Bohol is one of those places you don’t fully understand until you’re there. At first, it feels like just another tropical island. You probably came across it while planning a trip to the Philippines.
But then you arrive. And suddenly it’s not just about ticking off places. It’s about driving through quiet countryside roads, seeing kids wave at you from the side of the street, stopping randomly because something looks beautiful… and realizing that this island has its own unique vibe.
If you’re planning your trip, here are the top 10 things to do in Bohol – but not only.
While Bohol proudly claims its spot as the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark, there is a renewed emphasis on Nurturing Bohol, a movement that encourages wellness and community-based tourism. That’s why I also included the hidden cultural treasures that Bohol has to offer.
Practical Guide For Visiting Bohol
How To Get To The Philippines
Most international flights arrive in Manila or Cebu. From Europe, you’ll usually have one stop along the way. The journey is long, but connections are generally smooth.
If you can, Cebu is often more convenient when heading to Bohol.
How To Get To Bohol
The main entry point is Bohol-Panglao International Airport. You can fly directly from Manila or Cebu.
The other option is to take the popular Cebu to Bohol ferry (around 2 hours). The ferry is a nice option if you’re not in a rush. It’s a bit slower, but part of the experience.
How To Move Around Bohol
Bohol is not huge, but distances are big enough that you need transport.
Scooter. The most flexible option. You can stop anywhere, change plans easily, and explore at your own pace.
Private driver. Great if you prefer comfort. Especially useful for a full-day trip around the island.
Tricycles. Short distances, local experience but not for long trips.
Where To Stay In Bohol
Panglao Island
The most convenient base close to beaches, restaurants and tours. Easy, comfortable, everything nearby.
Anda
For a quieter, more local feel. Fewer people, more space, slower pace.
Inland Bohol
If you want to wake up surrounded by greenery and be closer to places like the Chocolate Hills. More peaceful but less access to beaches.
Top 10 Bohol Attractions – Things To Do In Bohol
1. Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are the reason most people first hear about Bohol. And I must admit – they’re strange 😉 Over a thousand perfectly shaped hills rising from the ground, like someone placed them there very carefully. Smooth, repetitive forms stretching into the distance.
I climbed up to the viewpoint, looked around… and it took a moment for my brain to process it. How did nature do this? Let’s see 🙂
One of the most popular legends says they were formed during a fight between two giants, who threw rocks and sand at each other for days. When they finally made peace and left, the mess they created remained, forming the hills. Another story talks about a giant who cried after losing his love — and his tears turned into hills.
But scientifically speaking, the hills are made of limestone, which formed millions of years ago when this area was still covered by the ocean. Over time, layers of coral and marine organisms accumulated and turned into rock. Then nature started shaping them.
Rainwater slowly dissolved the limestone surface in a process called karst erosion. This is the same process that creates caves, sinkholes, and unusual rock formations in many parts of the world.
But in Bohol, instead of sharp peaks or chaotic formations, erosion created hundreds of smooth, cone-shaped hills that are surprisingly uniform in size and shape. During the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown. That’s when they start to look like chocolate drops, and that’s how they got their name.
2. Tarsiers
I’ve seen pictures of tarsiers before – those tiny animals with huge eyes that look slightly surreal. But seeing them in person at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is so special anyway!
They sit quietly on branches, barely moving, staring into space like they’re thinking about something important. It’s one of those moments where I naturally lowered my voice and moved more slowly, not to disturb them. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to see them!
3. Loboc River
A relaxing way to see Bohol and its stunning nature. I took a slow boat ride along the Loboc River surrounded by lush jungle. I loved observing nature on the way.
Most cruises include lunch and occasional live music stops along the way (which are unnecessary in my opinion but many tourists enjoy them 😉 )
It’s touristy but very enjoyable, and the nature is stunning.
4. Alona Beach
This beautiful beach is located on Panglao Island. There’s always something happening: people swimming, diving schools preparing trips, and restaurants setting up tables on the sand.
It’s lively, but not overwhelming – I managed to find a quiet spot when I needed one.
And when the sun goes down, it’s even more beautiful.
5. Anda Beach
If Panglao and Alona Beach feels a bit too busy, head to Anda. Here, beaches are quieter, roads are emptier and life feels slower.
If you want to relax, I highly recommend to come here.
6. Island hopping & snorkeling
From Panglao, you can take a boat tour to nearby islands. Typical stops include:
- Balicasag Island (great snorkeling)
- Virgin Island (sandbar that appears during low tide)
It’s one of the most popular activities in Bohol — and for a reason. While snorkeling in Balicasag Island, I was lucky to see colorful coral reefs and sea turtles!! How cool is that 🙂 The water is incredibly clear and perfect, even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler (I’m definitely not).
7. Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave feels like a hidden pocket of the island. It’s quiet, cool, slightly mysterious. You walk down a set of stairs… and suddenly you’re in a very different world.
