Bohol Tourist Spots

Bohol is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, known for its stunning natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and exciting adventure activities. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Bohol has something for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Bohol, from how to get there, the best time to visit, top tourist spots, local cuisine, sustainable travel practices, accommodations, and transportation.

How to Get to Bohol

Best Time to Visit Bohol

The best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book your accommodations and tours in advance. The wet season, from May to October, is less crowded but there is a higher chance of rain. Local festivals, such as the Sandugo Festival in July and the Ubi Festival in January, are also great times to visit Bohol.

Top Tourist Spots in Bohol

Natural Attractions

Bohol is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions that will leave you in awe of its beauty.

• Chocolate Hills: These iconic hills are a series of 1,200 plus perfectly cone-shaped hills spread over an area of 50 square kilometers. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, giving them a chocolate-like appearance. It’s a sight to behold and a must-see when visiting Bohol. This is one of the places you must visit in Bohol and usually included in bohol tour packages.
  Highlight: The most popular viewing deck is the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, which offers a 360-degree view of the hills.
  Must-See: Sunset or sunrise views from the Chocolate Hills Complex.
• Tarsier Sanctuary: One of the top destinations in Bohol, the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the Philippine tarsier, an endangered species. Visitors can observe these tiny primates in their natural habitat and learn about the efforts being made to protect them.
  Highlight: Observing the tarsiers in their natural habitat.
  Must-Experience: A guided tour of the sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts.
• Loboc River: A cruise along the Loboc River is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Visitors can enjoy a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant while listening to live music and taking in the beautiful scenery.
  Highlight: The buffet lunch on a floating restaurant. Must-Experience:
  The live music performance during the cruise.
• Alona Beach: This popular white sand beach on Panglao Island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, making Alona one of the best beaches in Bohol. Highlight: The vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkeling. Must-Experience: A relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming.
  
• Dumaluan Beach: A less crowded alternative to Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. The white sand and clear waters are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
  Highlight: The peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
  Must-Experience: A picnic on the beach.
• Ingkumhan Falls: This hidden gem is a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The surrounding forest provides a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
  Highlight: The natural pool at the base of the waterfall.
  Must-Experience: A refreshing swim in the natural pool.
• Dimiao Twin Falls: Also known as Pahangog Falls, these stunning twin waterfalls are located in the town of Dimiao. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a tranquil setting for swimming and relaxation.
  Highlight: The stunning twin waterfalls.
  Must-Experience: A swim in the clear pool at the base of the falls.
• Anda White Beach: This pristine white sand beach in the town of Anda is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The clear waters and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
  Highlight: The pristine white sand and clear waters.
  Must-Experience: Beach camping at one of the available campgrounds.
• Can-umantad Waterfalls: Located in the town of Candijay, Can-umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bohol. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a picturesque setting for swimming and relaxation.
  Highlight: The tallest waterfall in Bohol.
  Must-Experience: A swim in the clear and refreshing pool at the base of the falls.
• Balicasag Island: This popular spot for snorkeling and diving is home to vibrant coral reefs and a diverse range of marine life. Visitors can explore the underwater world and may even spot turtles, barracudas, and jackfish.
  Highlight: The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
  Must-Experience: Snorkeling or diving to explore the underwater world.
• Hinagdanan Cave: Easily one of the best tourist spots in Bohol, this underground cave features a natural pool and stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave and learn about its history and geological features. Highlight: The natural pool inside the cave. Must-Experience: A swim in the cool and refreshing waters of the pool. This spot is included in Bohol countryside tour so you might want to avail of that.
  
