Beautiful beaches, marvelous marine life, and the delightful Chocolate Hills--among other natural wonders--make Bohol the perfect island destination for travelers that want  both adventure and relaxation. Swim with sea turtles, choose from over 70 islands and islets, feast on the freshest seafood, and soak up the sun in one of the must-visit, family-friendly destinations of the Philippines!

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Bohol

Nowhere is Bohol’s tranquil appeal better captured than in Loboc River. Located in southern Bohol, Loboc River’s distinctly green but crystal clear water surrounded by towering trees is a sight to behold. And as you cruise through the river on a large wooden boat—which doubles as a buffet area for your tour—you’ll find a fascinating mix of natural, historical, and cultural wonder.

**What to expect**
 
The Loboc River Cruise takes you through a calm journey through the river, where you’ll have many opportunities to appreciate Bohol’s natural beauty. Whether it’s the river’s unique charm or the lush forests surrounding it, Loboc River is a lovely destination for all nature lovers!

At the middle of the cruise you’ll find Busay Falls, a small but impressive-looking set of waterfalls surrounded by Bohol’s lush greenery. It also marks the halfway point of your cruise—boats will turn around and sail back to the port after arriving at Busay Falls. 

The cruise also takes you through a journey back in time, as you’ll find what remains of Loboc Church, the second oldest church in Bohol, overlooking the river. All your sightseeing will be accompanied by musical performances from Bohol locals, both in the boat and throughout the river!

If you want to surround yourself with nature and culture, the Loboc River Cruise is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Bohol!

**Where to experience it**

From Tagbilaran City, traveling to the port where you can take the Loboc River Cruise will take around 45 minutes. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province, many tours that take you around Bohol will include the Loboc River Cruise in its itinerary.


Loboc River Cruise

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/31284/1603958409-bohol-philippines.jpg)

*Credits to: Bohol Philippines.com*


While many tourists go to Bohol for its stunning landscapes and beach getaways, it also offers several attractions to those who want to go back in time. One of these attractions is Baclayon Church, the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. Established in 1595 by Jesuit missionaries, it is considered a National Cultural Treasure for its rich history and significance to Bohol.

**What to expect**

Baclayon Church’s interior is a sight to behold, with religious images and statues filling the church’s ceiling and altar. While most of these structures were only very recently restored following the 2013 earthquake, the interior still captures the church’s historical and cultural importance.

It’ll be hard to miss the bell tower located right next to Baclayon Church’s entrance. It still contains six out of the nine bells that were installed several centuries ago!

Behind the church you’ll find the Baclayon Museum, which contains a small but significant collection of historical religious artifacts. From paintings to statues and other religious items, many of which are just as old as the church itself. The museum is a must-see for those who want to find out more about Baclayon Church’s history.

**Where to experience it**

Baclayon Church is only a few kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, and it takes around 15 minutes to get to the church via land travel.


Baclayon Church

For tourists who want to see the beauty of the Loboc River, they usually go on a river cruise that strolls through the river until Busay Falls. But for tourists who want to experience Loboc River differently—or, at least, see it from a different perspective—there’s the Twin Hanging Bridge.

Known as the Sipatan Hanging Bridge or the Sevilla Hanging Bridge, this bamboo-and-steel bridge hangs 25 meters above the river. You’ll definitely see Bohol from a new perspective atop the hanging bridges!

**What to expect** 

As implied by its name, the Twin Hanging Bridge is a pair of bridges hanging above the Loboc River, connecting two sides of the municipality of Sevilla with each other. While locals use the bridge to cross the river to this day, it has become a popular spot among tourists for its unique experience!

The 40-meter long bridge gives you the opportunity to be surrounded by Loboc River and all it has to offer, from its distinctly green water to its lush trees. While the bamboo floor may look flimsy, the Twin Hanging Bridge has been reinforced with steel, making them much safer to cross!

With two bridges hanging above Loboc River, you can cross through one and return through the other!

**Where to experience it**

You can reach the Twin Hanging Bridge from Tagbilaran City in around 45 minutes via van. The Twin Hanging Bridge is part of many day tours that take you around Bohol.


Twin Hanging Bridge

On top of its sprawling Chocolate Hills and tranquil beaches, Bohol is home to various animal species that would catch the eye of any nature-loving tourist. The most popular of these animals is the Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world. With their big eyes as well as long fingers and toes gripped firmly onto tree branches, the unique appearance of the Philippine tarsier have made them popular among tourists.

The best way to see these tarsiers is to visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Established by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, the sanctuary allows tourists to find tarsiers in their natural habitat and learn more about these fascinating creatures.

**What to expect**
 
The main attraction of the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is the Tarsier Trail, a nature trail that takes you through a lush jungle that Philippine tarsiers call home. You’ll find many viewing decks throughout the trail where you can observe the tarsiers more closely because you don’t want to miss seeing one in person!

As you go through the Tarsier Trail, you’ll also find other animals lurking overhead such as tropical birds and monkeys. Plant lovers will also appreciate the variety of trees that surround them throughout the trail!

As it is maintained by experts and conservationists, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary gives tourists the opportunity to admire the Philippine tarsier and all of its quirks without causing the small animals any undue stress. Its research center also has a variety of information displayed about the Philippine tarsier for those who want to find out more about them.

