Bohol
An easygoing island of grassy hills, jungle rivers and white beaches, a short ferry ride from Cebu.
Quick answer
- What it is: an island province in the central Visayas, known for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and Panglao's beaches.
- Getting there: fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport, or take a fast ferry of about 2 hours from Cebu City to Tagbilaran.
- Classic day: a countryside tour of the Chocolate Hills, the tarsier sanctuary, Loboc River and old churches.
- Where to stay: Panglao for beaches and diving, Anda for quiet, Loboc for the river.
- Best time: February to May for dry weather.
Bohol is one of the easiest islands in the Philippines to enjoy. In a single day you can stand above the Chocolate Hills, tiptoe past a sleeping tarsier, eat lunch on a raft drifting down the jade-green Loboc River, and be back on a white beach on Panglao for sunset.
It is also an old island, with Spanish-era stone churches in many of its towns, and a short hop from Cebu.
Top things to do
- See the Chocolate Hills from the viewing deck in Carmen. See our Chocolate Hills guide.
- Meet a tarsier at the Corella sanctuary. See our tarsier guide.
- Cruise the Loboc River with a lunch buffet and live music.
- Snorkel or dive at Balicasag from Panglao. See our Panglao and Balicasag guide.
- Visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the country.
- Escape to Anda on the east coast for quieter beaches and cave pools.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Panglao | Beaches, dive shops, restaurants and the airport |
| Tagbilaran | The capital and ferry port, with budget hotels |
| Loboc and the interior | River cruises, forest and countryside sights |
| Anda | Quiet white beaches and cave pools on the east coast |
When to go
February to May is the driest time; March to May is hot. June to January is wetter, with typhoon risk especially from July to October. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Getting there and around
Fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport, with flights from Manila, Clark and other cities. Or take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, about 2 hours. Around the island, join a countryside tour, hire a car or van with a driver, or use buses from the Dao terminal in Tagbilaran. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay on Panglao, close to the beaches and the airport. Stay along the Loboc River for a night of jungle quiet, or in Anda if you want space and fewer people.
What to eat
- Kalamay, sticky rice cake with coconut milk, often sold in coconut shells
- Peanut kisses, small cookies shaped like the Chocolate Hills
- Grilled seafood on Panglao
Day trips and next stops
Go dolphin watching off Panglao at dawn, then head back to Cebu or on to Siquijor and Dumaguete by ferry. See our Cebu guide and Dumaguete guide.
Tour prices and ferry schedules change. Check with your operator before you travel.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Bohol?
Three days covers a countryside tour and a day on Panglao or at Balicasag. Add two more for Anda's quieter beaches.
Is the countryside tour worth it?
Yes, especially your first time. Ask for the Corella tarsier sanctuary, not a roadside tarsier stop.
Can I visit Bohol as a day trip from Cebu?
It's possible with an early ferry and a tour, but it is a very long day. One night or more is much better.
Where are the best beaches?
Alona and Dumaluan on Panglao, and the quieter beaches of Anda on the east coast.
What is Bohol's famous food?
Kalamay, a sweet sticky rice cake with coconut, and peanut kisses, small peanut cookies shaped like the Chocolate Hills.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
