD – 45 USD) depending on the cabin and season
Top Things to Do in Bohol
1. Marvel at the Chocolate Hills
Bohol’s unique geological formation, the Chocolate Hills, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and the must-see on the island. These are over 1,200 hills that are spread across an area of more than 50 square kilometers, and during the dry season, the hills turn a chocolatey brown color, hence earning it its name. The hills have an elevation ranging from 30m – 120 m (100 ft – 390 ft) which is even smaller than Taal, the smallest volcano in the world located in Batangas, that also happens to be in the Philippines!
You can take in the beauty of the Chocolate Hills by climbing to the viewing deck in Carmen, which offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the hills. The viewing deck has been built to preserve the natural beauty of the hills, and it provides a 360-degree view of the countryside.
As most of the locations are actually far away from each other, if you’re looking for a full-day Bohol countryside day tour then you can book one here, the tour takes you to most major sites of the island including the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Loboc River cruise.
2. Catch the Napaling Sardine Run at Pamilacan Island
The most wondrous natural phenomena to witness in Bohol is the Napaling Sardine Run. Quite similar to the Moalboal Sardine Run in Cebu, this is a massive school of sardines that can be found just off the coast of Pamilacan Island, in the southern part of Bohol.
The sardine run is a mesmerizing sight to behold, as millions of tiny sardines move in unison, creating a shimmering silver cloud in the water. I can easily watch them for hours on end without getting tired, it’s really one of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever seen in nature.
You can snorkel or even dive through them as they’ll all just swim around you, creating a whirpool of an unforgettable underwater experience.
Aside from the sardine run, Pamilacan Island is also a great destination for dolphin and whale watching. You can catch the humpback whales and even blue whales during migration season that usually starts in November and lasts until May.
You can find some dolphin watching tours for Pamilacan Island through here.
3. Go Dolphin Watching at Panglao Island
Panglao Island is a small island located in the southwestern part of Bohol, known for its white-sand beaches, turqouise waters, and abundant marine life. The most notable ones are dolphins! Bohol is home to several species of dolphins, including the bottlenose dolphin and the spinner dolphin. Through dolphin watching tours, you can watch them play and jump out of the water right beside your boat!
Dolphin watching tours typically start early in the morning, as this is the best time to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. Aside from dolphin watching, Panglao Island is also a great destination for snorkeling and diving. The island is surrounded by a coral reef that is home to a vast array of marine life, including sea turtles, and even whale sharks.
4. Get up Close with Tarsiers at the Tarsier Sanctuary
Oh the adorable yet skittish Tarsier! The smallest primate in the world (you might be beginning to see a pattern here), it’s just about the size of your palm, with big round eyes and long tails.
The Tarsier Sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to see these endangered creatures up close in their natural habitat. The Tarsier Sanctuary is located in the town of Corella, it covers an area of around 134 hectares of secondary forest and is home to over 100 tarsiers.
The sanctuary’s mission is to protect and conserve the tarsier’s natural habitat and its population. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary, where you can learn about the tarsier’s behavior, diet, and habitat. Tarsier facts spoiler alert: I’ve learned that tarsiers have an unusually strong bond with their mates. They actually mate for life and they’re also very sensitive, so they can literally die from loneliness. (Noo!)
5. Learn about Filipino History in the Blood Pact Shrine
The Blood Compact Shrine is a historical landmark that commemorates the first international treaty of friendship between the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the chieftain Datu Sikatuna of Bohol.
The event is known as the “Sandugo” or blood compact, which took place on March 16, 1565. The Sandugo was a traditional ceremony among the early Filipinos, where two people would make a small cut on their arms, mix their blood with wine, and drink it to signify their friendship and loyalty.
Legazpi, who was looking for a friendly settlement, took part in the ceremony with Datu Sikatuna, which marked the beginning of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The monument was created by National Artist for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva, and it shows the two leaders raising a glass and toasting to their newfound friendship.
If you want to learn more about the influences of Spanish colonization on the Philippines, you can check out Intramuros, the walled city, in Manila if you have a day to spare.
6. Cruise the Loboc River
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Bohol’s countryside is by taking a leisurely cruise along the Loboc River.
Throughtout the cruise, you’ll be surrounded by lush tropical forests, towering palm trees, and quaint local villages. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the river on your own and I recommend trying stand-up paddleboarding or just swimming in the refreshing waters.
