A travel guide on visiting Bohol Island in the Philippines.
The island of Bohol in the Philippines is known for its unique features, such as the exotic landscapes known as the ‘Chocolate Hills’ and the presence of wild tarsiers, the world’s smallest primate. Although not as renowned as islands like Coron or El Nido Palawan, Bohol is still a worthwhile destination to explore.
Bohol Island offers a variety of activities and attractions, including island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, driving tours of the countryside, and visits to waterfalls, rice terraces, churches, and the famous Philippine tarsiers.
It is possible to easily travel to Bohol Island from Cebu or Manila, and it is even feasible to visit Bohol on a day trip from Cebu and return on the same day. However, there are numerous activities on the island that can keep you occupied for several days if you have the time to stay longer.
This travel guide provides information on how to travel to Bohol Philippines, accommodations, activities on the island, and essential details for your trip.
Can you tell me the location of Bohol Island?
Bohol Island is situated in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, located just south of Cebu. It is approximately 30 kilometers away from Cebu City.
One can reach there either by air from a major city or by taking a ferry from one of the neighboring islands.
Here is a drone picture of Balicasag Island, which is known as one of the popular places in Bohol, Philippines.
A guide on navigating to Bohol, Philippines.
The transportation from Manila to Bohol is available.
From Manila, passengers have the option to book flights to Bohol with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. These airlines offer non-stop flights that typically have a duration of approximately 1.5 hours.
The Bohol international airport, located in Pangalao with the code TAG, serves as the primary area for tourists to stay. Flights on this route operate daily and offer affordable prices, sometimes as low as 1,700 pesos ($30 USD) for one-way tickets.
If you have a choice, Philippine Airlines is highly recommended for their excellent service, though other airlines are also satisfactory.
Browse our selection of flights to Bohol.
The route from Cebu to Bohol.
Travelers can reach Bohol from Cebu through fast ferry services like Oceanjet or Supercat. The boats are considered safe and offer a relatively comfortable journey of around 2 hours. However, it is important to note that ferry operations may be affected or canceled in the event of stormy weather.
The Cebu ferry terminal is conveniently located near the Cebu city center and can be easily reached by taxi. There are numerous ferry departures available daily, allowing you to select the most suitable date and time to accommodate your schedule.
The prices for a one-way ticket are 900 pesos ($16 USD), and there is also a small terminal fee. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance to save time at the ferry terminal and ensure your place on the boat.
Day tours to Bohol from Cebu offer convenience with hotel transfers and ferry tickets, allowing visitors to explore the top sights of Bohol island, making it a practical choice for those with limited time.
Now available: Bohol Ferry/Tour from Cebu.
• From Other Places
Bohol can be accessed by ferry from nearby islands in the Philippines such as Siquijor, Dumaguete, or Camiguin.
Additionally, there are direct flights to Bohol from Davao (DVO) or El Nido (ENI) in the Philippines, or from Seoul–Incheon (ICN) in South Korea.
Flights to the Philippines are available for purchase at Skyscanner.
The Chocolate Hills are a well-known geographical feature in Bohol, Philippines.
The waters at Balicasag Island are blue and turquoise.
Ways to navigate Bohol Island
The most efficient modes of transportation on Bohol island are cars, motorbikes, or tuk-tuks (motorized tricycles).
Motorbikes are a cost-effective mode of transportation, and there are convenient options for renting bikes from hotels or rental shops on the island of Bohol.
Tricycles are considered an intermediate option as they offer a slightly higher level of safety and comfort compared to motorbikes, while still being relatively affordable. They can easily be hailed on the road or requested through your hotel.
The car is the most expensive mode of transportation in Bohol, but it can become quite economical if shared with a group of friends. Additionally, it is considered the safest and most comfortable option for exploring the island. If planning long distance trips, the car is highly recommended.
Klook offers a private car charter service in Bohol, allowing you to hire a local driver with a car/van for up to 8 hours of island touring. They also provide airport transfers by car to Panglao and other areas of Bohol.
The Loboc river cruise offers beautiful tropical scenery.
