Bohol travel and tourist guide
The Chocolate Hills are a bewildering sight
Perched in the central Visayas region near Cebu Island, the island of Bohol is yet another must-see paradise at the heart of the Philippines. Thanks to many transport options, it is easy to reach from Manila. This oval an island is a tropical haven teeming with natural beauty. Tucked amidst the sparkling visayas, Bohol Island is also one of the best coastal locations in the country, after the likes of Palawan and Boracay.
Apart from the famous natural gem – the Chocolate Hills – the island is also a famous destination among divers, snorkellers and other watersports enthusiasts. Like neighbouring Boracay, Bohol is also home to a good number of white sand beaches, dive spots and natural areas, not to mention charming heritage sites.
Orientation
The island is divided into a total of seven cities, each with their own charms and attractions. Tagbilaran City, the island’s capital, is where everything starts, being the main port and gateway to the region. The city is also a major access point to the nearby island of Panglao. Loboc City, on the other hand, is a charming riverside town, famous for its idyllic water falls and its historic church. Apart from being home to the world famous Loboc Children’s Choir, the city is also known for its river cruises.
Carmen City is the gateway to the well known Chocolate Hills, while Corella City is where the population of tarsiers can be found wandering through the wild. Baclayon City is a port town and a launching pad for tours to the nearby Pamilacan Island, while around it are stunning heritage structures like charming houses and the Baclayon Church which dates from 1727. Bilar City leads to the stunning Rajah Sikatuna National Park, while Dauis City is home to a major pilgrimage site.
With its range of natural and historic heritage, Bohol makes a good holiday destination, easily accessible by air and by sea from Manila. The island offers great get away activities from nature trips to island hopping, diving and lazing around the beaches. Its major tourist spots are also worth visiting, and the best time to go is when there are festivals and celebrations. Sampling the local delicacies is also a great way to experience Bohol, while touring the island reveals much more that the place has to offer. More Bohol attractions.
Bohol activities
There are plenty of reasons why Bohol should be on the list of your must-see places when visiting the Philippines. From its seaside wonders to stunning natural landmarks, the island is the perfect tropical island hideaway – a great alternative to the more crowded Boracay. Aside from natural wonders unique to this region, the island is also home to different heritage sites and old historic churches of great cultural value. More Bohol activities.
The tarsier is native to Bohol
Beaches: Numerous world class beaches can be found in and around the island. Among the most famous of these are Santa Fe Beach in Albuquerque, Bikini Beach in Dauis, Alona and Dljo Beaches in Panglao, Laya Beach in Baclayon, Carin Beach in Loay, and Kalingit Beach in Tagbilaran.
Sightseeing: There are three major locations to sample in Bohol, the first of which is the unique limestone formations that came to be known throughout the world as the Chocolate Hills. One of the most visited attractions in the island, this natural monument is also one of the most picturesque sites in Bohol.
The Loboc River is also a must-see, offering relaxing river cruises, as well as numerous floating restaurants where you can sample the best of the local cuisine while being serenaded by a band. The river cruise affords amazing views of the surrounding nature. The Mag-aso falls in Panglao is also worth checking out, along with other must see places in the nearby Panglao Island. Don’t forget the Tarsier Sanctuary, which offers up-close glimpses of one of the rarest mammals on earth.
Island hopping: Island hopping is also a common activity, especially with Bohol’s proximity to the charming Panglao Island. Those wishing for a more peaceful experience with nature could also tour the nearby Virgin Island, an unspoilt sandbar uniquely shaped like a crescent moon, often submerged in six inches of water. Virgin Island is a popular spot for professional photographers.
Diving and whale watching: Bohol is surrounded by some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the country, featuring wonderful underwater and marine life. Dolphin and whale tours run all year.
Danao Adventure Park: Also among the most famous locations in the island, the Danao Adventure Park offers a wide range of recreational activities from river tubing and trekking, to caving, sky riding and zip lining. The park is among the best eco tourism parks in the land.
Bohol restaurants and shops
There are plenty of dining locations all throughout the island, most of which offer the best local delicacies and cuisine unique to the Bohol region. Seafood – served very fresh – is popular among tourists, and one of the best places to try out the local catch is the Pyramid Bar and Restaurant along the stunning Alona Beach.
Another famous location is Bohol’s Bee Farm, where you could get some of the best honey produce in the country. Honey harvested from the resident bees is a great addition to typical recipes and delicacies, and is supposed to have certain medicinal uses. More Bohol restaurants.
Getting to Bohol
There are regular flights and daily services from Manila to Bohol’s Tagbilaran Airport, as offered by major airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Ships from Manila also travel regularly to the Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier.
The island is also accessible from other islands like Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Iligan and nearby Cebu. Getting around the island is easy with buses, taxis and even rental cars, while the towns have efficient transport terminals for easy navigation. More on Bohol transportation.
Accommodation in Bohol
The different cities in Bohol are home to a wide range of tourist accommodations, from manor houses to hotels and resort areas. There is a concentration of accommodation options in the urban centre of Tagbilaran and in other resort towns like Panglao. Among the best hotels and resort areas recommended for a stay in the island are the Bohol Coconut Palms Resort in Baclayon, Metro Centre Hotel in Tagbilaran, and Amarela Resort in Panglao. More Bohol hotels.
