Bohol

Overview

Bohol packs an unusual range into a single island. Inland, the Chocolate Hills roll across the interior, the Philippine tarsier hides in forest undergrowth, and the Loboc River winds through green hills past small riverside communities. Offshore, Panglao and its neighboring islets hold most of the province's beaches and dive sites, while frequent ferries to Cebu make Bohol an easy stop on a Visayas loop.

Standout experiences

• 01 Chocolate Hills

  The province's emblematic landform: hundreds of grass-covered mounds that fade from green to brown in the dry season.

• 02 Philippine tarsiers

  Sanctuary forests where visitors can quietly watch one of the world's smallest primates at rest.

• 03 Loboc River cruises

  Boat trips along a jungle-lined river, with stops for local music and food along the way.

• 04 Panglao beaches and reefs

  Alona Beach and the surrounding islets, with calm water, snorkeling, and island-hopping boats.

• 05 Balicasag Island

  A small marine sanctuary offshore from Panglao, reached on early boat trips for snorkeling and diving.

Getting there

Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) sits on Panglao Island, with Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, Jeju Air, and Jin Air linking Manila, Clark, Davao, Busan, and Seoul. Many travelers instead take a fast ferry from Cebu City Pier 1 to Tagbilaran in about two hours, or a roll-on/roll-off boat from Pier 4 to Tubigon; vans and tricycles then reach Panglao.

When to go

The dry season from December to May is the best window for the Chocolate Hills, Panglao's beaches, and diving at Balicasag. The month-long Sandugo sa Bohol festival fills July with street dancing, trade fairs, and cultural shows in Tagbilaran. Ferry crossings can be suspended during the June to November typhoon season, so build in extra time.