There are so many things to do in Bohol! This is why it ended up being one of our favourite islands when backpacking the Philippines. We certainly had the most adventures there!
The island of Bohol is a definite must-see on any trip to the Philippines; it has everything. On the coast, you have gorgeous white sand beaches and dive spots. Inland, you have the magical Chocolate Hills, waterfalls, rice terraces and river cruises.
There is so much to do on this amazing island! But I have tried to narrow down the best tourist spots in Bohol to help you plan your trip!
Don’t forget to read my Manual on Backpacking the Philippines for hints and tips for your trip around this amazing country!
Top things to do in Bohol
There is a near-endless list of things to do in Bohol, but I have picked out some of my favourites below. The tourist spots in Bohol are amongst some of the best in the Philippines. The number and variety of them make this island one of our favourite places in the Philippines.
For the purposes of this mini guide, I have broadly split Bohol into three main regions.
The Regions of Bohol
The island of Panglao lies to the southwest of Bohol. It is connected to the mainland by road and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Bohol. It is very close to Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran, and Bohol’s main port and airport. Panglao is famous for its beaches as well as its bars, restaurants and plentiful accommodation options.
To the east of the island is the area of Anda. Anda is less developed than Panglao. However, it is still popular thanks to its beautiful white beaches and easy access to hiking trails and waterfalls.
To the centre of the island is Loboc, home to the Loboc river. Loboc is very near the most famous of the tourist spots in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills! As well as this, Loboc is home to other popular tourist spots in Bohol. These include various waterfalls, rice terraces, the Bilar Manmade Forest and some spectacular rice terraces.
In this mini guide, where helpful, I will split my recommendations between these three broad areas. This will hopefully give you an idea of what each area has to offer. It can then hopefully help you start to plan your dream trip to these spectacular tourist spots in Bohol!
Beaches in Bohol
Some of the best tourist spots in Bohol, and the Philippines in general, are the stunning beaches. There is so much choice on this beautiful island so here are some of my favourite beaches in Bohol.
Panglao Area
Alona Beach, Panglao
Alona beach is the most famous beach in Panglao and in my view one of the best beaches in Bohol.
It is located on the southwestern tip of Panglao island. Its stunning white sand beaches, bars, restaurants and clubs make it one of the most popular tourist spots in Bohol.
Despite its popularity, it is still possible to find a little piece of this oasis all to yourself. You just need to head to the eastern end of Alona beach.
If you are after stunning beaches with equally fun and sociable nightlife then head to Alona beach; you won’t be disappointed.
Panglao Beach
If you want to escape the crowds of Alona beach then I would highly recommend Panglao Beach.
It is located on the northern coast of Panglao island but only 20 minutes from Alona beach. In exchange for the commute, you will find one of the most idyllic beaches in Bohol!
This is everything you want from a tropical beach – blue sea, white sand and palm trees all the way along!
Unlike Alona beach, you won’t find many beach bars here. The only beachfront hotel here is Mithi Spa and Resort. That leaves the rest of the beach unspoiled and much quieter than Alona beach.
This is definitely worth the trip if you are staying on Panglao Island; the perfect place to unwind and relax in perfect tranquillity.
Anda Area
Anda is located on the eastern coast of the Bohol mainland. It is home to some of the coolest beaches in Bohol.
Quinale Beach, Anda
Top of the list is Quinale beach which comes with the reputation as the best beach in Bohol!
This is one of the best tourist spots in Bohol and it’s easy to see why! Quinale Beach has all the hallmarks of a picture-perfect beach; crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, palm trees fringing the beach and plenty of beach bars to relax.
The palm trees, together with the open tee-pee style huts which are erected along the beach provide plenty of shade for those looking for a break from the sun!
I could happily spend a day or two here relaxing in paradise!
White Beach, Anda
If you are staying in Anda then White Beach is on your doorstep; and what a doorstep it is! Easily one of the most amazing beaches in Bohol!
Yet again (!) here we have another white sand beach with crystal clear waters and palm-fringed beaches! The beaches of Bohol really are something special!
The sea here is beautiful and very shallow. So it makes the perfect place for cooling off after a day of exploring the tourist spots of Bohol.
And the best bit? White Beach remains a bit of a hidden gem at the moment. You won’t find rows of beach bars and throngs of tourists here; in fact, you have a very good chance of having this place all to yourself!
The Chocolate Hills
This is the top tourist spot in Bohol and is the main reason that most tourists head to Bohol! The sight is incredible and one you will not forget!