• Cabagnow Cave Pool: This unique cave pool in Anda is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The cool, clear waters and surrounding rock formations make it a unique and memorable experience making it a popular tourist attraction. Highlight: The unique cave pool. Must-Experience: A swim in the cool, clear waters of the cave pool.
• Bilar Man-Made Forest: This should be included in your list of places to visit in Bohol. This dense forest of mahogany trees was planted by locals as part of a reforestation project. The cool and refreshing atmosphere makes it a popular stop on a tour of Bohol.
  Highlight: The dense forest of mahogany trees.
  Must-Experience: A walk through the forest to enjoy the cool and refreshing atmosphere.
• Virgin Island: One of the top Bohol tourist spots. It’s a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Panglao Island. It is a popular destination for island hopping tours and is known for its stunning white sandbar, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Visitors can relax on the sandbar, swim in the clear waters, and snorkel to explore the underwater world. The island is also a great spot for picnicking, with several huts available for rent. There are no commercial establishments on the island, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks.
  Highlight: The stunning white sandbar and crystal-clear waters.
  Must-Experience: Snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life.

When making your itinerary, try to include as many as you can of the best Bohol tourist spots mentioned in the list above. But if you’re pressed for time, read this shortlist of things to visit in Bohol.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Bohol is rich in history and culture, with several historic sites that are worth a visit.

• Baclayon Church: This is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and a National Cultural Treasure. It was built in the 16th century and features a museum with a collection of religious artifacts.
  Highlight: The museum with its collection of religious artifacts.
  Must-See: The beautifully preserved facade and interiors of the church.
• Blood Compact Shrine: This monument commemorates the blood compact between the local chieftain Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi. It is considered as the first treaty of friendship between the Filipinos and the Spaniards.
  Highlight: The monument depicting the historic event.
  Must-See: The scenic view of the Bohol Sea from the site.
• National Bohol Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Bohol. It features exhibits on the province’s history, archaeology, and ethnography.
  Highlight: The exhibits on the history and culture of Bohol.
  Must-See: The artifacts from the pre-Hispanic period.
• Panglao Church: This church is dedicated to St. Augustine and features a beautiful altar and pulpit. The church is made of coral stones and has a watchtower that served as a lookout for pirates during the Spanish period.
  Highlight: The beautiful altar and pulpit.
  Must-See: The watchtower and the coral stone construction.
• Bohol Bee Farm: This is a popular tourist spot that promotes organic farming and sustainable living. Visitors can take a tour of the farm, enjoy organic meals at the restaurant, and shop for organic products.
  Highlight: The tour of the farm and the organic meals at the restaurant.
  Must-Experience: The honey bee tour and tasting the organic ice cream.
• Lamanoc Island: This island is known as the “Cradle of Civilization in Bohol” and features several archaeological sites, including ancient burial sites, petroglyphs, and artifacts.
  Highlight: The archaeological sites and the ancient burial sites.
  Must-Experience: A guided tour of the island to learn about its history and significance.
• Sagbayan Peak: This is a mountain resort that offers a panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills and the Bohol Sea. It features a butterfly dome, a playground, and several viewing decks.
  Highlight: The panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills and the Bohol Sea.
  Must-See: The butterfly dome and the viewing decks.
• Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon: This is a historic church that features a beautiful facade made of coral stones and a museum with a collection of religious artifacts.
  Highlight: The beautiful facade made of coral stones.
  Must-See: The museum with its collection of religious artifacts.

If you want more information about the famous tourist spots in Bohol, you may visit the Philippines official tourism website by clicking here. For first timers in the island, click here to know where to go in Panglao Bohol.

Adventure Activities

Bohol island offers a wide range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers. With so much things to do in Bohol, there will never be a dull moment.

