There are more than 7,600 islands here in the Philippines! And each island, each province, has a lot of beautiful and breathtaking destinations that cannot even be counted by two hands. One province here in the Philippines that seems like it has an unlimited things to see and to do is Bohol.
Bohol is a popular destination for any traveler in the world because of the combination of unique activities and sites it has. To avoid having a headache on finding each and every single best thing to do and the best places to see, here is a list of interesting spots and fun activities in Bohol.
Chocolate Hills
This uniquely formed mole like hill is the most famous attraction in Bohol. How so? Because of the fact that it changes colors, hence its name, and because up-to-date scientists still debate about how the hills were actually formed.
Tarsier Sanctuary
It is no doubt that Tarsiers are unique and cute animals that can catch the attention of any person. Located in between Corella and Sikatuna is where you will find a place that homes these adorable animals. Try not to be too loud and too touchy, these creatures are very shy.
Balicasag Island
Off the Coast of Panglao Island is a small island with fine sand, crystal blue waters, and beautiful corals. Balicasag Sanctuary is a must visit destination for those who love to go under the sea. Divers consider this a heaven on water.
Personal Note : During our visit, low pressure hinders us to dive and explore the beauty of Balicasag marine world. Not to spoil this trip, we decided to just stay in the island - talk with the locals, enjoyed its amazing beach (with bottles of fav beer and good stories) then visited the old lighthouse.
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| The eastern and southern side of Balingasag Island is perfect for beach lovers - fine golden sands and perfect sunrise! |
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| The old lighthouse in Balicasag Island |
Virgin Island in Panglao
An island that is away from the crowded city; Virgin Island, originally called as Puntod, is great for those who crave to feel sand on their toes, those who enjoy watching beautiful sunrise or sunset, and listen to waves as it hits the shore. Despite the (expected) crowd during weekends and holidays, it is still a serene and quiet place that can help you relax.
Note: The privately-owned other side of the island was renamed Isoli de Francisco (Island of Saint Francis) and was developed into a pilgrim site.
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| Nanay Ranulfa, 56, selling the best banana cue in Virgin Island |
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| Never leave Virgin Island with tasting swaki (sea urchin) |
Alona Beach in Panglao Island
Considered as a tropical paradise of Bohol, this beach is a go-to destination by many mainly because of two things: white and soft sandy beach, and world class diving spots. Plus, there are also many resorts in the area that can accommodate guests.
Shrine of Sanduguan
A little history along with your travels is always a good thing. This shrine is a commemorative site of the blood compact that happened between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. This shrine is well taken care of because it is considered a symbol of alliance and of friendship.
Man-made Forest in Bilar
In Bilar you won’t get lost in the woods like little red riding hood, but you will get lost in awe in the Bilar man-made forest. This two kilometer long forest is packed with red and white mahogany trees that are amazing to watch when some of the leaves start to fall off. Even if the Philippines doesn’t have autumn, it sure feels like it does here.
Loboc River Cruise
It’s always nice to have river cruise in a place that is safe and hasn’t been too modernized. The whole trip is around an hour or an hour and half long, and in this river cruise you can enjoy a good meal served by locals that have been prepared to really give it that Bohol flavor.
Hanging Bridge in Sevilla
If you want to challenge the daredevil in you, then try crossing the hanging bridge in Sevilla. This bridge is considered to be one of the most dangerous bridges in the WORLD.
Visita Iglesia
Almost everywhere you go; you will find at least one church in an area. So what better way to thank god for the wonderful trip you had/will have then to stop by at the churches in Bohol. Most of the churches are old and all have good preservation of architecture.
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| The newly-restored La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church in Baclayon (November 2017) |
Quinale Beach in Anda
If the other beaches had white sandy beaches, then the Quinale Beach is the whitest sandy beach in Bohol. Some even argue that it’s whiter than that of Boracay’s. It’s clear water and sandy bed makes it a picture perfect beach destination. Yes, you read that right. Clear sandy bed, meaning no rocks at all.
Cabagnow Cave Pool in Anda
There is more to Bohol than its beaches and chocolate hills. In Anda there are a lot of cave pools that are jaw dropping and gorgeous. One of which is the Cabagnow cave pool. The Cabagnow is said to be the deepest cave pool in Anda.
Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay
Have a deep appreciation for great aesthetics? Then try taking a panoramic picture of the Candijay Rice Terraces and just enjoy the view. And more than just the view take in the fresh smell of air in the area and think about how pure it is.