We visited the Chocolate Hills as part of our 3-day Scooter Itinerary which you can read about here.
The Chocolate Hills are a range of conical-shaped hills which are generally covered in green grass. In the dry season, the tops of the hills turn brown which gives them their name.
The Chocolate Hills spread over an area of more than fifty square kilometres. There are between 1,200 and 1,800 of these unique mounds.
There is an extensive viewing platform for you to see the Chocolate hills. The entry fee is around fifty pesos (around $1). From here you will have a 360-degree view of the Chocolate Hills. It is the perfect place to get the perfect shot of these iconic hills!
There are shops to buy some water or souvenirs for your trip. You will also find public toilets and a restaurant if you want to dine in sight of the Chocolate Hills.
Getting to the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are located in the centre of Bohol. They are around 70km from Panglao Island, 80km from Anda and 40km from the Loboc region.
We were staying at Nuts Huts in Loboc and took a scooter to the Chocolate Hills. This route took us via the only man-made forest in Bohol at Bilar. I would definitely recommend renting a moped to do your own tour of Bohol. I have even written a blog about our Bohol Scooter Itinerary here.
If you want to beat the crowds then I would suggest heading up at sunrise. This will be before the tour buses arrive so you will get these beautiful hills almost you yourself! If you can’t make it that early, or you decide to take a tour, then the platform is large enough to accommodate plenty of people, so it never feels overcrowded.
If you prefer to take a tour, then these are very reasonably priced and take in a lot of the sights of Bohol.
Either way, make a trip to the Chocolate Hills! You will see why these are one of the top-rated tourist spots in Bohol.
Bilar Man-Made Forest in Bohol
Bilar Forest is a spectacular man-made forest in Bohol. It is definitely deserving of a space on the list of the top tourist spots in Bohol.
The forest is on either side of the main road from Panglao Island or Loboc to the Chocolate Hills. This enchanting man-made forest in Bohol runs for over two kilometres and consists of thousands of Mahogany trees. It divides the towns of Bilar and Loboc.
As the trees were all planted at the same time, the uniformity of the trees is striking; often described as looking like soldiers or sentinels standing to attention!
As you drive through, you will notice (particularly if you’re travelling by bike/scooter!) that the temperature drops significantly. This is from the canopy of trees keeping the sun out and makes for a magical experience on your way to the Chocolate Hills.
If you are heading to the Chocolate Hills on a scooter, make sure to note the location of the only man-made forest in Bohol and take in this awesome sight.
Check out our scooter itinerary in Bohol for a suggested route to take in the Bilar man-made forest.
Tarsiers in Bohol
There are two places that you can see Tarsiers in Bohol:
- The Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella; and
- The Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc.
It is important that you know from the get-go that only the Corella sanctuary is “official”. It is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. In addition, it is supported by the two-leading ecotourism organisations in the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Tourism. The Loboc conservation area is not supported by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. It is also a for-profit organisation, unlike the Corella Sanctuary.
The Conservation Area in Loboc is on the way to the Chocolate Hills. It is located on the main tourist road. Corella however is slightly off the beaten track (but still only 30 minutes from Tagbilaran). This means that most tourists end up visiting the unofficial sanctuary rather than Corella when looking for Tarsiers in Bohol.
When we saw Tarsiers in Bohol, we visited the Loboc conservation area as it was featured in Lonely Planet. We hadn’t done our research into it, other than reading our guidebook.
Visiting the Tarsiers
Despite Tarsiers being nocturnal animals, they were all wide-awake hanging in trees. The guides do tell you to turn off your flash and be quiet so as to not alarm the animals. However, there were a lot of people allowed in at once. It was also noisy and people were putting their phones right up to the Tarsier’s faces. The Tarsier is known to be an emotionally volatile little creature. When feeling stressed it is known to commit suicide. So it was really sad to see them being treated as a tourist attraction.
Whilst we didn’t visit the site in Corella, this is a not-for-profit organisation. So your money does go toward conservation efforts. However, having read recent TripAdvisor reviews, it looks like the same issues exist here. It’s a tricky situation as they are amazing creatures to see. By visiting you are helping the conservation effort of an endangered species. However, it is a shame for the animals to be surrounded by noisy humans all day.
If you do want to go and see the Tarsiers in Bohol, we don’t blame you. They are a sight to behold. I would make sure you visit the Corella site. Once there, try to be quiet when walking around the site and be respectful of the animals.
Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc river cruise is one of the most relaxing meals you will have in Bohol. It is consistently rated as one of the top tourist spots in Bohol.