The name “Hinagdanan” comes from the local word for “ladder”. According to the story, the cave was discovered by accident when someone found a hole in the ground and used a ladder to climb down inside.
Hinagdanan Cave is a limestone cave, which means it was formed through the same process that shaped many landscapes in Bohol. Millions of years ago, this area was under the ocean. Layers of coral and marine organisms slowly turned into limestone rock.
Rainwater, slightly acidic, began to seep into cracks in the rock. Over time, it slowly dissolved the limestone, widening those cracks into tunnels and chambers.
One of the most striking features of Hinagdanan Cave is the natural pool inside. This lagoon formed as water collected in the lowest part of the cave. It’s slightly salty, because the cave is relatively close to the sea and influenced by underground connections.
The magical lighting inside the cave comes from natural openings in the ceiling. These holes were created over time as the rock above thinned and collapsed in small sections. Sunlight filters through them, creating soft beams that change depending on the time of day.
Totally worth a visit!
8. Man-Made Forest
The Bohol Man-Made Forest feels so perfectly arranged that it looks artificial. And in this case… it actually is.
It was planted by humans as part of a reforestation project. Decades ago, large parts of Bohol were affected by deforestation. Like in many places, forests were cut down for agriculture and development, which left the land more exposed to erosion and environmental damage.
To restore the area, the local government started a reforestation program. Instead of planting a mix of native trees, they chose mahogany trees, mainly because they grow relatively fast, are easy to maintain and they create dense, uniform coverage.
They were planted in very straight, organized rows, which is why today the forest feels so different from anything natural. When you drive through it, the trees line up almost perfectly, creating that famous green tunnel effect.
A downside? Because mahogany is not native to the Philippines, the forest doesn’t support as much biodiversity as a natural jungle would. It’s still worth seeing though 🙂
9. Watch Fireflies at Night
This is one of those experiences I didn’t expect much from – until I experienced it. I took a boat tour that moved slowly along the river among glowing trees!!
Tiny lights flickering like stars. Such a surreal experience!
10. Diving in Panglao
If you’ve ever thought about trying diving, Panglao is a good place. You’ll find plenty of diving schools for beginners.
I have not had time to try but it is on my list for the future!
5 Hidden Cultural Gems in Bohol
1. The Ancient Alchemy of Asin Tibuok
In the quiet town of Alburquerque, something very unusual is still happening. A few families continue producing Asin Tibuok, a traditional sea salt that doesn’t look like salt at all. It comes in solid, round pieces, often compared to small stones or even dinosaur eggs.
But what makes it special is also the production process.
They soak coconut husks in seawater for weeks or even months. Then they dry them and burn into ash. That ash is used to filter seawater, which is later boiled for hours (sometimes days) in clay pots over fire. The taste is slightly smoky, deeper than regular salt.
Today, this tradition is close to disappearing so make sure to visit one of the salt farms.
2. Lamanok Island
This small island of limestone rocks was a sacred place for pre-colonial babaylans or shamans. To get here, you need to take a small paddle boat through mangroves, which leads you to cliffs with red handprints, believed to be ancient markings made with natural pigments.
No one can say exactly who left them or when, but they’ve been there for a very long time.
You can also explore ancient burial caves where wooden boat-shaped coffins once were, signifying a period in Philippine history where Filipinos believed that the way to get to the afterlife was by boat.
3. Loboc Children’s Choir
Most people come to Loboc for the river. But I totally recommend you to stay a bit longer and pay attention to… the music.
The Loboc Children’s Choir is a world-class choir that has won several international competitions all across Europe and Asia. Try catching a show or a rehearsal at St. Peter the Apostle Parish. The acoustics of this historic stone church, coupled with the voices of these local children, are an experience like no other.
4. The Basket Weavers of Antequera
Bohol is sometimes called the basket capital of the Philippines, and if you go to Antequera, you’ll understand why. Especially on market days (usually Sundays).
There are baskets everywhere, different shapes, sizes, patterns – and all made by hand.
Unlike the mass-produced souvenirs that are so popular in tourist destinations, the baskets here are hand-woven from wicker, rattan, and buri by artisans who have inherited the skill through the ages.
5. Clarin House
The Clarin Ancestral House in Loay offers an intimate look at secular Boholano life. Built in the 1840s, this bahay na bato (house of stone) belonged to a prominent political family.
It’s not a museum in the strict sense, more like a preserved space where you can stroll and enjoy the creaking floor, antique furniture and old books.
It is a gem of a place because of its survival of the earthquake of 2013 and subsequent typhoons.
There’s also a small café where you can sit for a moment, have coffee, try local sweets like calamay, and just take in the atmosphere.
Is it worth visiting Bohol?
Bohol doesn’t have the dramatic scale of some other islands in the Philippines. No towering cliffs like Palawan, no overwhelming cities.
But what it does have is balance. You can explore a bit, then slow down and take some culture in. It’s easy to move around, easy to plan, and easy to just… be. And I personally loved it!
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