location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Over 1200 perfectly cone-shaped hills turning brown in dry season, resembling chocolate kisses. UNESCO World Heritage Site and most iconic landmark of Philippines. Best viewed from Carmen or Sagbayan viewpoints.
Home to worlds smallest primates with huge eyes. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is conservation-focused with natural habitat. Strict no-flash photography and silence rules protect these nocturnal creatures.
Scenic jungle river famous for floating restaurant cruises with live music and buffet lunch. SUP paddleboarding and kayaking through lush rainforest. Zipline and cable car over the river available.
One of oldest stone churches in Philippines, built in 1595 by Spanish Jesuits. Houses museum with religious artifacts and antique collections. Coral stone construction withstood centuries including 2013 earthquake.
Underground cave with natural lagoon illuminated by sunlight through ceiling holes. Stalactites and stalagmites surround turquoise swimming pool. Discovered accidentally by farmer in 1980s. Short swim allowed.
Two-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees creating cathedral-like canopy. Planted in 1960s as reforestation project. Popular photo stop on Chocolate Hills route with mystical atmosphere.
Bronze monument commemorating 1565 blood compact between Spanish explorer Legazpi and Bohol chief Sikatuna - first treaty of friendship between East and West. Symbol of Filipino hospitality.
Marine sanctuary island famous for diving and snorkeling with sea turtles, jackfish tornadoes, and pristine coral walls. Boat trip from Panglao beaches. Some of best diving in Visayas region.
Provincial capital and main gateway to Bohol. Old ferry port, Cathedral, and Plaza Rizal with heritage buildings. Local markets, restaurants, and practical services. Most tourists pass through en route to Panglao.
Highest waterfall in Bohol at 60 meters, hidden in Candijay town. Less touristy than other attractions with beautiful jungle trek to reach. Swimming pool at base surrounded by lush vegetation.
faq.subtitle Bohol
Best time is December to May during dry season. February to April offers ideal weather with minimal rain. Avoid typhoon season June to November. Sinulog festival in January brings crowds to nearby Cebu.
From Tagbilaran City take a bus or van to Carmen (1.5 hours, 100 PHP). Most tourists book countryside tours that include Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise, and other attractions for 1500-2500 PHP per person.
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella (entry 60 PHP). Avoid tourist trap facilities that allow touching. Tarsiers are nocturnal and very sensitive - flash photography is prohibited. Best viewing is early morning.
Fast ferry from Cebu City Pier 1 to Tagbilaran takes 2 hours. OceanJet and SuperCat run multiple daily trips (800-1000 PHP). Book online or at pier. Flights available but ferry is more scenic and convenient.
Bohol offers world-class diving. Balicasag Island has walls with sea turtles, barracuda, and jackfish. Pamilacan Island for whale sharks and dolphins. Panglao has many dive shops. Best visibility March to May. PADI courses from 15000 PHP.
Useful tips for visiting Bohol
Book countryside tour that combines Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Loboc River cruise, and butterfly garden - much more efficient than visiting separately.
Stay in Panglao for beach and diving, not Tagbilaran City. Alona Beach has best selection of hotels, restaurants, and dive shops.
Rent a scooter (350-500 PHP/day) to explore the island independently. Roads are generally good but watch for potholes and farm animals.
Visit Chocolate Hills at sunrise or sunset for best photos and fewer crowds. The viewing deck in Carmen has over 200 steps - bring water.
Do not touch or use flash when photographing tarsiers - they are extremely sensitive and can die from stress. Maintain 1 meter distance.
Try local specialties: kalamay (sticky rice cake), peanut kisses (cookies), and fresh seafood at Alona Beach. Loboc River cruise includes buffet lunch.
Bring cash in PHP - ATMs are available in Tagbilaran and Panglao but can run out on weekends. Many small establishments are cash-only.
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.ferry | — | — | — |
Tourist area with low crime rate
Very safe island with friendly locals. Main concerns: road conditions on motorcycle tours, strong currents at some dive sites, occasional jellyfish. Watch for monkeys at tarsier sanctuaries - they can grab belongings.