The Loboc river cruise comprises a good lunch aboard a restaurant boat whilst gently floating down the beautiful Loboc river. Dining doesn’t get any better than this!
Expect plenty of food in a buffet-style lunch on the Loboc river cruise whilst being serenaded by local musicians! Make sure you tear yourself away from your food long enough to take in the surroundings! The Loboc river has some spectacular scenery to give the perfect backdrop to your Loboc river cruise!
The Loboc river cruise is located about 40km from Panglao Island. So if you are heading to the Chocolate Hills from Panglao by scooter it makes the perfect lunch spot.
We stop for lunch at the Loboc River Cruise in our Scooter Itinerary in Bohol!
Baclayon Church
For those of you looking for some culture and history, I would recommend a stop-off at Baclayon Church.
Baclayon Church is the oldest church in Bohol, according to locals, having been built in 1596.
It is a truly impressive sight! Baclayon Church also houses an interesting museum which contains priceless artefacts from the Spanish colonial era.
I would definitely recommend a stop-off at Baclayon Church to learn more about the history of Bohol. This is an ideal stop off f you are doing a scooter tour of the island.
Waterfalls in Bohol
If you are planning your own tour of Bohol or are looking to spend some time exploring the interior of the island then I would definitely recommend taking in some of the amazing waterfalls in Bohol.
There are plenty of waterfalls in Bohol to choose from. Have a look at the descriptions below and see how they fit your route! Make sure to visit some of these cool waterfalls in Bohol to cool off after a day of adventuring!
We stop off at these waterfalls during our Scooter Itinerary in Bohol so check out our blog for more information.
Ingkumhan Waterfall
Ingkumhan Waterfall is located in Dimiao. It is to the east of Loboc and is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bohol. Ingkumhan Waterfall stands at around 8m high and 10m wide.
It comes complete with a rope swing and a 5m cliff jump to the left-hand side of the waterfalls. The water is plenty deep enough so pick your favourite jump and enjoy!
Dimiao Twin Falls
Not far from Ingkumhan Waterfall is Dimiao Twin Falls, also known as Pahangog Falls. These falls are larger at around 25m high and you will pay a 20 peso entrance fee to get in.
These are much more tranquil than Ingkumhan Waterfall. The best way to relax here is to hire a rubber ring and float around the rock pools!
Pangas Falls
If you are heading back to Panglao Island from the Chocolate Hills, I would definitely suggest calling into Pangas Falls. Again there is a small entrance fee of twenty pesos.
You walk down some steps to a concrete and bamboo walkway to some huts. Here you can get changed or sit and admire the view! You can use the walkways to jump into the falls. You can dunk yourself under the falls themselves for a relaxing (okay, maybe not so relaxing!) head massage!
There are plenty of waterfalls in Bohol for you to explore. So check out the suggestions above or keep your eye out for signs on the roads as you drive. You may find your own waterfalls in Bohol!
Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Based in the Candijay region, the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are truly beautiful. They provide a great alternative to the Banaue Rice Terraces if you don’t plan on visiting Luzon in the North of the Philippines.
Bright yellow and green, and built into the slopes of the mountains, you can explore the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces by foot. There are lots of paths to navigate along. There are also a couple of viewpoints to admire the lush greenery and snap a couple of photos!
The entire region of Candijay is well worth a visit. It is close to both the Can-Umantad Waterfall and Canawa Cold Spring. It is possible to visit all three in a day. If you are staying at a hotel (in Panglao or Anda) you can book a tour with your hotel.
This is particularly recommended if staying in Panglao as it is a long drive. Alternatively, if based in Anda, you could explore the region by scooter or motorbike. However, like many places in Bohol, the roads are pretty bumpy.
They can also be muddy and slippery in the wet season, so take care if travelling solo and by bike.
Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park
For an adrenaline rush coupled with some unreal views of the Loboc river, head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park! The Park is home to the coolest zipline in Bohol.
If you are staying in Loboc, and/or at Nuts Huts, then it is very close and not to be missed.
The Park is not one of the more famous tourist spots in Bohol. But if you are in the area then I would definitely suggest taking this amazing zipline in Bohol.
The zipline is over 500m long and 120m in height. It passes right across the Loboc river from one side to the other. Once you reach the other side of the river there is only one option, take another zipline to return!
For those less adventurous there is also a cable car. This provides these breath-taking views without being strapped into a harness and suspended from a steel cable!
