The island of Bohol, Philippines is a unique destination, featuring exotic landscapes like the Chocolate Hills and wild tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate. Although Bohol may not be as famous as other islands like Coron or El Nido Palawan, it still deserves a visit.

Bohol offers an array of activities, including island hopping to enjoy white sand beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Alternatively, you can embark on a driving tour of the countryside, exploring waterfalls, rice terraces, and charming churches, alongside encounters with the fascinating Philippine tarsiers.

Traveling to Bohol Island is convenient from Cebu or Manila. A day trip from Cebu is feasible, but if time permits, several days exploring the island will reveal its many attractions.

Where Is Bohol Island Located?

Bohol Island sits in the Central Visayas of the Philippines, just south of Cebu. It’s approximately 30 kilometers from Cebu City.

You can reach Bohol by flying from a major city or taking a ferry from nearby islands.

How To Get To Bohol Philippines

• From Manila To Bohol

If you’re traveling from Manila, you can fly to Bohol with airlines such as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. The direct flight takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Bohol’s international airport is located in Panglao (TAG), making it convenient for tourists. Numerous flights operate daily at reasonable prices, occasionally as low as 1,700 pesos ($30 USD) for a one-way ticket.

Philippine Airlines is recommended for its superior service, though other airlines are also reliable.

• From Cebu To Bohol

From Cebu, you can reach Bohol by fast ferry services like Oceanjet or Supercat. The comfortable ferry journey lasts about 2 hours, but proceed with caution as trips may get canceled due to bad weather.

The Cebu ferry terminal is near the city center and easily accessible by taxi. Numerous daily departures allow flexibility in scheduling.

Ticket prices are affordable at around 900 pesos ($16 USD), with a minimal terminal fee applicable. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to save time at the terminal.

• From Other Places

Bohol is accessible by ferry from neighboring islands like Siquijor, Dumaguete, or Camiguin.

Additionally, direct flights to Bohol are available from Davao (DVO) and El Nido (ENI) in the Philippines, along with flights from Seoul–Incheon (ICN), South Korea.

How To Get Around Bohol Island

The most effective way to explore Bohol Island is by car, motorbike, or tuk-tuk (motorized tricycle).

Motorbikes offer budget-friendly transportation, available for rent at various locations on the island.

Tricycles provide a safer, more comfortable option than motorbikes and can be flagged down or arranged through your accommodation.

Renting a car is more costly, but can be economical when sharing costs among friends, while ensuring safety and comfort in travel.

For guided tours, you can hire a private driver to explore attractions.

Alternatively, consider joining a group tour. Klook offers cost-effective Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours, especially beneficial for solo travelers. Yet, while these tours generally highlight popular tourist spots, they may not truly reflect Bohol’s authentic countryside charm.

Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines

• Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills rank among Bohol’s most emblematic attractions, featuring over 1,000 cone-shaped hills scattered across the interior. This landscape is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating natural wonders.

The hills boast a brown hue during the dry season (January to May), while the rainy season (June to December) highlights their lush green beauty. Visitors can climb a viewing platform for overarching vistas of the hills, and partake in activities like ATV rides and zip-lining. Located roughly 1.5 hours from Panglao, this site is a must-visit.

• Philippine Tarsiers

Bohol is renowned for housing the Philippine tarsiers, the planet’s smallest primates.

There are two prominent locations to observe tarsiers: the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. While the sanctuary garners better reviews, access must be arranged independently as tours often visit the latter.

When visiting the conservation area, be mindful of your surroundings. Tarsiers are nocturnal and can be easily disturbed by loud noises and camera flashes.

• Loboc River

The Loboc River is another favorite destination featured in the Bohol countryside tour. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the river while savoring a buffet meal and Filipino cultural performances.

Despite initial concerns about crowds and long wait times, the experience was delightfully enjoyable. Although the meal cost 850 pesos, the food was fresh, prompting multiple helpings!

The tropical scenery enhances as you navigate upstream, with rugged mountains and palm trees framing the riverbanks. Overall, it proved a pleasant experience and remains a cherished memory from my visit to Bohol.

• Alona Beach

Alona Beach is Bohol’s principal tourist beach, featuring an array of hotels, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Relax on the beach or engage in water sports; it’s also a prime spot to witness both sunrise and sunset. While the presence of hawkers can be bothersome, they will usually disperse if ignored.

Although Alona isn’t the most spectacular beach compared to other pristine beaches in the Philippines, it certainly warrants a visit!

• Dumaluan Beach

Dumaluan Beach offers a quieter alternative to Alona, characterized by its cleanliness and more tranquil atmosphere. The entrance fee helps keep crowds at bay.

For lovely accommodations at Dumaluan, consider South Palms Resort or Bohol Beach Club. While these hotels are stunning, they come at a higher price point.

• Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is the main destination for Bohol island hopping tours. This circular island lies just southwest of Bohol.

We spent 2.5 hours exploring the island, basking in the sun, and snorkeling at the reef, where the opportunity to swim with sea turtles awaits. A day trip to Balicasag from Bohol presents a fun experience!

While the island can get busy with boats, solitude can be found in quieter corners. Restaurants and basic accommodations are available, with a one-hour boat ride from Alona Beach.

