Bohol Island

Upon reaching the Chocolate Hills, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of 1,268 hills spanning a 360-degree radius. These grassy hills turn a chocolate brown during the summer and have all formed without human intervention. In Bohol, pristine white beaches await and for the adventurous, diving into the rare coral gardens offers an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Loboc River while watching playful dolphins swim for your delight.

Only in Bohol can you find the “Tarsier” (in designated areas). It’s the world’s smallest primate (about the size of a hand) with massive eyes. The Tarsier is a sweet and captivating creature that resides in its territory in the heart of the “Corella” jungle. The Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier play significant and vital roles in the ecological balance of Bohol Island.

Being the tenth largest island in the archipelago, Bohol province in the central Visayas region of the Philippines is best known as the home of the Philippine tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. It is consistently included in the list of the best diving sites in the world, particularly Panglao Island.

This gem, consisting of Bohol and another 75 smaller islands in the Visayas region, boasts tropical forests, churches from the Spanish colonization era (some made from coral stones), impressive diving spots, exquisite cuisine, and of course, warm and friendly locals who are always eager to showcase the renowned Filipino hospitality.

How to get there: From Manila: There are daily flights from Manila to Bohol, with a travel time of just over an hour. You will arrive at Bohol-Panglao Airport, which has the code TAG.

Other travel options: From Cebu Island: The ferry to Bohol departs from a dock called Pier 1 in Cebu port. Several ferries operate from there, with a reliable and well-organized company named Oceanjet offering multiple journeys throughout the day until the evening. The boat trip takes about two hours, arriving at Tagbilaran Bohol port.

You can refer to the attached map for more details.

Arrival from El Nido, Palawan
El Nido – Bohol – El Nido

There are flights on a few days each week. It’s crucial to check the exact days in relation to your arrival dates in Bohol. The flight is direct, and it’s recommended to confirm this to avoid transiting through Cebu and needing a ferry. These flights are operated by AirSwift, which provides direct routes both from and to El Nido.

Attractions
Chocolate Hills: Without a doubt, the most famous attraction in the Visayas region and likely in the entire Philippines, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol are truly a sight to behold.

These picturesque rock formations captivate the eye, resembling giant molehills. They number over a thousand and rise between 30 to 50 meters in height. Typically, the hills are covered with grass, which turns a chocolate brown color towards the end of the dry season, hence their name. Their images often grace various brochures and tourism advertisements. This natural wonder can be viewed from the air on ultra-light plane tours or from the highest ground viewpoint. For those seeking a group adventure, you can also join ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) tours now offered to add a bit of adrenaline-pumping activity to your visit to the hills.

At times, the hills are painted in a deep green color. According to local legend, these hills are the result of two giants who threw rocks and sand at each other as they fought for days. Eventually, they grew tired and left the island. Another tale, with a slightly more romantic twist, tells of a young giant named Arogo who fell deeply in love with a beautiful mortal named Aloya. When Aloya passed away, Arogo cried so profusely that his tears formed the hills, forever reminding the people of his undying love and loss.

The Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Philippine tarsier, standing only between 7.5 to 15 cm tall with its large, prominent eyes and warm, sensitive face, thrives in Bohol. These creatures have found a haven in Corella. This petite and enchanting creature is undoubtedly one of the smallest and most adorable primates in the world. You’re invited to come and visit these tiny, remarkable beings.

Ecological Adventure in Loboc: Experience the thrill of a zipline at a height of 120 meters and an open cable car at 100 meters. As you glide through the dense vegetation, you’ll be in awe of the majestic mountain slopes and the beautiful river. This adventure park is a truly exhilarating way to add to the excitement of staying in Bohol.

Hinagdanan Cave: A naturally lit cave that was accidentally discovered by a landowner while clearing the area. Sunlight filters through holes in the ceiling, illuminating this limestone cave on Panglao Island. It is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and also features a deep underground pool. The name “Hinagdanan” means “laddered”, which refers to the actual ladder used to enter the cave.

Alona Beach: This beach spans a 1.5 km stretch of beautiful white sand, clear blue ocean waters, and excellent diving spots. These features make this relatively small beach a true tropical paradise and a highly sought-after destination on Panglao Island. The area boasts top-notch hotels offering first-class services and restaurants serving delicious dishes. It’s no wonder that Alona Beach has garnered a reputation of its own.