Where to Stay in Bohol
Having decided this is the place for you, the next question is where to stay in Bohol!
Tagbileran
Nisa Travellers Inn
A great central hostel close to all the amenities of Tagbilaran City. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The rooms are really clean, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the building. There is even free tea, coffee and breakfast. We left our laundry with them before heading to Loboc for an overnight stay. When we came back it was all fresh and ironed waiting for us the next day. A really comfortable stay.
Panglao
Donatela Hotel (Luxury)
The perfect place for rest and relaxation! Donatela is located away from the main Alona Strip and is 3.3km from Alona beach. The hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to and from the town. The resort is made up of private villas with a luxurious feel to them. You can sip on your favourite cocktail at the pool bar, arrange diving, snorkelling and tours through the hotel, or go pony riding at the dressage area at the hotel!
Bohol Coco Farm (Budget)
A hostel offering both beds in dorms and private bungalows. It has a sociable atmosphere where travellers can share their stories over a beer! It offers great tours, and rents scooters. So you can explore more of the island and is located in the middle of a forest. It’s the additional touches that make your stay great here. Free breakfast, free coffee and drinking water. Top off by helpful and friendly staff on hand ready to make your trip relaxing and fun!
Island World Panglao (Mid-Range)
Fresh, clean and spacious beachy apartments, bungalows and deluxe villas, this is a resort at budget prices. The facilities are second to none and the staff are hands-on and friendly. It’s a 15-minute walk to Alona Beach. However, if you don’t fancy the walk, there is a shuttle bus running between 8 am-6 pm.
Anda
J&R Residence (Mid-Range)
J&R features an outdoor pool and a private beach area along Anda Beach. Here you can try your hand at the watersport activities or pick up a snorkel and see what you can see underwater! The friendly staff will gladly assist you with arranging anything you want to do during your stay!
Anda Poseidon’s Beach Resort (Budget)
We stay at Nuts Huts and it was one of our highlights of Bohol! We include it in our Scooter Itinerary in Bohol as the perfect stop in the centre of the island.
Perfectly located for the Loboc River Tours and visiting the Chocolate Hills! Nuts Huts is situated right in the middle of the Philippine Rainforest. The views from its social/dining area (where you’ll find cushions, hammocks and benches) are stunning.
The accommodation is back to basics. There is no Wi-Fi at all here, which gives the rare opportunity to switch off. You can completely relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer in the area.
Loboc
Nuts Huts (Budget)
We stay at Nuts Huts and it was one of our highlights of Bohol! We include it in our Scooter Itinerary in Bohol as the perfect stop in the centre of the island.
Perfectly located for the Loboc River Tours and visiting the Chocolate Hills, Nuts Huts is situated right in the middle of the Philippine Rainforest and the views from its social/dining area (where you’ll find cushions, hammocks and benches) is stunning.
The accommodation is back to basics, and there is no Wi-Fi at all here, which gives the rare opportunity to switch off, relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer in the area.
Restaurants in Bohol
The food scene in Bohol is really taking off. It has produced a wonderful blend of amazing local cuisine with some western twists. There is also an increase in organic, vegan and vegetarian offerings.
I have picked out some of my favourites below!
Tagbilaran
Payag
Payag means ‘nipa hut’ in the Visayan language which is how this restaurant started life. Now however it is located inside a spectacular Spanish-era home. It is decorated with lots of kitschy decorations (or strange chicken-y decorations as I noted down at the time!!)
Payag specialises in barbequed meats and is known as one of the best barbeque restaurants in Bohol. I would definitely recommend trying these, which are marinated in a salty-sweet marinade and served with java rice (fried rice with turmeric and papaya pickle). Alternatively, the sizzling gambas (prawns) are also delicious and well worth a try!
Don’t eat too much during the main course because dessert is equally traditional and delicious! The ice cream is up there with the best ice cream I have ever tasted! Alternatively, try the local halo-halo which combines crushed ice, evaporated milk, fruit preserves and purple yam ice cream. Mix it all together (halo-halo means mix-mix) and enjoy a spoonful of sugary delight!
Prices at Payag are incredibly reasonable and this place is worth a trip if you are staying in Tagbilaran.
The Garden Café
A great little restaurant with an even better cause, we love the Garden Café.
Garden Café – The Cause
This unique restaurant in Bohol was set up by Jonny Fisher, a peace corps volunteer in 1979. The Garden Café started out life as a small snack shack. Its purpose is to provide employment to deaf residents of Bohol who had been marginalised by society.
