Best Things to Do in Bohol: A Guide to the Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to Bohol contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Looking for the best things to do in Bohol?
Bohol is a rustic jungle island in the Philippines, known for forest adventures and unique activities on its windy mountain roads.
Despite its massive size, Bohol’s primary attractions are clustered around the area of Tagbilaran City. Hang out with cute little tarsiers, see the Chocolate Hills, and swim in warm waterfalls.
A full day of exploration around the Bohol area will never require more than one hour of travel as the key highlights are efficiently located around one major loop.
We adored our trip to the town last April. While most Filipino islands are beach-focused, we loved that Bohol was unique in having inland activities within the jungle. It is the place to be to stay in a relaxing ecolodge and fall asleep (or stay awake) to the sound of forest creatures. Follow this list and get a little sample of everything!
Enjoy this travel guide of the best things to do in Bohol, including what to prioritize if you only have one day, where to stay, and how to get around. It is a great island to tack onto your Philippines bucket list, especially after visiting Moalboal.
Happy Sampling!
Table of Contents
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Bohol
(1) Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are one of the most well-known activities in Bohol, and they are worth a quick visit. They are a natural phenomenon where over 1,000 protruding hills look like pimples in the landscape of the island. In the rainy season, they are lush and green, turning brown during the dry season. Hence, the name stems from their brown color during part of the year.
For the most part, the Chocolate Hills can be viewed from the overlook that requires no hiking at all. From the drop-off point near the rest area of the Chocolate Hills Complex, climb up 214 stairs to get to the viewpoint. Feel free to leave your hiking shoes at home as you can do this “climb” in your flip-flops.
There are a few tours available of the Chocolate Hills such as ATV rides through the valley, but you cannot climb up any of the hills themselves. This may be disappointing to hear, but you can get a good view from the main overlook.
The Chocolate Hills Complex has bathrooms and a restaurant, and we highly recommend getting a banana or mango smoothie if you have enough time to stop.
And yes! My author photo (visible on the right) was taken there on one particularly humid April day.
(2) Bilar Man-Made Forest
The Bilar Man-Made Forest is an incredibly quick stop but is well worth a visit on your way to other main attractions in Bohol. It is a short strip of densely packed forest stretching 2 km (1.24 miles) that was part of a reforestation project. It is a good photo stop where your driver will pull over to the side of the road for a picture.
(3) Tarsier Sanctuary
Know what a tarsier is? Don’t worry, we didn’t either! Tarsiers are tiny primates that are basically endemic to the Philippines, found only here and in Borneo. They are curious little animals that are fascinating to hang out with, and the Tarsier Sanctuary has done a great job of protecting them.
The entrance fee is around 80 pesos, and it takes only 30 to 45 minutes to go through the entire area. It is small but mighty, as you will see dozens of the little fist-sized animals. Luckily, some guides help point out where they are, as they easily blend into the trees.
Remember to remain quiet as tarsiers are nocturnal animals, and during the day, they are mostly asleep. It is clear that the little animals are well taken care of and protected in the sanctuary environment.
(4) Pangas Falls
There are so many different waterfalls to choose from in Bohol, but we highly recommend Pangas Falls in Biloy Dagohoy. While it is more out of the way than other falls in the area, Pangas sees fewer visitors, giving you basically a private experience.
We had the whole falls to ourselves, which made for a surreal time splashing around and having fun. It is even possible to swim behind the waterfall and hang out in the cave area. Apart from being stunning, the water is incredibly warm, and you will have a hard time getting yourself out of the river because of how nice it is.
There are changing rooms, and while the amenities are incredibly rudimentary (by changing room we mean a concrete box), it’s a good place to change into your swimsuit. There aren’t any showers, so remember to bring your own towel to dry off before getting back on your ride.
The entrance fee costs around 25 pesos which covers the price of a makeshift lifeguard who is an incredibly friendly person willing to take photos of you and your friends.
It was pouring rain when we went, and we still had an absolute blast of a time. Nothing feels more dreamlike than swimming around a waterfall in the rain.
(5) Loboc River & Town
Finally, while there are a lot of towns within the island of Bohol, Loboc is one of the cutest and quaintest. It has great restaurant options, and the picturesque Loboc River runs through the middle of the town. Take a boat ride, walk along the banks of the river, or just grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants.
We recommend having dinner at Amando Café. At the time we visited, they had Shar Pei puppies who greeted us with enthusiasm. The food was good, and the wait staff was exceptional.