Make sure you don’t miss the Busay Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that cascades into a natural pool. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters or simply relax on the rocks and take in the laid-back vibes of the jungle.
7. Relax at Alona Beach
Alona Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Panglao Island. After doing some dophin watching, you can relax under the sun, or take a dip in the warm waters of the Bohol Sea.
The beach also offers several water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. And if you want to explore the underwater world, Alona Beach is also a great destination for snorkeling and diving. The beach is home to a vibrant coral reef system that supports a diverse array of marine life. If you’re lucky, you might be able to swim with sea turtles!
8. Scuba Dive at Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Panglao Island. The island is known for having an amazing diving scene.
One of these is the alluring Black Forest, a wall dive that starts at around 10 meters and drops down to over 40 meters. The wall is covered in black corals and gorgonians, creating a stunning contrast with the colorful reef fish that inhabit the area. Here, you can expect to see schools of jackfish, barracudas, and snappers, as well as sea turtles and several species of rays.
Another dive spot is the Sanctuary, a shallow reef dive that is home to a diverse array of colorful fish such as the butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, as well as various species of corals, sponges, and sea fans.
The island is home to several small communities, who offer fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies such as the infamous “balut” (a fertilized duck egg) and “kinilaw” (a dish of raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices).
9. Cave Dive in Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is a natural wonder known for its stunning rock formations and its cave lagoon. Hinagdanan Cave was discovered by a farmer who stumbled upon two holes while clearing his land. Intrigued by the holes, he threw a stone down and heard a splash. To explore further, he then made a ladder or “hagdan” which allowed him to discover the cave’s hidden beauty. This is how the cave got its name, “Hinagdanan.”
Best Beaches in Bohol
10. Virgin Island
Virgin Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Panglao Island in Bohol. The island is known for its white sand bar that stretches for approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) during low tide, making it one of the longest in the country. Interstingly, the sandbar curves into a C-shape extending back in towards the mainland.
You can find an island-hopping tour that includes both Bantayan Island and Virgin Island here.
11. Doljo Beach
Doljo Beach is a relatively unexplored and undeveloped 3 km (1.8 mi) beach located on the northwestern coast of Panglao Island. The beach is wide and boasts of white sand that stretches far out, while the sea bed slopes gently towards the deep. It is fringed with tall coconut palm trees, adding to its tropical look and feel.
The beach has calm, deep, and clear waters, and its sea bed is free of sea grasses, making it a favorite hangout spot for local folks.
12. Momo Beach
Momo Beach is a relatively unknown and unspoiled beach located in the northern part of Panglao Island. As you may notice, Panglao is where all the best beaches are at, including the aforementioned Alona Beach.
Like all the beaches on Panglao, the beach boasts white sand and crystal blue waters, making it a perfect spot to chill out. Momo Beach is closer to Doljo Beach than to Alona Beach. It can be reached by a 40-minute ride on a motorized banca or a 20-minute ride by car.
Despite its proximity to other tourist destinations, Momo Beach is mainly visited by the locals, making it a perfect hideaway if you’re seeking a more intimate beach experience.
13. Anda Beach
Just like Momo Beach, Anda Beach is a hidden gem that’s still under a lot of people’s radars.
The beach stretches for 3 km (1.8 mi) and is often compared to the shores of Boracay Island. Aside from its smooth and powdery white sand, Anda beach is also known for its deep blue cave pools, including Combento, Cateres, Kaligoon, Tiburako, and Cabagnow. Cabagnow is said to be the biggest and most beautiful of these cave pools, it’s the perfect place to take a dip and escape the tropical heat!
Best Sunset Spots in Bohol
14. Panglao Island
You can’t go wrong in chasing a sunset on Panglao, it’ll more than likely give you that quintessential tropical sunset shot. Any of the west-facing side beaches are perfect though refer to the section above if you’re looking for secret spots to get away from the crowds.
15. Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills provide such a dramatic back drop that they offer a stunning sunset view that’s pretty hard to beat. Imagine having a thousand hills that stretch towards the horizon, it’s pretty rare to find such a unique landscape for the sun to set on, especially when the shadows on the hills start to extend towards you, just wow!
Perhaps, the Hundred Islands can give it a run for its money but even then, a hundred can’t compete with a thousand!
16. Punta Cruz Watchtower
The Punta Cruz Watchtower is a Spanish colonial era watchtower located at the western tip of Maribojoc. This historic tower is known for its unique triangular shape, making it the only perfect isosceles triangle tower-fort in the Philippines.
