Places to Visit in Bohol, Philippines

Brief Summary

Bohol is one of the Philippines’ most captivating islands, blending stunning natural landscapes with rich history and culture. Known for the world-famous Chocolate Hills, cute tarsiers, and white-sand beaches, Bohol is perfect for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers. Whether you’re cruising along the Loboc River, diving in Panglao, or exploring centuries-old churches, this guide covers the must-visit attractions, travel tips, and how to stay connected while discovering this island paradise.

About Bohol

Bohol lies in the Central Visayas region, just east of Cebu. It’s a compact island packed with experiences — lush countryside tours, cultural heritage sites, and a vibrant marine ecosystem. The island is especially popular for eco-tourism, with initiatives that protect its wildlife and pristine environment.

For travelers from Singapore, Bohol is easily accessible via direct flights to Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) or through Cebu followed by a short ferry ride. Whether you’re after beachside relaxation, countryside adventures, or diving experiences, Bohol offers something for every traveler.

Quick Facts Table

Stay Connected While Travelling to Bohol

Exploring Bohol’s scenic countryside and tropical beaches is more enjoyable when you stay connected. From booking island-hopping tours in Panglao to sharing photos of the Chocolate Hills, reliable mobile data is a must. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can enjoy high-speed data without changing SIM cards — perfect for seamless connectivity while traveling between Bohol’s towns and islands.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for the Philippines

Roaming Add-ons for the Philippines

Steps to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Bohol

1. Open the Circles.Life app.

2. Go to Roaming & Data Plans.

3. Select Philippines (Bohol) from the list of destinations.

4. Choose your preferred data plan and complete payment.

5. Activate your plan upon landing at Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG) or during your transfer from Cebu.

Top Attractions in Bohol You Shouldn’t Miss

Bohol offers a mix of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and laid-back coastal beauty. Here are the top tourist spots you shouldn’t miss on your Bohol itinerary:

Chocolate Hills

Arguably the most famous landmark in the Visayas, the Chocolate Hills are a series of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling rows of giant chocolate mounds. This unique geological formation is one of the top Bohol tourist spots and a must-see for first-time visitors.

• Location: Carmen, Bohol

• Entry Fee: ₱100 (SGD 2.50)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Why Visit: Stunning panoramic views and one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Philippines

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Home to the world’s smallest primates, the tarsier sanctuary allows visitors to see these adorable creatures up close in their natural habitat. The sanctuary promotes responsible eco-tourism and helps protect this endangered species native to Bohol.

• Location: Corella, Bohol

• Entry Fee: ₱80 (SGD 2)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: A rare and ethical opportunity to observe Bohol’s most famous native animal

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc River Cruise is one of the most relaxing and scenic experiences in Bohol. Visitors can enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner in a floating restaurant while gliding down the emerald-green river surrounded by lush forests. Traditional Filipino music and cultural performances make this a uniquely local experience.

• Location: Loboc, Bohol

• Entry Fee: ₱850 (SGD 20) including buffet lunch

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Why Visit: Combines local cuisine, music, and nature in one of Bohol’s most serene settings

Baclayon Church

Built in the late 1500s, Baclayon Church is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. This UNESCO tentative site features coral stone walls and centuries-old religious artifacts. Although partially damaged by the 2013 earthquake, it has been beautifully restored and remains a symbol of faith and resilience.

• Location: Baclayon, 15 minutes from Tagbilaran City

• Entry Fee: ₱50 (SGD 1.20)

• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: A historical and architectural gem that showcases Bohol’s colonial heritage

Panglao Island

Located just off Bohol’s southwestern coast, Panglao Island is the island’s main beach destination. Famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, it’s home to Alona Beach, diving spots, and island-hopping tours to Balicasag and Virgin Islands. Panglao combines tropical relaxation with adventure, making it ideal for all kinds of travelers.