**Where to experience it**

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is located in the municipality of Corella in southwestern Bohol. If you’re coming from Tagbilaran City, you will only need around 30 minutes to get to the sanctuary. 


Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

The Chocolate Hills are most likely at the top of every Bohol tourist’s list of must-see destinations--and for good reason! There are over 1,000 hills that spread as far as the eye can see so it’s truly one of the most jaw-dropping sights in the entire Philippines. Named after the earthy brown color they take during the summer, the Chocolate Hills are a testament to Bohol’s natural beauty. Their importance is highlighted in the Bohol province’s official flag and seal, which both feature images of the hills.

**What to expect**

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province, many tours and packages focus on the Chocolate Hills. However, depending on which package you avail, you will be led to one of two locations.

The first and more well-known destination is the Chocolate Hills Complex in the municipality of Carmen. Tourists will need to go up over 200 steps to get to the observation deck, but the climb is more than worth it. Atop the complex is a stunning view of the thousands of hills with their earthy brown (or lush green, depending on the season) color. 

The second destination is Sagbayan Peak, located in the municipality of Sagbayan. While tourists will also need to go up hundreds of steps, they’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills from every direction. Tourists can also use one of the high-powered telescopes in Sagbayan Peak to get an even better view of the hills.

Whichever viewing deck you choose, you’ll have many chances to take in the vastness and richness of the Chocolate Hills!

**Where to experience it**

Both the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen and the Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan are around an hour of land travel away from the capital city of Tagbilaran. However, the Chocolate Hills themselves span hundreds of kilometers in central Bohol, passing through many of its municipalities.


Chocolate Hills

After you explore the tranquil beaches of Panglao, Bohol has several smaller islands surrounding it that have their own charm and surprises. At the top of this list is Balicasag Island, one of the best diving spots not only in Bohol but also the entire country. With its diverse marine life ranging from sea turtles to coral reefs, Balicasag Island has a lot to offer for nature lovers!

**What to expect**
 
If Panglao Island is for chill beach-lovers, Balicasag Island is for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. While it still has the pristine white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters you’d expect from Bohol, Balicasag’s main attraction can be found underwater.

The most popular sight snorkelers and divers will see are the sea turtles who roam around the island’s turtle sanctuary. You can find them swimming along coral reefs and through various underwater caves. Tourists who dream of swimming alongside turtles can get their chance in Balicasag!

Apart from its turtle sanctuary, Balicasag also has a fish sanctuary with many species of colorful fish and coral reefs. The deeper you go, the more diverse the species you’ll find!
Where to experience it

Balicasag Island is a 30-minute boat ride away from Panglao’s Alona Beach. Many of the island hopping tours offered around Panglao include Balicasag in their itineraries.


Diving in Balicasag Island

Spanning a little over a kilometer, Alona Beach is Panglao Island’s main attraction. Its powdery white sands, crystal clear waters, and tall coconut trees make for the perfect beach getaway. And with the variety of beachside restaurants and establishments surrounding it, you’ll always find something to do!

**What to expect**

The picturesque Alona Beach gives all tourists the perfect opportunity to take a break from the world. Relax underneath the shade of a palm tree as you breathe in the fresh Bohol air, and take a dip into Alona Beach’s crystal blue waters to cool yourself off.

Once you’re done basking in Alona Beach’s tranquility, grab a bite in one of the many beachside restaurants surrounding it, which offer a wide variety of local and international cuisines. It’s the perfect way to end a relaxing day on the beach!

Alona Beach is also a gateway to many other popular tourist spots around Panglao. Whether you want to dive with turtles or spot groups of dolphins, you’ll find a tour that can show you more of Bohol’s natural beauty.

**Where to experience it**

Alona Beach is only a few minutes away from the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. If you’re coming from Tagbilaran City, it will take around 30 minutes to get to Alona Beach via land travel.


Alona Beach

Beyond chocolate hills and big-eyed tarsiers, Bohol has a lot more to offer tourists who want to be surrounded by nature. Located in the southwest tip of the province, Panglao is Bohol’s beach getaway, perfect for tourists looking for a relaxed and serene experience.

**What to expect when you're there:**

Panglao’s main attraction is the picturesque Alona Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear water that capture Bohol’s tranquil environment. Relax under the Bohol sun or enjoy swimming in the crystal blue waters, and end your days by grabbing a bite in one of its many beachside restaurants.

Alona Beach is only one of several beaches around Panglao, and each one is just as magical as the last. Whether it’s diving in Danao or catching the sunset at Doljo, Panglao is a haven for beach lovers!

For those looking for even more beautiful sights, there are many tours that explore the small islands surrounding Panglao. Balicasag Island offers one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the country as you’ll be swimming alongside sea turtles and other colorful fish, while Virgin Island has a sandbar perfect for relaxing afternoons.

Whether it’s unique diving experiences, picturesque landscapes, or hours of relaxation, Panglao has a lot to offer travelers!

**How to get there:**

All commercial flights headed to Bohol enter the province through the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which is located in Panglao Island. Bohol is a one-and-a-half hour direct flight from Manila or Clark, while the flight from Davao takes one hour and 10 minutes.

Many of the beach resorts in Panglao that cater to tourists are only a few minutes away from the airport. 

If you’re coming from Cebu, there are no direct flights that will take you to Bohol. However, you can take a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital. From Tagbilaran, you’ll reach Panglao Island in around 30 minutes via land travel.


Panglao

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