Planning to visit Bohol, Philippines soon? CEBU INSIDER has selected the 10 Best Things to Do in Bohol so you know what to do in the island.
Whether you want to dip your toes in sandy beaches or visit some jaw-dropping attractions, Bohol is the perfect destination for you.
Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. The island province southeast of Cebu boasts a good number of pristine beaches, lush greeneries, as well as abundant marine and exotic species. In Bohol, you will find tarsiers—the world’s smallest primate—and the country’s longest snake.
If you are down for a food feast, the river cruise along the Loboc River is a must in which you will enjoy a sumptuous lunch while getting entertained by local performers. Prepare your taste buds for the world-famous chocolate tablea, a delicious drink that will keep you wanting more.
Ready to explore the wonders of Bohol? Check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Bohol!
1. Watch Wild Dolphins Swim in Balicasag Island
Watching a pod of dolphins is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Bohol. In Balicasag Island, a round island known for being one of the top dive sites in the Philippines, you will find a bunch of friendly dolphins swimming in synchrony alongside boats. If you are lucky, you might even swim with sea turtles along the way.
2. Swim With Whale Sharks in Lila
About 30 kilometers from Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran City, is the coastal town of Lila where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with gigantic whale sharks. Yes, Oslob is not the only place in the Philippines where you can swim with whale sharks!
Don’t worry—these are friendly creatures. But remember to avoid touching them and keep at least 6 feet away from them as much as possible.
3. Explore the Wonders of Panglao Island
Your trip to Bohol wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Panglao Island. If you are planning to visit Virgin Island, Balicasag Island, or Pamilacan Island, your jump-off point is Panglao Island, a popular place among foreign tourists.
Even if you don’t leave Panglao Island, you will enjoy its wonders. Panglao Island is home to Bohol’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach, Panglao Beach (locally known as San Pedro Beach), Napaling Reef, and Hinagdanan Cave.
Hinagdanan Cave is a personal favorite of mine for its cold natural swimming hole. Napaling Reef is perfect for your freediving or snorkeling adventure where you can see millions of sardines.
4. Learn Scuba Diving
As one of the premier diving destinations in the Philippines, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to learn and experience scuba diving in Bohol. It’s home to so many dive sites, including 38 reef dives, 37 wall dives, and 19 ocean dives. Some of the most popular dive sites are Cabilao Island and the ones mentioned above.
5. Swim in Crystal Clear Waters of Virgin Island
Pungtud Island, most commonly known as “Virgin Island”, is a C-shaped naked sandbar that sits between Balicasag Island and Panglao Island. You can sun relax here peacefully as you sulk in the sun and appreciate the crystal clear waters. The shallow area also makes it perfect for kids to play around. This Virgin Island is not to be confused with Cebu’s Virgin Island near Bantayan Island. They are two different but equally beautiful islands.
6. Visit World-famous Chocolate Hills
You’ve probably seen it somewhere—a bunch of mountains sitting next to one another looking like Ferrero Rocher. That’s Chocolate Hills, one of the most iconic tourist spots in the Philippines.
Located at Carmen, visiting Chocolate Hills is one of the most popular things to do in Bohol best visited in the dry months of January to May when the hills turn brown. Nevertheless, those hills are still a worthy attraction of their own even if they turn green in the rainy season.
There are now many fun activities around the premises of Chocolate Hills, such as ziplines and horseback riding. If you are with your family and friends, this should be perfect!
7. Get Close to World’s Smallest Primates
Tarsiers are known as the smallest primates in the world. Everything about tarsiers is so interesting that you really want to see them up close and personal. They are nocturnal animals whose heads can tilt almost 180 degrees left and 180 degrees right. Their distinctively large brown eyes are the largest of all animals in terms of ratio to the body.
In Bohol, you can find several of them at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Canapnapan, Corella. Tourists are advised to admire the tarsiers from afar and lower their voices to avoid disturbing these gentle animals. Why? Because they are suicidal animals. They tend to kill themselves by smashing their heads when they are anxious and disturbed. So be mindful around them!
8. Enjoy Sumptuous Lunch While Cruising on Loboc River
Also known as the Loay River, the Loboc River is one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. Its distinctly emerald-green water surrounded by lush greenery is the perfect setting for the famed river cruise on a floating cottage where guests are entertained by local performers and get to enjoy a sumptuous feast. The river cruise passes by several landmarks, including Loay Bridge, Loboc Church, and Busay Falls.
9. Visit Bilar Manmade Forest
The Bohol Mahogany Forest or most commonly referred to as Bilar Manmade Forest is a breathtaking canopy of trees that span 2 kilometers along Loboc and Bilar. As soon as you step under the forest, you will feel a cooling sensation, thanks to the towering trees that were all part of a reforestation project 50 years ago.
10. Meet Exotic Animals at Zoocolate Thrills
Kids and even kids at heart will surely have a great time at Zoocolate Thrills. This theme park houses different breeds of animals, including tigers and Zooco, the country’s biggest snake. There are also tarsiers, buffalos, parakeets, a donkey, owls, and more!
Your Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide
Tourists are promised lots of fun activities in Bohol. From adrenaline-filled activities such as scuba diving and swimming with whale sharks to being one with nature at the world-famous Chocolate Hills.
What are you waiting for? Save your best picks from this list and have the best time in Bohol!
If you still have questions about your trip to Bohol or the Philippines in general, let us know in the comments! We will get back to you ASAP!
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Czariz Castro is the author of this guide. She is a freelance writer who is a traveler at heart. Based in Laguna, Philippines, she is fond of the arts, films, and beaches. She ignites her love for traveling and writing by writing exquisitely crafted articles about travel and tourism.
