Bohol is a nature lover's paradise packed with genuinely unique attractions you will not find anywhere else in the Philippines. The iconic Chocolate Hills, the world's smallest primates (tarsiers), and some of the best diving in the Visayas are all here. Panglao Island is the beach and resort hub, while the countryside delivers river cruises, centuries-old churches, limestone caves, and firefly watching. Whether you are here for 3 days or 3 months, Bohol has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way.
Quick Info
Getting There
By Air — Panglao International Airport
Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) is located right on Panglao Island, which means you land minutes from the beach resorts. Direct flights from Manila operate daily on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia, with at least 2 flights per day. There are also direct flights from Cebu and Davao. The airport is modern and relatively new, a significant upgrade from the old Tagbilaran strip.
By Ferry from Cebu
OceanJet operates 4 daily fast-ferry trips from Cebu Pier to Tagbilaran, departing roughly every 2 hours starting at 7:00 AM. The crossing takes about 2 hours and costs PHP 655-1,175 depending on your seat class. This is a popular and scenic route that many travelers prefer to flying.
From Tagbilaran port, it is a 20-30 minute tricycle or van ride to Panglao Island and Alona Beach. If you booked through a tour agency, many offer port pickup as part of their packages.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are Bohol's most famous attraction and one of the most unique geological formations in Southeast Asia. There are between 1,268 and 1,776 nearly symmetrical hills spread across the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan, covering over 50 square kilometers. Most hills range from 30 to 50 meters in height, with the tallest reaching 120 meters.
How They Formed
The hills are actually ancient coral reef limestone. Millions of years ago, coral reefs accumulated on the ocean floor, forming thick layers of limestone. Tectonic activity then pushed the seafloor above sea level. Over approximately 2.5 million years, acidic rainwater slowly dissolved the exposed limestone through chemical weathering, sculpting the dome-like shapes we see today. The grass covering the hills turns brown during the dry season (January-May), which gives them their famous "chocolate" appearance. Visit during the rainy season (June-December) and they are bright green instead.
Visiting Details
The Chocolate Hills Viewpoint is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Entrance is PHP 100 per person, which includes a tuk-tuk ride to the viewpoint. From there, you climb approximately 200+ steps to reach the observation platform, which gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of the hills stretching to the horizon. It is worth the climb.
The hills are on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and have been declared the 3rd National Geological Monument of the Philippines. Note: there has been a proposed entrance fee increase under Municipal Ordinance No. 27, but the Bohol Governor has appealed to defer the increase, so PHP 100 should still be the price in 2026.
Tarsier Sanctuary — Ethical Tourism
The Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella town (about 14 km from Tagbilaran City) is the only ethical place to see tarsiers on Bohol. These tiny primates -- among the smallest in the world -- are endemic to the Philippines and are extremely sensitive to stress.
Rules You Must Follow
- No flash photography — tarsiers are nocturnal and light causes severe distress
- No loud noises — speak in whispers while on the sanctuary trails
- Never touch or hold a tarsier — despite what some private operations may allow, handling causes extreme stress and can literally kill them
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent
- All proceeds from the sanctuary support conservation efforts
This is an important point: avoid any private tourist spot that keeps tarsiers in cages or allows tourists to hold them for photos. These operations are harmful to the animals. The Corella sanctuary is the ethical and responsible option, where tarsiers live in their natural forest habitat and you observe them from a respectful distance along guided trails.
Panglao Island — Alona Beach & Diving
Alona Beach
Alona Beach is the main tourist hub on Panglao, a stretch of white sand lined with restaurants, bars, dive shops, and accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. This is where most visitors base themselves, and for good reason -- it is convenient, social, and a 2-minute walk to the water.
Diving on Panglao
Bohol is one of the top dive destinations in the Visayas, with 20+ dive sites accessible from Panglao. Expect to pay around $25-30 per dive for nearby reefs, with Balicasag Island 2-dive trips running around PHP 3,000. Multi-day package discounts are standard.
Reputable dive shops on Alona Beach include:
- Alona Divers — Filipino-owned PADI resort operating since 1996. PADI Open Water course PHP 18,800, Advanced OW PHP 15,500, Discover Scuba PHP 3,500
- SeaQuest Dive Center — PADI resort, welcomes any dive certification
- Bohol Divers Club — directly on Alona Beach, access to 12+ world-class dive sites
- Tropical Divers — 20+ dive sites, affordable Balicasag and Pamilacan trips
- Piratas Alona Dive Center — located on Alona Beach
- Valm Divers — SSI certification center
Balicasag Island — Book 3 Months Ahead
Balicasag Island is the crown jewel of Bohol diving, with a dramatic wall drop-off, incredible visibility, and large schools of fish. However, there is a strict daily cap of 300 divers per day. During peak season, spots fill up months in advance. If Balicasag is on your must-do list, book at least 3 months ahead through your dive shop.
Island hopping tours typically combine early morning dolphin watching, Balicasag snorkeling, and the Virgin Island sandbar -- one of the best day trips in the Philippines.
Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River Cruise is one of Bohol's signature experiences. You board a floating restaurant that drifts down the Loboc River while you eat a Filipino buffet lunch and watch a live cultural performance on a floating stage, including traditional folk dances like the tinikling (bamboo dance).
