Top Things to do in Bohol

Bohol is a compact, welcoming island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines known for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, white-sand islands, rivers, dives, and friendly villages. It’s perfect for travelers who want nature, easy adventure, culture, and good food without long transfers.
This guide covers what to do, where to stay, how to get around, estimated costs, suggested itineraries, practical tips, and safety to help first-time visitors plan a smooth trip.

Quick Facts

• Location: Central Visayas, Philippines; nearest big city/tour hub is Cebu.

• Best time to visit: November–April (dry season). Expect occasional showers starting May; typhoon season mainly June–November.

• Language: Filipino/Tagalog and Cebuano; English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Philippine peso (PHP).

• Time zone: PST (UTC+8).

How to Get There

• From Cebu: Fastest and most common. Fast ferries (OceanJet, SuperCat) 1.5–2 hours from Cebu City to Tagbilaran or Tubigon. Roro slow ferries also available. Price: PHP 400–1,200 depending on class and company.

• From Manila: Fly to Tagbilaran (Tagbilaran Airport, TAG) — short domestic flights 1.5 hours (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines). Or fly to Cebu and ferry. Flight price: PHP 1,500–6,000 one-way (varies by season/promos).

• From Panglao International Airport (new): Many flights from Manila and Cebu; Panglao is convenient for beach stays.

Where to Stay (by budget & area)

• Panglao Island (Alona Beach / Doljo): Main beach/resort area — best for beach, diving, restaurants.

  • Budget guesthouses/hostels: PHP 600–1,200/night.

  • Midrange resorts: PHP 2,000–6,000/night.

  • Upscale resorts & boutique hotels: PHP 6,000–20,000+/night.

• Tagbilaran City: Convenient for transport, cheaper hotels; good for short stays or transit.

  • Budget: PHP 500–1,200/night.

  • Midrange: PHP 1,500–3,500/night.

• Anda / Loboc / Baclayon: Quieter stays, eco-lodges, countryside views.

  • Midrange: PHP 1,200–3,500/night.

  • Eco-lodges: PHP 2,000–6,000/night.
    

    🏨Buona Vita Resort (Panglao) > https://www.facebook.com/BounaVitaResort/

    📞 0908 382 5750

    🚗Mark > +63 985 118 1606 (WhatsApp)

    
    🏨The Old Castle (Anda) > www.oldcastle-anda.com

    📞 0919 503 5068

    
    🏨Homaja Beach Resort (Panglao) > https://www.facebook.com/people/Homaja-Beach-Resort/100064064492267/

    📞 0928 207 5828 | +49 9282 075828

    
    🏨Seeya Hotel (Tubigon) > seeyahotel.hotelreservations.ph

    📞 0948 743 5118

Top Things to Do (must-dos)

1. Chocolate Hills (Carmen, Batuan)

   • What: 1,200+ limestone hills turning brown in the dry season.

   • Tips: Visit the viewpoint at sunrise/sunset for the best light. Combine with ATV ride through the hills.

   • Cost: Entrance PHP 50–100; ATV rental PHP 600–1,200 for 1–2 hours.
     

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella / Loboc)

   • What: See the world’s smallest primates up close in protected habitats.

   • Tips: Keep quiet; no flash photography. Respect rules to avoid stressing tarsiers.

   • Cost: Donation/entrance PHP 60–100.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. Loboc River Cruise

   • What: River cruise with buffet and live music, often returns to Loboc town.

   • Tips: Combine with a nearby visit to the town church; consider private or group options.

   • Cost: PHP 350–800 per person (buffet incl.)

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

4. Island Hopping: Balicasag & Virgin Island

   • What: Snorkeling with sea turtles at Balicasag; sandbar at Virgin Island.

   • Tips: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear (rent available), waterproof bag.

   • Cost: Boat tour PHP 1,500–3,500 per boat (split among passengers) + marine sanctuary fees PHP 100–200.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. Panglao Beaches (Alona)

   • What: White sand, bars, restaurants, diving shops.