The popularity of the Garden Café continued to grow. This is thanks to its delicious food which became a favourite with the locals. Today, the Café is an ‘Old West’ style restaurant which offers international cuisine. It employs over 30 members of staff and all the waiters and kitchen staff are hearing-impaired.
All staff are paid over the minimum wage. They work no more than 5 days a week and all profits made by the Garden Café are used to support the education of around five hundred deaf students in Bohol and neighbouring Leyte.
Garden Café – The Food
Together with a fantastic cause, the Garden Café also offers amazing food! The menu teaches you basic sign language if you want to give it a try. However don’t worry, the waiting staff can lip-read perfectly. The menu is packed with delicious meals from soups to sandwiches, burgers to pizzas, Filipino noodle dishes to barbequed meats.
As the Garden Café started life with a reputation for its barbequed food I would definitely recommend the chicken or pork barbeque.
The prices are very reasonable. So much so that those delicious ice cream sundaes appearing on the dessert menu may be too tempting to resist! We wouldn’t blame you!
If you are staying in or passing through Tagbilaran, I highly recommend supporting this amazing cause. You won’t be disappointed.
To read more about the story of this amazing place check out the Garden Café website.
Loboc
Nuts Huts
If you are staying at Nuts Huts then you have some amazing food options on your doorstep!
The restaurant at Nuts Huts serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and all at great prices and healthy portions.
I would definitely recommend the chicken curry; one of the best meals we had on our trip to the Philippines and that is saying something – delicious!
The vegetable noodles are also delicious and the Belgian-style French fries make a delicious snack. Desserts include the classic banana split which, when served with rum and raisin ice cream comes highly recommended!
Even if you are not staying at Nuts Huts, pop in for some food. Enjoy eating whilst taking in one of the most incredible vistas in Bohol; perched halfway up a valley with Loboc river below you and an endless forest ahead. Total relaxation!
Loboc River Cruise
If you are in Loboc then the Loboc River Cruise is not to be missed. As I have mentioned above, is one of the top tourist spots in Bohol – and for good reason!
The Loboc river cruise is a unique experience; there is little better than tucking into some great food whilst drifting down the river. Coupled with some of the most spectacular landscapes in Bohol and some local music – bliss!
The food on the Loboc river cruise is buffet-style. You can expect to find mainly local fare and reasonable prices. All the dishes are freshly made using local ingredients. The combination of the delicious food and the incredible scenery makes this an unforgettable experience.
If you are not in Loboc, you can catch a bus from Dao Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran to Loboc. The journey will take around 1 hour. Alternatively, take a minivan/taxi which will take around 40 minutes. It is well worth the journey for one of the most unique restaurants in Bohol.
Tickets for the Loboc river cruise cost around 850 pesos per adult ($17). This includes food, drink, the cruise and local entertainment whilst on board.
Panglao
Bohol Bee Farm
Enjoy some of the freshest and most original food on the island at the amazing Bohol Bee Farm!
Located on Panglao island, with a beautiful and vibrant dining area overlooking the sea, it provides the perfect setting for what really is a culinary sensation!
Bohol Bee Farm has its own organic farm which inspires its menu and provides plenty of fresh and delicious produce.
The menu is packed full of fresh and healthy dishes. There are some delicious salads topped with edible flowers for some unique and tasty flavours.
If you want something more substantial, their grilled fish is not to be missed. Nor is their honey-glazed chicken.
Finish off your meal with some divine carabao milk ice cream. Or sip on some delicious cocktails, take in that stunning view and relax!
In our minds, one of the best restaurants in Bohol! If you are visiting Panglao island during your trip to Bohol then this place comes very highly recommended.
Barwoo
Located near one of the most popular tourist spots in Bohol, Alona Beach, Barwoo could be the perfect place to start (and end!) your night.
Barwoo has managed to combine a delicious menu of food with cocktails, local beers and music. It is no wonder that this is one of the most popular bars on the island.
They serve a good range of food for every palette. From delicious chilli rose prawn pasta to a twist on the Japanese favourite Buta Mayo Don. They even have a sharing platter of the juiciest spare ribs!
Once you’ve eaten, enjoy the cocktails and local beers on offer. And if you are so inclined, dance the night away!
If you are in the Alona Beach area, this lively bar is definitely one to try!
Anda
Casa Amihan
This superb restaurant is located within the indulgent Casa Amihan resort in Anda.
Located right on the beach with unbelievable views over the ocean, Amihan means ‘the gentle winds’ in the Filipino language and sets the backdrop to this idyllic eatery.
