The short answer
Dauis Church: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a stop on the way to Panglao. Dress modestly, visit outside Mass times and allow about 30 to 45 minutes. It is an active parish, so treat it as a place of worship first.
History and context
The story behind Dauis Church
Jesuit priests founded the church in 1697. A Recollect church of bamboo and wood built in 1769 burned in 1795. Construction of the present stone church began in 1863 and it was consecrated on 23 August 1923. Restoration after the 2013 earthquake started in 2015 and the church reopened on 15 August 2017.
Useful facts
Dauis Church facts at a glance
- Location
- Dauis, at the Bohol end of Panglao Island
- Faith
- Roman Catholic
- Deity/dedication
- Assumption of Our Lady
- Visitor note
- Modest dress; avoid Mass times
- Built
- Current church begun 1863, consecrated 1923, restored 2017
Why it matters
Why Dauis Church is worth your time
Dauis Church shows how Bohol's heritage churches survived and recovered after the 2013 earthquake. Its current stone building was begun in 1863 and consecrated on 23 August 1923, after earlier wooden churches were lost to fire, and the restoration finished in 2017.
It also houses the Marian image of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was canonically crowned on 15 August 2023. For visitors, the church is both a historical building and a living parish, so the best visit combines quiet looking with respect for worshippers.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The ceiling murals
Painted murals decorate the church ceiling.
- 02
The well
A well inside the church is described as miraculous in local tradition.
- 03
Restoration
Reopened in 2017 after the 2013 earthquake.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Dauis Church stands at the start of Panglao Island and is an easy first stop on the way from Tagbilaran to the beaches. Walk in quietly and look up at the painted ceiling murals, then find the well that the church is known for. Wikipedia describes it as a miraculous underground water well.
After the 2013 earthquake, the church was heavily damaged, and restoration began in 2015. It reopened on 15 August 2017, one of the first of Bohol's 25 heritage churches to be restored. Look for the information boards that explain the repairs, and note the separate watchtower beside the church.
Dress modestly, remove your hat inside, and keep your voice low. The church is still the parish centre, so you may find services or preparations underway. Combine it with Hinagdanan Cave and the coast.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly and remove your hat
- Check Mass times
- Do not photograph worshippers
- Combine with Hinagdanan Cave
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Dauis, Panglao Island, just across the bridge from Tagbilaran
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning, outside Mass times
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The church floor is level with pews for sitting and a cool interior. The entrance has a few steps, and the paved grounds have shade nearby. It is among the easiest heritage stops on the island for older visitors.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free for worshippers, with modest dress expected. Check Mass times and avoid photographing worshippers, and note that parts of the compound may have fee-based museum areas.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dauis Church
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The church floor is level with pews for sitting and a cool interior. The entrance has a few steps, and the paved grounds have shade nearby. It is among the easiest heritage stops on the island for older visitors.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Dauis Church open for tourists?
Yes, but it is an active parish church. Visit outside Mass times and dress modestly.
Was it damaged in the 2013 earthquake?
Yes. Restoration began in 2015 and the church reopened on 15 August 2017.
What is special inside?
Ceiling murals and a well that tradition calls miraculous, as Wikipedia notes.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