   • Tips: For quieter beaches, try Doljo or Dumaluan. Watch for vendor zones; negotiate on services.

   • Cost: Free beaches; sunbed rental PHP 50–200.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     

6. Diving & Snorkeling

   • What: Excellent reefs, diverse marine life, turtle encounters, macro diving.

   • Tips: Certified divers can join day trips to Balicasag; beginners can try Discover Scuba.

   • Cost: Discover Scuba PHP 3,000–5,000; two-tank dive PHP 2,500–4,500; gear rental extra.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

7. Historical & Cultural Sites

   • Baclayon Church: One of the oldest stone churches (check restoration status).

   • Blood Compact Monument (Tagbilaran): Historical landmark.

   • Cost: Small entrance donations may apply.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

8. Waterfalls & Nature

   • Mag-Aso Falls (Antequera), Dimiao Twin Falls, Can-Umantad Falls (Anda).

   • Cost: PHP 20–150 entrance; some require short hikes and guides.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

9. Panglao Watchtower & Local Markets

   • Visit local wet markets for fresh fruit, seafood, and local snacks (budbod, bibingka).
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

10. Eco & Adventure Activities

• Zipline, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling tours, and countryside motorbike/van hire.

Itineraries

3-Day Itinerary (first-timers)

• Day 1: Arrive Panglao — relax on Alona Beach; sunset dinner.

• Day 2: Full-day Chocolate Hills + Tarsier Sanctuary + Man-made Forest (Bilar) + Loboc River Cruise. Overnight in Tagbilaran or Panglao.

• Day 3: Island hopping to Balicasag & Virgin Island (snorkel with turtles) + afternoon beach/dive session.
  

  5-Day Itinerary

  Day 1 — Arrival & Panglao relax

• Morning

  • Arrive at Panglao (PNIA). Transfer to hotel.

  • Hotel options (midrange, Panglao/Alona area):

    1. Henann Resort Alona — beachfront, pools, reliable service. Book: hotel website / Booking.com / Agoda.

    2. Amorita Resort — cliffside, upscale midrange, quieter. Book: resort site / Booking.com.

    3. Circle Hostel & Cafe (private rooms available) — cheaper midrange vibe. Book: Hostel site / Agoda.

• Afternoon

  • Option A: Relax on Alona Beach; swim, rent a sunbed (PHP 50–200).

  • Option B: Explore Dumaluan/Doljo Beach for a quieter shore.

• Evening

  • Dinner: Bohol Bee Farm (unique menu, organic) or Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast (popular).

• Transfers/contacts

  • Airport transfer: arrange via hotel (common, ~PHP 300–800 depending on location).

  • Taxi/Grab availability is limited; tricycle for short trips.

Day 2 — Balicasag & Virgin Island snorkeling (full day)

• Morning to afternoon

  • Option 1 (recommended operator): Balicasag Tours / Alona Divers — full-day boat trip including Balicasag marine sanctuary snorkeling and Virgin Island sandbar. Includes guide, life jackets, snorkel gear (confirm), and lunch sometimes.

    • Book via: Operator website / Klook / Viator / hotel tour desk.

  • Option 2: Dolphin & snorkeling tour (early morning dolphins + Balicasag) — starts pre-dawn for dolphin sighting, then Balicasag.

    • Book via: Local tour operators on Alona Beach; hotel desk.

  • Option 3: Private boat hire from Alona Beach — more flexible schedule, negotiate PHP 3,000–6,000 depending on season and distance (split if you find others).

  Costs (est): Shared tour PHP 1,200–2,500; private PHP 3,000–6,000. Marine park fee PHP 100–200; snorkel rental PHP 150–300 if not included.

• Evening

  • Dinner at your hotel or nearby beachfront restaurants.

• Contacts

  • Alona Divers: search Alona Divers Bohol (book online or at the dive shop).

  • Balicasag Tour operators: many stalls along Alona Beach; ask the hotel for up-to-date, trusted operators.