• Location: Panglao, Bohol

• Entry Fee: Free (fees apply for water sports and tours)

• Timings: Open all day

• Why Visit: Stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife all in one location

Man-Made Forest

Stretching over two kilometers, this scenic mahogany forest between Loboc and Bilar is one of the most photographed spots in Bohol. The towering trees form a natural canopy over the road, creating a refreshing and Instagram-worthy stop on any countryside tour.

• Location: Border of Loboc and Bilar, Bohol

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: Open all day

• Why Visit: A picturesque and peaceful roadside stop surrounded by nature

Hinagdanan Cave

This naturally lit limestone cave features an underground lagoon with clear, cool waters perfect for swimming. The cave’s stalactites and stalagmites make it one of Bohol’s most fascinating geological sites, easily accessible from Panglao.

• Location: Dauis, Panglao Island

• Entry Fee: ₱75 (SGD 2)

• Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: Unique cave swimming experience and beautiful natural formations

Bohol: What to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Bohol

Bohol is easily accessible from major Philippine cities and regional hubs.

• By Air: The main gateway is Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG), with direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Travel time from Singapore is about 3.5 hours via connecting flights.

• By Sea: Travelers from Cebu can take a 2-hour ferry ride to Tagbilaran City, a scenic and budget-friendly option.
  From the airport or pier, you can reach most tourist areas in 30–45 minutes by taxi or private van.

Getting Around Bohol

Bohol is easy to explore thanks to well-maintained roads and various transport options. For short trips, use tricycles or motorbike rentals, which are affordable and convenient. For countryside tours, hire a private car or van for the day. Most include stops at the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc River. Many resorts in Panglao also arrange transport and island-hopping tours for guests.

Best Time to Visit Bohol

The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to May), when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and island-hopping.

• December to February: Cool and pleasant — ideal for sightseeing and cruises.

• March to May: Warm and sunny — perfect for diving and beach trips.

• June to October: Rainy season — fewer tourists, but some tours may be affected by rain.

Where to Stay in Bohol

• Budget: Guesthouses and hostels in Tagbilaran City or Dauis for affordable access to main attractions.

• Mid-range: Boutique hotels and beach resorts along Alona Beach, Panglao, offering great value and sea views.

• Luxury: Premium resorts on Panglao Island and Anda Beach, featuring private villas, infinity pools, and direct beachfront access.

Book your stay easily with Agoda discounts from Circles.Life to enjoy exclusive rates and seamless booking for your Bohol vacation.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Bohol is one of the most scenic and tourist-friendly islands in the Philippines. To make the most of your stay, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM. A reliable data connection makes it easier to book tours, navigate countryside routes, and share your travel photos.

• Bring cash. While hotels and restaurants accept cards, many small shops, tricycle drivers, and local markets operate on cash only. ATMs are available in Tagbilaran and Panglao.

• Carry a power bank and waterproof pouch. You’ll likely spend most of your days outdoors — whether on a river cruise, diving trip, or island tour.

• Download essential travel apps. Klook for booking experiences, Google Maps for navigation, and Grab (available in nearby Cebu) for transfers.

• Plan your tours ahead. The Bohol Countryside Tour and Island-Hopping Tour are popular — book them in advance to save time and secure good rates.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel

Staying connected while exploring Bohol’s rural beauty and coastal areas can be tricky, as Wi-Fi in resorts or cafés isn’t always reliable. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can stay connected seamlessly across the Philippines (including Panglao, Tagbilaran, and Anda) from the moment you land.

Here’s how to stay travel-ready:

• Activate your plan before flying. Set up your eSIM in the Circles.Life app for instant coverage upon arrival.

• Pick a flexible plan. The Borderless Plan (100 GB for SGD 30/month) gives you stable data whether you’re in Manila, Cebu, or Bohol.

• Skip the SIM swap. eSIM technology lets you switch destinations without visiting a store — ideal for multi-stop trips around the Philippines.

With your roaming plan ready, you can explore Bohol’s beaches, waterfalls, and countryside stress-free — staying online for maps, bookings, and real-time updates wherever you go.