Philippine Tarsier
Another method of transportation in Bohol is through group tours. Klook offers reasonably priced Bohol countryside tours and island hopping tours, which are ideal for solo travelers. I personally did the countryside tour for just $10 USD.
One point to consider is that although the tours are enjoyable, they may not fully showcase the authentic countryside of Boho. Instead, they primarily focus on the most popular tourist attractions.
Although the tours are enjoyable, for a more immersive experience of Bohol’s beauty, it is recommended to rent a motorbike or hire a private driver and explore remote attractions such as the Cadapdapan rice terraces and Can-umantad Falls. The journey itself offers stunning scenic views and is highly recommended.
Top attractions to experience in Bohol, Philippines.
• Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are a prominent sight in Boh
During the dry season (January to May), the hills display a brown color, while in the rainy season months (June to December), they are green. Regardless, this is considered one of the top activities to do in Bohol island.
The Chocolate Hills can be found in central Bohol, approximately 1.5 hours away from Panglao. There is a platform that offers panoramic views of the hills, as well as tourist activities such as 4-wheeling (ATVs) and zip lines.
You can book the Bohol Countryside Tour now.
The photograph captures a panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills.
Chocolate Hills
• Philippine Tarsiers
Bohol is known for its wildlife, particularly the Philippine tarsiers, which are the smallest primates in the world.
In Bohol, there are two main locations where you can see tarsiers: the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary or the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. The sanctuary generally receives higher ratings, however, if you join a tour, it typically takes you to the other location.
At the conservation area, it is important to be mindful of the tarsiers’ nocturnal nature and avoid disturbing them. Please refrain from using flash photography and observe the signs to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Loboc River
The Loboc River is included in the itinerary of the Bohol countryside tour. It offers a scenic boat cruise along the river, along with a buffet meal and a Filipino cultural dance performance.
I had initial concerns about the boat cruise due to the large crowds and long lines, fearing it might be a tourist trap. However, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience. The meal was relatively expensive at 850 pesos, but all the food was fresh and of good quality, prompting me to have second and third helpings.
The tropical scenery along the river becomes more picturesque as you continue, featuring steep mountains and palm trees along the riverside. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and a memorable part of my trip to Bohol, Philippines.
Loboc river cruise
• Alona Beach
Alona Beach is the main tourist beach in Bohol, featuring numerous hotels, bars, restaurants, massage establishments, and souvenir shops.
The beach offers both relaxation and watersports, along with opportunities to witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Though there may be some annoyance from the hawkers, it is possible to ignore them and have a peaceful beach experience.
Alona beach is not necessarily remarkable compared to other beautiful beaches in the Philippines, but it is definitely worth visiting.
There is a funny sand castle at Alona Beach.
• Dumaluan Beach
Dumaluan Beach is considered a quieter and cleaner alternative to Alona. It is less developed and not as widely known. Additionally, there is an entrance fee to access the beach, which helps in limiting the number of visitors.
If you are looking for accommodations in Dumaluan, consider South Palms Resort or Bohol Beach Club. These hotels are known for their beauty, although they can be on the more expensive side.
Dumaluan Beach is located at South Palms Resort.
• Balicasag Island
Balicasag Island is the primary destination for Bohol island hopping tours. It is a circular island situated in the southwest of Bohol, not too far away.
We spent approximately 2.5 hours exploring the island, enjoying the beach, and snorkeling at the reef, where you can have the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. This island is a recommended destination for a day trip from Bohol, Philippines.
Balicasag is an island with a bustling atmosphere due to the presence of many boats on the beach. However, if you explore, you can discover quieter areas. Additionally, there are restaurants, bathrooms, and other basic accommodations available. The journey from Alona beach to Balicasag takes approximately one hour by boat.
You can book the Bohol Island Hopping Tour now.
This is a drone picture of Balicasag Island.
The beach at Balicasag Island is a popular destination.
• Virgin Island
Virgin Island is a natural sandbar and is typically the second stop on Bohol island hopping tours. It can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from either Alona beach or Balicasag island. It is recommended to visit at low tide to fully experience the sandbar.
