Bohol is undoubtedly an enchanting island province known for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From captivating landscapes to historical landmarks, Bohol offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Bohol is located in the Central Visayas region, surrounded by the azure waters of the Bohol Sea. It is situated east of Cebu, one of the Philippines' major islands.
The province comprises the main Bohol Island and numerous smaller surrounding islands. The lush greenery of its interior, pristine beaches, and the famous Chocolate Hills characterize Bohol’s diverse geography.
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TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
Bohol in Details
Location: Central Visayas
Geographic Coordinates: 9°54′N 124°12′E
Area: 4,820.95 km2 (1,861.38 sq mi)
Neighboring Cities: Cebu City | Maasin City
Neighboring Islands: Siquijor | Cebu | Leyte | Camiguin
Climate: Tropical
Religion: Catholicism (majority), Protestant, Baptist
Best Known For: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers
Major Industries: Mining, manufacturing, and tourism
Brief History of Bohol
Bohol is steeped in history, with evidence of its past visible in the form of ancient churches, centuries-old stone houses, and archaeological sites.
The province was a significant trading hub for the Chinese, Spanish, and Muslim merchants during the pre-colonial era. Spanish influence is evident in the beautifully preserved churches, including the iconic Baclayon Church, which dates back to 1596.
Bohol Tourist Spots
1. Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are Bohol’s most iconic natural wonder. These cone-shaped hills, which turn brown during the dry season, create a surreal and mesmerizing landscape. The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen offers a panoramic view of this geological phenomenon.
2. Tarsier Conservation Area
Bohol is home to the world’s smallest primates, the Philippine tarsiers. Visit the Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella to observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Remember, they are sensitive to noise and flash photography, so it's essential to maintain a respectful distance.
3. Panglao Island
Panglao Island, located southwest of Bohol, is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Alona Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. The island also boasts stunning coral reefs and diverse aquatic species.
4. Loboc River and Floating Restaurants
Embark on a scenic river cruise along the Loboc River while dining on a floating restaurant. Enjoy the lush tropical scenery, traditional Filipino cuisine, and live music performances. This experience offers a relaxing way to immerse yourself in Bohol’s natural beauty.
5. Loboc Church and Watchtower
Visit the historic Loboc Church, also known as San Pedro Apostol Parish Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Bohol. Nearby, the Loboc Watchtower provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts.
6. Blood Compact Shrine
The Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran City commemorates the historic blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain. This event symbolizes friendship and alliances between cultures, marking a significant moment in Bohol’s history.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN BOHOL
Klook.comHow to get to Bohol
There are many ways to travel to Bohol from any points in the Philippines (major cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao).
By Air
Take a plane to Bohol via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. These commercial airlines have direct flights everyday from Manila to Bohol. Direct flights from Davao to Bohol are offered by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines three times a week.
From Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG), you can take a bus, taxi, jeepney, or tricycle to your next destination in the province.
Compare Air Fares
A quick and easy way to do this is to use flight search engines A.K.A airfare comparison sites. Get started by following the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the best flight search engines listed below (click the links to open a new tab).
Step 2: Enter your destinations and travel dates to compare airfares.
Step 3: Go back to this page and select another flight search engine.
Step 4: Repeat steps #2 & #3 until you visit all sites listed.
Step 5: Review the airfare results to find out which airline/site offers the cheapest prices. Take note of all the airlines listed. Use the “Filter” feature to see a list of airlines that fly to your destination.
TIP! You can also use any of the websites or apps to get flight schedules for your destination.
By Sea
Bohol has more than 10 seaports with Tagbilaran Port as the main gateway to the province. 2Go Travel has a ferry sailing from Manila to Tagbilaran once a week. However, the schedule varies every month so it is best to check the shipping company’s official website for the updated schedule.
Travel time is around 32 hours and the fare ranges from P755 ($15 USD) to P7,525 ($150 USD) depending on the accommodation type and date of booking. The earlier the book, the cheaper the fare will be.
Cebu is also a popular jumpoff point to Bohol. From Cebu Port, you can take a ferry ride to Tagbilaran Port, Tubigon Port, Getafe, and Ubay. There are also ferries sailing to various ports in Bohol from Dumaguete, Saiquijor, and camiguin.
Bus Terminal
Dao Integrated Terminal is the main busport in Bohol.
Read my complete transportation guide for Bohol.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
The best season is from March to June.
Bohol celebrates several festivals every year. The best reasons to jump on a flight to Bohol (Tagbilaran) are for the Ubi Festival (January), Sandugo Festival (July), and the Saulog Festival (May). See all festivals celebrated in Bohol.
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
Bohol Hotels & Accommodation
Here are top-rated resort accommodation near Tagbilaran, Bohol:
The Bellevue Resort |
- The Bellevue Resort
Location: Brgy Doljo, Panglao Island
See Photos & Room Rates - Amorita Resort
Location: 1 Ester A Lim Dr, Brgy Tawala, Panglao Island
See Photos & Room Rates - Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant
Location: Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island
See Photos & Room Rates - Henann Resort
Location: Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao Island
See Photos & Room Rates
See more accommodation in Bohol.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
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