Bohol

Bohol is a must-visit destination featuring the otherworldly Chocolate Hills, pristine white-sand beaches, and the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier, found in protected sanctuaries. The island offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adventure activities including river cruises and island-hopping tours.

Things to do

• Chocolate Hills Viewpoint — Climb to the observation deck overlooking the iconic cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate kisses scattered across the landscape.
• Tarsier Sanctuary Visit — Observe the world's smallest primate in their protected natural habitat in Corella, where trained guides explain their nocturnal behavior and conservation efforts.
• Panglao Island Beach Hopping — Island-hop between white-sand beaches like Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach, swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters off the southern coast.
• Loboc River Cruise — Take a floating restaurant cruise along the scenic Loboc River, enjoying local lunch while observing mangrove forests and riverside communities.
• Baclayon Church — Tour one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built in 1595, featuring baroque architecture and an attached museum with religious artifacts.
• Hinagdanan Cave Exploration — Descend into this coastal cave in Panglao featuring a freshwater pool, limestone formations, and a small shrine, accessible via wooden stairs.
• Man-Made Forest Trek — Walk or bike through the peaceful tree-lined Man-Made Forest in Bilar, a reforestation project creating a natural tunnel of mahogany and other native trees.

Food to try

• Lechon de Cebu — Roasted suckling pig with crispy golden skin and tender meat, traditionally served at celebrations and available at local eateries, often accompanied by liver sauce.
• Calamay — A sweet delicacy made from sticky rice, brown sugar, and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves, creating a chewy treat popular throughout the Visayas.
• Bohol Chicken Inasal — Grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi, ginger, and garlic, then charcoal-grilled and served with rice and dipping sauce.
• Tuna Salad (Ensalada de Tuna) — Fresh locally-caught tuna mixed with onions, calamansi, and coconut milk, a light and refreshing dish reflecting Bohol's island seafood culture.
• Boholano Binignit — A sweet soup dessert made with sticky rice balls, jackfruit, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk, typically served during fiestas and special occasions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect During Fiestas — Bohol hosts numerous local fiestas celebrating saints and harvests; dress modestly when visiting churches and sacred ceremonies, and ask permission before photographing religious processions.
• Island Pace and Timing — Activities and services operate on island time; expect schedules to be flexible, arrive early for boat tours, and plan accordingly as some attractions close during heavy rain or rough seas.
• Community Tourism Sensitivity — When visiting tarsier sanctuaries and indigenous settlements, follow guide instructions strictly, keep voices low and distances respectful, and support local community-based tourism initiatives.
• Cash Economy in Remote Areas — While main towns accept cards, bring sufficient cash for rural villages, island tours, and small eateries where electronic payment options are limited or unavailable.

Nearby

• Panglao Island — 54 km
• Gilutongan Island — 62 km
• Mactan Island — 62 km
• Moalboal — 65 km