Bohol is an island province in the Philippines and is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. The island has a population of over 1.3 million people and is blessed with a coastline that is 261 km long. The island’s capital is Tagbilaran. What are the best things to do in Bohol Philippines?
In Bohol, you can enjoy seeing the chocolate hills, the historic sites like the old church or the Blood Compact site, going shopping, enjoying the beach, and more. The best thing you can enjoy is the Loboc River Cruise where you can have lunch on the ferry or see the Tarsiers in the Loboc River Zoo.
In this post, we will go through things to do in Bohol Philippines. Let’s get started!
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Is Bohol Worth Visiting?
Bohol is worth visiting especially if you enjoy visiting historic sites and enjoy relaxing along the 260 km coastline. The biggest draw to Bohol is to see the Chocolate Hills as well as go scuba diving or just go dolphin watching.
Things To Do In Bohol Philippines
Bohol is an island province located in the Central Visayas region and the island is blessed with a 260 km long coastline. There are fun things to do in Bohol that will keep you busy for a couple of days.
Here is our list of things to do in Bohol Philippines.
See The Chocolate Hills
This should be on top of any list of things to do in Bohol. Without a doubt, it is the most famous attraction in Bohol known far and wide is none other than Chocolate Hills. It is a cluster of 1,268 haycock hills that turn brown when the season gets dry, hence, the name.
This a natural phenomenon and is something that you can only see in the Philippines. Making it a unique sight to see and is something that can not be found in other parts of the world.
For the best breathtaking view of 360 degrees of the whole area of 50 square kilometers dotted by these half-sphere hills, you can climb up the view deck which has 250 steps.
Go Scuba Diving
If you love to go scuba diving, you must never miss the opportunity to do it during your visit to Bohol. It offers some of the best dive sites that can be found right in the heart of the Visayas Province.
Two of the most famous scuba diving sites are Cabilao Island and Balicasag.
See The Loboc Tarsiers
The world’s smallest primate is also found in Bohol, this is no other than the tarsiers. Tarsiers are nocturnal animals, although those living in the Loboc River Zoo already adapted well to human sleeping patterns.
These primates feed on different types of insects and you can see them hanging onto tree branches. Tarsiers can live for up to 20 years with one mating season every year which lasts for only 3 seconds.
Tarsiers are even said to be the ones that inspired George Lucas’ character of Master Yoda in the famous Star Wars series.
You can take photos with these animals as long as you do not use a flash with your camera and you remain quiet while exploring the place. This is because tarsiers are easily disturbed and agitated.
Cruise The Loboc River
The Loboc River Cruise will let you have lunch or even dinner aboard the ferry. As well you can enjoy the scenic view of a palm plantation along the Loboc River.
You can also relax by watching the live performance of Loboc locals on the river banks and kids who show off their skills by jumping off trees into the water.
Visit The Old Church
Baclayon Church is also known as the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. That is located in Baclayon and is considered the second oldest church in the country of the Philippines. It is one of the well-preserved Jesuit-constructed churches.
Another church that you can visit is the Dauis Church or Church of Our Lady of Assumption, which is popular for its well at its altar’s foot.
It appeared miraculously when the town was actually attacked by the pirates centuries ago. It’s also believed to have healing power. Therefore, when visiting, take note to bring bottles and take them home.
Visit The Loay Bolo Makers
Loay Bolo Makers are the ones who create local swords. Visitors can watch how they’re made, yet can’t be purchased. The distribution and sale of the bolos were the local government’s responsibility to ensure that the makers of bolo would get fair prices.
Learn About The Blood Compact
It is the place found in the city of Tagbilaran where monuments were constructed of the friendship pact or blood pact that was made between Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Rajah Sikatuna in the year 1565.
The spot overlooks the forest which it is prohibited to enter because of the number of migrant birds and some animals.
Visit The Bohol Bee Farm
Contrary to what you thought it is, it is actually more than a honey factory. It features a restaurant of organic foods and a resort as well. This is one of the more interesting things to do in Bohol.
See to it that you consider a farm tour where they highlight their spice and organic vegetable garden and some things about bee farming.
They also have a shop that sells organic produce such as bread spread, honey, wine, and so on.
Go Dolphin Watching
If you want to do something different, dolphin watching is another famous attraction on the island. It is a forty-minute Banca ride from Panglao island and you need to get up before seven in the morning.
The dolphins are prompt and often come in hundreds. It’s a magnificent show, which lasted sixty minutes. It’s worth remembering that until a decade ago, the locals used to be dolphin hunters.
Nowadays, it’s a protected area as well as killing sea creatures is prohibited. Hunters eventually became spotters, thanks to the ecotourism that was introduced by the local government.
Visit Clarins Ancestral House
If you are the type of person who loves everything about history. You enjoy visiting one of the numerous Spanish-period homes in Bohol and this is popularly known as Clarins Ancestral House.
It is a nineteenth-century ancestral home of the family of Clarin’s clan, which is now considered a national heritage site and was already transformed into a museum.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Bohol is a good place to visit especially if you are interested in seeing the wonderful natural site of the Chocolate Hills, or the historic sites like the old church or the Blood Compact site, enjoying the beach, and more. The best thing you can enjoy is the Loboc River Cruise where you can have lunch on the ferry or go dolphin watching.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the things to do in Bohol Philippines has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.