November to May (dry season)
$30-80 USD
Cebuano and Filipino (English widely spoken)
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Overview
About Bohol
Bohol is a landlocked island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, widely known for two of the country's most recognizable natural attractions: the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine tarsier. The province covers the main island of Bohol and a cluster of smaller islands, most notably Panglao Island, which serves as the primary beach destination for visitors.
The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation of more than 1,200 conical limestone mounds spread across the interior of the island. During the dry season, the grass covering these hills turns brown, giving them their signature chocolate-colored appearance. The best views are from the observation deck in Carmen, roughly an hour's drive from the provincial capital of Tagbilaran.
The Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates, is endemic to Bohol and a few neighboring islands. The Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella provides a responsible way to observe these nocturnal animals in a semi-wild habitat. Tarsiers are highly sensitive creatures, and reputable sanctuaries follow strict no-flash photography policies.
Panglao Island is connected to the main island by two bridges and is home to Alona Beach, the most popular stretch of white sand in Bohol. The beach is lined with dive shops, budget guesthouses, restaurants, and mid-range resorts. The surrounding waters offer some of the best diving in the Philippines, with reefs, walls, and the opportunity to see thresher sharks, sea turtles, and whale sharks during migration season.
The Loboc River is another key attraction, offering scenic boat cruises through dense jungle and past riverside villages. Visitors can enjoy a buffet lunch on floating restaurants while traditional folk music is performed on board.
Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital, serves as the main entry point via Bohol-Panglao International Airport. The city itself has limited tourist attractions but provides a practical base with good transport links. The Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, is located just east of Tagbilaran and is worth a short visit.
Bohol is also a growing destination for island hopping, with day trips to Balicasag Island renowned for snorkeling with sea turtles, and Virgin Island for its shallow sandbars. Anda, a quieter coastal municipality on the eastern side of the island, attracts independent travelers seeking pristine beaches away from Alona's more commercial atmosphere.
The best time to visit Bohol is from November to May, during the dry season. The province sits outside the main typhoon belt, making it one of the more reliably dry provinces in the Visayas.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Bohol
Experiences
Things to Do in Bohol
Bohol Hidden Waterfalls Guided Excursion
A guided trek through secondary jungle to reach Bohol's lesser-known waterfalls, away from the main tourist circuit. The excursion typically includes a swim in natural pools and passes through local farming communities, offering a more authentic look at rural Bohol.
Chocolate Hills Day Tour
A guided day trip to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, featuring the main observation deck with views over more than 1,200 conical limestone mounds. Tours typically depart from Tagbilaran or Panglao and often combine the viewpoint with a visit to the nearby ATV trail.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary Visit
A visit to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation's conservation area in Corella, home to one of the world's smallest primates in a semi-wild forest habitat. The sanctuary limits visitor numbers, prohibits flash photography, and allows tarsiers to move freely among the trees.
Loboc River Lunch Cruise
A floating buffet cruise along the Loboc River through dense riverside jungle, accompanied by live folk music and cultural dance performances. The cruise departs from Loboc town and typically runs for about an hour, passing stilted fishing villages and dense mangrove banks.
Balicasag Island Snorkeling & Diving
A boat trip to Balicasag Island, one of the Philippines' marine protected areas, renowned for sea turtle encounters, healthy coral gardens, and dramatic wall dives. Day trips depart from Panglao and include multiple snorkeling and diving stops around the island.
Alona Beach Scuba Diving
Introductory and certified dive trips from Alona Beach covering the varied underwater terrain around Panglao Island, including shallow reef slopes, vertical walls, and sandy channels where banded sea snakes and reef sharks are regularly spotted.
Panglao Island Hopping Tour
A morning or full-day boat tour visiting multiple beaches and snorkeling sites around Panglao and neighboring islets, typically including Virgin Island with its famous sandbar, Doljo Beach, and Arco Point. A popular activity for first-time visitors to Bohol.
Baclayon Church and Heritage Museum
A visit to one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built by Jesuit missionaries in the late 16th century. The adjoining heritage museum houses religious artifacts, antique vestments, and historical records documenting early Spanish colonial history in the Visayas.
Practical Info
Bohol Travel Tips
Airport
TAG (Bohol-Panglao International Airport)
Timezone
UTC+8
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Population
1.4 million
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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