• Danao Adventure Park: This adventure park offers a wide range of activities, including zip-lining, rappelling, kayaking, and river tubing. Highlight: The zip-lining and rappelling activities. Must-Experience: The “Plunge,” a 50-meter free fall from a cliff.
• Island Hopping: This is a popular activity in Bohol, with several beautiful islands to explore, including Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and Pamilacan Island. Highlight: Snorkeling and diving in the vibrant coral reefs. Must-Experience: A visit to the Virgin Island sandbar and dolphin watching.
• Snorkeling: One of the top things you should try when you visit the island. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs of Bohol make it a great spot for snorkeling. Popular spots include Balicasag Island and Alona Beach. Highlight: The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Must-Experience: Snorkeling in Balicasag Island and exploring the underwater world.
• Cliff Jumping: For thrill-seekers, cliff jumping is a popular activity in Bohol. Popular spots include Panglao Island and Anda. Highlight: The adrenaline rush of jumping from a cliff into the clear waters below. Must-Experience: Cliff jumping in Panglao Island.
• Kayaking: The Loboc River and the Abatan River are popular spots for kayaking in Bohol. The calm waters and beautiful scenery make it a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Highlight: The beautiful scenery along the rivers. Must-Experience: Kayaking in the Loboc River and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Stand-up Paddleboarding: This is a popular water activity in the province of Bohol, with several spots to choose from, including the Loboc River and Panglao Island. Highlight: The peaceful and relaxing experience of paddleboarding on the calm waters. Must-Experience: Stand-up paddleboarding in Panglao Island.
• ATV Riding: This is a fun and exciting way to explore the countryside of Bohol. Popular spots for ATV riding include the Chocolate Hills and the Bilar Man-Made Forest. Highlight: The exciting ride through the countryside and the beautiful scenery. Must-Experience: ATV riding in the Chocolate Hills.
• Whale and Dolphin Watching: Pamilacan Island is a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching in Bohol. Visitors can take a boat tour and may spot several species of dolphins and whales. Highlight: The chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Must-Experience: A boat tour to Pamilacan Island for whale and dolphin watching.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

Bohol is also known for its delicious local cuisine and rich cultural experiences.

• Recommended dishes: Boholano cuisine is a mix of traditional Filipino dishes and local specialties. Must-try dishes include kalamay, a sweet and sticky dessert made from coconut milk, brown sugar, and glutinous rice, and served in a coconut shell; peanut kisses, a peanut-based cookie; and fresh seafood such as grilled fish, squid, and prawns. Another popular dish is the Boholano version of adobo, a savory stew made with pork or chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. For dessert, try the ube halaya, a sweet and creamy purple yam pudding. And if you want more food information, click here.
• Traditional dance challenges: Experience the local culture by participating in a traditional dance challenge. Local dance troupes perform traditional Filipino dances and invite visitors to join in the fun. The dances are usually accompanied by live music and colorful costumes, making it a lively and entertaining experience.
• Local festivals: Bohol is home to several local festivals that celebrate its history, culture, and natural heritage. The Sandugo Festival in July commemorates the Blood Compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi, while the Ubi Festival in January celebrates the harvest of ubi, a type of yam that is a staple food in Bohol. The festivals feature parades, dance performances, and other cultural activities.
• Ancestral homes: Visit ancestral homes in Bohol to get a glimpse into the past. These beautifully preserved houses showcase the architecture and interior design of the Spanish colonial period. Some of the ancestral homes in Bohol are open to the public and offer guided tours.

Sustainable Travel Practices

When visiting Bohol, it is important to travel sustainably and responsibly. Here are some tips for sustainable travel in Bohol:

• Avoid single-use plastics: Bring a reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils.
• Respect the local culture and customs: Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photos, and be polite and respectful to the locals.
• Protect the environment: Do not litter, do not pick plants or disturb wildlife, and stay on designated paths and trails.
• Support local businesses: Eat at local restaurants, stay at locally-owned accommodations, and buy souvenirs from local artisans.

Accommodations and Transportation

Accommodations

There are a wide variety of accommodations in Bohol, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Mid-Range Accommodations

Luxurious Accommodations

Transportation

Getting around Bohol province is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. You can rent a private car or van, take public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles, or join a tour. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, renting a motorcycle or a scooter is a popular and convenient option. Exploring Bohol will be much faster and convenient when you know the mode of transportation you want to use. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get around bohol.

Bohol is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for all types of travelers. From its stunning natural attractions and rich cultural heritage to its exciting adventure activities and delicious local cuisine, there is something for everyone in Bohol. With its friendly locals, beautiful scenery, and sustainable travel practices, Bohol is a must-visit destination in the Philippines. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to explore the best of Bohol!