The tropical island paradise of Bohol in the Philippines is an absolutely perfect place to spend the vacation of a lifetime, with an abundant variety of leisure activities that seems never-ending. Activities for the entire family, solo-travelers, adventurers, and people who simply want to kick back are available throughout Bohol and its surrounding islets. Whether you’re into jaw-dropping views and scenery, exotic wildlife, marine life, resting on soft, white sand, partaking in extreme outdoor sports, trying traditional food, learning about a place’s history, or getting lost in enchanting waterfalls, Bohol has everything that any tourist could dream of.
1. Visit the Chocolate Hills
The world-famous natural phenomenon comprising about 1,200 perfectly-round and soft-looking hills, is a breathtaking wonder of nature known as Chocolate Hills, due to their light-brown color during the dry season. For a panoramic view of the hills, you can go to the Main Viewpoint, although it is usually heavily touristy and crowded. The hills have their very own Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP), filled with outdoor activities such as a zip-line, horseback riding, jungle swinging, hiking, and many more.
2. Meet the Tarsier
The endangered tarsier species are tiny primates with big, googly eyes that can only be found today in specific islands, such as Bohol. Some of these exotically-adorable, 5-inch creatures live in the Tarsier Sanctuary — a for-profit zoo, — and the Tarsier Conservation Area. Much like owls, this fascinating species can rotate its head 180 degrees, sleeps during the daytime and is active at night. If you have the opportunity to meet a tarsier, be sure to refrain from flash photography, as it stresses them terribly.
3. Ride on Loboc’s Floating Restaurant
Located about 40 minutes from Tagbilaran City, this highly unique restaurant provides excellent views, buffet-style lunch/dinner, and loud, fun music. The restaurant floats on a river, taking you through jungle-like sceneries filled with palm trees and finishing off at the beautiful Busay Falls, where locals often like to bathe. The tour lasts about an hour, with a cultural show/concert along the way.
4. Visit Amazing Waterfalls
Bohol is home to some pretty magnificent waterfalls where you can dive, cliff-jump, rope-swing, raft, enjoy jungle views, and swim in incredibly turquoise water. Getting to some falls may be tricky and will require some hiking, so be sure to wear very comfortable clothing and ask the locals for directions. On your journey to various falls, you will likely see Filipino communities and beautiful sceneries, which makes it recommendable to rent a motorcycle to get there and make as many stops as you wish. Two of Bohol’s most adored and fascinating falls are the Ingkumhan Falls and Dimiao Twin Falls, due to their clear water and inspiring views and formations. Other very popular falls include the Camugao Falls, Can-umantad Falls, and Mag-Aso Falls.
5. Visit Ricefields
Like many places in Asia, Bohol’s main crop is rice. As you ride through its picturesque roads, you may come across several ricefields and terraces where you will definitely want to stop and capture panoramic photos. Many ricefields are strategically planted on various elevated levels, which is why some are called “terraces.” People who have stopped at these fields in Bohol have described them as “breath-taking,” “magnificent,” and “amazing.” Some famous and charming ricefield terraces include Cambuyo, Lila, Lunar, and Cadapdapan.
6. Go Island-Hopping
In a country made up of over 7,000 islands, going island-hopping is probably on every tourist’s list. Balicasag Island is perhaps the most popular one to visit in Bohol, where you will find snorkeling and scuba-diving. It requires a 30-minute boat ride from shore, during which you may see playful dolphins. Balicasag has virtually crystal-clear water and a wide diversity of fish, sea turtles, as well as beautiful starfish and seashells. There is an entrance fee to the island, which is included in some tours. Another great island to visit is Virgin Island, with an elegant long stretch of white sand surrounded by water. Not too far from shore is Pamilacan Island, known for its dolphin and whale watching tours. If you have extra time, you can check out other popular islands somewhat farther away, but definitely worth the trip, such as Cebu, Negros, and Camiguin.
7. Visit Historical Churches
Bohol shows some of its Spanish heritage through countless colonial-time churches, which make for interesting places to visit and gorgeous photos. Although many were badly damaged by the 7.2 earthquake in 2013, most were rebuilt by the locals.
San Jose Cathedral in Tagbilaran City: This was one of the first churches built centuries ago, although it has quite a modern design due to its reconstruction after a 1798 fire. It is one of the most famous churches in Bohol and is highly frequented by locals.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Baclayon: Made of classic coral stone, this church is the oldest in Bohol. There is a museum nearby with interesting religious artifacts dating back to colonization years.
Other notable churches include Loboc Church, Dauis Church, Holy Trinity Church in Loay and San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Dimiao.
8. Lounge on the White Beaches of Panglao Island
Tourists typically spend most of their beach time enjoying the charming white sand and crystal-clear waters of Panglao Island. Alona is probably the most famous beach attracting the most tourists, with numerous restaurants, entertainment options, and water sports to pick from. For a less busy beach, try Bikini Beach, where you will feel in your own private paradise. Dumaluan is one of Bohol’s most beautiful beaches, with tons of tall palm trees over white sand facing a light blue ocean. It has access to various outdoor activities, such as jet-skiing and boat-sailing.
9. Diving & Snorkeling
Bohol’s substantial and diverse marine life has indeed made it an ideal destination for scuba-diving and snorkeling. Some of the best places to spot exotic marine life are Cabilao Island and Pamilacan Island, filled with all sorts of fascinating fish, such as giant kingfish, barracudas, manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks. Also great for snorkeling and diving includes Balicasag Island, Panglao Island, and the Habagat shipwreck dive site, where you can admire beautiful biodiversity and go deep into the ocean to witness a mysterious shipwreck site. Bohol’s vast variety of dive sites can cater to beginners, experts, kids, adults, and preferences of all sorts.
10. Have Fun at Danao Adventure Park
E.A.T. Danao Adventure Park is a perfect place for tourists interested in all sorts of activities, whether environmental, educational or extreme. For an ideal day in nature, visitors can enjoy kayaking, bird watching, farm visits, rice strolls, and other sight-seeing activities. Educational activities teach about environmental preservation, forest ecosystems, organic farming, local history and heritage, among other topics. Activities meant for those with a daring and fearless spirit include river trekking, plunging, extreme zip-lining, rappelling, bouldering, and the highly intimidating suislide. Further, Danao Adventure also provides lodging and various meal options and packages at very reasonable prices.
