9+ Best Things To Do In Bohol, Philippines 🏝️ Travel Guide

Wondering about the best things to do in Bohol? Keep reading!

I’m Mel, a British Filipino travel creator and culture storyteller who has been exploring the Philippines for over two decades. Bohol is an island that has long held a special place in my heart (I first visited the island when I was only 5 years old) – and my recent Bohol trip reminded me why!

Basing ourselves in Panglao, we snorkelled crystal-clear reefs, hiked to secret Chocolate Hills viewpoints with local guides, tasted some of the rarest salt in the world, and slowed right down to experience Boholano culture in its most authentic form.

Secret viewpoint of the Chocolate Hills after a hike. Nobody else around!

This Best Things To Do In Bohol guide is specifically for slow travellers, foodies, and off-the-beaten-track nature enthusiasts who are visiting Bohol for the first time. I’ll share where to ethically see the world’s smallest primate, which local Boholano delicacies you absolutely must try, and the best ways to experience Bohol that genuinely give back to local communities.

Sustainable, slow travel at its best. Let’s get into it.

Where To Stay In Bohol for First Timers?

Beachfront room and bed-lounger at South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao

If it’s your first visit to Bohol, base yourself in Panglao – it’s the jump-off point for most tours and activities, and straightforward to reach from the mainland via Tagbilaran. My base for this trip was South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao, right on the seafront, and in my opinion one of the best resorts in Bohol.

The way they weave Boholano storytelling and culture into every corner – from the room design to their whole hospitality approach – is beautifully executed. The staff are passionate, the beach is stunning, and the spa – Lola’s Sanctuary – uses locally-sourced herbs and asin tibuok (more on that below) to create bespoke treatment oils and scrubs. They also host a nightly Sirena Ritual, where a mermaid swims at sunset along the shoreline. Yes, genuinely.

For eco-conscious travellers, Bohol Bee Farm Resort in Panglao is another wonderful option – an organic farm and resort that’s as committed to sustainability as it is to good food.

Best Local Tour in Bohol? Bohol Nature Tours

Enjoying a home-cooked dinner in the Bohol rice fields at sunset

Before I get into the full list of things to do in Bohol, I have to recommend Bohol Nature Tours, who I did a Bohol Inland Private Tour, with. Not only are they ethical and work entirely with locals, but what sets them apart is the genuine cultural depth they bring to each stop. My highlight was sitting at a provincial home at the foot of the Chocolate Hills, drinking freshly brewed tsokolate and sharing suman with Yassie and her family. We completely lost track of time on the tour. 10/10, would recommend. If it’s your first time in Bohol and you’re only booking one tour, make it this one!

→ Book the Bohol Inland Private Tour with Bohol Nature Tours

9+ Best Things To Do In Bohol: First Timers Guide

Sleepy tarsier in its natural habitat (taken on Sony A7iii)

1. See the World’s Smallest Primate at an Ethical Tarsier Sanctuary

One of the absolute best things to do in Bohol is seeing tarsiers – but only at a genuinely ethical sanctuary. The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella is the gold standard. Set within 134 hectares of protected forest and home to over 500 free-roaming tarsiers, it operates with strict conservation principles: groups are capped at six visitors, entry is staggered, and complete silence is required throughout.

Our guide, Kuya Dodoy, quietly signalled whenever he spotted a tarsier blinking sleepily from a branch or yawning beneath the jungle canopy. I had my Sony A7iii on silent mode with a 24-70mm lens, which meant I could photograph them without getting too close. (Tarsiers are nocturnal and extraordinarily sensitive to noise and light, so please do be mindful, and no flash!)

Please, please avoid any roadside tarsier displays or venues that allow touching or flash photography. These cause serious stress to the animals and undermine conservation efforts.

Post-hike 360-degree view at a secret Chocolate Hills spot – one of the best things to do in Bohol!

2. Hike the Chocolate Hills (Skip the Tourist Viewpoint)

The Chocolate Hills – over 1,776 near-identical conical hills spread across the centre of Bohol – are one of the most iconic landscapes in the entire Philippines and a non-negotiable in any Bohol guide. But here’s my tip: skip the main tourist viewpoint, which gets extremely busy, and seek out an alternative entry point with a local guide instead.

Ours navigated us to a hidden hike spot where a local father and his daughter led our group up a grassy mound, handing us bamboo poles for support as we climbed. The 360-degree view at the top – even on an overcast day – was staggering. The quiet made it even more special.

