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Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church: Bohol's Ancient Stone Church and Living Testament to Philippine History

Standing proud against the tropical sky for over four centuries, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon represents far more than stone and mortar. This is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines—a silent witness to the transformation of an island nation from pre-colonial kingdoms through Spanish colonization to modern independence. Damaged by a devastating earthquake in 2013 and lovingly restored, Baclayon Church continues to serve its community while welcoming visitors w...

Practical Information

Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Visit Duration

Minimum1 hours
Recommended2 hours
Maximum3 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Church: Free (donations welcome). Museum: ₱100 for adults, ₱50 for children. Photography is not allowed inside the museum but permitted in the church interior (no flash). Restrooms have a small fee of ₱5-10.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) for quieter experience with fewer tour groups. Avoid Sunday mornings when multiple Masses are held. The church is especially atmospheric during early morning or late afternoon light. Holy Week (Easter) sees special celebrations but is very crowded. The church's feast day (December 8, Immaculate Conception) features traditional festivities.

How to Get There

Located 6 km (20 minutes drive) south of Tagbilaran City along the coastal road to Panglao. From Tagbilaran: Take a tricycle (₱150-200) or jeepney bound for Baclayon/Loay. From Panglao: 15-20 minutes by tricycle or taxi (₱200-300). Often included in Bohol countryside tours as the first or last stop. Parking available in front of the church.

What to Expect

Explore a beautifully restored 17th-century coral stone church with original architectural details including massive walls, wooden ceiling with faded religious paintings, and an antique pipe organ. The adjacent museum showcases centuries-old religious artifacts: ornate gold-threaded vestments, ivory santos (saint statues), liturgical silver items, handwritten Latin manuscripts, and wooden religious art. Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops) as this is an active place of worship. A typical visit takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on museum exploration. English-speaking guides may be available for deeper historical context.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMarApr

Good Time

MayNov

Avoid

JunJulAugSepOct

Working Hours

Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Monday06:00 — 20:00
Tuesday06:00 — 20:00
Wednesday06:00 — 20:00
Thursday06:00 — 20:00
Friday06:00 — 20:00
Saturday06:00 — 20:00
Sunday05:00 — 21:00

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Not accessible
Audio Guide
Available
Staff Assistance
Available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Baclayon Church

Yes, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake on October 15, 2013 caused significant damage to Baclayon Church, including partial collapse of the bell tower and cracks in the walls. Extensive restoration work has been completed, and the church is now fully open to visitors. Some original structural elements were preserved, while others were carefully reconstructed using traditional techniques to maintain authenticity.

Yes, as an active Catholic church, modest dress is required. Shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing are not allowed inside the church. Some visitors have been turned away at the entrance for inappropriate attire. If you are on a beach-focused trip and wearing casual clothing, consider bringing a light cover-up or sarong to drape over shoulders.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather25°
86%8 м/с
Todayweather28°24°
Tomorrowweather27°23°
Thuweather26°23°
Friweather25°24°
Satweather28°24°
Sunweather28°23°
Monweather27°23°
29°
23°Jan
28°
23°Feb
30°
23°Mar
31°
24°Apr
32°
25°May
31°
25°Jun
31°
25°Jul
31°
25°Aug
31°
24°Sep
31°
24°Oct
30°
24°Nov
29°
23°Dec
Water temperature
27°
27°
28°
29°
30°
30°
30°
30°
29°
29°
28°
28°

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