Travel Guide to Bohol - The Philippines
The island of Beaches, Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
Bohol is unlike any other island in the Philippines. While most people come to this archipelago for just the beaches, Bohol offers a “universe of wonders” (as we call it) that you simply can’t find anywhere else. From the world’s smallest primates to a landscape that looks like a field of giant chocolate drops, here is why Bohol belongs on your 2026 bucket list.
Getting There & Where to Stay
In 2026, traveling to Bohol is easier than ever. Most travelers fly into Manila and take a quick domestic transfer to Bohol–Panglao International Airport.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, do what we did: stay on Panglao Island (just south of the main island). We stayed at the Cliffside Resort, a remote slice of paradise perched on the rocks overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect place to “chillax” before your island adventure begins.
A Journey Through History
Our trip across the island started with a jump back in time. Bohol is a milestone in Filipino history:
The Blood Compact (Sandugo): We visited the site of the first peace treaty between Spanish colonists and Filipinos (1565). They sealed the deal with a blood compact—a powerful moment that shaped the nation.
Baclayon Church: Built in 1595, this is one of the oldest Christian churches in the Philippines. Despite surviving several earthquakes, its coral-stone walls still stand strong as a major place of pilgrimage.
The Jungle & The River Cruise
After exploring the history of Tagbilaran City, we headed into the green heart of the island.
Loboc River Cruise: This is a culinary and natural highlight. You board a floating restaurant and sail straight through the jungle. While we enjoyed a Filipino buffet, we were serenaded with “golden oldies” and watched the traditional Tinikling dance—a rhythmic Spanish-Filipino tradition involving bamboo poles.
The Man-Made Forest: On our way to the hills, we drove through a 2km stretch of perfectly lined mahogany trees. It’s a mystical, cooling stop that feels like a scene from a movie.
Meeting the Tarsiers: Smallest Brain, Biggest Eyes
The moment I had been waiting for! We visited the Tarsier Sanctuary to find the most exquisite animal in the Philippines.
The Facts: These tiny primates are only 5 inches tall. Their eyes are actually bigger than their brains, and their feet have suction cups that allow them to sleep while hanging vertically from trees.
The Rule: They are nocturnal and very sensitive, so you have to be extra quiet. Seeing them up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We saved the best for last: The Chocolate Hills
On top of a viewing deck, we looked out over nearly 1,300 unique hills.
Why “Chocolate”? They are named this because the grass turns chocolate brown during the dry season. Even when they are lush green (as they were during our rainy encounter), the landscape is spectacular.
The Myth: Scientists say they were formed by limestone erosion, but the local myth is much better: they are the petrified tears of a giant named Arogo, who wept for his lost love, Aloya.
Travel Tips for Bohol (2026)
Sustainable Travel: In 2026, Bohol has strictly enforced eco-tourism rules. Always use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch the Tarsiers or the coral reefs in Panglao.
Transportation: While you can rent a scooter, we recommend hiring a private driver for a Bohol Countryside Tour. It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Panglao to the hills, and having a local guide helps you find the hidden spots.
Timing: The “Chocolate” brown color is most visible from March to May. If you visit during the rest of the year, expect a “Matcha Green” landscape!
Island Hopping: Don’t forget to take a boat from Panglao to Balicasag Island for some of the best snorkeling in Asia—the sea turtles there are legendary.
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This was the video about the island of Bohol in the Philippines. We showed you all the top sights in Bohol. As true beach lovers, we should certainly not miss the beauty of the island Palawan. Watch all our Philippines videos here and read all our blogs about our adventures in Philippines.
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