Fun fact: the hills get their name from their appearance during the dry season (roughly February to May), when the grass turns a rich chocolate brown. During the wet season, they’re a vivid emerald green – equally stunning.

Panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines, from a hidden local hiking spot

Local banig and weaved handicrafts at a Public Market in Bohol

3. Browse Local Markets and Support Boholano Makers

One of my favourite low-key things to do in Bohol is simply browsing the local market and chatting with vendors. Panglao Public Market has everything – fresh mangos, live scallops, peanut kisses, tablea (cacao tablets for making tsokolate), stunning rattan and weave crafts, and even a brilliant ukay-ukay section packed with vintage finds. For the best prices on dried seafood – tinapa (smoked fish), pusit (dried squid), and hipon (dried shrimp) – head to Tagbilaran’s Cogon Market instead of the airport boutiques. The price difference is significant.

I also picked up a cone of Asin Tibuok at the Oceanica Resort boutique. It’s one of the rarest salts in the world – produced by only a handful of artisan saltmakers in Bohol using an ancient smoking technique – and it makes an extraordinary souvenir.

Asin Tibuok salt is one of the rarest sea salts, made in Bohol

Watch this documentary that dives into the incredible history of Asin Tibuok – it’s well worth the time, and a beautiful reminder of how the rarest things in the world are cultivated by generations of indigenous knowledge and care.

Best Things To Do In Bohol? Go snorkelling and island hopping around its incredible reefs

4. Go Snorkelling or Diving In Bohol’s World-Class Reefs

This is hands-down one of the best things to do in Bohol for underwater lovers, and the reefs here more than hold their own against anywhere else in the Philippines. My travel pal Venus organised our snorkel trip to Napaling Reef – and despite looking unassuming from the shore, what lay beneath was breathtaking. Coral gardens, tropical fish, small eels, and shoals of mackerel. It’s also one of the Philippines’ most renowned free-diving sites, with a 25-metre coral wall and year-round sardine run.

For a full island-hopping experience, Balicasag Island is world-class, with a protected turtle sanctuary and some of the most pristine reefs in the region. Sardine season in Bohol typically runs from around July to November – we missed it by a couple of months on this trip, but the reefs alone were worth it!

Snorkelling at Napaling Reef in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines – crystal-clear water with coral and tropical fish

Sustainable travel note: Always snorkel and dive with reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid touching or standing on coral. Choose tour operators who actively brief guests on reef etiquette before entering the water.

 

Grilled tiger prawns and blue marlin, with calamansi juice at UMA Restaurant, Bohol

5. Try Boholano Cuisine and Local Delicacies

Bohol has a wonderful food scene, and sampling the local cuisine is one of the most joyful things to do in Bohol for any foodie.

I loved trying Boholano versions of kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), tied together with a generous finishing touch of asin tibuok – Bohol’s extraordinary smoked salt, which adds a complex, rounded depth that ordinary table salt simply can’t replicate. Other shout outs included pako salad, made with local sea grapes and salted duck egg, grilled river prawns and blue marlin steak inasal, alongside steamed ube (purple yam) and kamote (sweet potato).

Boholano Kinilaw (the Philippines’ version of ceviche)

Boholano version of Pako Salad, made with local sea grapes and salted duck egg

6. Explore Bohol Inland on a Private Guided Tour

Tarsiers, tablea & top-tier hospitality on our Private Inland Tour of Bohol

One of the most meaningful things to do in Bohol is spending a full day with a local guide who knows the island intimately and can take you well off the tourist trail. We spent the day with Aida from Bohol Nature Tours and it was an extraordinary window into Boholano life – hanging out and chopping buko (coconut) with a family in the province, having an early dinner of tortang talong, pancit, rice, and tapa at a local restaurant, and watching the sun go down behind the Chocolate Hills across the rice paddies with hardly anyone else around. Completely unhurried. Completely unforgettable. This is what slow travel in the Philippines looks like at its finest.

Local Boholano rides a carabao at the foot of the Chocolate Hills

Stunning rice paddies in the province in Bohol

As a British Filipino kid of diaspora, moments like these – sitting in the Philippine countryside with family dishes on the table and golden light over the fields – mean everything to me. It reminds me of our beautiful bayanihan spirit, and that feeling of being at home no matter which island you’re on.

