20 Things to do in Bohol + Tourist Spots

Bohol is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, especially if you’re a first-timer visitor.

This province is home to some of the country’s most iconic natural attractions including the World-famous Chocolate Hills and the wide-eyed Philippine Tarsier, one of the smallest monkeys in the World. Bohol is also known for its many white-sand beaches and beautiful islands.

If you’re flying via Cebu, might as well go on a side-trip to Bohol. The ferry only takes around 2 hours, convenient for day trips. With the newly opened Bohol International Airport in Panglao Island, expect better access from Manila and other major PH airports.

Getting around Bohol is easy. You can see all of the top tourist spots in one day. With 2-3 days (or more), you can enjoy a more relaxed pace and maximize your time on the beach.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Bohol travel essentials

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1. Chocolate Hills

Bohol Chocolate Hills

Sunrise at Bohol Chocolate Hills

While it is still unknown how the famous Chocolate Hills came to be, and how many hills there are, one thing is certain – that the Chocolate Hills is a must-see attraction.

The hills vary in size, ranging from 50-120m in height, and they are spread all over a 50 square meter area. They are green during the rainy season but turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolates, thus the name. They can be visited during both seasons, and they are just as marvelous all throughout the year. An endless view of these hills can best be appreciated at the Chocolate Hills Complex (view deck) in Carmen Town.

Location: Chocolate Hills Complex (view deck), Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen. Save on Google Maps.

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Panglao Island

Panglao Travel Essentials

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2. Alona Beach

Alona Beach, Panglao Island

At Alona Beach, you can easily book a boat tour that can take you snorkeling and diving. There are even resorts that offer scuba diving programs. You can go on a day tour and visit the surrounding islands like Balicasag and enjoy the pristine waters. At night, Alona Beach continues to come alive with its many bustling bars and restaurants. There’s a wide range of accommodations here from affordable hostels to luxurious beach resorts.

Probably the most popular beach in Panglao Island, Alona Beach is a 1.5 km stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters, bordered by rocky cliffs on each end. It’s a jump-off point to numerous activities in and around the island.

Location: Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol. Save on Google Maps.

3. Dumaluan Beach

Dumaluan, Panglao Island

Dumaluan Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists who prefer a quiet experience. This long stretch features fine white sand bordered and pristine turquoise waters. It offers plenty of private spots where you can enjoy a relaxing time quite easily, as there are far fewer boats here and compared to the more popular Alona Beach. Dumaluan Beach may be on the quiet side, but there are a lot of activities you can do here as well. The beach is also dotted with resorts, bars, and restaurants that serve fresh scrumptious seafood. Dumaluan Beach is home to upscale Bohol Beach Club and South Palms Resort Panglao.

Dumaluan Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Location: Barangay Bolod, Panglao, Bohol. Save on Google Maps.

4. Doljo Beach

Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Bellevue Resort Bohol in Doljo Beach, Panglao Island

Further up the northwestern tip of Panglao Island is Doljo Beach, which is within an easy 10-minute drive from Alona. Doljo Beach is more secluded and peaceful compared to Alona and Dumaluan. It is one of the biggest beaches in Panglao. It forms a shallow slope that extends about 250 meters off-shore. During low tide, you can enjoy the wide variety of sea life when you venture out into the shallow water. The beach is also famous for upscale Bellevue Resort and its close proximity to exquisite diving spots including Doljo Point and Doljo House Reef.

Doljo Travel Essentials

Where to stay

Location: Barangay Doljo, Panglao, Bohol. Save on Google Maps.

5. Bohol Island Hopping

Virgin Island near Panglao, Bohol

One of the best ways to spend your day in Panglao Island is going island hopping. You can easily book a day tour with one of the numerous tour agencies at Alona beach, or you can book it online. The cost ranges from PHP 700 to PHP 1500 per person depending on the size of your group (the bigger the group, the lesser the cost per person), and typically includes the fees for boat rental, life vests, and snorkelling gear. You might have to pay separately for the environmental and entrance fees, so, don’t forget to ask the boatman/agent beforehand.

Usually, the first stop of the tour will be at Balicasag Island, and the boatmen will take you to some spots for dolphin watching. If you want to maximize your chances of seeing them, I suggest you take the earliest tour, starting at around 6 in the morning. Once at Balicasag Island, you will transfer to a smaller boat that will take you snorkelling along the colourful reefs and fishes in the Balicasag Island Marine sanctuary. You might get to swim with sea turtles that flourish in the area. The last stop is the Virgin Island, which is known for its beautiful sandbar that will make you feel like you are floating in the air. The island also offers fresh exotic seafood and refreshing snacks that you will surely enjoy.

