Lifestyle

Bohol is a delightful island consisting of two contrasting parts that are both fun to explore. The main island is a green paradise with one of the most unique landscapes in the world: the Chocolate Hills. Along with expansive rice fields, the turquoise Loboc River meanders through the tropical jungle, where thousands of fireflies light up the banks at night. This makes your visit to Bohol a magical experience. In contrast, Panglao is the vibrant peninsula where you can enjoy white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Bohol is the perfect destination! Most people travel from Siquijor or Cebu to Bohol. Below, you can read about how to travel from these destinations. From Siquijor to Bohol Direct boats depart daily from Larena Pier to Tagbilaran Port in Bohol. The trip takes 2 to 3 hours. It is recommended to book in advance because the boats can be fully booked at the last minute. From Cebu (Moalboal) to Bohol In Moalboal, take the direct bus to Cebu City, then from Cebu City Pier 1, hop on the ferry to Bohol. Book ferry tickets from Cebu to Bohol. The trip takes 1 to 2 hours. Bohol is a fairly large island with many things to explore. Here are the best things to do in Bohol! Must Do: Stay Uniquely Along the Loboc River The turquoise Loboc River winds through the jungle in the interior of Bohol. Along the riverbanks lies the beautiful Fox & The Firefly Cottages. This is a fantastic accommodation where you stay in a bungalow with a view of the river or the lovely garden. It’s the perfect place to completely unwind while enjoying the serene surroundings. But for those who want to participate in fun activities, there is plenty to do. Start your day with a yoga class, explore the green surroundings by mountain bike, or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the river. At Fox & Fireflies, you can choose from various SUP tours, ranging from a relaxing hour of paddling to adventurous trips to waterfalls or even a yoga session on the water. Want to experience something truly special? Then join the sunset & fireflies tour, where you head out on the water during sunset. As twilight falls, the banks light up with thousands of fireflies – a magical spectacle that you’ll never forget. These tours do not need to be booked in advance. Tip: Fox & The Firefly is a popular accommodation, and once you’re here, you’ll immediately understand why. If you want to stay here, it’s recommended to book in advance. Traveling on a budget? The nearby Water to Forest Ecolodge is a great alternative. Enjoy the View Over the Chocolate Hills In the heart of Bohol lies one of the most iconic landscapes in the Philippines: the Chocolate Hills. This surreal landscape consists of hundreds of cone-shaped hills, ranging from 30 to 50 meters (98 to 164 feet) high, with some rising as high as 120 meters (394 feet). They were formed by centuries of limestone erosion, a remnant from when this area was once a coral reef. During the dry summer months, from March to May, the grass withers and the hills turn brown. This gives them the appearance of chocolate balls, which is how they got their name. For the rest of the year, the hills are green, offering a completely different but equally stunning view. The most popular spot to admire this landscape is from the Chocolate Hills Viewpoint. From the parking lot, you purchase a ticket and are transported by shuttle bus to the top of the hill. The final stretch requires a climb via stairs, where you have a panoramic 360-degree view of the landscape. There is also a restaurant where you can take a break after your climb before continuing on your journey. Tip: The Chocolate Hills look their best at sunrise when a golden glow covers the landscape. The shuttle doesn’t run at this time, but you can still buy a ticket and ride the last part to the viewpoint on your scooter. Bring something warm as it can be chilly in the interior early in the morning! Experience the Atmosphere at Alona Beach in Panglao The white sandy beach of Alona Beach is the lively heart of Panglao, the peninsula of Bohol. During the day, a relaxed atmosphere prevails, with divers preparing for their underwater adventures and people soaking up the sun. As the day progresses, the boulevard fills with people settling down at the fun, simple beach shacks. Here, you can relax with your feet in the sand and enjoy fresh fish. If you prefer to sit in a charming restaurant, head to the cozy garden of Oasis Restaurant & Beach Club or relax on a bean bag at Okyanus Resto & Bar Lounge. In the evening, the beach comes to life with lively bars, where the music continues until the early hours. Visit Camugao Falls & Kawasan Falls Hidden in the interior of Bohol, two beautiful waterfalls are located close to each other, making it perfect to visit them together. Camugao Falls is a narrow but powerful waterfall cascading down from a lush green rock face. At the base lies a deep, crystal-clear pool where you can swim. From the entrance, a steep descent takes you via wooden stairs in about ten minutes to the waterfall. Once you’re down, you can order a fresh coconut and enjoy the serene surroundings. Not waterfall-weary yet? Then drive 15 minutes further to Kawasan Falls. This smaller, multi-tiered waterfall has a fairy-tale feel, especially when you step over the bridge into the idyllic scene. The pool is a bit smaller, but the beautiful surroundings make a visit definitely worth it. Learn About Honeybees at Bohol Bee Farm Bohol Bee Farm is a lovely spot on Panglao where nature, craftsmanship, and good food come together. What started as a small beekeeping operation has grown into an ecological farm offering a wider range of activities. Today, you can learn not only about bees and honey but also about sustainable farming, herbs, spices, and traditional crafts such as weaving. You can wander freely around the grounds or, for a small fee, join a short tour that is given throughout the day. This tour provides insight into honey production and the many other initiatives on the farm. Make sure to arrive with an appetite, as Bohol Bee Farm is also a delightful culinary destination. Try their homemade coconut ice cream in various flavors, served in a gluten-free cassava cone, or enjoy a healthy, locally sourced meal in their restaurant with an ocean view. Take a Dip in Pahangog Falls One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bohol is Pahangog Falls. Here, you’ll find a double stream of water cascading down over rock formations that resemble