Bohol
Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and Panglao beaches · Central Visayas
Bohol is the island that keeps surprising you. The Chocolate Hills look like something out of a Studio Ghibli film, the tarsiers are the world’s smallest primates (and they stare at you like tiny wise judges), and the beaches on neighbouring Panglao Island are genuinely world-class. It’s one of the easiest islands to see a lot of in a short time.
Things to do in Bohol
⛰️ Chocolate Hills
Over 1,268 symmetrical hills that turn chocolate-brown in the dry season. The main viewpoint in Carmen gives the iconic panorama. Get there before 8am to beat the tour buses. Entry: ₱50.
🐒 Tarsier Sanctuary
The Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella is the ethical option — small groups, no flash photography, tarsiers in their natural habitat (not cages). About 30 minutes from Tagbilaran city.
🚣 Loboc River cruise
A floating bamboo restaurant that drifts slowly down a jungle-lined river while a local band plays and you eat a buffet. Touristy, yes — but genuinely lovely. About ₱500–600 per person including lunch.
🏖️ Alona Beach, Panglao
The main beach of Panglao Island — white sand, dive shops every 50 metres, and sunset bars. It’s small enough to walk end to end in 10 minutes. Dive packages start at ₱1,500 per dive including equipment.
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🗓️ Best time to visit Bohol
November to May (dry season). April–May is the hottest and clearest for diving. Holy Week (Easter) is extremely crowded — book months ahead or avoid.
✈️ How to get to Bohol
Option 1: Fly to Tagbilaran Airport (TAG, Panglao) — direct from Manila (~1 hr, from ₱2,500). Option 2: Fast ferry from Cebu (2 hrs, ₱550–750 each way, several sailings per day). The ferry is comfortable and scenic — many travellers combine Bohol with Cebu on the same trip.
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Frequently asked questions — Bohol
How many days do I need in Bohol?
Two full days covers the main highlights: one day for Chocolate Hills + tarsier + Loboc River, another day for Alona Beach and a dive or snorkel. Three days is more comfortable, especially if you want to relax on the beach.
Is diving in Bohol good?
Yes — Balicasag Island, 45 minutes by bangka from Alona Beach, is one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. Expect schools of jacks, turtles, reef sharks and a wall dive that drops to 40+ metres. Visibility is best April–June.
Can I see the Chocolate Hills on the way to or from the ferry?
Yes. The ferry arrives in Tagbilaran, and the Chocolate Hills are about 55 km inland (Carmen). A hired tricycle or van for the day costs ₱1,500–2,500 and can combine Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary and Loboc River cruise, dropping you at Panglao at the end.
Are the tarsiers at Loboc the same as the Corella sanctuary?
No. The roadside tarsier spots in Loboc are commercial — the animals are often stressed, kept in small cages and handled for photos. Go to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella for the ethical experience. The extra 20 minutes of driving is worth it.
What is the best hotel area in Bohol?
Panglao Island (Alona Beach or Danao Beach) for beach and diving. Tagbilaran city if you arrive late or leave early. Avoid staying in Carmen (Chocolate Hills area) — there’s very little infrastructure and it’s far from everything else.
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First time in Bohol?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Visa-free 30 days for most passports. Extendable at the Bureau of Immigration in Tagbilaran City — small office, usually quick with no long queues.
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD = ~57 PHP, 1 EUR = ~62 PHP, 1 SGD = ~42 PHP. Most Alona Beach shops and tours are cash-only.
No mandatory vaccines. Bring mosquito repellent for inland areas (Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary). Tap water is not safe to drink. Sunscreen is essential on Alona Beach.
ATMs in Tagbilaran city and one on Alona Beach (sometimes out of cash on weekends). Withdraw enough before heading to Panglao. Resorts accept cards; street food and tours are cash-only.
Very safe for tourists. Alona Beach is calm and shallow — good for families. Be careful of boat propellers when swimming around docked bangkas at the pier.
Local Stays in Bohol
Hand-picked homestays and guesthouses — book direct with local hosts.
Top Activities in Bohol
Island hopping, diving, surfing and more — book instantly.