The menu is full of tasty Filipino dishes. It includes its famous (and delicious!) fish kinilaw, aka fish ceviche. Also, look out for the juicy garlic shrimp and its perfectly grilled chicken with pancit bihon (stir-fried noodles).
Finish off your feast with some homemade ice cream. Or try a fresh mango shake, sit back, soak in that view and enjoy!!
Coco Loco
This little bamboo-style beach-side restaurant is the perfect place to unwind. Sit back and grab some hearty food after a day of exploring and island tours.
Coco Loco is one of the few restaurants in Bohol, and particularly in Anda, that is specifically vegetarian and vegan. It offers some unique delights such as its incredible coconut burgers.
Meat-lovers are catered for as well and the chicken couscous comes highly recommended. The breakfasts are also highly rated and the perfect kick-start to any day.
Besides the food, there is an extensive range of local craft beers and locally inspired cocktails. So after refuelling, grab a drink and relax in this slice of paradise.
When to go to Bohol
In deciding when to plan your trip to Bohol, I would suggest considering which season you wish to travel in. Then check whether any major festivals take place whilst you are there. This can be an amazing experience if you can time your trip but will require more organisation in advance!
Weather in Bohol
The weather in Bohol is split between the wet season and the dry season.
In terms of temperature, the weather in Bohol is fairly consistent with hot temperatures throughout the year. The temperature does not vary a great deal between the wet and dry seasons; the rain may cool the temperature during the wet season, but it soon climbs again once the rain has passed.
Dry Season – January to May
The dry season on Bohol runs from January to May. During this period, you can expect very little rainfall. The temperatures will be between 28°C and 35°C during the day.
During the night, the temperature drops slightly to around 25°C. Humidity is generally high at over 80%.
As you would expect, with such good weather in Bohol during the dry season, the number of tourists increases. This is both to enjoy the beaches and because it is during the dry season that the famous Chocolate Hills take on their brown colour.
Equally, the locals will head to Bohol during the dry season and so numbers will be up at the most popular tourist spots on Bohol and accommodation may be less available.
The holy week also falls during the dry season, as do other festivals celebrated in Bohol so take a look below for more details on these when planning your trip.
TOP TIP: If you want to see the Chocolate Hills at their most chocolatey, you should wait until the end of the dry season. When we visited at the end of February, they were still pretty green as the sun hadn’t had enough time to fully scorch them for the full effect!
Wet Season – June to November
The wet season in Bohol typically runs from June to November and the weather in Bohol can be at its most unpredictable during this period.
As I mentioned above, the temperature does not change much during these months during the dry season.
The months of June and October are usually the wettest with the average rainfall in these periods being 5.5 inches (compared with 1.5 inches in April).
As with many tropical destinations, rainfall is usually both impressive and short-lived with a lot of rain typically falling within a very short period. Once a rainstorm has passed, the high temperature and the humidity dries the place out very quickly.
As a result of the rainfall, the tourist spots in Bohol can be a lot quieter during the wet season. Equally, the rainfall can mean that the forests and interior of Bohol are much greener and lusher than they will be at the height of the dry season.
I would recommend visiting Bohol in between the two seasons; around November to March. There may be some rainfall during this period, but a lot less than during the wet season itself. The tourist spots in Bohol will be quieter and accommodation and tours will be more available and cheaper.
Festivals in Bohol
There are some very impressive festivals in Bohol and I have described some of my favourites here to help you decide whether you want to plan your trip to coincide with any of these.
As always, it is important to know when the festivals in Bohol are taking place. If you wish to attend, then you will have some amazing and unique experiences with the locals. However, you will need to be more organised as accommodation can be booked quickly (by locals, in particular, coming over from neighbouring islands) and any available accommodation can be very expensive if booked last minute.
Here are some of the amazing festivals in Bohol.
Holy Week – March/April
As a largely Christian country, the Philippines celebrates all major Christian festivals and Bohol is no different.
Holy week, as the name suggests, is not so much a festival as a holiday which falls right in the middle of the dry season. As a result, Holy Week is one of the busiest weeks every year in Bohol as locals, from Bohol and neighbouring islands, head to the beaches to celebrate this holiday and the glorious weather.
As I mentioned above, take this into account when booking your trip and if you wish to experience Bohol during Holy Week – and I would certainly recommend it! – then make sure you arrange your accommodation and connections in advance.
Sandugo Festival – July
This is perhaps the most popular festival in Bohol.
