Bohol is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and staying at a local residence gives you a great home base to explore the “Countryside” and the “Island Life” of this vibrant province.
Below is a curated travel guide and a flexible 3-day itinerary to help you navigate your stay.
Recommended Places to Visit
The Iconic Countryside
- Chocolate Hills (Carmen): Over 1,200 symmetrical brown hills. For a bit of a thrill, visit the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP) for “bike zipping” over the hills.
- Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella): Visit the world’s smallest primates in a protected, quiet habitat.
- Bilar Man-Made Forest: A 2-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees that creates a stunning, cool green canopy over the highway.
- Loboc River Cruise: A floating restaurant experience. You can also try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) here for a more active way to see the river.
Panglao & Marine Life
- Alona Beach: The hub for dining and nightlife with a beautiful white sand coastline.
- Balicasag Island: One of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Philippines, famous for sea turtles and diverse coral reefs.
- Hinagdanan Cave: A naturally lit limestone cave with a deep blue underground lagoon where you can take a quick dip.
Hidden Gems
- Anda’s Cave Pools: If you want to escape the crowds, head to the town of Anda for the Cabagnow Cave Pool, a natural sapphire-blue swimming hole.
- Asin Tibuok (Alburquerque): Visit local salt-makers to see the production of “Dinosaur Egg” salt, a rare, traditional artisanal salt unique to Bohol.
What to Eat (Boholano Flavors)
- Calamay: A sticky, sweet delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, traditionally sold in coconut shells.
- Peanut Kisses: Signature crisp cookies shaped like miniature Chocolate Hills.
- Ube Kinampay: Bohol is known for the best ube (purple yam) in the country; try it in ice cream or halaya (jam).
- Chicken Binakol: A savory soup similar to Tinola but cooked with coconut water and coconut meat.
- Sikwate & Torta: For breakfast, try Sikwate (native hot chocolate) paired with Torta (a rich, spongy local cake).
3-Day Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: The Classic Countryside Tour
- Morning: Head straight to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen while it’s cool. Stop by the Man-Made Forest for a quick photo on the way back.
- Midday: Enjoy the Loboc River Cruise with a buffet lunch and live music.
- Afternoon: Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, followed by the historic Baclayon Church (one of the oldest in the country).
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery in Tagbilaran City or back at your residence.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Sea
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Take a boat from Panglao for Dolphin Watching followed by snorkeling at Balicasag Island.
- Midday: Visit the Virgin Island Sandbar to eat fresh seafood from local vendors.
- Afternoon: Relax at Alona Beach or visit Hinagdanan Cave.
- Evening: Sunset cocktails and dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants in Panglao.
Day 3: Adventure & Culture
- Morning: Drive to Danao Adventure Park for canyoning and “The Plunge” (a high-altitude canyon swing).
- Afternoon: Visit the Bohol Bee Farm for an organic lunch and their famous flower salad, then head to the Sikatuna Mirror of the World to see miniature replicas of global landmarks.
- Evening: A quiet dinner featuring local Inihaw (grilled) seafood.
Travel Tips
- Getting Around: Renting a scooter (around ₱350–₱500 per day) is the most flexible way to see the island. For groups, hiring a private van with a driver is more comfortable for the long countryside drives.
- Best Time to Visit: The “Chocolate” color of the hills is most prominent during the dry season (March to May), though Bohol is a year-round destination.