While the tower isn’t that tell per-se, it can still provide a unique angle in watching the sunset, and best part is there’s a beach right in front of it too so it makes for an excellent photo subject as well, giving your shot that historic tropical vibe.
Where to Stay in Bohol
You’ll be spoilt for choices in Bohol from affordable resorts to beach-side hostels, here are some of the places I recommend staying in Bohol:
Best Hotels in Bohol
- Fox & The Firefly Cottages – next to Loboc River, offering affordable accommodations and free WiFi access throughout the property. The guest house provides free parking facilities for guests who drive. The cottages are simply furnished, clean, and comfortable, featuring a spacious patio with a hammock, bamboo furnishings, fan, and mosquito nets.
- Loboc River Resort – offering rooms that combine wood and local materials with modern comforts. The air-conditioned rooms offer garden or river views and come with private balconies and cable TV. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, and some rooms also include a kitchenette and seating area.
- Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort – just a few steps away from Alona Beach. The hotel features accommodations with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. The property offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel serves a daily breakfast with buffet, à la carte, or continental options. The hotel also has a playground for the kids.
Best Hostels in Bohol
- Bohol Coco Farm – provides a spacious environment where you can unwind in cozy hammocks while socializing with fellow travelers. The on-site food diner serves delicious meals and shakes, made mostly from the hostel’s own farm’s harvest.
- Oasis Balili Heritage Lodge – was built sometime in the 1920s when Mr. Balili was still a bachelor. It served as the venue for grand social functions in Tagbilaran, attended by prominent political and social personalities from both local and national levels. Today, the house still stands and carries the marks of its past grandeur, giving a glimpse into how Tagbilaranons lived in the past.
- Bohol Hammock Hostel – offers breakfast every morning, with Asian, vegetarian, and vegan options available. The hostel is located near Chocolate Hills.
How to Get Around Bohol
Most of Bohol’s attractions are actually not that close to each other so wheel are definitely required to get around, here are some ways to get around the island:
- Tricycle: Also known as tuktuks, they are the classic three-wheeled vehicles we’re all familar with.
- Jeepney: Jeepneys are the most affordable and cultural way to get around the island. They have set routes but more than likely they will be passing through tourist spots, from there it’s either a short walk or a tuktuk away.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in urban areas such as Tagbilaran City and they can take you to the nearby beaches as well, though be extra careful when dealing with the taxi drivers.
- Motorcycle: Renting a motorcycle or scooter is great if you to explore the island on your own. As I mentioned before, Bohol is not that developed so be careful when you’re on the road.
- Rental Car: Renting a private car or van with a driver is a convenient way to explore Bohol, especially if you’re traveling with a group or with children. You can find rental cars here.
- Tours: For a hassle-free experience, you can join tours that will handle everything and take you across all the different spots around the island, usually including food and other fun activities. It’s also one of the most expensive options, you can find tours and activities to join here.
How to Stay Safe in Bohol
Bohol is a generally safe island, I never once felt uncomfortable throughout my whole stay. As it is with most places, a bit of common sense goes a long way. Watch your belongings and be careful with what you drink and eat if they’re not something you’re used to back at home.
Another thing to note is that infrastructure in Bohol is not that developed and they do tend to get hit hard when natural disasters happen such as typhoons and earthquakes though it has been several years (2013) since the last major earthquake.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry and I recommend getting travel insurance before you hit the road for that stress-free travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
The best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is generally sunny with lower humidity.
The rainy season runs from May to October, with the peak of the typhoon season occurring in September and October. The weather can be very unpredictable, with frequent rain showers and the possibility of typhoons.
In terms of temperature, Bohol has a tropical climate with fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).
What to Pack For Bohol
- Sun screen: The sun’s really strong in Bohol, like it get straight up hurt if you go during the hot season.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially during the rainy season. The risk of dengue is not worth it.
- Medication: I think for islands in general, it’s always a good idea to bring medicine in case you get a stomach problem like I did in El Nido.
- Power adapter: The Philippines uses Type A, B, and C electrical outlets
- Waterproof bag: To keep your belongings safe out at sea, there are holders for your phone as well if you’re looking to take photos while on the water.
- Snorkeling gear: You can rent gear on the island, but every day does add up so if you can fit them in your bag then you’ll be able to save some money.
Plan Your Trip to Bohol | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
