Day trips in Bohol
- 01
Anda Beaches and Lamanoc
A quiet south-eastern coast of white sand beaches, caves and mangroves, far from the Panglao crowds. Best as an overnight or a long day trip for travellers who want calm.
- Time needed
- A long day or an overnight
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry months, daytime
- Tickets
- There is no single ticket. Cave and beach access are arranged locally, so ask your hotel or guide about fees and rules in advance.
- 02
Balicasag Island
A small island and marine sanctuary off Panglao, known for reef diving and snorkelling. It is the standard boat trip from Alona Beach for water lovers.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Calm, dry months, mornings
- Tickets
- Boat trips are booked through resorts, dive shops or tour desks, with prices and rules that vary. Confirm inclusions, fees for the marine sanctuary and life jacket provision, and check the weather on the day.
- 03
Virgin Island (Pontod)
A small sandbar island off Panglao, reached by boat on a short island-hopping trip. It is a photo-and-paddle stop whose size depends on the tide.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours as part of an island-hopping trip
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning and low-tide windows; check with the boat operator
- Tickets
- Boat trips are booked through resorts or tour desks and the price depends on the package. Check the tide timing, fees and what is included before you go.
Places of worship in Bohol
- 04
Baclayon Church
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, in the coastal town of Baclayon near Tagbilaran, rebuilt after the 2013 earthquake and still an active parish.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, outside Mass times
- Tickets
- Entry is generally free for worshippers, but the museum in the convent usually asks for a small fee, so check on the day. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, remove hats inside, and avoid photography during services.
- 05
Dauis Church
The Assumption of Our Lady Shrine-Parish Church in Dauis, on the road to Panglao Island, restored after the 2013 earthquake and known for its ceiling murals and a well inside.
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, outside Mass times
- Tickets
- 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.
- 06
Loboc Church
The San Pedro Apostol Parish Church on the Loboc River, finished in 1734 and reopened in 2021 after earthquake repairs. It has a museum in its convent and a detached bell tower.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning before the cruise crowds
- Tickets
- Entry to the church is free for worshippers, while the museum on the third floor of the convent may charge a small fee. Confirm opening hours locally, dress modestly and avoid Mass times.
Landmarks in Bohol
- 07
Bilar Man-Made Forest
A long stretch of tall mahogany trees along the road in Bilar, inside the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape. It is a quick, shaded photo stop on the inland loop.
- Time needed
- About 15 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- There is no ticket for the roadside view, though some areas inside the landscape have separate access arrangements. Check locally.
- 08
Chocolate Hills
More than a thousand grass-covered limestone domes around Carmen, which turn brown in the dry season. It is Bohol's best-known view and the anchor of most island tours.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours at the viewpoint, 3 to 4 hours of driving there and back
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning on a clear day; the hills look brownest in the dry season
- Tickets
- Entry and viewing-deck arrangements are run locally and change, so check current fees and opening times with your tour operator or the Bohol tourism office. Do not assume you can climb the hills themselves; most visitors view them from a deck.
- 09
Hinagdanan Cave
A naturally lit limestone cave in Dauis on Panglao Island, with stalactites and an emerald underground pool. A short, cool stop between the beach and the church.
- Time needed
- About 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Daytime, when sunlight enters the cave
- Tickets
- Entry is charged at a small local fee. Wikivoyage mentioned about ₱20 in its listing, but check on arrival. Swimming in the pool is not advised.
Experiences in Bohol
- 10
Loboc River Cruise
A slow cruise on the Loboc River past nipa palms and village banks, with a buffet lunch and music on board. It is Bohol's gentlest tour and works well for older travellers.
- Time needed
- About 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Around lunchtime on a dry day
- Tickets
- Cruise operators and prices vary and change, so book through your hotel or a reputable operator and confirm what the buffet includes before you pay. Food is Filipino and includes meat and fish, so tell the operator in advance if you need vegetarian dishes.
- 11
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Corella
A small forest sanctuary run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation near Corella, where you can see one of the world's smallest primates in a natural setting. Quiet, short and worth doing properly.
- Time needed
- About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Daytime, when tarsiers are resting and easier to see; avoid weekends if you want fewer crowds
- Tickets
- Check current opening hours, entry fee and rules with the Philippine Tarsier Foundation before you go. No flash photography, no touching and no loud talking are standard expectations because the animals are easily stressed.
Neighbourhoods in Bohol
- 12
Alona Beach
Panglao's main beach and resort strip, with white sand, dive shops, restaurants and evening music. It is the practical base for most visitors to Bohol.
- Time needed
- A full day, or 2 to 4 nights as a base
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dry months from January to May; mornings for swimming
- Tickets
- The beach is public and free. Boat trips to nearby islands are arranged through resorts and dive shops, so confirm prices, inclusions and safety equipment before you book. Swimming conditions change with tide and wind.