Sandugo Festival is held in Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran, and lasts for the entire month of July! It is held to celebrate a treaty of friendship made between the chieftain Datu Sikatuma and Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi.
The treaty was sealed with a sandugo ritual or blood pact, hence the name of this amazing festival in Bohol.
If you are in Bohol during July, I would definitely recommend heading to Tagbilaran to experience at least part of this festival.
Expect modern-day performances of the blood pact, vibrant street dancing competitions, a beauty pageant, night markets, food exhibits, sports events and plenty of singing, dancing, food and drink! What is there not to like!
Saulog Festival – 1 May
Another of the most popular festivals in Bohol, Saulog Festival is Bohol’s celebration of the feast of Saint Joseph.
Held annually on 1 May in Tagbilaran, the celebrations actually begin 9 days earlier with pageants, concerts and other live entertainment being held every night in the lead-up to the feast.
On 1 May, the feast itself is celebrated with a day full of activities and a huge spread of local foods and delicacies to be tried.
Bolibong Kingking Festival – May
One of the few festivals in Bohol to be held in the Loboc region but this one is definitely worth a visit if you are in Bohol during May.
Held on 23 May each year in Loboc, this festival of cultural dance and music celebrates both Loboc’s patron saint, our Lady of Guadeloupe, and Loboc’s traditions and folklore.
The name is inspired by a local phrase for the rhythmic beating of drums and gongs and that says everything you need to know about what to expect from this festival! Singing, dance rituals, extravagant costumes and an infectious sense of joy are all in plentiful supply here!
Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival – December
If you do head to Bohol during the shoulder season as suggested below then a detour to the town of Leoy for one of the only regatta festivals of Bohol is highly recommended!
It is considered as the main attraction of the town of Leoy and is a hugely fun-filled festival. Expect to see some amazingly decorated boats, street markets, music competitions, street dancing and the regatta itself, all held at the mouth of the Loboc river.
These are just a few of the numerous festivals in Bohol so once you have decided on a date for your trip to Bohol, make sure to check out a full list of the festivals of Bohol before finalising your plans!
Getting to Bohol
There are two main ways to get to Bohol, by air or by boat.
Flying to Bohol
Bohol-Panglao International airport welcomes both domestic and international flights although unless you are coming to the Philippines from within Asia, it is very unlikely you will find a direct flight here.
If you want to fly to Bohol then domestic flights are your best option. There are various daily flights from Manila, Clark International airport (to the north of Manila) or Davao City in Mindanao.
Each airport runs multiple flights each day and flights can cost between 2,000 – 4,000 Philippine pesos ($40-80/£28-£58) per person with flights taking around 1.5 hours.
An alternative to flying to Bohol directly, if you wish to save money, is to fly to Cebu airport (which is much more accessible and as such, flights are much cheaper from other domestic airports), then take a taxi across Cebu City to the port and take the ferry from Cebu to Bohol (discussed below).
Ferry from Cebu to Bohol
The most popular way to get to this amazing island is to take the ferry from Cebu to Bohol.
The ferry from Cebu to Bohol takes around 2.5 hours, departing from the main port in Cebu and costs around 650 pesos per person.
There are various daily ferry departures from Cebu Pier 1 ferry terminal which all arrive at Tagbilaran Port in Bohol.
The ferry from Cebu to Bohol is relatively modern with comfortable seating and a large capacity. That said, there is always a risk of the ferry selling out so if you are coming from outside Cebu to take the ferry, we would always recommend booking the ferry online and in advance.
If you book online, you will need to head to Pier 1 ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. At the ferry terminal, you will collect your ticket and seat number.
There is an additional ferry terminal fee of 25 pesos. You must pay the fee in cash at the same time as getting your ticket/seat number so make sure you have some cash on you when you head for your ferry.
Siquijor to Bohol
There is also a ferry between Siquijor and Bohol so if you are planning to visit both of these places whilst backpacking the Philippines then this may be a good option to combine with the ferry from Cebu to Bohol.
This is the option we took; we arrived in Bohol using the ferry from Cebu to Bohol and then booked the ferry from Bohol to Siquijor to continue our tour of the Philippines. You can of course do this either way round!
In Bohol, the ferry departs/arrives again at Tagbilaran Port whereas on the Siquijor side you will be at Larena Port.
The ferry from Bohol to Siquijor departs once a day, at around 10.20 am. The journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs around 700 pesos for a tourist class ticket with a seat inside with air-con.