Waterfall moment! Captured on an Insta360 x4

7. Go Waterfall Chasing Around the Island

Waterfall chasing is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bohol for nature lovers, and the island has some seriously beautiful ones waiting to be explored. My favourite was Kawasan Falls – we arrived early in the morning before the crowds arrived, and the mint-green water was absolutely breathtaking. It’s cold, but completely refreshing once you’re in.

Kawasan Falls in Bohol – one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island

A few practical tips: bring rock shoes, as the surrounding area is quite uneven and the waves from the falls can make it tricky to clamber in and out. Bring a waterproof camera too – I had my Insta360, which captured the whole vibe perfectly. Afterwards, there are plenty of picnic kubos (little thatched huts) nearby where you can relax with snacks or a full meal – a perfect slow travel interlude.

One of the most epic things to do in Bohol: paddleboard down the Loboc River

8. Paddleboard or Take a Cruise Down the Loboc River

The emerald-green Loboc River is one of the most iconic emblems of Bohol. The classic experience is a floating restaurant river cruise, which includes a Filipino buffet lunch and live music as you glide gently through the jungle. It’s festive and lovely, though with merry tourists belting karaoke during the buffet, it’s not as relaxing as one might hope.

The emerald-green Loboc River in Bohol, Philippines – one of the most iconic things to do in Bohol (@karenaileen)

My personal preference for slow travellers is to paddleboard or kayak the river – it gives you an entirely different and far more peaceful perspective, winding your way through the jungle canopy at your own pace. Some of the cruise tours now include a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) session on the Loboc as part of a full day, though I’m partial to a small-group tour like TAO Philippines.

9. Explore Bohol UNESCO Global Geopark

Bohol Island Geopark, which was recognised by UNESCO in 2023, is the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines. It covers a vast range of the island’s surface, and includes Bohol’s stunning limestone landscape, intricate karst formations, the legendary Chocolate Hills National Monument, and so much rich biodiversity that reflects Bohol’s geological past.

The Geopark also includes key sites to explore Bohol’s cultural heritage, including the indigenous Eskaya Tribe of Duero.

The total area coverage on land is nearly 4,000 square kilometres, with a marine area spanning almost 5,000 square kilometres, so you definitely won’t be able to see everything in a day, let alone a week! But what’s incredible about Bohol Island Geopark is that it’s managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development whilst involving and integrating local communities.

Bohol Island’s UNESCO Global Geopark is protected by Mawmaw (inspired by Mawmag, the Boholano term for the Philippine tarsier). As a mascot, Mawmaw promotes responsible tourism and conservation, encouraging visitors to care for the environment and respect local conservation efforts to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Enjoying Dumaluan Beach, featuring Bohol’s pristine white sands

10. Spend A Beautiful Day on Bohol’s Pristine Beaches

Bohol has some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the Philippines. You have to see it to believe it. Powdery white sands, clear turquoise sea, and more coconut trees than you could hope to count. We particularly loved Dumaluan Beach for its laid-back, clear water beach with reefs are a popular destination for scuba diving & snorkelling.

We reserved a seafront beach lounger at our resort, South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao, and whiled away a whole day sunning, splashing around, swimming, snoozing off our jet lag, and enjoying fresh fruit shakes (watermelon and mango are my fave!) from the beachfront bar. We followed up with massages and spa treatments at Lola’s Sanctuary after.

All in all, a perfect day in Bohol.

11. Watch Fireflies Light Up the Abatan River at Night

Firefly watching on the Abatan River is one of those experiences that’s genuinely hard to oversell. After dark, thousands of synchronous fireflies — a species that flashes in perfect unison, found only in a handful of places on earth — light up the mangrove canopy above you as you kayak silently through the tunnels. The reflection on the still water below makes it doubly surreal. Go by kayak rather than motorboat: it’s quieter, more intimate, and far better for the ecosystem. Tours run at dusk, last around two hours, and many include a home-cooked Filipino dinner afterwards — a perfect end to an evening, and one of the best things to do in Bohol.

Ethical travel note: Always choose kayak or paddle-powered over motorised on the Abatan. Engine noise and wake disturb both the fireflies and the mangrove habitat that sustains them.

Spending a longer time in Bohol? Venture past Panglao to Anda in the East Coast

Bonus Recommendation: Visit Anda & Bohol’s East Coast

If Panglao is Bohol’s front door, Anda is its lesser-visited back door — and that’s why visiting Anda is one of the best things to do in Bohol.

