Attractions of the island of Bohol - what to see

The main attraction of Bohol is its stunning and diverse nature. There are many waterfalls, ecoparks, caves and of course the hallmark of the island of Bohol and the Philippines in general – the famous Chocolate Hills. Interesting places on the island can be counted more than a dozen, but, objectively speaking, not every one of them will be interesting to tourists, since many of them are of the same type. For example, there are several ecological parks that are a place to relax in the forest or near the lake, and are unlikely to be worth it to break away for them from beach holidays or excursions to the islands. Or, for example, there are several reserves of tarsiers, and it is enough to visit only one of them.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about historical sights. There are few of them, mostly churches and towers of the colonial period, but, unfortunately, as a result of a powerful earthquake in 2013, many of them were severely damaged, and others were destroyed almost to the ground. Some of them are still being restored, and some are completely rebuilt, and are unlikely to be of interest to tourists in the future.

So that you do not waste time in vain, we have traveled and collected information about the most worthwhile sights of Bohol, indicating their opening hours, costs, and ways to get to them, their list is presented below. Most of them you can visit at will, but here are the top attractions, without visiting which you simply can not leave Bohol:

• Chocolate hills of Bohol
• Snorkeling and island tours
• Bohol diving
• Pamilakan dolphin tour
• Swimming with whale sharks
• Reserve with tarsiers (one of two)
• Loboc River Cruises
• Pahangog waterfall and caves
• Bee farm

And now a little about how best to visit the sights on Bohol. The easiest way is through Group or individual excursions. They are offered in different cities and resorts of Bohol, but the greatest selection and low prices are in the most popular resort of Alona Beach. Another great option is to rent transport. In Bohol and in Alona Beach in particular, it is easy to rent a motorbike from 250 pesos per day after bargaining, and on it to travel at least the whole island. Another way to navigate the island for the most experienced tourists who are not in a hurry – local transport. You can also travel around the whole island on it, and it is very inexpensive, but you will have to spend time studying the routes and the movement itself. About how to rent transport in Bohol and public transport here...

You can also see the options for excursions in Bohol with reviews available for online booking on one of the sites listed below, or choose one of the most popular:

• Guided tours of Bohol Island on tripster.ru

Attractions of Bohol on the map

And now a list of the main attractions of Bohol, which are worth a visit:

Chocolate hills of Bohol / Bohol Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills

This is one of the most famous attractions of the Philippines, The Calling Card of the country and the island. They are even depicted on the coat of arms and flag of the province of Bohol. In total, there are about one and a half thousand such Hills, with a height of 30 to 120 meters. It is believed that they should be visited by every tourist vacationing on the island of Bohol and Panglao. Chocolate Hills occupy a vast area in the central part of the island, and you will see them just during trips around the island. You can even drive off the main roads and drive through the villages among the hills, but the best views are from specially equipped viewing platforms on the hills. There are only two of them: Chocolate Hills Complex and Sagbayan Peak. Learn more About Chocolate Hills and how to visit them here...

The main tourist route on the island

Chocolate Hills

If you do not have a lot of time to travel around the island in search of individual attractions, then the easiest way is to drive along the popular tourist route to the Chocolate Hills. Most tourist attractions and attractions are concentrated on this route, and it ends with a tour of the famous Chocolate Hills from the observation deck. Along the way, you can visit at least the following places: monument of Blood (Blood Compact Shrine), Museum of retro cars (Bohol Vintage Cars Museum), cruises on the river Loboc (Loboc River Cruise), amusement park Adventure Park IFlyLoboc, double bamboo bridge (Sipatan Twin Bamboo Bridge), man-made forest in Bilar (Bilar Man-Made Forest), nursery of tarsiers (Loboc Tarsier Sanctuary), pangas falls. And this is not a complete list, since every year more and more new tourist attractions are opened. Learn more about the main tourist route in Bohol here...

Diving

Diving

Diving on Panglao is one of the first places among all entertainment. Every morning at Anlona beach, you can see endless groups of tourists loading onto boats and going on diving tours in coastal waters (local diving) or to the small nearby islands of Balicasag, Pamilakan and Virgin Island. Experienced divers can rent equipment and make their own coastal dives.

Diving centers are most in Alona Beach, and directly on the beach, and not in the village itself. It is better to book tours to the islands in advance, at least two days in advance, local dives are possible even on the same day. Learn more about diving on Alona Beach and Panglao here...

Snorkeling and island hopping tours

Snorkeling and tours to the islands of Panglao and Alona Beach

If you can't afford diving or think it's too extreme, then look in the direction of snorkeling. Snorkeling in Panglao and Alona Beach is something without which your holiday at the resort will not be complete. Conditions here are excellent: clear water, lots of wildlife, coral reef, shallow depth. Sometimes in the reviews of tourists you can read that snorkeling on Panglao is bad, but this is because such reviews are written by those who did not go beyond the resort and Alona Beach. In fact, there are quite decent places for observing underwater wildlife, and ideally you should go on a snorkeling tour to the nearest islands of Balicasag, Pamilakan and Karin. Learn more about snorkeling and island tours here...