Islands near Panglao

6. Hinagdanan Cave

Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Island

The Hinagdanan Cave is a welcome break from the typical beach activities in Panglao Island. The term Hinagdanan is a Cebuano word for “laddered” and was named so because of how it was discovered – accidentally, by a farmer who was clearing land, and eventually built a ladder to access the cave. The cave was also used as a hiding spot by locals during the Second World War. The entrance can only be accessed one at a time and leads to a cavern that features a freshwater lagoon and natural rock formations.

Location: Bingag, Dauis, Panglao Island. Near Mithi Resort and Spa. Save on Google Maps.

Bohol Mainland Tour

7. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol

A trip to Bohol won’t be complete without visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Endangered and a protected species, the tarsier is a tiny and odd-looking primate. Seeing one in real life is a special experience because Bohol is one of the few places you can get to see them up close. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is within a short 20-minute drive from Tagbilaran City. Inside the sanctuary, you will be able to see and take photos of these marvelous creatures in their natural habitat. Just remember no flash photography, please.

Location: Barangay Canapnapan, Corella. Save on Google Maps.

8. Loboc River Cruise

Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

The Loboc River Cruise is a popular activity to do in Bohol. Not only will you enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal of local dishes, but you will also be entertained by a cultural show while cruising on a floating restaurant as you traverse through the jade-green waters of the Loboc River. Loboc is located approximately 24 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City. It’s about 40 mins by car, and an hour by public transport. Regular buses depart from the Tagbilaran City Dao Integrated Bus Terminal.

Bohol tour packages with Loboc River Cruise

Tours + discounts

Location: Loboc Tourism Complex, Poblacion, Loboc. Save on Google Maps.

9. Loboc Church

Loboc Church in Loboc, Bohol, Philippines

The Church of San Pedro, or more commonly known as Loboc Church, is the second oldest church in Bohol. Originally built in 1602, but soon turned to ashes, the church was rebuilt in 1638 and has weathered and survived numerous floods since then. Located along the riverbank, it is certainly a sight to behold. The bell tower is approximately 100 meters away and a three-story convent is also attached to the church. The convent houses the Museo de Loboc on its third floor. Due to a massive earthquake in Bohol, the church’s façade was severely damaged in 2013. Loboc Church was since been restored & re-constructed.

Location: Poblacion, Loboc. Save on Google Maps.

10. Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge

Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge, Bohol

Originally constructed using only bamboo and rope to help residents transport their produce across the Sevilla River, the Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge has come to be one of Bohol’s most popular tourist spots. The rope was replaced by steel cables for added stability and safety to accommodate locals and tourists alike. The deck is still made of woven bamboo, but trust me, it’s sturdier than it appears. The bridge, or bridges because there are actually two but often referred to singularly, is easily accessible from the highway and is included in most tour packages. Each bridge spans about 40 meters, and there are a variety of shops that offer souvenirs and refreshments on both sides.

Location: Loboc-Sevilla Road. Save on Google Maps.

11. Bilar Man-Made Forest

Bilar Man-Made Forest, Bohol

You wouldn’t believe that this two-kilometer canopy of verdant mahogany trees over the highway between the borders of Bilar and Loboc is actually manmade. The trees look almost uniform and are so close to each other that they make a great place for cooling down and taking breath-taking photos. The manmade forest is quite easy to access too and you can easily include this stopover in your itinerary. If you’re on your way to visit the Chocolate Hills from Loboc, you surely won’t miss it. If you’re traveling from Tagbilaran, you can hire a motorcycle or a van to get there. You can also take public transportation, but you might have to wait a while for the next bus to take you back.

Location: Bilar-Loboc Road. Save on Google Maps.

12. Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church, Bohol

The Church of Immaculada Concepcion, or more popularly known as Baclayon Church, is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and probably the most famous heritage site in Bohol. It was founded in 1596, but was only elevated as a Parish in 1717 and was completed in 1727. Its original façade is made of coral stones that were dragged from the sea and cut into cruciform shapes. In the 19th century, another facade was built together with surrounding stone buildings. An old convent housing century-old relics is also located next to the church. During the massive earthquake in Bohol in 2013, the church suffered major damage, but reconstruction was already finished in 2017.

