13 Awesome Things to Do in Bohol: My Guide to the Best Experiences

Last Updated on May 3, 2025 by Oliver

Bohol was such a nice break from all the island hopping Oliver and I had been doing. We totally underestimated how big the island is — we showed up with just three days planned and immediately had to start narrowing down our must-do list. (We actually ended up extending our time in Bohol by 4 days because of how many things we wanted to do!) 

That’s why we put this list together. Based on our experience, there are a few things in Bohol you can skip… but also a bunch we didn’t expect to be so good. Of course, you’ve got the iconic Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers, but there are also underrated waterfalls, wild snorkeling spots, and beaches that make you forget what day it is.

If you’re planning a trip and want to make the most of your time, here are the best things to do in Bohol.

Where is Bohol and Why It’s Worth the Trip

Bohol is in the central Philippines, not far from Cebu. You can get there by ferry or fly straight into Panglao if you’re over boats (I get it). We weren’t totally sure what to expect going in, but once we got there, it felt like we’d landed in a way more chill, underrated version of some of the busier islands.

What really surprised us was how much variety Bohol packs in. One day we were riding motorbikes through rice fields, the next we were snorkeling with a sardine run, and then of course, hanging out with the weird little primates, tarsiers. 

The island’s big enough that it doesn’t feel overrun, but still super easy to get around, and the mix of nature, beaches, and adventure makes it the perfect add to any Philippine Travel Guide. 

13 Best Things To Do in Bohol

There’s way more to Bohol than the Chocolate Hills—here’s what we think actually deserves a spot on your Bohol Travel itinerary.

1. Visit the Famous Chocolate Hills

Let’s just get this one out of the way. We did the trip to the Chocolate Hills—and honestly, it was a bit underwhelming. The ride from Panglao took us about 1.5 hours one way on a scooter, which in the middle of the day heat felt long. It’s the kind of thing you do because it’s the thing to do in Bohol, but would I rush to do it again? Probably not.

That said, the Chocolate Hills are still a pretty cool and unique sight. Over 1,200 grassy hills spread out across the landscape, turning brown in the dry season (hence the name). The viewing deck gives you that classic panoramic shot, and there’s a little info area if you’re curious about the geology behind it all. We spent maybe 20 minutes at the top, took the photo, drank some water, and got back on the bike.

So yeah—it’s cool, but don’t expect to spend a whole afternoon here. More of a scenic detour than a major highlight.

We recommend pairing it with other inland adventures to make the drive worth it.

2. Snorkel or Dive at Balicasag Island

If there’s one water activity you do in Bohol, make it this. We did the snorkeling tour to Balicasag Island and it ended up being one of our favorite days of the whole trip. The water here is insanely clear—probably the clearest we saw anywhere in the Philippines—and it’s full of marine life. We saw turtles within a few minutes of jumping in, it was so cool!

The main snorkel stop (the one they take you to right off the boat) was a bit chaotic—there were loads of other boats and guides all hovering in the same small area. But I think it was still worth it. That’s exactly where we saw turtles just cruising by like it was no big deal.

After the guided part, we decided to walk around the island a bit and ended up finding quieter snorkel spots with fewer people, much better reef visibility, and water so clear it looked like a screen saver. Highly recommend doing a little exploring if you’ve got the time.

We booked our tour from Alona Beach, and most operators include a few snorkel stops (just note that Virgin Island was still closed when we went). Definitely ask for Balicasag by name when booking—and don’t be afraid to shop around a little before you commit.

3. Cruise Down the Loboc River

Okay, full transparency—Oliver and I actually stayed near the Loboc River, but we never got around to doing the actual cruise. Most people pair this with a trip to the Chocolate Hills, but after that long scooter ride (and coming from a similar river cruise on the Maasin River in Siargao), we decided to skip it. Plus, we’d heard it can be pretty touristy, and we were craving something a little more low-key.

That said, if you haven’t done any river cruises before, this one’s a great option. The floating restaurant tours are definitely the most popular, with a buffet lunch and scenic views of the jungle. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, we recommend grabbing a SUP board or kayak to explore on your own. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the peaceful vibe of the river without all the tourist boats.

4. Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary

You can’t go to Bohol without seeing the tarsiers. These tiny, wide-eyed creatures are ridiculously cute—and seeing them in real life was one of the best parts of our trip. But here’s the thing: there are two tarsier sanctuaries, and only one of them is actually ethical.