Day 3 — Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & Loboc (full day, island interior loop)

• Full-day private car with driver (recommended for comfort)

  • Operator options:

    1. Rent-a-car w/ driver (Day rate PHP 2,500–3,800). Book via hotel or local car services (e.g., Bohol Rent A Car, Citylink Tours).

    2. Join a small-group day tour (Chocolate Hills & Tarsier) — Viator/GetYourGuide options include transfers and lunch.

    3. DIY via public transport + tricycles (cheapest but time-consuming).

• Suggested route & options at stops:

  • Chocolate Hills Viewpoint (Carmen/Batuan)

    • Option A: Viewpoint + short hike up steps.

    • Option B: ATV ride around base of hills (ATV rental PHP 600–1,200 for 1–2 hrs). Operators near viewpoint.

  • Corella Tarsier Sanctuary / Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary (Loboc)

    • Rules: no flash, stay quiet. Small entrance fee PHP 60–100.

  • Man-Made Forest (Bilar) — drive-through scenic stop.

  • Loboc River Cruise (lunch)

    • Option 1: Standard floating buffet cruise (PHP 350–800).

    • Option 2: Private floating cottage cruise (more intimate; PHP 2,000–4,000 depending on hours).

    • Option 3: Riverside restaurants (skip cruise; dine on shore).

• Evening

  • Return to Panglao. Relax or visit Alona nightlife.

• Booking/contacts

  • Viator/GetYourGuide: search "Bohol Chocolate Hills tarsier tour".

  • ATV providers: available at Chocolate Hills viewpoint; confirm helmet and safety.

  • Car with driver: contact hotel for trusted drivers or search "Bohol rent a car with driver".

Day 4 — Panglao diving or Anda day trip (choose ocean or east coast)

• Option A — Diving day (Panglao / Balicasag diving)

  • Operators:

    1. Blue Ribbon Divers or Alona Dive Center — day trips to Balicasag; check certification requirements.

    2. SeaQuest Dive Center, Scandi Divers — other reputable shops.

  • Options:

    • Two-tank day trip to Balicasag (PHP 2,500–4,500).

    • Discover Scuba for beginners (PHP 3,000–5,000).

  • Book via dive center website or hotel dive desk.

• Option B — Anda day trip (east coast quieter beaches & waterfalls)

  • Highlights: Anda’s Pangas Falls, Can-Umantad Falls, white sand beaches.

  • Transport: Private driver (~PHP 3,500–4,500 day) or join Anda day tour.

  • Activities: Swim, waterfalls, and local lunch.

• Option C — Island hopping alternative: Siquijor day combo (requires ferry via Tagbilaran/Cebu) — more time; not ideal for this 5-day but possible if extending.

• Evening

  • Sunset dinner at a beachside restaurant; try local seafood.

• Contacts

  • Dive shops: search Alona dive centers (Blue Ribbon Divers, Scandi Divers, Alona Divers).

  • Anda tours: local operators listed on Booking/Klook or the hotel can arrange.

Day 5 — Leisure morning, local markets, departure

• Morning

  • Option A: Relax beach morning, spa/massage (hotel or local spa; massages PHP 300–800/hr).

  • Option B: Visit Baclayon Church & Museum + Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran for quick culture/history stops.

  • Option C: Short bike ride or farm visit (Bohol Bee Farm for souvenirs/lunch).

• Afternoon

  • Return transfer to Panglao Airport or ferry terminal (allow buffer time 2–3 hrs before flight).

• Final logistics

  • Airport transfer: pre-book with the hotel or arrange a taxi (confirm fare).

  • If taking a ferry to Cebu, book OceanJet / SuperCat (online) in advance.

Practical booking/contact tips

• Hotels: Use Booking.com, Agoda, or hotel websites — verify free cancellation policy.

• Tours: Use Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook for prepaid options with reviews, or book through your hotel for local operators (can add convenience/cancellation help).

• Dive shops: Contact via email/phone (most list contact info on their websites/Facebook pages); confirm equipment, guide ratio, and cancellation policy.

• Car rental with driver: Ask the hotel for referrals; confirm price includes driver meals/fuel.

