Bohol is a must-visit destination in the Philippine archipelago, whether for summertime explorations or anytime during the year. From its pristine beaches and stunning landscapes to a wide array of outdoor and water activities, there’s so much you can experience while on vacation there. If you’re planning a trip back home to the Philippines, you should consider including Bohol in your itinerary. It’s a great place to visit with the family, your friends, or even for solo-traveling.
From lush forests to historic sites, there’s something for everyone. Below are some of the best things to experience in Bohol to help you plan that future trip.
See The Chocolate Hills
Arguably Bohol’s most iconic natural wonder, the Chocolate Hills are a geological formation made up of over 1,200 hills covered in grass that turn a rich brown during the hot and dry season, resembling chocolate mounds dotting the landscape. You need to climb a flight of over 200 steps to get to the top of one of the hills where they built a viewing area, but it’s definitely worth the hike. Here you can get a full panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills spread across Bohol and take lots of photos with these geological marvels in the background.
A Bohol land tour that includes a visit to these phenomenal hills ranges from PHP1,000 to PHP2,000 pesos (around USD17 to USD35). You have the option to choose the other locations you want to visit during your tour, and the tour guides adjust accordingly. These tours also typically include a pick-up and drop-off service to and from your accommodations, making the experience more seamless and enjoyable for you and your loved ones. You may also want to inquire at your hotel or resort if they have partner tour operators who can make the arrangements for you.
Dare To Try Bike Ziplining
Bohol’s lush landscapes and rolling hills provide the perfect backdrop for adrenaline-pumping adventures, like ziplining…on a bike. The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park offers an exhilarating bike ziplining experience, allowing thrill-seekers to cycle 150 feet above the ground, across two hills that are 550 meters apart, while enjoying Bohol’s breathtaking scenery.
The entrance fee to The Chocolate Hills Adventure Park is only PHP80 pesos (less than USD2), while the bike ziplining activity starts at PHP700 pesos per person (around USD12). The attraction, located in the town of Carmen, is a little over an hour away from Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital. From Tagbilaran City, take a tricycle to the Dao bus terminal and board a bus bound for Carmen. You can also hire a private van, especially if you’re traveling with a large group of families and friends.
Visit The Tarsier Sanctuary
Bohol is renowned for being home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier. These tiny, wide-eyed creatures are symbols of the island’s biodiversity and a must-see for anyone exploring Bohol. When you visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, you get a rare opportunity to observe these iconic nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat while contributing to efforts toward their conservation.
The Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary is a 50km drive from the main tourist area of Panglao, which is around an hour away. If you want to visit the conservation area without a tour package, the entrance fee is only PHP80 pesos (less than USD2). Expect to take a fun nature walk throughout the site, which is easy to follow, thanks to the pebbled pathway. The tarsiers are spread out freely throughout the forest, so keep your eyes peeled and look intently among all the greenery to spot them!
Remember to strictly follow the instructions of your guide and be respectful of the space, which is the tarsiers’ home; we are just curious visitors. Tarsiers will most likely be sound asleep during your daytime visit. Avoid flash photography and making loud sounds when roaming.
Feast On The Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River—lined with quaint villages, swaying coconut trees, and lush landscapes—is a living postcard of the Philippines’ natural wonders. The Loboc River Cruise is a delightful journey into Bohol’s heartland, providing a scenic and cultural experience for visitors. A leisurely cruise aboard floating restaurants not only offers breathtaking views of the mountains; guests are also treated to a full immersive experience that allows them to savor local cuisine, cultural performances, and the soothing melodies of classic Filipino music, sometimes with a live singer.
Another great thing about the river cruise is how you get more bang for your buck. The entire approximately hour-long cruise—which includes the buffet, cultural shows, and live music—costs PHP850 pesos for adults (less than USD20), and PHP365 pesos for kids (around USD7). To get to where you board the cruise, ask your tour operator if you can include the experience in your package or just hire a private transport van. If you’re game to commute, take the Ceres bus from the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal at ICM Mall in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Visit Historic Churches
Church-hopping is a fantastic way to explore Bohol’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Start your journey at the Baclayon Church, officially known as the Immaculate Conception Parish. Built in 1596, it is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, showcasing impressive coral stone construction. The church also houses a small museum of religious artifacts and historical items. Entry is usually free, but donations are appreciated.
Next, you can visit the Loboc Church, also known as the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church. Located about 20 kilometers from Baclayon, this church dates back to 1602 and is known for its ornate altar and ceiling paintings. Though it was severely damaged during the 2013 earthquake, restoration efforts have since brought back its centuries-old charm. It’s close to where you get on the Loboc River Cruise, so you can head to this church before or after your boat ride.
Add a stop to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis to your tour. About 10 kilometers from Loboc, this 18th century church features a beautiful mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Among the many interesting things inside the church is a well filled with miraculous healing water, which according to local belief sustained the villagers who used the church as refuge from the Japanese during World War II.
When planning your visit to these churches, consider renting a car or hiring a local driver, as there are limited public transportation options. This will also allow you to spend as much time as you want at each location. Make sure to check opening hours, as some churches might close early or have restricted access during services. Remember to dress modestly out of respect for the religious sites.
Shop Bohol Pasalubong
No trip to idyllic Bohol is complete without souvenirs. Among the popular pasalubong you can shop in Bohol are peanut kisses and other peanut products; calamay, a sticky and sweet delicacy made of glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and brown sugar; and tarsier-shaped items, from refrigerator magnets and keychains to purses and shirts.
Philippine pasalubong store chain Island Souvenirs has several physical stores located at key tour spots in Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Loboc Tourism Complex, Tagbilaran Seaport Terminal, Alona Main Road in Panglao, and Island City Mall. Apart from the items above, you can also shop cute graphic Bohol shirts and tote bags, colorful engraved shot glasses, and hand-woven friendship bracelets, among a great variety of things that you can pick up for your loved ones abroad and yourself as a keepsake of this trip.
There is so much of the Philippines to explore, and Bohol is just one of the many places we hope you’d make time to discover on your next visit to the motherland. For more activities you can do in Bohol, check out our Bohol Water Activities guide! And if you’re seeking more adventure options around the Philippines, browse KUBO’s Explore & Experience section.