Go to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, not the Tarsier Conservation Area near Loboc. The latter is more of a zoo setup with stressed-out animals, and honestly, it’s not great. If we’re going to keep enjoying places like this, we’ve got to do it responsibly.

At the real sanctuary, the whole thing is fairly basic. You start in a scrappy little room to watch a short video on conservation, then a guide takes you into the forest to find the tarsiers. And trust me—you need the guide. These little guys are the size of your palm and blend in so well. We saw four in total, all tucked into different trees, and it was honestly so cool.

Just remember to keep your voice down—tarsiers are really sensitive to noise and stress. It’s a quick visit but 100% worth it.

5. Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls)

Dimiao Twin Falls, or Pahangog Falls, is one of the best waterfalls in Bohol. It’s one of those places that requires a little effort to get to, but once you’re there, you’ll be so glad you made the trek. 

After signing in at the entrance, we skipped the hike and took the motorbike ride with a local instead. The road’s a bit rough in spots, so we were glad we did—200 pesos round trip and way easier than walking in the heat.

Once you get dropped off, there’s a steep 500-step path down to the falls. It’s not a long walk, but it’s definitely a bit of a climb coming back up. At the bottom, the two waterfalls drop into a really clear pool with a big rock in the middle that’s perfect for jumping off.

We hung out for a while, swam around, and took a break in the shade. It wasn’t crowded when we went, and the whole place had a chill, hidden-gem feel to it.

7. Wander Through the Bilar Man Made Forest

We stopped at the Bilar Man-Made Forest on the way between the Tarsier Sanctuary and Loboc, and honestly, we didn’t think much of it at first, it’s just a road through some trees, but it totally surprised us.

As soon as we pulled over and stepped out, the air felt cooler and quieter, and the way the mahogany trees arch overhead kind of makes the whole place feel surreal. We only spent about 10 minutes walking around and taking it in, but it was such a peaceful break in the day.

Definitely not a destination on its own, but if you’re already exploring the area, it’s a really easy and surprisingly lovely stop.

8. Chill at Oceanica Bohol Beach Club

Bohol’s beaches seriously surprised me. I don’t know why I wasn’t expecting much—maybe because everyone only ever talks about the Chocolate Hills and the tarsiers—but the white sand and clear water at Oceanica completely blew us away.

Oceanica is one of the best Panglao Beach resorts on Dumaluan Beach, about 5km from Alona. That distance ended up being perfect. Alona felt chaotic, with way too many restaurants, boats crowding the shore, and loud construction nearby. Oceanica, on the other hand, was calm and beautiful. You can access the beach for free, or grab a drink and use one of the tables with an umbrella. If you want pool and lounger access, there’s a ₱600 day pass, but we never bothered.

We’d just grab a beer, walk a little further down toward the volleyball net, and find a palm tree to sit under. The sand was soft, the breeze was warm, and it felt like we had our own little patch of paradise. It got a bit busier around sunset, but it still had that peaceful, laid-back feel that made it one of our favorite spots on the island.

9. Snorkel with the Sardine Run at Napaling Reef

This is hands down one of the best things to do in Bohol Panglao. We’d heard about the sardine run in Moalboal, but didn’t realize Bohol had its own version—way less hyped, but just as cool. Napaling Reef is on the northwestern coast of Panglao Island, and it’s home to this massive school of sardines that just… hangs out right off the cliff.

You don’t even need a boat. You just climb down a steep set of stairs built into the cliffside, rent some snorkel gear if you don’t have your own, and jump in. Within seconds, you’re surrounded. Thousands of sardines move like one giant silvery wave, darting and swirling around you like something straight out of Planet Earth.

And it’s not just the sardine run, this roped off area is FULL of marine life. There are some artificial reefs that are thriving, and drawing in so many fish that it truly felt like we were snorkeling in an aquarium. It was freaking awesome! 

After swimming, there are hammocks tucked around the cliffside where you can kick back and soak it all in. We spent way longer here than we planned because it was just that good. Peaceful, exciting, and it only costs 300 pesos for entrance! We honestly can’t recommend it enough.

💡 If your nervous about going on your own, you can also book this tour!

10. Explore the Rice Terraces to Dam-agan Falls

If you’re already making the trip out to Dimiao Twin Falls, don’t skip Dam-agan Falls, it’s just around the corner and feels like a secret garden tucked behind a local school.

Getting there is part of the charm. You’ll wind your way through rice terraces that give serious Bali vibes (minus the crowds), with layers of green that feel straight out of a postcard. The trail is mellow and scenic, and then suddenly you’re standing in front of this dreamy little waterfall pouring into a bright blue pool.