The name of this island is slightly misleading as there are boats present daily, and I have encountered more picturesque sandbars in the Philippines. Additionally, the abundance of seaweed slightly detracts from the beach view.
Despite some drawbacks, Virgin Island is still worth a visit. The island offers a modest experience and we stayed for a short duration. If fortunate, visitors may spot starfish in the shallow water.
Virgin Island
Sandbar at Virgin Island
• Pahangog Falls
Pahangog Falls is a turquoise waterfall located in the southern part of Bohol island, approximately a 1.5 hour drive from the Panglao tourist area.
This spot, also known as the Dimiao Twin Falls, is considered by many to be the most beautiful waterfall in Boho. The water has a bright turquoise color and is suitable for swimming if desired for cooling off.
A guide may or may not be necessary for Pahangog, but it can provide assistance. It typically takes around 15-30 minutes to hike to the falls from the parking area, depending on your speed. The return journey may be slower due to the uphill path.
There are drink sellers available at both the top and bottom of the hill if you become tired. We noticed a small amount of litter, but it was not excessive. Overall, this waterfall is a pleasant hidden gem that is not included in the main Bohol tours.
Pahangog Falls is a pool and waterfall with a turquoise color.
• Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Bohol island in the Philippines features numerous rice terraces, with the ones at Cadapdapan being particularly impressive. They are comparable in beauty to some of the rice terraces in Bali.
A drawback of visiting the Cadapdapan rice terraces from Panglao is the distance. It requires a minimum of 2.5 hours driving and there are currently no group tours available. Therefore, you will need to either drive yourself or hire a private driver with additional charges due to the distance.
This is one of the top attractions in Bohol, Philippines, and it would be a pity to overlook it. It offers stunning views at sunrise and is also ideal for drone photography.
The Cadapdapan rice terraces are located a distance away from the town, but they offer a stunning natural landscape.
• Can-umantad Falls
The Can-umantad waterfall in Bohol is the tallest in the area and is conveniently located near the Cadapdapan rice terraces.
The path that leads down from the terraces provides access to the waterfall. It is recommended to park your car or bike at Eleuterio’s Restaurant. The rice terraces can be observed from this point, and it takes approximately 15 minutes to hike down to the waterfall.
Can-umantad Falls is a two-step cascade with a turquoise pool where swimming is allowed below the waterfall. There are also small drink stands available where visitors can purchase fresh coconut juice and other refreshments. It is considered one of the top waterfalls in Bohol.
Can-umantad Falls is considered the largest waterfall in Bohol, Philippines.
• Pamilacan Island
Pamilacan is a small island located south of Bohol. It boasts a serene white sand beach and a circular shape akin to Balicasag island. Compared to Balicasag, Pamilacan offers a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere.
When comparing Balicasag and Pamilacan islands, Pamilacan may receive fewer tour opportunities, making it slightly more challenging to secure a shared boat. Nevertheless, GetYourGuide offers a well-regarded Pamilacan tour that encompasses dolphin watching, lunch, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
I have personally utilized this tour and had a positive experience. The boat journey to Pamilacan from Panglao or mainland Bohol typically lasts approximately one hour.
You can book a tour of Pamilacan Island now.
A map displaying various activities and attractions in Bohol, Philippines.
Here is a map showcasing popular activities and attractions in Bohol, Philippines, that can assist you in organizing your own itinerary for the island.
Users have the option to click on the icons to obtain additional information about each place, while considering that the locations may not be exact.
Best Beaches In Bohol
Bohol is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, with Alona Beach being one of the most popular. However, it can be crowded and heavily developed with tourist accommodations and dining options.
Dumaluan Beach, located just a 15 minute drive from Alona, offers a scenic and slightly less crowded alternative. Please note that there is an entrance fee for the beach, but it is well-maintained and a pleasant visit.
Anda White Beach is located on the far eastern side of Bohol, approximately 3 hours away from Panglao and Tagbilaran. It is a less crowded tourist destination, accessible by van or bus from the Dao terminal in Tagbilaran.
There is a secluded corner at Alona Beach.
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