Pamilacan Dolphin Island tour / Pamilacan dolphin Tour

Dolphin tour

The dolphin tour is one of the visiting tourist cards of Bohol and Panglao. The average program of such tours includes sailing on a small boat to the tiny island of Pamilakan; disembarking on the island with lunch and relaxation; snorkeling (Max and tube are included in the price); in fact, the meeting with dolphins in open water. Such tours are sold on the beach and in the travel agencies of Alona Beach, in time it takes almost the whole day.

Swimming with whale sharks in Bohol

Whale sharks

A small village Lila (Lila), and more specifically the village Taug (Taug) on Bohol is known for the fact that giant whale sharks often appear in its coastal waters. These giants can reach 20 meters in length, but they are completely safe for humans, feed on plankton, and they do not even have teeth. In 2019, it was equipped with a center for swimming with Shark tourists, similar to what is in Oslob.

Unlike the world-famous Oslob, where whale sharks are tamed, here they are still at least partially foraging on their own, although most likely everything will change soon. But no one will give you a 100% guarantee that you will see them here, although, as the organizers of the tours say, the probability of seeing them is 99%. Learn more about swimming with whale sharks in Bohol here...

Firefly tour / Firefly tour

Firefly tour

This is an evening tour along the river, during which you can see the stunning spectacle of a million fireflies lighting their lights at nightfall. The tour is conducted along the Loboc River from the town of Loay, but it is not necessary to go there yourself, inexpensive group tours from Alona Beach are offered.

Tarsier Sanctuary

Dolgopyatov Reserve

Bohol is said to be the only place in the world where the surprisingly cute big-eyed Tarsier animals can be seen in the wild and not in a zoo. I don't know about the whole world, but in the Philippines it's really the only place. These animals are threatened with extinction due to human activity, and can not live near civilization even in ideal natural conditions. The fact is that they can not stand the noise and sharply changing colors, and because of this they commit suicide, dropping from a height. Learn more about the reserve with tarsiers here...

Nursery of tarsiers / Loboc Tarsier Sanctuary

Dolgopyatov Reserve

This is another place to see these cute creatures. But this nursery is more touristic and quite small. He was repeatedly criticized for the fact that animals are simply exploited here, and even tried to close it. But from a tourist point of view, there is no big difference which of the two places to visit. Learn more about the nursery of tarsiers here...

Loboc River Cruises

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc River is one of the main rivers on the island. It is picturesque, and its waters are calm, so there are cruises on floating restaurant rafts. Of course, these are not real restaurants with a kitchen where they cook, but only pre-prepared dishes served as a buffet, but nevertheless the variety of dishes is not bad. The cruise begins with a hearty lunch, and then the voyage continues for about an hour and a half. The raft goes upstream to the small Busay Falls, where the cruise ends with a small performance with traditional songs and dances. Learn more about cruises on the Loboc River here...

Bee farm

Bohol Bee Farm

This is one of the most interesting sights on Panglao, and definitely worth a visit, but provided you understand spoken English well. Its visit includes an excursion, during which they talk about the plants grown here, the production of honey by bees, their care, and all kinds of beekeeping products ranging from fresh honey to cosmetics. Without knowledge of English, unfortunately, it will not be so interesting here. Learn more about the Bohol Bee Farm here...

Hinagdanan Cave

Hinagdanan cave, Bohol

This is the only natural attraction located directly on the island of Panglao, not counting the beaches of the island, of course. It is shallow, consists of one large hall, in which there is a pool with clean water for swimming. There are lights and railings around the pool to keep from falling into the water.

It is in order to swim in the pool, it is worth visiting it. If you are interested only in the cave itself for inspection without swimming, perhaps you should not go, it is not particularly spectacular. Yes, there are some stalactites and rock formations inside, but you will spend no more than 5 minutes there. Learn more about Hinagdanan cave here...

National Museum Tagbilaran / National Museum Tagbilaran

Tagbilaran National Museum

The museum is large, but there is nothing to see, it is empty. It consists of four halls: an exhibition dedicated to the devastating earthquake of 2013; information about the historical sights of the island; wildlife and wealth; culture and art. If you do not study the signatures about the exhibits, you will spend no more than 10 minutes in the museum.