It’s not huge, but that’s what makes it feel special. We had the place almost completely to ourselves, just a few friendly locals around, and the whole area had this super chill, tucked-away energy. Entry is just ₱30, which is honestly a steal for your own private jungle plunge pool.

If you’re already in the area doing Twin Falls, this one’s an easy and totally worthwhile stop to squeeze in the same day. Two waterfalls, one adventure, and if you’re nervous about finding them or driving on the small paths, you can book a waterfall hopping tour!

11. Escape to Anda for a Different Side of Bohol

If you’ve got a little extra time, heading up to Anda is absolutely worth it. It’s tucked up in the northeastern corner of Bohol Island, far from the crowds and chaos of Panglao. We spent a couple of nights here and honestly, it felt like we were on a totally different island.

The snorkeling is next-level, and you don’t need a boat or a tour; you just walk right in from the beach and boom, reefs everywhere. The water is crystal clear, super calm, and we saw some of the best marine life of our whole Bohol trip here.

One of the highlights of Anda was the Cabagnow Cave Pool. This hidden gem seriously reminded us of the cenotes in Mexico. It’s a deep limestone sinkhole with electric blue water that’s perfect for jumping in and cooling off. Bring cash for the small entrance fee and be ready to climb a ladder back up. You can also visit the Can Umantad Falls here, which is the tallest waterfall in Bohol.

Anda also has some really beautiful boutique resorts if you’re down to splurge a little and treat yourself to a slower pace for a couple of days.

12. Start Your Day With a Smoothie Bowl and Some Ocean Views

After all that adventuring, you’re gonna want a solid breakfast spot to recharge. Thankfully, Bohol’s got a surprisingly great little cafe scene, and yes, we definitely made the rounds.

Overgrown Cafe was our absolute favorite spot on the island. Smoothie bowls, good coffee, and cheesy toasties.

Bohol Bee Farm is more of a classic, but the views are unbeatable. Their restaurant is perched right on the edge of the cliffs with ocean views for days, and everything is made from ingredients grown right on their farm. Also, you gotta make a stop here for their homemade ice cream

13. Quick Stop at Baclayon Church

This one’s a short but sweet cultural pit stop. Baclayon Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, built in the 1700s, and you can feel the history in its thick coral stone walls. 

It’s just a little ways away from the bridge between Panglao and the main Bohol Island and easy to squeeze in on your way to or from the Chocolate Hills or Loboc area. We didn’t spend too long here, but it’s a cool glimpse into the Spanish colonial era

FAQ: Things to do in Bohol Philippines

What are the best things to do in Bohol with family?

So much of Bohol is catered towards families. You can visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the tiny tarsiers, take a boat ride on the Loboc River, or swim at Dimiao Twin Falls. For a relaxing day, check out Oceanica Bohol Beach Club, or explore the Bohol Bee Farm for some yummy ice cream.

Best things to do in Bohol at night

Bohol isn’t super heavy on the nightlife but some of our favorite bars to hang out at were Aluna Lodge, Roadhouse, and Paddy’s Irish Beer Pub.

What are some unique things to do in Bohol?

Bohol has plenty of unique spots! Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world’s smallest primates, explore the Cabagnow Cave Pool for a cenote-like swim, or hike to the Dimiao Twin Falls for a hidden waterfall experience. Don’t forget to check out Napaling Reef for an unforgettable snorkel with sardine runs!

What to do in Bohol for 3 days

Three days is perfect to explore Bohol. On Day 1, visit the Chocolate Hills, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, and finish with a Loboc River Cruise. Spend Day 2 waterfall hopping at Dimiao Twin Falls, Tibog Falls, and Mag-Aso Falls. On Day 3, snorkel at Balicasag Island and relax at Oceanica Bohol Beach Club.

Final Thoughts on the Top Things to do in Bohol

Bohol surprised us in all the best ways. What started as a quick 3-day stop turned into over a week of adventures, chill beach days, and some of our favorite memories from the Philippines. Whether you’re into waterfalls, snorkeling with sardines, river stays, or smoothie bowl mornings—Bohol’s got layers.

This Bohol travel guide is packed with the top things we actually think are worth your time. We skipped a few of the big-name stops and ended up loving the lesser-known gems even more. Hopefully, this helps you plan a trip that feels more personal and less tour-bus-y.

Get ready for scooter rides, jungle hikes, and beaches that nobody talks about nearly enough.

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