10 Fun Things to Do in Bohol, Philippines
There are lots of fun things to do in Bohol in the Philippines. Gorgeous waterfalls. Mystical natural cave pools. White sand beaches. World’s famous animals. Rice terraces. All these attractions and many more are waiting for you!
It has been a month since I arrived to the Philippines. It is my first time here, but I already know that not the last one. After few days exploring Cebu, I took a ferry to Bohol Island located in the Central Visayas. And you know what? I am still here.
There are thousands of islands in the Philippines archipelago, but Bohol stands out from the rest. It is special. Bohol is one of the most diverse and interesting destinations in the Philippines. It is a perfect combination of beach relaxation and active adventure. I admire this little paradise for being still pure and wild outside of the tourist zone.
I would like to share with you a list of 10 fun things to do in Bohol in the Philippines!
1. Discover the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills is a spectacular geological formation formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater and erosion. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Bohol. It is said that there are 1776 hills spread on 50 square kilometer area. During the rainy season, they become green, however, in the summer the whole area turns brown (like chocolate).
2. Visit the World’s famous animals
Most visitors come to Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and…the world’s famous animals called tarsiers!
They are primates (distant relatives of humans and monkeys) that can be found only on few islands of Southeast Asia like Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Philippine tarsier is very unique, small animal which lives in the lowest levels of trees. The tarsier’s head can rotate up to 360 and his enormous eyes are bigger than its brain and stomach. They become very active at night and they rest at day time.
If you want to see tarsiers in Bohol, I recommend to visit the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the most reliable and official place on the island. Please keep in mind that tarsiers are very shy and sensitive animals. Be a responsible traveler and respect them in its natural habitat.
Don’t use flashlight and keep distance when taking photos. Be very quiet and calm. It is said that tarsiers could have a heart attack or even commit suicide under intense stress.
3. Discover the island by scooter
Renting a scooter can be a great solution for visitors who have little time to see all attractions on the island. Scooter gives you freedom to move around, explore everything by your own, stop anywhere you want and stay in each place as long as you need. If you want to rent a scooter in Bohol, there are plenty of options in Panglao. In your hotel, the scooter will cost about Php 600/24h, but you can ask locals in the city and rent the scooter for Php 400/24h. The petrol in Bohol costs Php 49,25 per liter.
4. Cliff jumping
One of the most adventurous things to do in Bohol is cliff jumping! The popular spot is located in Panglao Kalikasan Dive Resort. Every day, locals and tourists come here to jump off a crazy high cliff and have fun!
This area is also well-known for snorkeling and diving, where beside incredible coral reefs, you can see different species of fishes and sardine run. Spectacular!
5. Take a dip in natural cave pools
Bohol is blessed with natural cave pools. There are scattered across the island, so you need a scooter to reach them. The most interesting area for vising natural cave pools is Anda located in the southeast part of Bohol. The land is mostly made of limestone which dissolves under the action of rainwater and naturally forms a limestone cave.
6. Snorkeling with turtles and finding nemo
I am one of those people who don’t enjoy lying on the beach all day long. Especially when I am in Bohol, the island of endless adventure!
Your trip to Bohol cannot be completed without exploring the underwater wildlife. Balicasag Island located off the coast of Panglao is known for providing the best dive and snorkeling points in this area.
Many passionate divers come here to discover the Balicasag’s rich marine life. The most famous dive spot is the Black Forest, which is a 40 meters long steep slope. It is named after the incredible black corals spread across this point. There is also a popular turtle point, where you can swim with turtles side by side in their natural habitat. Unforgettable experience!
7. Eat dinner on a floating restaurant
One of the most popular things to do in Bohol is the Loboc River lunch cruise. The trip usually lasts an hour and includes river cruise, dinner and cultural show. So, you can come to Loboc for lunch, but also there is available a dinner cruise, which is probably more romantic with all of the lights and local music in the background.
8. Explore waterfalls
One of my favorite things to do in Bohol! I explored almost every waterfall in Bohol. Seriously! Outside of Panglao, there are plenty of waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle! My favorite ones are definitely Pahangog waterfall and Ingkumhan waterfall. But ciiiii…don’t tell anyone!
READ MORE: 6 Most Spectacular Waterfalls in Bohol, Philippines
9. Eat in a local carinderia
I love carinderias in the Philippines!
Basically, carinderia is a food stall with pots of various local dishes. Some of local specials, remind me of polish food. From simple fried and dried fishes, eggs, soups, friend spring rolls to some local specials like chicken adobo, chicken curry, mixed vegetables in coconut milk, pork hamonado (sweet pork dish with pineapples), beef mechado (stew) and kinilaw (raw seafood dish similar to ceviche). Carinderia is the best place to try some of the best and worst 🙂 Philippine dishes. Sorry…seaweed salad and lechon kawali (Filipino crispy fried pork belly) just no! No!
10. Kayaking to the Virgin Island
Try kayaking in Bohol and you are going to love it!
The Virgin Island is a simple, pure sandbar located pretty close to Bohol island. You can rent a kayak in Panglao for a day tip or sunset (great if you want to beat the crowds). When you reach the place, it looks like located far away from everything. Just white pure sand, few mangroves and the most colorful starfish, I have ever seen! Paradise!