Top Things to See and Do in Bohol, The Philippines

Located just a short ferry ride away from Cebu, the island of Bohol is not only one of the most accessible in the Philippines, it's also one of the most exciting islands to visit.

Bohol is a microcosm of the Philippines, and not only will you find pristine beaches, extravagant resorts, and unparalleled snorkeling spots, but you can also find rustic jungle accommodation, river cruises and waterfalls, and of course, the famed Chocolate Hills.

It's easily one of the best islands in the Philippines, and to inspire your next adventure, here are the top things to see and do in Bohol.

Alona Beach

Alona Beach is the top destination in Bohol, largely because it’s one of the best strips of sand that you'll find in this part of the Philippines.

Located along the shorefront of the ever popular Panglao Island, which is connected by a short bridge to Bohol itself, Alona Beach is where you'll find everything from high end resorts to beachside bars. It's the most built up beach in Bohol, but you can snorkel right off the sand, arrange diving trips or island hopping excursions, as well as enjoying the best sunsets on the island with a cocktail in hand.

Momo Beach

If you're looking for a quieter and less developed part of Bohol though, then head to the rustic surroundings of Momo Beach. It's actually just a short journey away from the bustle of Alona Beach, but here you'll quickly be transported away from the crowds.

You can hire out a beach bungalow, laze away your holiday in a hammock, or wade straight out into the ocean for a spot of serene snorkeling.

Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are a bucket list item for many travellers across the world, because few other destinations can match them for their unique, natural beauty.

The Chocolate Hills are a sprawling collection of distinctive hill tops that are found in the centre of Bohol, and are best known for their starkly brown, and rather chocolate-like appearance. To see the Chocolate Hills at their most chocolaty, you will need to be here in the dry season, and if possible, as close to the end of the dry season as you can.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Bohol is home to a beautiful array of local wildlife, but the animal that draws in the biggest crowds also happens to be one of the smallest species on the island. Tarsiers are the smallest species of primate in the world, yet these miniscule animals have enormous eyes that peer curiously through the trees as you walk through the sanctuary.

An endangered species, the sanctuary helps to protect and rehabilitate these fascinating Bohol locals, while giving visitors the chance to learn more about their unusually quirky habits.

Balicasag Island

If you're looking to see more of the underwater world, the biodiversity that surrounds Balicasag Island can't be beaten. This almost perfectly circular island is found just a short boat ride away from Alona Beach and is surrounded by clear water and shallow corals.

The area is a haven for local species of turtle, and if you head here in the morning then it's almost guaranteed that you'll be able to spot these magnificent creatures in the water. After snorkeling through the colourful coral searching for turtles, you can kick back on the beach and order a mango shake as you relax in the shade of a palm tree.

Virgin Island

For another slice of tropical paradise, take a boat over to Virgin Island, a long sandbar that's famed for its pristine white sands. So called for the purity of its sand, Virgin Island is likely to blow you away with its outrageously good views. The sandbar changes shape with the tides, and you'll be able to walk across the island as the water laps at your ankles, and swim and snorkel around it.

Many island-hopping trips will visit Virgin Island after calling into Balicasag, making this a great place to visit when you are organising day trips from Bohol.

Loboc River

The Philippines might be best known for its beaches and sandbars, but there's so much more to see on Bohol than white sand. The Loboc River flows from the centre of Bohol, all the way south to the coast, and it's the perfect place for a spot of adventure or ecotourism.

You can take a cruise along the Loboc, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you go. You can fly across the river on zip lines, paddle board along the water, and enjoy one of the most naturally stunning destinations in Bohol.

Baclayon Church

There's even more to Bohol than its diverse wildlife and nature; dig a little deeper and you'll find that the island has a fascinating history. Bohol was the scene of a historic meeting between the Spaniards and the local islanders in 1565, that would forever sway the course of history here. That meeting introduced Christianity to Bohol, and today, one of the most famous sights on the island is the iconic Baclayon Church.

The church can trace its origins back to the 16th century, and it's one of the oldest churches standing in the Philippines. Despite being constructed from coral, pulled from the sea and carved from the coastline, the church has withstood wars, rebellions, pirate raids, earthquakes and typhoons, and is one of the most important sights in Bohol.