Bohol Tourist Spots: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, & More

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      Bohol Tourist Spots: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, & More

      Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and Panglao beaches have made the island a must-visit destination in the Philippines. Travelers are initially attracted by these things but Bohol has much more to offer that will invite you to stay longer. For now, we’ll cover the destinations that every first timer should visit.

      Bohol-Tourist-Spots-Chocolate-Hills

      Here’s a list of Bohol’s most popular tourist spots along with information on entrance fees, opening hours, and commute directions. These places are guaranteed to be the highlights of your trip to Bohol!

      How to Get to Bohol

      From Manila to Tagbilaran

      You can reach Bohol via plane, ferry, or bus. Out of all the options, taking the plane would be the fastest due to its 1-hour travel time. There are frequent flights from Manila to Bohol,  check for the cheapest fares here.

      From Cebu City to Tagbilaran

      Cebu is very near Bohol Island so a ferry is a good option to take. Traveling by sea will be cheaper than flying, and it’ll only take about 2 hours. This is a popular route among locals and tourists alike, reserve your tickets beforehand here.

      From Oslob to Panglao

      No need to go back to Cebu City to catch a ferry to Bohol! Just ride  Apekop Travel’s modern boat from Oslob to Panglao. This route will definitely save you more time and effort! Click here to book your ride.

      From Siquijor to Tagbilaran

      From one paradise to another, this ferry route is a godsend to island hoppers. Larena, Siquijor has ferries going to Tagbilaran, BoholTickets are also available for online booking.

      Bohol Tourist Spots

      Chocolate Hills Complex, Carmen

      Chocolate Hills Complex, Carmen
      Photo credits to @jwbakerr on Instagram

      Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
      Entrance Fee: 50 PHP

      How to Get There: From Tagbilaran’s Island City Mall, take a bus to Carmen. Once there, hire a motorcycle to take you to the complex.

      Although swarming with people, you should not skip Bohol’s famed Chocolate Hills. To get to the viewing deck, you’ll have to climb a flight of stairs. Not a bad trade for a panoramic view of the hills! To see the Chocolate Hills in its brown color, visit during the dry months of November to May.

      The easiest way to tick places off your Bohol bucket list is to join a tour. Aside from the Chocolate Hills, other Bohol tourist spots included are Baclayon Church, Bilar Man-made Forest, and Loboc River. Book a Bohol Countryside Tour here.

      Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella

      Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella

      Photo credits to @carlangas.ge on Instagram

      Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
      Entrance Fee: 60 PHP

      How to Get There: From Tagbilaran’s Dao Jeepney Terminal, take a Sikatuna jeep that stops by Corella. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Tarsier Sanctuary.

      Loboc and Corella are the two places where you can visit the endangered tarsiers in Bohol. But which is better? Most tours will include the former because of its proximity to the Chocolate Hills. However, the conditions are less than ideal for the tarsiers. Responsible travelers prefer the one in Corella because it provides a more natural environment. The Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is also a foundation that has research and conservation efforts supported by the government so you know they’re legit!

      Thankfully, this tour includes the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Book a slot here to join a Bohol Countryside tour.

      Alona Beach, Panglao

      Alona Beach, Panglao
      Photo credits @troysecondez on Instagram

      Opening Hours: Always open
      Entrance Fee: None

      How to Get There: From Tagbilaran Airport, there are taxis, vans, and tricycles that can take you to Panglao Island.

      Alona Beach is undoubtedly Panglao Island’s most popular spot despite mixed reviews online. Some would advise you to skip it because it’s too touristy. But hey, no harm in visiting a free public beach right? The beachfront is lined with restaurants, massage areas, and dive shops. Don’t miss the sunset view of the sky painted with colorful hues. Even at night, Alona Beach is alive with music, drinks, and dancing!

      Balicasag Island

      Balicasag Island
      Photo credits to @mariefeandjakesnow on Instagram

      Opening Hours: Always open
      Entrance Fee: None

      How to Get There: From Panglao, arrange for a boat from the beach or from your hotel to Balicasag Island.

      Before reaching Balicasag Island, you can opt to go dolphin watching. You have a better chance of spotting these aquatic mammals during the early morning. At Balicasag Island you’ll have even more opportunities to observe sea life. Head to the opposite side of the beach (where there are no boats docked) to snorkel with fish, corals, reefs, and turtles. Watch your step because corals are shallow on this part of the beach.

      With your rented boat, you might as well visit the neighboring Virgin Island and its sandbar! You can also book a boat tour with Klook which includes all of these destinations and activities.  Check it out here.

      Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Candijay

      Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Candijay
      Photo credits to @yoannavitel on Instagram

      Entrance Fee: 50 PHP
      Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

      How to get there: From Tagbilaran’s Dao Terminal, take a van or a bus bound for Ubay. Get off at Lungsod-Daan’s public market. Hire a motorcycle to Cadapdapan and other neighboring areas if you like.  Or you can join a tour that will take you around Candijay, Anda beach, and the nearby waterfalls.

      Not many know about the existence of Bohol’s rice terraces. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually quite a few scattered all over the island. The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces is a good choice because it’s near the Can-Umantad Falls and the Canawa Cold Spring if you fancy a visit.

      A quick 15-minute trek is involved but it’s easy enough to be accomplished by kids and senior citizens alike. The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces is not as crowded as the other tourist spots in Bohol. If you’re lucky, you might get this view all to yourself!

      Where to Stay in Bohol

      You might want to book your hotels in advance, the earlier the better!

          *Last updated: March 19, 2024