The price was increased to PHP 1,000 per person in April 2024 (up from PHP 850). Senior citizens pay PHP 800, and children under 3 feet tall ride free (children 3-4 feet are PHP 412). The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours.
Operating hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (last departure), and weekends until 3:00 PM. Arrive early to avoid the midday tour-bus crowds. The river scenery is beautiful -- lush green banks, overhanging trees, and clear water.
Countryside Tour
The Bohol Countryside Tour is the most popular way to see the island's inland attractions in a single day. A typical tour covers:
- Blood Compact Shrine — commemorating the 1565 blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Legazpi
- Baclayon Church — one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines
- Tarsier viewing at the sanctuary
- Bilar Man-Made Forest drive-through
- Chocolate Hills viewpoint
- Butterfly Garden
- Loboc River Cruise (usually optional, paid separately)
- Souvenir shopping stops
How to Book and Prices
You can book through online platforms like Klook, Viator, WayPH, Triphappy, or InContoursBohol, or simply arrange through your hotel. Some agencies require a PHP 1,000 downpayment per group via GCash.
Shared tour: PHP 3,500 per person (children ages 2-6: PHP 1,750). Private tour: PHP 3,390-4,860 per person depending on group size -- larger groups get better per-person rates. The tour runs roughly 8:00 AM to 4:30-5:00 PM.
Important note: the Loboc River Cruise lunch is usually NOT included in the basic countryside tour package. The tour takes you there, but you pay for the cruise separately. Factor in the extra PHP 1,000 per person if you want to do it.
Where to Stay
Budget (from PHP 338/night)
Panglao has 15+ hostels plus numerous guesthouses and budget apartments. You can find basic rooms starting from under $7 per night, though expect minimal amenities at that price point.
- The Story Resort & Spa — gardens, pool, near Danao Beach. Good value for mid-budget travelers
Mid-Range
- Bird of Paradise — 4-star property, 1.2 km from Alona Beach, pool and restaurant
- Modala Beach Resort — private beach, pool, near Doljo Beach
Luxury
- Amorita Resort — 5-star (rated 8.9), right on Alona Beach. Diving, kayaking, world-class service. The top choice for many visitors
- Henann Resort Alona Beach — the most booked luxury hotel on Panglao, large beachfront property
- South Palms Resort Panglao — spa, gym, pool, steps from Bolod Beach
- Amarela Resort — private beach on southwest Panglao, boutique feel
Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is located in Dauis on Panglao Island and is one of the more accessible caves in Bohol. It is a limestone cave with natural skylights created by holes in the ceiling that let shafts of light pour in, illuminating an underground spring pool where you can swim. The entrance fee is PHP 50 plus a small swimming fee. It makes a quick and easy side trip from Alona Beach.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
The Man-Made Forest is a 2-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees that create a dramatic canopy over the road between Loboc and Bilar towns, about 48 km from Panglao. The towering trees on both sides form a natural tunnel that is incredibly photogenic -- it is one of the most photographed spots in all of Bohol.
There is no entrance fee as it is a roadside attraction, and it is included on all countryside tours. If you are on a motorbike, it is worth stopping to walk or cycle through slowly rather than just driving past. Early morning visits have the best light and fewest tourists.
Cost of Living in Bohol (2026)
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $200–350 |
| Local Restaurant Meal | $1.50–3 |
| Western Restaurant Meal | $5–10 |
| Coffee | $1–2 |
| Monthly Transport | $20–40 (motorbike) |
| Internet (Fiber) | $15–20 |
| Total Comfortable Budget | $800–1,100 |
Best Neighborhoods
- Panglao (Alona Beach area) — the main tourist and beach hub. Restaurants, dive shops, nightlife all within walking distance
- Tagbilaran — the capital city, more local and urban. Malls, markets, hospitals, and the ferry port
- Loboc — along the river, lush and green. Home to the famous river cruise. Quieter and more rural
- Anda — the quiet, undeveloped alternative to Panglao. Beautiful beaches with a fraction of the tourists
Honest Downsides
- Infrastructure is still developing. Roads between attractions can be rough, and getting around independently requires a motorbike or private vehicle. No Grab service exists on the island
- Internet is basic. Improving, but do not expect Manila or Cebu speeds. Remote work is possible but plan for interruptions
- Countryside tour can feel rushed. The standard group tour packs many stops into one day, which means you spend a lot of time in a van and limited time at each site. Consider a private tour or splitting it over 2 days
- Alona Beach gets crowded. During peak season (December-May), Alona is packed with tourists and tour groups. The beach itself is not huge, and the restaurant touts can be persistent
- Balicasag cap means planning ahead. If you came to Bohol specifically for Balicasag diving, the 300-diver daily cap means you need to book months in advance or risk missing out entirely
- Prices are rising. The Loboc River Cruise increase to PHP 1,000, potential Chocolate Hills fee hike, and general tourist inflation mean Bohol is not as cheap as it used to be
- Limited nightlife. Panglao has some bars along Alona Beach, but this is not a party destination. Evenings are quiet, which is either a pro or a con depending on what you are looking for
- Rainy season (June-November) brings rough seas that can cancel island hopping and Balicasag trips, plus reduced visibility for diving
Book Your Stay
Ready to visit Bohol? Compare prices across the top booking platforms:
Want the full Philippines guide?
Read the Complete Guide →