Kawasan Falls in Trinidad
Do you want to see what water from heaven looks like? Then head to Kawasan Falls of Barangay San Isidro in Trinidad. Kawasan falls has this beautiful cascading water that creates a small mist around a very peaceful area. Its whole atmosphere, the water, the rocks, the trees, and the wind, gives you a feeling that you’re in a fairy tale.
Can-umantad Falls of Candijay
If Kawasan Falls didn’t leave you in awe, then Can-umantad falls will. Towering with a height of 60 feet, this falls is the tallest falls in Bohol. This 60 feet falls is divided into three layers that cascade beautifully in each layer as it falls to its drop. There are also nearby spring pools that you can go to.
Of course aside from Can-umantad Falls in Candijay and Kawasan Falls in Trinidad, more interesting and stunning waterfalls can be explored in the province. I had the chance to visit also two less-known waterfalls in the province during summer of 2017 – Pangas Falls of Bilar and the Mag-aso Falls of Antequera. Separate posts about these less-visited but equally beautiful waterfalls will be posted soon.
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| Pangas Falls of Barangay Dagohoy in Bilar |
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| Mag-aso Falls of Barangay Can-omay in Antequera |
HOW TO GET TO BOHOL
From Manila
Catch a flight to Tagbilaran City which takes about 1 hour and 15 min or if you miss it, you can fly from Manila to Cebu. Head to the pier, then have a boat ride to Bohol. Yet, if you wanna sniff the sea breeze, riding in a ferry boat is a good choice. Spending about more or less 28 hours on the water is such so refreshing before starting an adventure to the island.
2Go shipping line is also offering a scheduled once-a-week voyage from Manila to Tagbilaran City which takes more or less 28 hours from the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor.
From Cebu
You’ve got couple of choices but all through via water and not by air. You can take a 1.5 hour-ride with a fast boat or a regular boat for about 4 hours before reaching Tagbilaran. You can also have a boat ride direct to Tubigon and Talibon. Other travellers are having a ferry boat ride though going to Tubigon and jump on a bus or a V-hire to Tagbilaran for it is cheaper and sometimes a faster way in reaching Tagbilaran.
From Cagayan de Oro
Leaving Cagayan de Oro for Bohol is provided by only 2 transport companies bound to Jagna Seaport in the southern coast of Bohol. With only 2 trips on Saturday by Sulpicio Lines at 12:00 noon and 17:30 PM; 2 trips on Sundays and Thursdays by Cebu Ferries scheduled at 7:00 AM; 12:00 PM and 8:00 AM; 13:00 PM respectively. Costing about 600 for a 6 hour trip is not too much at all. But making everything smooth and fast, catching a flight from Cagayan to Tagbilaran City for just 55 minutes is a good choice.
From Camiguin
If you are in Camiguin Islands and wanna transport by the sea, embark on a Super Shuttle Roro from Port of Balbagon, 500 for a ride, and in just 5 hours, you’ll be in Jagna, Bohol. However, it has only 3 schedules of trip in a week.
From Davao
Although it is more expensive ranging from 4,300 to 16,000, it’s your luck if you got some promotions, but grabbing a flight is more convenient reaching Tagbilaran City in just 1.15 hours of fly. Considering budget tightness, transporting via land is of big difference. Riding in a bus to Agora, Cagayan de Oro costs 340-600 with 6 hours and 40 minutes travel. From Agora, head to the port and board on to Lite Ferries servicing twice daily for 6 hours. Estimated fare costs about 600 only.
From Dumaguete
From Dumaguete, board on OceanJet ferry with schedules of twice daily for 2 hours. Fare ranges from 700-1,100 bound to Tagbilaran City.
From Siquijor
OceanJet serves Larena- Tagbilaran (vice versa) route daily. The fastcraft leaves Port of Larena at 2:20PM and arrives in Tagbilaran Port at 3:40PM. Fare: Php700 for Open Air and Php1020 for Business Class.
From Leyte
There are regular trips of RORO ferries and passenger boats from ports of Bato and Maasin in Souther Leyte going to the port of Ubay in in Bohol.
Another option, from Ormoc, Leyte, board for a transfer to Cebu City which takes 2 hours. Prepare a fare budget of 740. Schedules of trip is as plenty as 4 hours interval per trip.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL
Bohol is indeed a place worth visiting for which offers a package of remarkable history and culture, awesome lands and waters, diverse wildlife and other wonderful sites. Life is short and the best way to live it is to see the world around you. Tara, let’s explore Bohol!
Not all [interesting] spots and things to do in Bohol are listed here, I just included all these places and activities I personally visited/experienced. Rates are correct as of the published date. Help me in updating this travel guide, please comment down below other interesting spots and things to do in Bohol Province.
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