stalactites, surrounded by lush greenery. You walk across a beautiful bamboo bridge to the base of the waterfall. The bright blue pool is perfect for swimming and cooling off. Unlike the more famous waterfalls in Cebu or Siquijor, Pahangog Falls is relatively quiet, and you may even have the entire waterfall to yourself if you go early. To get to Pahangog Falls, you first pay a small entrance fee and then receive a guide. You can choose between a bumpy ride on the back of your guide’s motorbike or a 20-minute walk through the green landscape to the waterfall. At the end, you’ll find a short but steep staircase down. The return journey up is much harder, so bring plenty of water! Relax at White Beach & Dumaluan Beach Looking for a beach with a more relaxed atmosphere than Alona Beach? Dumaluan Beach and White Beach are next to each other and are perfect for escaping the crowds. You can easily walk from one beach to the other while wading in the shallow, clear blue water. Dumaluan Beach has more accommodations and resorts, offering more amenities. On the other hand, White Beach is cozier, with small tables directly in the sand where you can order food and drinks. On weekends, it becomes extra lively, with locals gathering to relax, eat, and of course, sing karaoke enthusiastically. Ride Through the Towering Trees of the Bilar Man-Made Forest As you drive through the interior of Bohol, you’ll eventually notice the landscape subtly change. The tropical landscape gives way to a natural tunnel of towering trees; the Bilar Man-Made Forest. This forest is not a natural piece of jungle but a planted forest of mahogany trees, which was part of a reforestation project in the 1960s. Still, the forest feels anything but artificial. The trees are so close together that they form a dense canopy, keeping it wonderfully cool. Dive and Snorkel Around Bohol In addition to all the beautiful places on land, the underwater world around Bohol is also worth exploring. For those looking for a quiet spot, Anda is the place to dive and snorkel. This lesser-visited part of Bohol offers crystal-clear water, beautiful coral reefs, and impressive biodiversity. Here, you have a great chance of encountering turtles, schools of tropical fish, and reef sharks. If you’d prefer to stay closer to Panglao, Napaling Reef is a popular snorkeling spot. For a fee, you can dive into the water to swim among the beautiful coral gardens and schools of fish. Note that it can be busier here. For a reliable dive school, Bohol Divers Club on Panglao comes highly recommended. They offer courses for all levels and take you to the best dive spots around Bohol, including Balicasag Island, one of the best dive locations in the region. There are several “sanctuaries” in Bohol where you can see tarsiers. Tarsiers are one of the smallest primate species and have a unique appearance. They are only 8 to 16 centimeters (3.1 to 6.3 inches) tall, have very large eyes, and long fingers and toes. They can rotate their heads almost 180 degrees and eat insects, lizards, and small birds. You may now think, “I want to see a tarsier in person!” However, it’s better not to do this because tarsiers are sadly endangered by tourism. Tarsiers are extremely sensitive to stress, and if they’re frightened, they can even harm themselves by banging their heads against trees. Tourists, cameras, and noise can cause a lot of stress. Furthermore, the sanctuaries are not ethical. They keep tarsiers in small enclosures and allow visitors to get too close, which is harmful to the animals. Tarsiers are nocturnal, and when there are many people during the day, they cannot sleep. This makes them exhausted and stressed. Therefore, it’s best to leave the tarsiers alone and not visit them, even in so-called sanctuaries. OVERGROWN Café & Bar – The place for good coffee, fresh pastries, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches in a cozy setting. Zara’s Cafe – This cozy cafe located higher on a mountain offers a beautiful view of Bohol. Order a freshly baked treat, a richly topped sandwich, or a delicious smoothie. Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast Bohol – Authentic Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas, creamy lasagna, and Sicilian specialties in a cozy atmosphere. Shaka Bohol – Here, you’ll find a healthy breakfast or lunch, with colorful smoothie bowls, fresh salads, and many vegan options. Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant – Filipino and Asian dishes focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to try their homemade coconut ice cream! Lekker Garden – A surprising mix of South African and international dishes, with many vegetarian options in a homely setting. Bougainvillea Spanish Restaurant and Wine Bar – Craving Spanish tapas or a hearty paella? Here, you can enjoy them with a nice glass of wine. Common Crew Coffee Roasters & Brewers – A great place for a strong cup of coffee and a tasty lunch. WONDERLAND Sayaw Thai Food – If you’re craving authentic Thai food, this is the place to be. Enjoy delicious curries, pad Thai, and other classics. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars on the beach, then Panglao Peninsula is a great place to stay. If you’d prefer more peace and nature, staying on the main island of Bohol is a better choice. Here, you’ll find some beautiful eco-lodges often located in unique natural spots. Can’t decide where to stay? Consider staying a few nights in Bohol and a few nights in Panglao. That way, you get the best of both worlds. On the banks of the beautiful Loboc River lies Fox & The Firefly Cottages. Here, amidst the many tropical plants, you’ll find beautiful bungalows perfectly integrated into the surroundings. The bungalows are built with natural materials such as bamboo and palm leaves and have a delightful outdoor bathroom. This place is perfect for a day of relaxation, but you can also do plenty of activities like yoga, SUP, or mountain biking. For delicious food, you don’t need to leave the property as the restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes. Want to stay on Panglao in a comfortable hotel with a pool? Then Island World Panglao is the best choice. You’ll stay in a spacious room with good air conditioning and comfortable beds. The long pool is the real centerpiece, inviting you to swim laps. Traveling on a budget? Glamping Alona is a lovely place to stay. Here, you sleep in a luxury tent or a cute bungalow. There’s also a lovely pool and a cozy bar with a pool table and other games.