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Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills, the tiny Philippine tarsier, the Loboc River lunch cruise and the white-sand beaches of Panglao Island, and it’s a UNESCO Global Geopark. Spend 3–4 days: one for the countryside tour, one for island hopping to Balicasag and Virgin Island, and one for the beach. Stay in Panglao for beaches (Alona for nightlife, Dumaluan and Bolod for quiet), or in Tagbilaran for budget stays and the ferry. Fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport or take the 2-hour fast ferry from Cebu.
Coming from Cebu? Book your ferry and countryside tour before you go.
What is Bohol known for?
| Attraction | What it is | Approx. fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Hills, Carmen | More than 1,200 grassy limestone mounds that turn brown in the dry season; viewing deck after a 200-plus step climb | ₱100–₱150 |
| Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella | Wild tarsiers in a forest run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation | About ₱150 |
| Loboc River cruise | Buffet lunch on a floating raft with live music | About ₱850–₱1,000 |
| Balicasag Island | Marine sanctuary with sea turtles and coral walls | About ₱250 snorkeling fee, plus boat |
| Panglao beaches | Alona, Dumaluan and Bolod white-sand beaches | Free, some resorts charge entry |
| Baclayon Church | One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, restored after the 2013 earthquake | Small donation |
2026 rates from operators and recent visitors; most sites are cash only. See our churches guide for Baclayon.
Best things to do in Bohol
- Countryside tour The classic day loop: the Chocolate Hills, the Corella tarsier sanctuary, a Loboc River lunch cruise, the Bilar man-made mahogany forest and Baclayon Church. Joiner tours cost about ₱1,000–₱2,000 per person, and a private van about ₱2,500–₱4,000, plus entrance fees.
A floating restaurant on the Loboc River. Photo: Daxster16, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. 
The Bilar man-made forest. Photo: Daxster16, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. - See tarsiers the ethical way Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, where tarsiers live freely in the forest. Avoid roadside “tarsier” stops that keep stressed animals for photos. Keep quiet and never use flash.
A Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. Photo: Kok Leng Yeo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. - Island hopping from Panglao Early-morning dolphin watching, then snorkeling with sea turtles at Balicasag and the sandbar at Virgin Island. Joiner tours start around ₱1,000.
Balicasag Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Marie Antoinette Calvez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. 
Early-morning dolphin watching. Illustrative image. - Beach days in Panglao Alona Beach for restaurants and nightlife, Dumaluan and Bolod for calmer water.
Alona Beach, Panglao. Photo: Qaalvin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. - Hinagdanan Cave and Napaling A cave lagoon on Panglao, and Napaling Reef for snorkeling with sardine shoals.
Swimming in Hinagdanan Cave. Photo: Deepak-nsk, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. - Danao Adventure Park Ziplines, a giant swing and the “plunge” over a river gorge, for thrill seekers.
- Anda Bohol’s quieter east coast, with white-sand beaches and cave pools, ideal for a slower stay.
Only have one day from Cebu? See our Bohol day trip from Cebu.
Where to stay in Bohol: Panglao or Tagbilaran?
| Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Alona Beach, Panglao | First-timers, restaurants, nightlife, tour pickups | Busiest and most convenient |
| Dumaluan and Bolod, Panglao | Couples and families who want quieter beaches | Resorts on wide white-sand beaches |
| Tagbilaran City | Budget stays, the ferry port and short visits | No beach, but central and cheap |
| Anda | Slow travel and quiet beaches | About 2–3 hours from Panglao |
| Loboc | River stays and nature | Close to the countryside sights |
Most visitors stay in Panglao for the beaches and join countryside tours from there. Traveling with kids? See our family resorts guide.
How to get to Bohol
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Manila | Flight to Bohol-Panglao International Airport | About 1.5 hours |
| Cebu | Fast ferry to Tagbilaran port | About 2 hours |
| Dumaguete, Siquijor | Ferry to Tagbilaran | Varies by route |
| Airport or port to Panglao | Taxi, van or tricycle | About 20–40 minutes |
Getting around: rent a scooter (about ₱400–₱600 a day), take tricycles, or book a van for the countryside tour. See our ferry guide, domestic flights guide and car and motorbike rental guide.
How many days in Bohol? 3-day itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, check in at Panglao, then Alona Beach for sunset and dinner. |
| Day 2 | Countryside tour: Baclayon Church, the Corella tarsier sanctuary, Loboc River lunch cruise, Bilar forest and the Chocolate Hills. |
| Day 3 | Early dolphin watching and island hopping to Balicasag and Virgin Island, then Hinagdanan Cave. |
With a fourth day, add Danao Adventure Park or a night in Anda. Combine Bohol with Cebu for a 7-day trip; see our Philippines itinerary guide.
Add flights or the ferry, hotels, tours and entrance fees in our free trip budget calculator.
Book your Bohol trip
Ferries and tours for Bohol. Klook bookings often include free cancellation.
Bohol travel guide: FAQ
What is Bohol known for?
Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills, the Philippine tarsier, the Loboc River lunch cruise, the white-sand beaches of Panglao and its centuries-old stone churches. It’s also a UNESCO Global Geopark.
How many days do you need in Bohol?
Three to four days is ideal: one day for the countryside tour, one for island hopping, and one or two for the beach. A day trip from Cebu covers only the main countryside sights.
Where should I stay in Bohol?
Most visitors stay in Panglao: Alona Beach for restaurants and nightlife, or Dumaluan and Bolod for quieter beaches. Tagbilaran is cheaper and closer to the ferry port but has no beach.
Is it better to stay in Panglao or Tagbilaran?
Panglao is better for beaches and resorts, while Tagbilaran is better for budget stays and early ferries. The two are about 20 to 40 minutes apart by road.
How much is the Chocolate Hills entrance fee?
About ₱100 to ₱150 per person in 2026, paid in cash at the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen.
Where can I see tarsiers in Bohol?
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, for about ₱150. Avoid roadside tarsier stops that keep the animals in stressful conditions.
How do I get from Cebu to Bohol?
Take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, which takes about 2 hours. Several operators run daily trips, and tickets can be booked online.
When is the best time to visit Bohol?
The dry season, roughly December to May, is best for beaches and island hopping. The Chocolate Hills turn chocolate brown in the driest months, around March to May.
Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and white-sand beaches. Plan your Bohol trip today.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help travelers explore the Visayas like a local.