• Local operators often use Facebook pages — search operator name + "Bohol" and check recent reviews.

Estimated Costs (per person, midrange)

• Flights: Domestic Manila–Tagbilaran PHP 2,000–6,000 round-trip (varies). From Cebu ferry, PHP 800–2,500 round-trip.

• Accommodation (3-star): PHP 1,500–3,500/night.

• Food: PHP 150–400 per meal (local eateries cheaper, resorts pricier).

• Activities:

  • Chocolate Hills + ATV: PHP 800–1,500 (tour or DIY transport + ATV).

  • Loboc River Cruise: PHP 350–800.

  • Balicasag boat & fees: PHP 600–1,200 (share) + PHP 100–200 park fee.

  • Diving: PHP 2,500–4,500 per dive package.

• Local transport: Tricycles (short trips, PHP 20–200), taxis/Grab limited, scooter rental PHP 350–700/day, car with driver PHP 2,500–3,800/day.

• Daily budget estimates:

  • Budget traveler: PHP 1,200–2,000/day (hostel, local food, shared tours).

  • Midrange traveler: PHP 3,000–6,000/day (3-star hotel, mix of tours, some private transport).

  • Luxury traveler: PHP 8,000+/day (resort, private tours, upscale dining).

Getting Around

• Tricycle: Short local trips; negotiate price for longer rides.

• Scooter/motorbike rental: Convenient for independence; bring an international driving permit or be prepared to sign waivers. Ride carefully — roads can be narrow and uneven.

• Rent-a-car with driver: Best for day tours (comfort + local knowledge).

• Public jeepney/van: Cheap but slower and often used between towns.

• Boat: For island hopping; hire from Alona Beach or other ports.

Booking Tips & Local Etiquette

• Book accommodation early for peak season and holidays (December–April).

• Book popular tours (Balicasag, Chocolate Hills) ahead if you want specific times.

• Bargain reasonably for tricycle rides and souvenirs; be polite.

• Respect religious sites: dress modestly in churches.

• Don’t touch or use flash photography on tarsiers; keep noise low.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral.

• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants, small tips for guides/drivers).

Health & Safety

• Water: Drink bottled or filtered water; locals often drink tap water after treatment, but bottled is safest for visitors.

• Sun & heat: Bring sunscreen, a hat, lightweight clothes, and hydrate.

• Mosquitoes: Bring repellent—dawn/dusk bites possible; consider anti-malarial advice only if visiting remote areas (consult your doctor).

• Emergency services: Hospitals in Tagbilaran and Panglao; major hospitals in Cebu City.

• Crime: Bohol is generally safe; petty theft can occur—use common-sense precautions (locks, secure valuables).

Packing Checklist

• Lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunhat, sandals + closed shoes for hikes.

• Reef-safe sunscreen and snorkeling gear (optional).

• Insect repellent, basic meds, sunscreen after-sun.

• Waterproof phone pouch and power bank.

• Cash (smaller towns may have limited ATMs); some establishments accept cards in Panglao/Tagbilaran.

Money & Connectivity

• ATMs: Available in Tagbilaran and Panglao; carry enough cash for smaller towns/markets.

• Mobile/data: The Philippines has good mobile coverage; Globe and Smart SIMs work. Buy a local SIM at the airport for cheaper data.

• Credit cards: Accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and dive shops; smaller vendors are usually cash-only.

Sustainable Travel Notes

• Avoid buying products made from wildlife (coral, shells, endangered species).

• Use reef-safe sunscreen, minimize plastic waste, support community-run tours, and tip local guides.

• Respect local customs and marine protected areas.
  

Final Tips

• Allow buffer time for ferry/flight delays — inter-island transport can be affected by weather.

• If short on time, base in Panglao and do targeted day trips (Chocolate Hills + tarsiers + Balicasag).

• For quieter travel, visit outside peak season (shoulder months), but check weather forecasts

I have designed this curated 30-day itinerary of the places I love the most in the Philippines. I'm sure you will love it too. Have also added approximation costs in USD

ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURE!

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