There are over 7000 Islands to the Philippines but one that sticks out in our minds for a holiday vacation is the Bohol Island. Sure, there is Cebu Island ― Boracay Island too ― but our next best favorite to Palawan Island is Bohol. The nature is truly breathtaking and the Chocolate Hills are remarkable, a one off attraction nowhere else. Read on to discover why Bohol Island is a top holiday destination.
Perfect for anyone who can appreciate the beauty of nature, Bohol's coastline has true tropical paradise beaches with pristine clear waters. The Island and its surrounding area are internationally respected as a top destination for divers and snorkelers ― the aquatic life below is rich in many species and abundant. Further to this, whale and dolphin sightings are common from March onwards until June.
Bohol Island, and for that matter, Panglao Island (only minutes away from Tagbilaran City limits) are beautiful and peaceful holiday destinations away from the overcrowded tourist traps, such as Boracay Island. All the beaches have soft white sands for a beach with clear azure blue waters. Lots of towering coconut trees hang over the beach providing shade. The number one beach for international tourists is Alona Beach which is found on Panglao Island but falls under Bohol Province.
Other gorgeous beaches on the Pangalo Island include:
Duero Beach is a lot quieter and less conspicuous to the average tourist ― little known of in comparison to those other beaches. Don't expect a lot of activities or facilities, rather you are getting natural serenity with this beach. You can, however, enjoy camping and fishing in the area, as well as swimming and surfing.
Panglao Island in our experience has the best beaches but do stretch your legs on Bohol for hidden caves, quietly tucked away out of sight of most people. Many of them are spectacular for adventurism and exciting holiday escapades.
All over the Island are coconut trees, mingling with rainforest jungle. Where the lowlands have been claimed for agriculture, the land is given over to rice fields. The Island is rich in nature, and what attracts most people more than anything else is the sanctuaries for the Tarsier. These nocturnal animals with oversized, large eyes, are the smallest primates in the world.
They're tiny, no more than 15cm in height in many cases. The Island of Bohol has many tours for these creatures, because of the sanctuary the hope to preserve the species. In the past, it was in decline due to habitat loss. There are two places of interest for animal lovers:
The main Tarsier Sanctuary can be found at Loboc Town, whilst a Conservation Center is at Corella Town. Our advice when at either is to be respectful and not make too much noise as they sleep throughout the day. And do not attempt to touch one or to pick it up as they're easily stressed and frightened.
Sure, they're cute but they're not playthings.
In addition to those attractions, there is Balicasag Island. You will without any doubt want to visit this Island for the best diving spots off Bohol Island. Such activities as diving and snorkeling will bring you close to the bright, colorful coral and fish species but also the turtles. The fact that there are incredible white sandy beaches is a bonus.
A popular Island destination for sightseeing dolphins and even whales, if you are so lucky. The dolphins can be seen near Balicasag Island too. Be sure your Island-hopping tour package takes you to either of these Islands.
There are some amazingly beautiful World War 2 shipwrecks off the coast of Coron, Palawan Island. But just as an amazing diving experience there are wrecks near Panglao Island. The Habagat shipwreck site sits at a maximum depth of 35 meters and whilst not the deepest dive the biodiversity is unbelievably exceptional to experience. Don't know how to dive or what's involved? No worries. There are a number of dive centers on the Island who are more than happy to give you a crash course.
All around you are street food vendors preparing delicious, sweet snacks for tourists. Cafes too have a wide range of delicacies on their menu. One of the most popular snacks with foreign tourists are the banana fritters. A banana is dipped in a mixture and then fried before being rolled in sugar. Other snacks include:
You can identify Biko by its deep brown color. The local recipe of one vendor was glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar. It's a popular snack all over the Philippines with regional variations. Bibingka is more interesting on the palate, served to you wrapped in banana leaves. The flavor comes from flour rice, sugar, butter and coconut milk.
It's relatively easy to get yourself and your family onto Bohol Island. All you must do first is get to Cebu City, which has an international airport. From Cebu Pier 1 it's a 90-minute ferry journey to Tubigon, Bohol Island. Jump into a taxi to take you to where your hotel accommodation is situated. All in it shouldn't cost you more than US$20 for the ferry ticket, per person.
Flying into Cebu City from the paradise holiday Island of Palawan is less than a 3-hour flight so you have a great deal of flexibility in your holiday options when in the Philippines. Or vice versa, to Palawan.