For another well-rated restaurant attraction, check out the Loboc Riverwatch Floating Resto, named for being a dining boat. You’ll soon notice that Filipinos love their restos!
What to Do in Bohol for a Day
Bohol is a very small island, and the stops aren’t too large. Therefore, it is easy to see all of the top five attractions in just one day. We met some travelers during our stay who had more than 2 days and didn’t know what to do with their time.
The main attractions in Bohol are located along one loop, making it easy to traverse in half or a full day. We recommend the following order to maximize your time:
- Bilar Man-Made Forest
- Tarsier Sanctuary
- Chocolate Hills
- Pangas Falls
- Dinner in Loboc
If you are spending more than one day in Bohol, we recommend going island hopping near Panglao, a small island attached to Bohol by bridges. The island has beautiful snorkeling and diving opportunities.
However, most of the other destinations in the Philippines are heavy on beach and water sports. Bohol is one of the only islands where the majority of the attractions are inland in the forest. We suggest taking some time to explore the wilderness!
How to Get Around Bohol
There are three main ways to get around Bohol depending on your level of comfort.
1. Private Taxi
The first option is to take a private car around the island, although it is the most expensive. Day trips are usually around 2,500 pesos, but you get the comfort of an air-conditioned car.
2. Tricycle – Recommended Option
Usually a lot cheaper than a taxi, tricycles still give you a private experience and are the best way to get around the island. The tricycles are open-air, making them less ideal during the rainy season, but they are a fun way to zoom around Bohol when it’s dry. To book a tricycle, we recommend going through your hostel or hotel as the rates are more standard and the drivers are previously vetted.
In Bohol, we spent a lot of time figuring out how to find a driver who would take us to our destinations of choice for a cheap price. We ended up going with a friend we had met in Moalboal who booked her tricycle through her hotel. Of course, the more people, the cheaper the ride altogether. If you have made any friends during your time in the Philippines, definitely ask if they want to bum a ride with you!
3. Moped
The final option of taking a moped is the most adventurous choice. You can either find a random person and sit on the back of their motorcycle, or you can rent one on your own. The first option requires you to find a stranger who is willing to be your tour guide for the day – this can certainly be a bit sketchy. If that is your idea of a fun time, feel free to run around Tagbilaran City and find somebody willing to do that.
Driving your own moped comes with its own cautionary tale. While you don’t have to make a split-second decision on who will be your driver, the roads in Bohol are twisty, and you may find yourself getting into an accident if you are not familiar with driving a moped.
Big note: if you have never ridden a moped, Bohol is not the place to learn! The mountain streets can often be wet, windy, and the traffic of other vehicles can be hard to manage for beginners. Learning to ride a motorcycle is a fun skill, but this is not the place to learn.
Where to Stay in Bohol
We highly recommend staying in the Southwestern part of Bohol. Even though the island is incredibly big, most of the top attractions surround a tiny zone in the Tagbilaran City area. More likely than not, you will take the ferry into Tagbilaran City which will be the beginning location of your adventures.
Loboc – Recommended Option
Loboc is a great town because it has a lot of restaurant options. It is by far the most central location to the main attractions on the island and provides a quieter, more laid-back jungle feel. While Loboc shuts down at night, it is a great place to hang out.
We stayed in the Water to Forest Ecolodge and adored it. Even though it was a little bit more secluded and tucked away into the forest, it made for a more relaxing and peaceful experience. Because a lot of main Filipino destinations are at the beach, Bohol is one of the few opportunities to stay within a jungle.
Water to Forest Ecolodge is rustic but beautiful, with fantastic food service and incredibly kind staff. If you stay at the hostel, remember to put your mosquito nets on your bed, and don’t turn on the lights after dark to avoid bugs.
Rooms in the Water to Forest Ecolodge are not private, meaning that only a curtain will separate your individual bed from other guests. If you aren’t comfortable with this, it is best to stay at another hotel.
A top hotel choice in Loboc is the highly-rated Fox & The Firefly Cottages, located next to the Loboc River. It is a great option for travelers who want help booking tours on the island. The hotel arranges tours such as hot air balloon rides, paddle boarding, and firefly boat tours. With a full bar and restaurant, it is a great spot for families and couples who want private rooms as opposed to Water to Forest Ecolodge’s more rustic shared accommodations.
Panglao Island
Beach lovers should look to staying in Panglao, the smaller island connected to Bohol via bridges. It is a better option if you are interested in going snorkeling in the Panglao Reef Flats or transiting through the airport. However, it is located further away from the main attractions of Bohol such as the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.