Bohol Vintage Cars Museum

Bohol Retro Car Museum

This is a private museum of a local collector-lover of vintage cars, who collected them and located his collection in his home. There are about 30 old cars mainly produced in the USA in the middle and second half of the last century, spare parts from them, license plates. There is a collection of foreign money. The cars are mostly very old, in poor condition, but a few of them are on the move, and used by the owners at weddings and other events. By the way, all the exhibits can be touched and even get behind the wheel. Learn more about the Museum of retro cars here...

Savima Mangrove tour

Mangram Savima Bohol walk

Savima is a mangrove thicket, through which a wooden bridge-path 800 meters long is laid, leading to the small island of Tintinan (Tintinan Island). You can come here and just walk along the bridge, book a tour with a guide who will tell you about the features of this plant, or a tour with a traditional show, and even plant a mangrove tree yourself. It can not be said that this is a very interesting place, but if you have not seen mangroves before, and you will pass by, you can look in and walk for 30-40 minutes.

Punta Cruz Watch Tower

Punta Cruz Watch Tower Bohol

This is one of the few historical and architectural places preserved in Bohol in an unnamed form. It was built during the Spanish colonial period in 1796. Inside the tower you can go and climb to the second floor. Do not spend more than 5 minutes here. Next to the tower on the shore is another attraction called Maribojoc Uplifted Marine Teracce. This is the seashore, once a beach, but during the earthquake of 2013 rose by one and a half meters, thereby making the shore 50 meters larger.

Dauis watchtower and church

Dauis tower and Temple on Panglao Island

Dauis Watchtower and the Catholic Church Church Of Our Lady of the Assumption (Dauis Church) are two historic landmarks located on the northern tip of Panglao Island near the bridge to Bohol Island. Built in the XIX century. Both the tower and the temple were damaged in an earthquake in 2013, but the temple remained open despite minor damage. The tower can only be viewed from the outside.

Nova Shell Museum

Nova Shell Museum Panglao Island

A museum with a huge collection of seashells, among which there are very "cool". Here you can buy some copies. The only bad thing is that the museum is in a neglected state: dirty and dusty, there is no information about the exhibits.

Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park zipline

Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park

Adventure Park IFlyLoboc, aka Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park is not exactly an amusement park, but just one zipline, aka trolls. The flight passes over the Lobok river, you can go one way, you can go back and forth. When moving, you are fixed on top of the suspensions, so that you fly horizontally.

There is also a cable car with open cabins, with which, if desired, you can return home from the other side of the river. It is worth saying that the price for this entertainment is very affordable compared to other places, but there is less extreme here, even children ride. Learn more about zipline in Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park here...

Double bamboo bridge / Sipatan Twin Bamboo Bridge

Double bamboo bridge

In our opinion, an absolutely uninteresting attraction and just a waste of time, but for some reason a very popular place among tourists. These are just two suspension bridges over the river, which lead to a platform with stalls selling souvenirs, and in order to walk along them, you also need to pay.

Man-made forest in Bilar / Bilar Man-Made Forest

Man-made forest in Bilar

This is one of the stopping points for a photo shoot on the road en route to the Chocolate Hills. The road meanders through a dense forest, the trees of which closing over the road create Twilight even on the brightest day. There is even a special warning sign on the road for drivers that there may be tourists on the road. And indeed, large groups of tourists from Asian countries arrange selfie photo shoots right on the road, sitting right on the asphalt despite the cars rushing past.

Monument of Blood / Blood Compact Shrine

Monument of blood

This monument is installed in a landmark historical place, where the spread of European culture on the island of Bohol began. It is believed that it was in this place in 1565 that the first Spaniards landed, and in order to establish ties with the local rulers, they made a ritual blood contract: they drank wine into which they added their blood. From the point of view of entertainment, the place is not particularly interesting, only a monument, and that's all. But a lot of local (Asian) tourists always accumulate here, and sellers of all sorts of souvenirs at speculatively inflated prices are spinning.

San Pedro Church in Loboca

San Pedro Church in Loboca

San Pedro Church is the oldest Catholic Church in Bohol. It was founded in 1602, built in its present form in 1734. It was a contender for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a historical and architectural monument, but in 2013 it was severely damaged during an earthquake. Currently closed to the public and is under restoration, can only be viewed from the outside. Restoration is planned to be completed in 2020.

Ship Museum / Shiphaus

Ship Museum / Shiphaus

This is both a museum, a hotel, and a cafe. Inside the building, built in The Shape of a ship, the atmosphere and entourage of the ship are recreated. You can stop here on your way to the Chocolate Hills for 10 minutes, or even stay overnight. Please note that as soon as you enter, you will be photographed, and at the end of the inspection of the museum they will offer to buy key chains with your image as a souvenir. But it is not necessary to buy them, because they make them without your permission.

