Touring Bohol: All you can ever want, in one island!

Bohol does our country proud. It has everything: amazing beaches, a vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, natural wonders, timeless adventures, and more. If you haven’t visited Bohol yet, you’re really missing out on something.

What’s that? You don’t know where to start? Well, hang on then. In the next few minutes, you’ll know enough about Bohol to want to catch the next flight to it!

How to get there

It’s very easy to get to Bohol from Manila, as all budget airlines regularly ferry passengers both ways. You can book a flight with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.

If you’re already in the Visayas area, you can take a Fast Ferry from Cebu and get off on the tourist pier at Tagbilaran. The travel time is much slower, at 2 hours. This pier also serves ships from the capital as well as other provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao area.

For those opting to take the family, car can take the RoRo to Cebu, where they can then take the same ferry to Tagbilaran. Just note that the overland travel time takes around a full day, so bring lots of boredom killers along the way!

Finally, for those who would love a complete vacation package for a hassle-free vacation, you can book Bohol package tours too. Or you can book a Bohol countryside tour as well.

Must-See Spots

Bohol is a gem of a tourist place, and you can take the public transport to many of its best sights. Make sure not to miss the following when here:

1. Chocolate Hills. Of course! These magnificent hills ― more than 1,200 of them — serve as the island’s most iconic landmark. The 50-kilometer spread of the this National Heritage Shrine should be one of the first places to visit as soon as you land. If you can, visit in the summer to appreciate where the “chocolate” name came from! You can also head over to Sagbayan Peak to get a bird’s eye view of the famous landmark.
2. Tarsier Sanctuary. Aside from the Chocolate Hills, Bohol is internationally known for its tarsier population. Turn off your flashes and see these cute mammals up close in the sanctuary of their home! You can also click here to book your day tour in Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary.

1. Loboc River. You may have heard of the Loboc River Cruise, and the genuinely mouthwatering meals served aboard the floating restaurant. But when you get here, the first thing you will appreciate is the remarkable cleanliness of the river! And if a serene river cruise won’t cut it, there’s also the bamboo hanging bridge that will test your nerves and your tolerance of heights. It’s not for nothing that it’s considered one of the scariest hanging bridges in the world!
2. The many beaches of Bohol. From the perfect dive spots of Panglao to the fancy nightlife of Alona, all the way to the serene quiet of Dumaluan, Bohol has enough world-class beaches to last you a lifetime! You can also witness dolphins with your island hopping adventure.

   

3. Churches. While many of the historical churches were either damaged or destroyed in the 2013 quake, there are still a lot of remaining monuments. Head over to the Loboc, Albuquerque, and Baclayon churches! You can also steep yourself in history by visiting the Blood Compact Shrine that celebrates one of the most important moments in the spreading of Christianity in the country.

   

And while you’re visiting these spots, make sure to take some pasalubong home with you. Aside from the tourist-favorite shirts and keychains, there are lots of yummy goodies you can buy. These include the famous peanut kisses, and the signature brua and calamay. Bohol Bee Farm also creates some delicious spreads that are all-natural and healthy! And if you’re feeling adventurous, bring home some chichaworm — deep-fried, organically-cultured “superworms” that are as delicious as the name is weird!

Food Trip Spots

Bohol is known for its flavorful cuisine, and you can get a taste it by visiting any carinderia on the island. But why settle for this, when you can have supreme dining experience?

Bohol Bee Farm. For those looking for healthy and organic options, this is the way to go. The food is prepared with the best locally-sourced ingredients, giving a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Amorita Resort. Aside from being a fine resort, Amorita offers a really good dining experience. Savor the mouthwatering dishes that merge traditional Filipino recipes and international cuisine!

Henann Resort. If you’re looking for breakfast, try one of the best breakfast buffets ever! The massive selection is great, and you can eat your fill for the rest of the day.

Manga Markets. Looking for fresh catch? Drop by here for seafood fresh from the fishermen’s boats! You can then drop by to the Lic Lic Restaurant just across to have them cooked to your liking.

Aioli Tagbilaran. This one combines 5-star service with classic, authentic Filipino cuisine. The place is a feast for the eyes, too!

Rest and Recharge

Finally, your lodgings are equally important. Here, you get to recharge for the next day of adventure! Whatever your budget level, Bohol has something for you.

For the budget-conscious backpackers: If budget is your primary consideration, you’re in luck. Places like Ladaga Inn ( ~ Php 1,000 a night) have great amenities for the price. It even has conference rooms and a function hall! If you are willing to shell out a couple hundred pesos more, try Alexis Cliff Dive Resort, which is located in Panglao and is just minutes away from the beach.

For those looking for best deals: So you’re not that keen on staying lean budget-wise, but you would like to get the most out of what you pay for. Then try out the Amorita Resort Group’s offerings! Amorita Resort itself offers a posh and carefree stay, while its laid-back sister Momo Beach House offers some time away from the touristy noise.

For those looking to spend the night like royalty: There’s always something for those looking for the extreme. Places like Astoria Bohol can cost around Php 7,500 a night, but the beachfront property is luxurious. Then on the ultimate end of the spectrum is Eskaya Beach Resort, which is a first-class abode for Php 15,500 a night!

There’s a good reason Bohol has stayed in many tourist’s hearts, and that reason is waiting for you to experience it. So mark that calendar and pack those bags! Adventure awaits!