• Virgin Island

Virgin Island is a natural sandbar, typically the second stop on Bohol island hopping tours. It’s only a 30-minute boat ride from Alona Beach or Balicasag Island. Visiting during low tide showcases the sandbar at its best.

While the name might suggest serenity, expect a bustling scene with daily boats arriving. Despite these observations, Virgin Island maintains charm and provides opportunities to spot starfishes in its shallow waters.

• Pahangog Falls

Pahangog Falls, also known as Dimiao Twin Falls, is a stunning turquoise waterfall located in southern Bohol, approximately 1.5 hours from the Panglao tourist area.

Widely regarded as Bohol’s most beautiful waterfall, it offers a perfect spot for swimming to cool off. A guided tour isn’t necessary but can enhance the experience. The hike to the falls takes approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, as you may encounter some uphill trails on your return.

This scenic oasis remains a hidden gem, relatively undisturbed by the typical tourist routes.

• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

While rice terraces are abundant across Bohol, the Cadapdapan terraces are particularly breathtaking, comparable to those in Bali.

The only downside lies in the distance; reaching the Cadapdapan rice terraces requires a 2.5-hour drive from Panglao, and no group tours currently visit this location, necessitating self-drive or hiring a private driver.

This destination is not to be missed, especially at sunrise or with drone photography!

• Can-umantad Falls

Can-umantad Falls, the tallest waterfall in Bohol, is only a short distance from the Cadapdapan rice terraces.

The access trail descends from the terraces, with the best parking option available at Eleuterio’s Restaurant. From here, enjoy views of the rice terraces before embarking on a 15-minute hike down to the waterfall.

Can-umantad is a beautiful two-step cascade that features a turquoise swimming pool below. Refreshing coconut juice and other drinks can be found at nearby stalls. This enchanting waterfall deserves a spot on any Bohol itinerary!

• Pamilacan Island

Pamilacan Island lies south of Bohol and features a picturesque white sand beach. This quieter alternative to Balicasag Island is less frequented by tourists.

Fewer tours visit Pamilacan, making boat sharing somewhat difficult, but GetYourGuide offers a reputable Pamilacan tour that includes dolphin watching, lunch, and snorkeling with sea turtles.

I personally utilized this tour and had a wonderful experience, with just a one-hour boat ride from Panglao or the mainland Bohol.

Best Beaches In Bohol

Bohol boasts a variety of stunning white sand beaches. Alona Beach stands out as the most popular but often gets crowded and commercialized, with numerous hotels and restaurants.

For a more serene experience, consider Dumaluan Beach, just 15 minutes from Alona, featuring an entrance fee that helps maintain its cleanliness.

Alternatively, Anda White Beach is located on Bohol’s far eastern side, around 3 hours from Panglao and Tagbilaran, making it less touristy yet easily accessible by van or bus.

How Long To Stay In Bohol Philippines

Generally, travelers can experience the highlights of Bohol in 2 to 3 days, although extending your stay is always an option. Three days typically suffices for most visitors.

Initially, Bohol might seem limited in activities, but exploring the countryside unveils the island’s inherent beauty.

For those who appreciate the Philippines, Bohol invites weeks of exploration off the beaten path with various attractions.

Bohol Travel Itinerary

A suggested 3-day itinerary for Bohol includes:

• Day 1. Participate in a countryside tour: Observe Bohol’s iconic locations, such as the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, followed by a boat cruise and buffet dinner on the Loboc River.
• Day 2. Engage in island hopping: Visit Balicasag Island for beach relaxation and snorkeling, then stop at the sandbar at Virgin Island.
• Day 3. Spend the day unwinding on Alona Beach or Dumaluan Beach, or venture to more remote attractions like Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad Falls.

Best Time To Visit Bohol Philippines

For optimal weather conditions, the dry season (January to May) is the best time to explore Bohol, providing ample sunshine and minimal rainfall. Nevertheless, be aware that tourist crowds peak during these months.

During the wet season (June to December), Bohol experiences increased rainfall, largely occurring in the evenings. My visit coincided with this season, yet it had minimal impact on my enjoyment of the island.

While the weather can fluctuate, Bohol generally enjoys good weather throughout the year, so any time can be a suitable time for visiting.

Other Tips For Bohol Island

• Where To Stay: High-end beachfront accommodations include South Palms Resort. Mid-range options feature the Amihan Resort at Alona Beach. For budget-friendly stays, check out Greenspace.
• Where To Eat: Bohol offers diverse dining options. Notable recommendations include Lamoy Restaurant (Asian cuisine), Paprika (beachfront), Mahalo Restaurant, and A Tavola.
• Mosquitoes: Mosquitos are generally not a significant concern in Panglao and Bohol. While the Philippine Department of Health states Bohol is malaria-free, there is some dengue risk, so using mosquito repellent is recommended when outdoors.
• Cell Service: Globe provides good reception and data speeds throughout much of the island.
• WiFi: The internet infrastructure in Bohol is advancing quickly, with many budget hotels and hostels now offering high-speed WiFi.

Thanks for exploring this guide to Bohol Island in the Philippines. Your adventure awaits!