Location: Poblacion, Baclayon. Save on Google Maps.

13. Blood Compact Site

Blood Compact Site, Tagbilaran

Sandugo or blood compact is a Philippine ancient ritual wherein both factions cut their wrist and drink the blood together with wine or other liquids to seal an agreement and to signify their friendship. A shrine was built in honor of the historic blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of Spain that is often considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between different cultures, races, and religions. A monument of five life-sized men performing the ritual, sculpted by Boholano, National Artist Napoleon Abueva, now stands in Brgy. Bool in Tagbilaran City. The Blood Compact Site is easily accessible even by tricycle since it is along the national highway. Aside from taking a trip back in history, you will also enjoy the cool breeze and refreshing view on the site.

Location: Tagbilaran East Road, Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City. Save on Google Maps.

14. Danao Adventure Park

Aside from the natural beauty of the island, the pristine beaches and the cultural heritage that Bohol offers, a trip to Danao Adventure Park is one you wouldn’t want to miss especially if you are looking for something more thrilling.

Located 72 km away from Tagbilaran City, Danao Adventure Park focuses on eco-tourism and extreme adventure to offer you a unique and adrenaline-rush filled experience with nature and is definitely worth the travel time. If you are not a thrill-seeker, don’t worry because there’s still a wide of activities you can try. Root climbing and rappelling, caving, river trekking, glass cliff walking, cable car rides, ziplining, cliff diving, and kayaking are just some of the activities they offer. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you will definitely want to try The Plunge, which is the only canyon swing in Southeast Asia, and the highest one in the world at 280m.

Location: Magtangtang, Danao. Save on Google Maps.

15. Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

Located near Chocolate Hills Complex Viewdeck, this eco-tourism venture in Carmen, Bohol offers 30 thrilling activities including the 550m Rush Bike Zip, zip-lining, treetop rope courses, horseback riding, camping, and an outdoor cafe.

Location: Camanayon, Barangay Buenos Aires, Carmen. Near Chocolate Hills Complex. Save on Google Maps.

16. Sagbayan Peak

Sagbayan Peak, Bohol

Offers a nice view of Chocolate Hills clustered in the town of Sagbayan and Clarin. It is out of the way from the popular Carmen-Loboc-Tagbilaran route, but might be worth a visit if you are already in the area. If you’re are traveling via Tubigon Port, for example.

Location: Clarin-Sagbayan Road. Save on Google Maps.

17. Can-umantad Waterfalls

Can-Umantad Falls, Bohol

Can-umantad Falls is the tallest and most impressive waterfall in Bohol. Getting to this remote spot requires a 30-minute drive from the town center of Candijay.

Waterfalls in Bohol

18. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Bohol

Get a refreshing view of the Cadapdapan rice terraces on your way to Can-umantad Falls. It’s located in Candijay, known to be Bohol’s top rice-producing town.

Location: Candijay. Save on Google Maps.

19. Anda White Beach

Hailed as the most beautiful beach in Bohol, Anda Beach is blessed with a long stretch of powdery white sand fringed with coconut palm trees. The drive to Anda Beach takes around 45-minutes from Tagbilaran City.

Location: Anda, Bohol. Save on Google Maps.

20. Bohol Heritage Sites

Bohol is a major heritage destination in the Philippines. Many towns are home to old Spanish-colonial churches.

Panglao Church, Bohol

Panglao Church, Bohol

Tagbilaran Cathedral, Bohol

Alburquerque Church, Bohol

Spanish-colonial heritage churches in Bohol

National Museum Bohol, Tagbilaran

Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc

Other heritage sites in Bohol

Other interesting spots in Bohol

Lapinig Island, Bohol

Lapinig Island, Bohol

Lapinig Island, Bohol

Abatan River in Cortes, Bohol

Pilar Dam, Bohol

Beyond Bohol

Cebu

Location: Central Visayas region, central Philippines. Save on Google Maps.

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Cebu-Bohol OceanJet Ferry Ticket

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Dumaguete

Location: Negros Oriental, Central Visayas region, central Philippines. Save on Google Maps.

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Siquijor

Location: Negros Oriental, Central Visayas region, central Philippines. Save on Google Maps.

Siquijor Travel Essentials

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12 Places To Visit in Siquijor

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Bohol that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Bohol

Bohol tourist spots, things to do in Bohol, where to go in Bohol & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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