The ferry from Siquijor to Bohol is also once daily, at around 12.30 pm. It again takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, departing from Larena Port in Siquijor and arriving at Tagbilaran Port in Bohol for the same price.
Getting around Bohol
There are good public and private transport options in Bohol so take a look at the options below to help you book the perfect tour of all of the tourist spots in Bohol!
Public Buses
The buses can be a very low-cost option for visiting the different tourist spots in Bohol.
These generally run between main destinations such as Tagbilaran (the capital), Panglao and Anda and so you will still need to arrange for transport to get to your accommodation or to head out to the more remote tourist spots in Bohol.
From Tagbilaran, the bus from Dao bus terminal to Alona Beach in Panglao costs around 50-100 Philippine pesos (£0.70-£1.50/$1-$2) per person and takes around 20-30 minutes.
From Tagbilaran to Anda, the bus from Dao bus terminal costs around 110 Philippine pesos (£1.50/$2) and will take between 2.5 and 3 hours.
If you are arriving at Tagbilaran Port and wish to get to Dao bus terminal then a tricycle is the most cost-effective option, see below.
Shared Minivan
A shared minivan is a good option for heading between popular tourist destinations.
You can arrange a shared minivan in Tagbilaran, Panglao or Anda as long as there is enough demand to fill the minibus.
These are also good options if you arrive at Tagbilaran Port. A shared minibus from the Port to the door of your hotel or hostel is likely to cost 300 pesos (£4/$6). To get to Anda, they can cost as little as 150 (£2/$3) pesos but be careful as it is a long trip and the minivan can get claustrophobic with the number of passengers onboard!
Once at your accommodation, ask at reception for other minivan options to the local tourist spots in Bohol.
Private Taxi
A private taxi is the most comfortable option but certainly the most expensive.
Prices are negotiable and as always, I would strongly suggest you agree on a price before you set off.
To give you an idea of prices, from Tagbilaran Port to Panglao, expect to pay around 700 pesos (£10/$14). From the Port to Anda, given the distance, the price could be as much as 3,000 pesos (£43/$60).
Tricycle
These local motorbike taxis are the most popular way to get around when distances are small.
It is possible to get a tricycle from the Port to Panglao but they can be uncomfortable and may be more dangerous if you have all your luggage with you.
However, for getting around Panglao or Anda, depending on where you are based, these can be a quick and cost-effective way of getting around.
On average, expect to pay 50-100 pesos (£0.70-£1.50/$1-$2) for a 20-minute trip.
Car Rental in Bohol
Car rental in Bohol is fairly popular and can be easy to organise.
Most if not all places offering car rental in Bohol are located either within Tagbilaran or Panglao, particularly at the port and the airport.
The main roads in Bohol are fairly well maintainable and most tourist spots in Bohol are accessible easily by car, even in the interior of the island.
There is some traffic in Tagbilaran, as you would expect from a capital city, but otherwise, the roads are pretty quiet and so car rental in Bohol is a good and safe option.
Car rental in Bohol can cost between 1,000 – 2,000 pesos(£15-£30/$20-$40) per day.
Scooter hire
For us, this is hands down the best way to get around Bohol and access the best tourist spots in Bohol at your own pace.
There are a lot (and I mean, a lot!) of hire places in Bohol so your best bet is to ask at your accommodation when you arrive. They can usually recommend a local hire company and even arrange for the scooter to be delivered to your accommodation.
Hire prices can vary depending on the season but expect to pay around 300-350 (£4-5/$6-7) pesos per day. A full tank of fuel will cost you around 200 pesos (around £3/$5).
During our trip to Bohol, we hired a scooter for a week and headed off from the coast into the interior of the island to visit the tourist spots in Bohol mentioned above. You can read that blog here.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is hands down the most important thing to arrange before you start any adventure. It may not be as exciting as looking at flights, hostels and beaches but trust me, it could be vital if you ever needed to use it.
Read more about travel insurance in my manual on backpacking the Philippines and make sure you get cover that is right for you.
As soon as those flights are booked, get your travel insurance sorted, tick it off the to-do list and get back to the fun of planning your trip!
A final few words from me!
Bohol is an island you must visit because it has it a bit of everything – Beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, resorts, cabins, rivers, waterfalls – you can experience so much there. It’s a beautiful place to hire a moped and go out and explore, making it perfect for the traveller who likes to get off the beaten track.
Finally, Bohol is very well connected, and you can get there easily to and from a few different islands which makes it an easy place to add to your island hopping adventure and one that you certainly will not forget.
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