Located on Bohol’s east coast, Anda has some of the finest beaches and outdoor experiences in the Philippines (Quinale and Talisay are virtually empty), a crystalline cave pool at Cabagnow, rice terraces at Cadapdapan that rival Banaue at a fraction of the crowds, and sacred Lamanok Island, reached by outrigger boat and steeped in ancient burial history.

The whole area sits within the Bohol UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised in 2023 as the first of its kind in the Philippines. If you have the flexibility to overnight here rather than day-trip, do — the pace alone is worth it, and it’s far less busy than Panglao.

• East Bohol Private Tour: Anda, Rice Terraces, Waterfalls & Lamanok Island – 4.7★ (GetYourGuide) A brilliant privately guided day that takes in cave pools, waterfalls, the rice terraces, and sacred Lamanok Island – with a guide who goes deep on local culture, customs, and hidden gems.
• Bohol Private Tour: Anda, Candijay & Alicia Panoramic Park – 4.6★ (GetYourGuide) Covers Anda’s white-sand beaches, the Candijay Rice Terraces, and the sweeping hilltop views at Alicia Panoramic Park – a wonderful introduction to the quieter side of Bohol.
• Bohol 2-Day Tour with Accommodation in Anda – 4.6★ (GetYourGuide) Perfect for those wanting to slow it right down – a two-day guided package including accommodation, meals, Pamilacan Island snorkelling, Chocolate Hills, and a traditional Asin Tibuok salt-making workshop.

Freshly brewed tsokolate and suman at a provincial home at the foot of the Chocolate Hills

What Are The Best Souvenirs To Buy In Bohol?

Best Food Souvenirs In Bohol

The classic take-home treat is Bohol Peanut Kisses – sweet, nutty little bites (available in both peanut and ube varieties) that are brilliant with a cup of tea or coffee. For fellow foodies, look out for tablea (native cacao tablets for making tsokolate at home), malunggay cookies, and raw honey from Bohol Bee Farm. For heady flavour, pick up some dried seafood – tinapa, pusit, and hipon – and a bottle of tuba (palm wine) if you’re adventurous. Head to Tagbilaran’s Cogon Market for the best prices.

Best Handicraft Souvenirs In Bohol

Bohol is known for its beautiful banig – traditional woven mats – as well as handwoven baskets and placemats made from local seagrass and leaves in earthy, geometric patterns. One important note: please avoid buying anything made from coral or sea turtle shell. This is illegal in the Philippines, and customs will actively screen for these items on departure.

Bohol tarsier fridge magnet my friend picked up at the market

Best Things To Do In Bohol: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bohol good for slow travel?

Absolutely. Bohol is one of the best islands in the Philippines for slow, sustainable travel. It rewards visitors who take their time – whether that’s lingering at a waterfall, eating with local families, or exploring a market without a packed itinerary. There’s no need to rush here.

How many days do I need in Bohol?

I’d recommend a minimum of four to five days. Three days is enough to cover the main highlights – tarsiers, Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and snorkelling. Add two more days for slower, off-the-beaten-track exploration, markets, and great food.

When is the best time to visit Bohol?

The dry season runs from November to May and is the most popular (and comfortable) time to visit. February to May is when the Chocolate Hills turn their famous chocolate-brown colour. The wet season (June to October) brings lush green landscapes, quieter beaches, and fewer tourists – great for sustainable slow travel. My recent trip was in January. Recommended!

Is it ethical to visit the tarsier sanctuary in Bohol?

Yes – as long as you visit the right one! The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella is the gold standard for ethical tarsier encounters in Bohol. Avoid any roadside tarsier displays or venues that allow touching, crowding, or flash photography.

What is asin tibuok?

Asin tibuok is one of the rarest salts in the world, made using an ancient smoking process unique to Bohol. It’s produced by only a handful of artisan saltmakers using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Look for it at the Oceanica Resort boutique shop or Panglao Public Market. It makes an exceptional and meaningful souvenir.

Is Bohol safe to visit?

Yes – Bohol is considered a very safe destination in the Philippines. As with anywhere, use common sense, keep your valuables secure, and book tours through reputable operators with strong reviews.

South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao, one of the best resorts in Bohol, Philippines

Best Things To Do In Bohol: Philippines and Beyond

Enjoyed this guide to Bohol? Find more travel tips and behind-the-scenes content over on my Instagram! And if you’re planning a wider Philippines trip, browse my full Philippines travel guides below:

The Best Tour In Bohol Doesn’t Feel Like One: Bohol Nature Tours Review

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