Bohol is always a great choice for a trip to the Philippines because it combines two big advantages. Not only does it offer a huge variety of things to do, from incredible dive sites to unique landscapes, but it’s also one of the easiest islands to get around (and to reach) so you won’t waste time on long, slow transfers. In this Bohol guide, we’ll share everything you need to make the most of your visit: How to get there, what to do, and where to stay—plus a detailed list of the main attractions so you don’t miss a thing.

Bohol has something for every traveler who decides to discover this Philippine island. If you love diving, Balicasag will win you over. If you’re craving lush scenery, the Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills won’t disappoint. If you’re looking for waterfalls and rice terraces, the Anda area will make you want to stay longer… Whatever you’re looking for, Bohol probably has something for you. Even if, after all those postcard-perfect beaches and nature, you’re in the mood for some nightlife, you’ll find plenty of bars and nightlife around Alona Beach. In this Bohol Guide, we break it all down for you:

EXPLORE BOHOL

This island—featured on most Philippines itineraries—packs a huge variety of things to do so you can make the most of your time here. In Panglao you’ll find some of the country’s most incredible diving and snorkeling, as well as beaches you’ll love so much you won’t want to leave. Alona Beach, the area’s hub, has a great vibe and all the amenities you’ll need. If you head to Loboc, the scenery changes completely and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to a totally different island: waterfalls, adventure activities, kayaking under a sky full of fireflies, and the famous Chocolate Hills are just a taste of what’s here. Meanwhile, head to Anda if you want to get away from the crowds. Here, in addition to some of Bohol’s best beaches, you can swim in natural freshwater pools, see one of the country’s largest waterfalls, or wander through beautiful rice fields.

Beaches, diving, rice fields, waterfalls, rivers, mountains with spectacular views, little beach huts… In the Bohol Guide you’ll find our best articles to make the most of this destination that some people call “the Bali of the Philippines”.

TIPS FOR VISITING BOHOL

• HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND: each area of Bohol (Panglao, Loboc, and Anda) deserves at least two days to explore at a relaxed pace. A classic itinerary, basing yourself in Panglao, is usually one day for the central area, another for Balicasag Island, and a third to explore beaches and relax around Panglao. If you want to visit Panglao and Anda, a good idea is to hire a driver to take you between them, stopping for a day in Loboc and the Chocolate Hills on the way. Even so, Bohol has loads of things to do and we recommend spending 5–6 days to visit several areas.
• BEST TIME TO VISIT BOHOL: from November to May is usually the best time weather‑wise. Keep in mind that if you travel at Christmas, Easter, or Chinese New Year, it gets much busier and you’ll want to book accommodation and transport well in advance.
• HEALTH: the island of Bohol offers adventures ranging from the top of a zip line to the ocean depths. That’s why it’s worth traveling with solid travel insurance. In this article, we explain how to choose the best travel insurance for the Philippines and share a 5% discount code. You’ll find some large hospitals in Tagbilaran, the capital. However, in our experience, for anything serious, you’ll likely want treatment in Cebu. Your travel insurance will take care of this.
• RESPONSIBLE TOURISM: while you’re in Alona Beach, you’ll likely be offered the excursion to Oslob or, more recently, to Lila to see the whale sharks. Please don’t support this cruel practice that disrespects and endangers the animals. In our “Whale shark in the Philippines” guide we explain what happens there and where you can see them without harming them. And please don’t touch turtles, starfish, or any marine life under any circumstances. That way, we help keep them safe, and future travelers will enjoy seeing them up close without disturbing them, just like you did.
• MONEY: there are ATMs in Alona Beach and also in Tagbilaran. In addition, there are money changers in both places, with the best rates usually found at the shopping malls in Tagbilaran. Keep in mind most ATMs in the Philippines charge around ₱200 per withdrawal. If you can, use the HSBC ATM next to Ayala Center Cebu to avoid the withdrawal fee. In our Money in the Philippines guide, we share more tips.

DIVING AND SNORKELING

Balicasag is consistently ranked among the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Philippines. This dive site is a dream for marine-life lovers from all over the world thanks to the huge schools of colorful fish, but also for its impressive black coral forest and the many turtles, both green and hawksbill. If you’re visiting Bohol, set aside a morning for it—most trips leave from Panglao. If, instead of snorkeling, you want to go diving, keep in mind that visitor numbers are capped at 150 people per day and you’ll need to book ahead.

But there’s much more underwater than Balicasag—including excellent turtle dives around Pamilacan and snorkeling with thousands of sardines in Napaling.

Here are the detailed guides. Click to read more:

– Diving in Balicasag

– Snorkeling in Balicasag

– Snorkeling and diving in Panglao

– Diving in Pamilacan

BOHOL BASICS: HOW TO GET THERE, WHERE TO STAY & WHERE TO EAT

In this Bohol Guide, in addition to sharing our best tips for enjoying the island, we’re also going to give you the details you need for the basics: how to get there, where to stay, and where to eat. We’ve been coming to Bohol since 2010, so we’ve prepared detailed guides with the best hotels, restaurants, and the routes to get here from anywhere in the Philippines.

A popular destination like Bohol has a wide variety of places to eat—from breakfast to dinner. So you don’t get overwhelmed by all the options (from adobo to leche flan), we’ve prepared a guide where you’ll find the best restaurants in Panglao, Loboc, and Anda: Where to eat in Bohol.

With so many places to stay, it’s easy to find something that fits your budget and the area where you want to relax. If your top priority in Bohol is diving/snorkeling in Balicasag, Alona Beach and Panglao Island will be perfect for you. If you’re not into diving and snorkeling and you’re here to explore the Chocolate Hills, the Man‑Made Forest, the Loboc River, or the Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc may be the best base for you. But if you’re keen to get to know Anda, we recommend heading there instead of making a day trip from elsewhere, so you don’t waste time on travel back and forth.

From this Bohol guide you can access our accommodation article, where we show you the details of each area, with pros and cons, and we recommend the best places to stay in Bohol. Click to see them:

– WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL
– BEST RESORTS IN BOHOL
– BEST HOSTELS IN BOHOL
– WHERE TO STAY IN LOBOC
– WHERE TO STAY IN ANDA

BEST BEACHES IN BOHOL

BEST WATERFALLS IN BOHOL

Yes—you read that right: the variety of things to do on this island is immense! And with beaches, forests, mountains, and rivers all in the mix, waterfalls had to be on the list too. Some huge, others hidden, twin cascades, waterfalls you can cliff-jump into (if you dare)… You’ll find the best ones in detail in this article we’ve prepared for you:

– Waterfalls in Bohol

MUCH MORE ABOUT BOHOL

After years of exploring every corner of the island, the Bohol Guide hasn’t stopped growing. This is a selection of our key articles, but on the website you’ll find plenty more info to help you make the most of this amazing destination. Don’t miss them:

– Visiting Bohol’s Chocolate Hills

– Scuba Course in Bohol​

– How to get from Bohol to Siquijor

– Stay at La Sirenita Dive Resort