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Best things to do in Bohol

Find out more about those top places in Bohol

Things to do in Bohol - Philippines

Bohol, Philippines: Where Tiny Monkeys Meet Chocolate Mountains (Think Island Escapes, Tarsier Tease, and Hills That Look Good Enough to Eat!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Visayan Secret!

Mabuhay from Bohol, the Philippines’ wonderfully hidden gem, located just a breezy two-hour boat ride away from the buzzing metropolis of Cebu City! While the island's gorgeous beaches around Panglao are certainly no stranger to sun-seekers, the vast majority of Bohol remains delightfully completely unspoiled. Imagine a place where bug-eyed tarsiers – those adorably tiny primates with peepers the size of saucers – swing nonchalantly from jungle trees, and where the bizarrely beautiful Chocolate Hills, covered in lush rainforest, create a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet (or at least in a very delicious dream!).

If you're on a quest to witness the elusive tarsier in all its tiny, wide-eyed glory, the sanctuary in Canapnapan is the best place to visit. Here, well-maintained jungle trails allow you to (hopefully!) catch a respectful glimpse of these stunning primates in their natural habitat. Just remember to be quiet and patient – these little guys are masters of hide-and-seek! This tarsier encounter is definitely one of the top things to do and a unique sightseeing experience.

Beyond the enchanting wildlife, prepare to be utterly bewildered (in the best way!) by the rounded, perfectly symmetrical Chocolate Hills. Spreading out over a vast area in the center of the island, these geological oddities are a sight to behold. The best time for prime "chocolate" viewing is during the dry season when the vegetation turns a rich, brown hue, making the hills take on an uncanny resemblance to giant chocolate drops scattered across the landscape. It's a top attraction that's truly unlike any other, offering fantastic sightseeing and photo opportunities that will make your friends think you've landed on a planet made of dessert!

But Bohol's magic doesn't stop there! This island paradise also boasts stunning white-sand beaches (beyond the bustling Panglao), crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, charming local villages waiting to be explored, and a laid-back island vibe that will instantly melt away your stress. From exploring ancient churches to cruising down the Loboc River on a floating restaurant (serenaded by local musicians!), Bohol offers a diverse range of things to do and places to visit that cater to all tastes.

Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this Visayan secret. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from encountering adorable tarsiers and marveling at chocolate hills to relaxing on pristine beaches and exploring lush interiors, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Bohol a truly special and hilariously unique destination. So pack your camera, your sense of wonder, and maybe a snack (though try not to confuse it with the Chocolate Hills!) – Bohol is waiting to charm your socks off!

Top Attractions: Tiny Primates & Edible-Looking Hills!

Bohol offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and bizarre natural wonders:

Tarsier Sanctuary (Canapnapan): Bug-Eyed Wonders

Visit the tarsier sanctuary in Canapnapan for a chance to see these adorable, elusive primates up close. A must-do thing to do for unique wildlife sightseeing.

Chocolate Hills: Nature's Dessert

Marvel at the rounded, perfectly symmetrical Chocolate Hills, a geological wonder best viewed in the dry season when they resemble giant chocolate drops. A top attraction for bizarre and beautiful sightseeing.

Panglao Island Beaches: White Sands & Turquoise Waters

Relax on the beautiful beaches around Panglao Island, offering classic tropical paradise vibes. A key place to visit for beach lovers.

Loboc River Cruise: Floating Feast

Enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Loboc River on a floating restaurant, complete with local music and delicious food. A unique and fun thing to do.

Baclayon Church: Ancient History

Explore the Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, offering a glimpse into the island's history. A noteworthy place to visit for historical sightseeing.

Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this Visayan secret!):

Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Bohol vibe:

  • Explore the Anda Beach: Discover the stunning white sands and turquoise waters of Anda, a less crowded alternative to Panglao.
  • Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella): Another reputable sanctuary dedicated to tarsier conservation.
  • Go Snorkeling or Diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs surrounding Bohol.
  • Visit the Hinagdanan Cave: Discover this beautiful underground cave with a natural pool.
  • Explore the Man-Made Forest: Wander through this unique and impressive reforestation project.

So, if you're looking for places to visit in the Philippines that offer a quirky mix of adorable wildlife, bizarre natural landscapes, and beautiful beaches, Bohol is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with those big tarsier eyes and resist the urge to take a bite out of the Chocolate Hills! Mabuhay and happy exploring!

  • Visit the Chocolate Hills

    Although they are not yet on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites,  they are definitely on their way to making the list. The chocolate hills are a collection of about a thousand and two hundred breathtaking green hills. 

  • River Paddle Boarding

    Tourists are offered the thrill of paddling themselves out on the Bohol River to go sightseeing. The scenery around the river is always serene and interesting to watch. Watching the sun set from the river is always a sight to behold as the setting sun reflects beautifully.

  • Loboc River Cruise

    Cruising on the river of Loboc that winds around Bohol, there are a number of interesting tourist attraction sites present here. These sites include places like the Blood Compact Site, the museum and church in Baclayon among others. While on your cruise, you can sight the Tarsier which is the smallest monkey species in the world.

    Full-Day Bohol Tour

  • Hinagdanan Cave

    Another place that is worth visiting on a tour of Bohol is the Hinagdanan Cave. The beautiful cave has a lagoon inside while stalactites and stalagmites rise and fall inside as well. The sunlight that filters in through a hole in the room makes the interior of the cave look somewhat like a concert stage. This cave also has some history due to the fact that it was used to escape Japanese forces during the 2nd world war.

  • Tarsier Conservatory

    These little creatures are most concentrated in this part of the world. Tarsiers are the smallest living monkey species in the world. Go on to take a closer look at these little creatures, offer them little candies and see how they get giddy with excitement. With Bohol being an ecotourism city, there are a number of other interesting sights and sites to see and visit.

Best places to stay in Bohol

Philippines tours featuring Bohol