· PH

Bohol

Bohol, Philippines

Bohol: Where Rolling Hills Meet Pristine Beaches Escape to Bohol, an island province in the Philippines that effortlessly blends natural wonders with rich culture. Beyond its iconic Chocolate Hills, Bohol unveils a tapes…

#Island#Tourism#Beaches#Chocolate Hills#Tarsiers

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Bohol.

Top Hotels in Bohol

Top Flights to Bohol

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Bohol.

Tours

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park

Experience the famous Chocolate Hills, along with thrilling activities such as zip-lining and ATV rides.

Tarsier Conservation Area

Visit the sanctuary of the tarsiers, one of the world's smallest primates.

Alona Beach

A beautiful white-sand beach popular for sunbathing, swimming, and diving excursions.

Baclayon Church Tour

Visit one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, showcasing baroque architecture.

Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary

Observe tarsiers and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Shopping

Island City Mall

A popular shopping destination in Tagbilaran City offering a variety of stores and dining options.

Outdoor

Loboc River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the scenic Loboc river with buffet lunch and cultural shows.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Bohol.

Currency

₱ | PHP | Philippine Peso

Population

1.4 million

Languages

Cebuano, Cebuano, English, Tagalog

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Bohol.

What people love

Bohol, located in the Philippines, is a popular travel destination known for its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. Here are some pros of traveling to Bohol:

Chocolate Hills: One of the most iconic landmarks in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills are a geological formation of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant chocolate kisses. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of this natural wonder from viewing decks.
Tarsier Sanctuary: Bohol is home to the Philippine Tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates. Visitors can visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to see these adorable creatures up close in their natural habitat.
White Sand Beaches: Bohol boasts a number of beautiful white sand beaches such as Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, snorkel, or enjoy water sports activities.
Panglao Island: Connected to Bohol by a bridge, Panglao Island is a popular destination for beach lovers and divers. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Bohol is steeped in history and culture, with attractions such as the historic Baclayon Church, the Blood Compact Shrine, and the centuries-old Loboc Church. Visitors can learn about the island's heritage and traditions through these sites.
Adventure Activities: Bohol offers a range of adventure activities for thrill-seekers, including zip-lining over the Loboc River, stand-up paddleboarding in the mangroves, and ATV rides through the countryside.
Delicious Food: Visitors to Bohol can indulge in delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood dishes, tropical fruits, and traditional Filipino favorites. Be sure to try dishes like grilled squid, kinilaw (ceviche), and halo-halo (a popular dessert).

Overall, traveling to Bohol offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination in the Philippines.

What to know

Traveling to Bohol, Philippines, may have a few cons that travelers should be aware of:

Natural Disasters: Bohol, like other parts of the Philippines, is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding. Travelers should stay informed about the weather conditions and follow any advisories from local authorities.
Limited Public Transportation: While Bohol has public transportation options like buses, tricycles, and jeepneys, they may not be as reliable or as frequent as in more urbanized areas. Renting a car or hiring a private driver may be necessary for easier travel around the island.
Island Infrastructure: Some areas of Bohol may have limited infrastructure, including intermittent power outages and slow internet connection. Travelers should be prepared for these inconveniences and plan accordingly.
Crowded Tourist Spots: Popular tourist attractions in Bohol, such as the Chocolate Hills and Panglao Island, can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can detract from the overall experience and make it challenging to fully enjoy these attractions.
Environmental Concerns: Due to increased tourism, Bohol faces environmental challenges such as pollution, coral reef damage, and waste management issues. Travelers should be mindful of their environmental impact and practice responsible tourism.

These cons should not deter travelers from visiting Bohol, as the island offers stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. By being aware of these potential challenges and planning accordingly, visitors can have a memorable and enjoyable experience in Bohol.

Bohol is an island province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Here's a detailed account of its history, significant events, notable figures, and important landmarks:

Pre-colonial Period

Early Inhabitants: Bohol was originally inhabited by the Eskaya tribe and other indigenous groups. These early settlers were known for their skill in weaving and boat-building.
Trade and Culture: Bohol was part of a larger regional trade network that included interactions with Chinese, Malay, and other Southeast Asian traders.

Spanish Colonial Era

Blood Compact (Sandugo) (1565): One of the most significant events in Bohol's history was the Blood Compact between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a local chieftain. This event is considered the first treaty of friendship between Europeans and Filipinos.
Pact of Peace: The Blood Compact symbolizes the peaceful relationship established between the Spanish and the native Boholanos, which was rare at that time.

The Bohol Rebellion

Tamblot Revolt (1621-1622): Led by a native priest named Tamblot, this was one of the first Filipino revolts against Spanish colonial rule, spurred by religious and cultural impositions.
Dagohoy Rebellion (1744-1829): Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in Philippine history, lasting 85 years. It was fueled by grievances against Spanish abuses and forced labor.

American and Japanese Occupation

American Period (1899-1946): Bohol was part of the Philippine-American War, though it experienced relative peace compared to other areas. The province underwent infrastructural and educational improvements.
World War II (1941-1945): Bohol was occupied by Japanese forces. The island was later liberated by combined Filipino and American troops.

Post-War to Contemporary Period

Development and Tourism: In recent decades, Bohol has become a major tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical sites.

Notable Historical Figures

Francisco Dagohoy: Leader of the famous Dagohoy Rebellion.
Datu Sikatuna: Known for the Blood Compact with Miguel López de Legazpi.

Important Landmarks

Chocolate Hills: A geological formation of over 1,200 hills that turn brown in the dry season, resembling chocolate mounds.
Baclayon Church: One of the oldest churches in the Philippines, built during the Spanish colonial period.
Loboc River: Known for its river cruises, this scenic river is a popular tourist attraction.
Blood Compact Shrine: A monument commemorating the historic Blood Compact between Legazpi and Sikatuna.

Cultural Heritage

Tarsier Sanctuary: Home to the endangered Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates.
Festivals: The Sandugo Festival celebrates the historical Blood Compact and is a major cultural event in Bohol.

Bohol continues to thrive as a province rich in history and culture, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in its natural wonders and historical significance.