Sikatuna's Mirror miniature theme park

Sikatuna's Mirror miniature theme park

This is a new attraction on Bohol, opened only in 2019. This is a beautiful park, where copies of famous buildings from around the world are presented. If you like to take selfies as well as Asians, then you will certainly like to take a walk in the park and take a few photos against the background of miniatures. Otherwise, most likely spend 10 minutes here for a quick walk, because there is nothing else to do here. Learn more about Sikatuna's Mirror miniature park here...

Pangas Falls

Pangas Falls

It is a beautiful and pleasant waterfall, well equipped for swimming and relaxing. You can jump into the water, there are picnic tables, and plenty of open space for sunbathing. It is very far from the main resort of Bohl and Panglao, Alona Beach, but it can and should be visited on the way to the Chocolate Hills. It is worth coming here, first of all, in order to swim, the waterfall itself is low and not very spectacular. Learn more about pangas falls here...

Pahangog falls and caves

Pahangog Waterfall

If you really choose the best waterfall that is worth visiting from Alona Beach and Panglao, then definitely pahangog falls. It is beautiful and large, here you can freely swim and jump into the water, as well as visit two small non-equipped caves. For swimming, you can rent a car tire for 30 pesos, there are tables and gazebos for having a picnic. Learn more about pahangog falls and caves here...

Ingkumhan Falls

Ingkumhan Waterfall

This is not a very large and powerful waterfall, rather it is even a water slide. But at its foot there is a spacious natural pool where you can swim or jump into the water from the "bungee". There are also a couple of places to relax in the form of bamboo gazebos. It is on the way to the more popular Pahangog waterfall, and can be visited along the way, a separate visit is not worth it. Learn more about Ingkumhan falls here...

Mag-Aso falls

Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park

This waterfall is mentioned as the largest waterfall on the island of Bohol, but it is not. In fact, the largest waterfall is in the Anda region, and Mag-aso is a real crumb compared to even other waterfalls in this part of the island. It stands out, perhaps, only for its power, it is very full-flowing. Sometimes, after the rains, it is even forbidden to swim in it because of the strong current, and it is better not to really risk it, it is dangerous.

Mandahunog Spring and Cave

This is a spacious natural pool with clear emerald water for swimming, and a small grotto overhanging the beach. There is no real cave here. The pool is very popular with locals, especially many people come here for a weekend break with their families, and have a picnic. You can also stop here during your visit to Mag-aso waterfall, if swimming in the waterfall pool there will be prohibited due to the strong current. The place is well equipped: there are picnic tables, steps and railings for safety, and even a children's pool.

Inambacan Cave and Spring

This is another cave and spring in the area of the village of Antequera (Antequera), where you can stop, but you should not expect anything special to see. There is a natural pool on the river, a micro waterfall, and cabins for recreation for a fee. The river comes out of a small cave (rather even a grotto), and during low water it is safe to go into the cave and see small young stalactites. After the rains, the level and flow of water rises, it is difficult and even a little dangerous to be in the cave. Tourists here are extremely rare, the place is mostly popular with residents of the surrounding villages.

Kawasan Falls

High and beautiful waterfall with swimming pool. In the dry season, it turns into a thin trickle, but after the rains or during the wet season, it fills with water, and noisily breaks off from a height of about 10 meters. Interesting is not only the waterfall itself, but also the route to it: a dirt road passes through the forest, and then you have to walk a little more. Nearby there are gazebos for recreation for rent for 100 pesos.

Canumantad Falls

Canumantad Waterfall

It is the highest and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Bohol. It is located in a non-tourist part of Bohol far from the main resort of Alona Beach, it will take 4 hours to get there. But it is definitely worth a visit, especially since its visit can be combined with a trip to the Chocolate Hills, although it is further from them almost two hours away. It is also convenient to visit from anda resort. Along with the waterfall, it is also worth visiting the nearby rice terraces Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and swimming Springs Canawa Cold Spring.

Caves Of The Andes

Caves Of The Andes

In total, there are more than 20 explored and accessible caves in the mountains on the peninsula. Some of them are paid and conditionally equipped, some are completely wild and need to be visited only with a guide and appropriate equipment. Caves filled with the purest water stand out. You can swim in them, but the water is cool. The most popular and easily accessible to visit: Cabagnow Cave, Combento Cave, Cateres Cave.

Lamanoc Island

Lamanok Island

In fact, this is not an island, but a peninsula, but since you can only get there by boat, it was customary to call this place an island. This is the main attraction in Ande, just a must-visit. But whether it is worth visiting from Alona Beach and Tagbilaran, the answer is ambiguous.

There are several caves, the most interesting of which are the cave of an ancient man and the cave of shamans. In the first cave paintings were found, and the latter has long been used and is used today by local shamans. Visiting the island is carried out only with a guide who will guide you along the route through all the caves, and tell you about their features and what they were used for. Here you will see mangroves. Learn more about Lamanoc island here...