With a similar vibe to the Water to Forest Ecolodge, the Bohol Coco Farm is a social hostel located on a 3-hectare property. It has an emphasis on meeting fellow travelers with a great tour desk that will help visitors get set up on a scooter, free beach tours, and travel guides. The hostel has nightly social activities to encourage guests to make friends.
The Mayana Resort is within walking distance of San Isidro Beach, with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden, and a great restaurant. For travelers who are willing to splurge a bit of extra cash on a room, this hotel doesn’t disappoint. Rental cars are available for visitors who want to plan their own sightseeing without worrying about finding a driver.
Tagbilaran City
The final option is to stay in the bigger city of Tagbilaran. It is not recommended as it is crowded, grittier, and a bit overwhelming. However, it is closer to the tourist port which can be convenient if you are only staying in Bohol for a short amount of time.
The Gomez Guest House is a great cheap hostel in Tagbilaran City with outstanding reviews. It is located centrally in the city, and while the rooms are basic, they do the trick if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the island.
For a more upscale choice in the area, head to the Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel, with an infinity pool and good Wi-Fi connection. It is a bit further out from the center of the city which provides travelers with much-needed peace and quiet.
How to Get to Bohol
The easiest way to get to Bohol is by taking the ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City. Tagbilaran is the biggest city and port close to the major attractions of the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary. While the Philippines tends to be a very affordable destination to visit, the ferry tickets are a bit pricier averaging around 500 pesos (compared to an average of around 80 for bus tickets!).
The nonstop ferry takes an average of 2 hours, and it is incredibly pleasant if you sit in the open-air compartment and enjoy the breeze.
Once you are in Tagbilaran City, there is a myriad of private taxis, tricycles, and mopeds to get to your final destination within the island of Bohol or Panglao.
If you choose to arrive by plane, the Panglao International Airport has more flight options and a more modern facility than the Tagbilaran Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Bohol
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What month is best for Bohol?
The best month to visit Bohol and the Philippines as a whole is between December and February. Even though the island is constantly hot and humid, these months tend to see the coolest temperatures overall.
However, we visited in April and found the weather to be fantastic. We did not get a single drop of rain and while the temperatures were certainly hot, it was nothing too unbearable. Make sure to avoid the months of June through October as this is when the most rainfall happens. During the rainy season, ferries and tours frequently get canceled, and you’ll want to avoid any potential dents in your itinerary.
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Is Bohol too touristy?
While many tourists go to Bohol thanks to its wonderful attractions, overall, it is not very touristy as the towns and accommodations are quieter than on other islands. If you would rather stay away from the more touristy areas, we recommend finding a hotel in Loboc, a quieter town with fewer people. Given its isolated location within the jungle, Bohol has great eco-lodges, including our favorite Water to Forest Ecolodge, where you are fully immersed in the rainforest. If avoiding touristy areas is the most important factor for you, we suggest steering clear of Tagbilaran and Panglao as they are larger cities and beach towns.
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What to do in Bohol at night?
The island of Bohol gets pretty quiet at night as most of the attractions close down. The towns of Loboc and Tagbilaran City are the best options for travelers looking to stay out a bit later. Neither city has nightlife, but if you want an evening meal, the bigger cities are your best bet. Bohol is mostly known for its daytime activities, so look to other islands if you want an actual nightlife experience!
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Is Bohol worth visiting?
Absolutely! Bohol is one of the most unique islands in the Philippines. While the rest of the Philippines is known for beach activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and sun tanning, Bohol is one of the few islands where the main activities are inland. This is the place to go to dedicate time to visiting the rainforest and all that it has to offer. If you are going to be in the Philippines for longer than a few days and have different islands to choose from, we highly recommend adding Bohol to your itinerary for some travel variety.
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What is Bohol known for?
The main things that Bohol is known for are the Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary, two attractions that are found nowhere else in the world. While Bohol also has a lot of snorkeling and diving options on Panglao Island, we recommend sticking to the forest if you only have a short amount of time. The activities within the forest are incredibly unique. Even though Panglao Island has great snorkeling, you can snorkel anywhere else in the Philippines.
We hope you enjoyed this bucket list of things to do in Bohol, the Philippines. The southwestern part of the island has fantastic energy with unique forest activities. Regardless of whether you want to check out the Chocolate Hills and waterfalls on a moped or hang out with the tarsiers, Bohol has something for everyone. There are many best things to do in Bohol, making it a necessary town to add to your Philippines bucket list, right after visiting Moalboal, and is a must-see in Asia!
Happy Sampling!