Bohol Island has many attractions, appealing to a wide group of travelers, local to within southeast Asia as much as international. A top favorite among the mainstream tourist, surely is the Chocolate Hills. It's why you are thinking about a holiday vacation on the Island, isn't it? It's true, they're a beautiful, stunning sight in front of you seeing these small humps as far off to the horizon, is an amazing Instagram moment.
The UNESCO World Heritage site status of the Chocolate Hills only adds impetuous reasoning to travel to Bohol. You'll discover this remarkable natural phenomenon near the center of the Island, where there are close to 1000 almost symmetric hills. Chances are your hotel will be located in Panglao, making it a 70km journey for you to the Carmen region, where the attraction can be found.
Roughly 90 minutes from leaving your hotel by private taxi (cost will be about US$30 one way) you arrive. There is an advantage point you can climb to for the best panoramic views over the hills, to the far-off horizon. The best time to experience the hills is first thing in the early morning, before sunrise, otherwise the crowds can disturb your Instagram moments. To see the hills in their renowned brown tones, then come to Bohol during the dry season (July is our recommendation).
No more than an hour from Panglao (by taxi) takes you to Loboc on the Island. Have your driver drop you off at the town of Loboc (but the town of Carmen is another good bet), that's the best place to start from. The river is a major tourist attraction, second only to the Chocolate Hills, and your cruise will be memorable because the river meanders through dense jungle and you are taken into the thick of it.
The river is a beautiful jade green, clean and tranquil. Relatively narrow in some places with many bends and twists.
The cruise experience may be strange to you because the boat is more akin to a raft. That was our mode of transport anyway so don't expect a boat per se. Fresh food was available on the cruise, authentic Filipino cuisine and there were live performances. Overall, the experience couldn't be faulted and being in a natural environment such as the river puts you in the mood for seeing rural Philippines. So different to Manila and its skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls and beauty parlors.
Depending on your tour operator your cruise may deviate from our cruise. There were options we didn't want such as stops on the way.
Aside from the two big attractions ― Chocolate Hills and Loboc River ― there are a number of smaller but just as pleasurable attractions:
Each has a pool ideal for swimming and cooling off in and a few even allow for jumping off into the pool. The best time to visit any of them is during the week because the weekends are crowded. Pack a picnic and hire a bicycle to get you as close to one of your choices and make an afternoon of it. In some places the jungle trails are rather steep so wear a good pair of walking shoes. Just remind yourself before setting off how you'll be immersed with nature and bird song.
If you are seeking a thrill then head towards the Molave Cliff jumping resort at Panglao. A platform balances over a cliff edge you can jump off, into the sea 7m below.
Were that not enough for your adventurous spirit there's Hinagdanan Cave. In fact, there are many caves on the Island but this one is the best of the lot. A large translucent pool of turquoise blue water cools you off and you can jump off from the sides into the water where it is up to 4m deep. Wear a pair of shoes to prevent you slipping on the rocks.
Hinagdanan Cave is located 14km north of Tagbilaran City. Whilst in the town of Anda, in the north of the Island, you'll find a series of caves with Lamanok Caves. Other cave systems close to Anda include (but not limited to):
Each cave is a hidden gem, among the jungle it is peaceful and so easy to relax. Isn't nature therapeutic? If you are not confident in finding your own way to a cave then tip a few of the local children and they'll be more than happy to lead the way for you. A dollar or two usually does the trick.
The best time to enjoy the Island is during the dry season, from April through to July but this is the busiest time too. If you would prefer a winter break then Christmas and New Year are favorable also ― provided you are prepared to put up with a little rain? The showers last a few hours at most only the sunshine and warmth to return. For your winter holiday you can expect average temperatures to be in the mid-80's Fahrenheit (30° Celsius for our European readers).
Everyone dreams of a tropical paradise Island escape, so is Bohol Island for you? Every Island in southeast Asia has its hidden gems and the Chocolate Hills is Bohol's "big ticket" item. But there are other wonders aside from just one:
It's worth a look, definitely. Staying a few days and nights is highly recommended because there are enough attractions and excitement to keep you fulfilled. As stated, accessibility isn't questioned: you can fly into Cebu City from Palawan, or even from the capital Manila, in just 90 minutes from take-off to touch down.
