Bohol Island – the 10th largest island of the Philippines, located in the Central Visayas Region which is considered one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the country. Surely, Bohol Island is on every traveler’s bucket list. With its world-class white-sand, pristine beaches and renowned resorts, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking destinations that the island offers us.
As you read on this blog, I listed down some amazing things to do on this incredible island, most especially if you are visiting for the first time! Here are the following:
Table of Contents
Get stunned by the beauty of the Chocolate Hills
Your trip to Bohol wouldn’t be complete without seeing the extraordinary landscape of the Chocolate Hills. This unique landscape can only be found on the island which makes the place very popular among local and foreign tourists.
The best time to go here is early in the morning in order to catch the sunrise. In addition to that, if you come early, chances are you can enjoy the view of the landscape while the place is still less crowded. It is much easier to find the best spot to take pictures as well.
If you want to do something more fun, you can go for an ATV ride to get a much closer look at the hills.
Go diving
If you are into watersports activities, you can go diving in Bohol! Bohol Island tops as one of the best diving spots in the country. Not to mention its clear turquoise seawater and those different types of underwater sea creatures found under the sea. One of the best spots for diving the Balicasag Island.
Visit one of the oldest churches
Located in the city of Tagbilaran, Baclayon Church is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines! Its facade may look simple, but its interior design is totally amazing! You would see a colorful painted ceiling, statues, and a mini altar. I can totally say that this is one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines!
See the smallest primate in the country
Apart from the Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also known for tarsiers – the second smallest creature in the world Moreover, the tarsier is the smallest primate in the Philippines found on the island of Bohol. You can get to see tarsiers at the Tarsier Conservation Center.
Walk in a Mangrove Forest
Experience walking in a mangrove forest at Bilar Man-made Forest is one of the popular tourist destinations in Bohol. Personally, this is one of my most favorite places to visit on the island. I find utter peace in this place. There is nothing really much interesting about the man-made forest aside from the mangroves, but I do really love staying here.
Go on a food trip
We can’t deny the fact that trying out some local dishes in an unfamiliar place is a must. Well, that’s one of the ways to get to know more about another place’s culture and tradition. So if you are in Bohol, don’t ever miss out on visiting some local food restaurants around the island.
Also read: 9 Top Places to Visit in Central Mindanao
Hinagdanan Cave
Be mesmerized by the wonders of the Hinagdanan Cave located in the town of Dauis, Bohol. I must say that this is one of the most stunning caves I have ever seen in my life. The water is crystal clear and you can even dip yourself in the water.
The organic ice cream is a must-try
Make sure not to miss on trying the best organic ice cream found at Bohol Bee Farm! In addition to that, they also sell other organic products and foods inside the area.
Hike up Binabaje Hills
Binabaje Hills is located in the town of Alicia, one of the newest attractions in Bohol! If you are craving for a more adventurous activity or something more insane, why not try hiking at Binabaje Hills? Hike up the stunning rolling hills of Binabaje and witness the wonderful view from above.
Visit the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Get a chance to see the beautiful landscape of the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces situated in the region of Candijay.
Get adrenaline rush at Danao Adventure Park
Make your trip more fun and memorable by trying one of the thrilling activities at Danao Adventure Park! If you are adventurous, you will surely adore this place.
Also read: 2D1N Bohol Travel Guide
Visit some gorgeous beaches
Bohol Island obviously boasts world-class beach resorts which make the island known domestically and internationally. Make sure to visit some of the top beaches in Bohol such as Alona beach, Dumaluan beach, and Anda Beach. Alona beach is no doubt the most popular one. Meanwhile, if you prefer less crowded beaches, you may opt to visit Dumaluan Beach or Anda Beach.
Discover the hidden waterfall.
There is a majestic hidden waterfall in the town of Candijay named Can-umantad Waterfalls. Get soaked at this waterfall and get thrilled by the natural beauty of it.
Experience swimming in the cave pool.
Cabagnow Cave Pool is no doubt the most enchanting cave pool to visit on the island of Bohol. Enjoy dipping yourself in the clear blue waters of the cave.
Also read: Cebu Bohol DIY Travel Guide
Ride on the cruise.
Try riding on the cruise while sailing along the Loboc River, listening to some Filipino traditional songs, and having some Filipino cuisine. Enjoy the ride as you witness the Philippine culture shown by the performers on the cruise. Also, seize every moment you see along the beautiful river of Loboc.
FAQs about Bohol Island
Is it safe to travel?
Indeed. It is generally safe to travel to Bohol. But of course, stay vigilant. There are always good and bad people everywhere. In fact, I even traveled to the island for the first time. I didn’t regret it! Most of the people I met were very friendly.
How much budget should I bring?
It actually depends on you. If you love doing DIY trips like me, I can totally assure you that it is cheap to travel around the island of Bohol. Also, it depends on how long you are going to stay on the island, where you plan to stay, where you plan to eat out, and which places you plan to visit. I have already tried both – traveling alone and with friends. Both were totally okay. I still saved money even when I traveled solo. But traveling with friends is always way cheaper, of course.
Ideal days on staying on the island?
If you wish to do every activity listed on this blog, I believe 4-5 days will be enough. But if you are planning to only visit the top tourist spots, I think 3-4 days will do then.
Best time to visit Bohol?
March to May is the ideal time to travel in the Philippines since this is the hottest season of the year. On the other hand, you can always visit the island anytime. The Philippines is a tropical island after all. Just avoid traveling during the monsoon season which usually falls from the month of July to October.
Other places to visit near the island?
Bohol Island lies in the region of Central Visayas. Therefore, it is relatively near Cebu which is just 2 hours away via ferry. In fact, Cebu is the nearest island. If you wish to visit another island, you may opt to visit Siquijor Island. But this is way further than Cebu. It takes about 6 hours to visit the island via ferry.
Is it worth visiting the island?
It is definitely worth it! No matter how much you think of it, the answer will always be YES! As a matter of fact, I have been to Bohol twice and always wanted to go back to this beautiful island. There is always something about this island that makes me mesmerized and think of coming back here.
Accommodations
I listed down some of the places where you can stay on the island. Most of the places are budget-friendly that you might consider staying at in the future.
Where to stay in Panglao?
- Zai Bamboo Tourist Inn
- Coco Farm Backpackers
- Bohemian Hostel
- Alona Studios Hotel
- Alona Vida Beach Resort
Where to stay in Anda?
- Kims-Garden
- Amun Ini Beach Resort
- Anda White Beach Resort
- Casa Amihan
Where to stay in Jagna?
- Green Hut Pension Bar
- D’ Partners Inn
Where to stay in Tagbilaran?
- Marcelina’s Guesthouse
- 717 Caesar’s Place
- Darunday Manor Pension House
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A travel blogger in the Philippines, Ara Patria (The Adventuress) pursues her passion and love for traveling. She’s been blogging for years, where she writes about her own travel experiences and promotes the wonders of the Philippines. Not only does she promote the beauty of her country, but she also focuses on promoting sustainable tourism. She dreams to travel the world and inspire other people through her own written works and captured moments with her camera.
The Adventuress is a travel blogger with a purpose. She aims to inspire and influence other people through her personal experiences, stories, and lenses. Outside her blogging world, she is an English teacher, an SEO specialist, TEFL/TESOL certified, and a Korean Honorary Reporter.
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