Bohol, Philippines: Travel Guide to the Island of Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

Bohol, an island province in the Central Visayas, is one of the Philippines' most charming destinations, famous for the surreal Chocolate Hills, tiny wide-eyed tarsiers, centuries-old Spanish churches and white-sand beaches. Recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2023, Bohol combines natural wonders, history and relaxing island life. Its neighbour, Panglao Island, connected by bridges, is the island's main beach resort area and a base for diving and island-hopping.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Bohol

1. Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills, Bohol's most famous landmark, are an extraordinary geological formation of more than 1,200 cone-shaped hills spread over about 50 square kilometres in the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. Covered in grass, they turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant chocolate drops. Scientists believe they were formed by the uplift and erosion of marine limestone over millions of years, while local legends tell of feuding giants throwing rocks or the tears of a heartbroken giant. The main viewing complex in Carmen has a staircase of over 200 steps leading to a viewpoint with spectacular views.

Booking tip: a Bohol countryside tour on GetYourGuide covers the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and other highlights; visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.

2. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

The Philippine tarsier is one of the world's smallest primates, just 10 to 15 centimetres long, with enormous eyes, each about as big as its brain. These nocturnal creatures can rotate their heads almost 180 degrees and are extremely sensitive to noise and stress. The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, allows visitors to see them in a protected forest habitat with guides.

Booking tip: choose the official sanctuary in Corella rather than small roadside enclosures; keep quiet and never use flash photography, which can harm the tarsiers.

3. Loboc River Cruise and Bilar Man-Made Forest

A floating restaurant cruise on the jungle-lined Loboc River is a relaxing way to enjoy a buffet lunch of Filipino dishes while passing palm trees, villages and small waterfalls, often with live music and local children performing traditional dances. On the way to the Chocolate Hills, the Bilar Man-Made Forest is a two-kilometre stretch of road lined with tall mahogany trees, planted as part of a reforestation project, creating a cool, shady tunnel.

Booking tip: river cruises are often included in countryside tours.

4. Historic Churches and the Blood Compact Shrine

Bohol has some of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The Baclayon Church, founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1596 and built of coral stone, is one of the oldest in the country. Many churches were badly damaged in the 2013 Bohol earthquake and have since been restored. In Tagbilaran, the Blood Compact Shrine commemorates the 1565 treaty of friendship between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and the local chieftain Datu Sikatuna.

Booking tip: dress modestly when visiting churches.

5. Panglao Island, Balicasag and Dolphin Watching

Panglao Island is home to Alona Beach, with fine white sand, restaurants and dive shops. Island-hopping trips head to Balicasag Island, a marine sanctuary famous for turtles and coral walls, and Virgin Island, a sandbar. Early morning boat trips offer the chance to see dolphins leaping in the waters off Pamilacan Island, once a whaling village and now a community-based eco-tourism destination.

Booking tip: island-hopping tours can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Bohol

Before You Go

• Entry: many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for short stays; complete the eTravel registration before arrival.
• Weather: typhoons can occur between June and November.

Getting Around

• By air: Bohol-Panglao International Airport has flights from Manila and other cities.
• By ferry: fast ferries connect Cebu City and Tagbilaran in about two hours.
• Private drivers and tricycles: convenient for exploring.
• Scooter rental: popular for independent travellers.
• Money: the currency is the Philippine peso.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Kalamay: a sticky sweet made from coconut milk, rice and sugar, served in coconut shells.
• Peanut kisses: small meringue cookies shaped like the Chocolate Hills.
• Ube (purple yam): Bohol is famous for its ube, used in jams and desserts.
• Fresh seafood: grilled fish, squid and prawns on Panglao.
• Halo-halo: a refreshing dessert of shaved ice, fruit and sweet beans.

Best Time to Visit

• December–May: the dry season, ideal for beaches and diving.
• March–May: the hottest months, when the Chocolate Hills turn brown.
• June–November: the rainy season, with a risk of typhoons.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Bohol

Bohol combines the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, historic churches and beautiful beaches. Whether you're admiring the hills, cruising the Loboc River or snorkelling at Balicasag, Bohol is one of the Philippines' most rewarding islands.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Bohol.