Bohol Island
Bohol Island is a captivating tourist destination located in the Visayas region of central Philippines, known for its stunning natural landscapes and warm climate. Especially for diving enthusiasts, the island is a paradise with its rich marine life and crystal-clear underwater visibility.
How to get there
There are various ways to reach Bohol Island, with access available both from within the Philippines and abroad. There are even plans to extend the CCLEX, which connects Mactan Island and Cebu Island, all the way to Bohol. For air travel, direct flights operate from Manila and Cebu to Tagbilaran Airport in Bohol — taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Manila, and just 25 minutes from Cebu. If you choose to travel by sea, ferries and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) vessels are available. Routes from Cebu City to Tagbilaran or Getafe take around two hours by ferry, and with a RoRo ship, you can bring along your vehicle or large luggage. Additionally, ferries and RoRo ships also operate from Dumaguete on Negros Island to Getafe, offering further flexibility. Another option is to combine bus and ferry travel — for example, you can take a bus from Mindanao Island to Cebu City, then transfer to a ferry or RoRo vessel to reach Bohol. Regardless of your chosen method, you can select the route that best suits your departure point, budget, and personal schedule.
Sightseeing in Bohol
Tarsier
One of the major attractions of Bohol Island is the “Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary,” where you can see the tiny primates known as tarsiers. Knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour to spot these fascinating creatures. Since tarsiers are very timid and sensitive to stress, it is strictly prohibited to disturb them. Visitors are advised to hand their smartphones to the guide to take photos on their behalf.
Chocolate Hills
One of the distinctive features of Bohol Island is its unique landscape known as the “Chocolate Hills.” This area consists of around 1,268 small hills, which turn brown during the dry season, giving them a chocolate-like appearance and inspiring their name. Since there is some distance from the parking area to the visitor center, a shuttle service is available. The visitor center also houses a large souvenir shop and other facilities for guests.
BeeFarm
The Bohol Bee Farm is a farm that promotes sustainable agriculture and organic farming, located in Dauis on Bohol Island. The farm cultivates organic vegetables and herbs, produces honey, and also makes a variety of homemade products such as jams and peanut butter. Their ice cream, sold at the farm shop, is especially popular. The on-site souvenir shop offers a range of the farm’s specialty products. With guided tours and a restaurant also available, the Bohol Bee Farm is one of the must-visit spots when exploring Bohol Island.
River Cruise with Buffet
This experience is especially recommended for nature lovers, as it offers beautiful views of the lush scenery along the Loboc River. During the cruise, an all-you-can-eat buffet of Filipino cuisine is served on board. Guests can enjoy both the flavors of local dishes and the picturesque river views at the same time, making it a delightful combination of culinary and scenic experiences. Live performances by local artists, including music and dance, are also featured during the cruise.
Scuba Diving
The waters surrounding Bohol Island are renowned for their clarity and abundant marine life. In particular, the area around Balicasag Island captivates divers with its stunning coral reefs and colorful fish. In the deeper waters, you may occasionally encounter large creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks, adding an extra thrill and excitement to the diving experience.
Panglao
Located to the south of Bohol Island, Panglao Island is a very popular diving base that caters to divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Here, you can explore magnificent drop-offs and underwater caves, and during night dives, you have the chance to observe unique nocturnal marine life.
Dining
Panglao Island offers an abundance of seafood dishes made with fresh local catch, with grilled fish, shrimp, crab, and the Filipino-style ceviche known as kinilaw being especially popular. Around Alona Beach, you can enjoy a luxurious dining experience while taking in views of the sea. There is also a wide variety of international restaurants catering to tourists, including Italian, Japanese, and French cuisine. Seafood pasta and pizza made with locally sourced ingredients are highly recommended, and you can enjoy them at a leisurely pace with a glass of wine. For breakfast, it’s also a great idea to try traditional Filipino dishes like tocino and longganisa alongside tropical fruits, with hotel buffets offering a wide selection of options. In addition, local street stalls serve skewers, Filipino sweets, and other local delicacies, allowing you to savor authentic flavors at affordable prices. Panglao Island is also home to well-known restaurants such as Giuseppe, a famous Italian restaurant from Cebu, and Nonki, a popular Japanese restaurant.
Nonki
Nonki Japanese Restaurant is a long-established Japanese dining chain originally founded in Cebu City, now with branches across the Philippines including Bohol, Mactan, Boracay, and Davao. At the Bohol branch, guests can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, grilled fish, and ramen — all prepared with care and precision. Using a combination of fresh local seafood and premium ingredients imported directly from Japan, Nonki offers dishes that are beloved not only by Japanese residents but also by locals and international visitors. With its calm, traditional atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the comforting flavors of Japan during your island stay.
Giuseppe
Giuseppe Ristorante is an authentic Sicilian restaurant originally established in Cebu City, now with branches across the Philippines, including Bohol and Boracay. The owner and head chef, a native of Sicily, brings the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean to the Philippines, combining the finest imported Italian ingredients with the fresh local produce of Bohol. From wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta to flavorful seafood dishes, every plate captures the vibrant essence of southern Italy. With its open, relaxed resort-style atmosphere, Giuseppe offers guests a true taste of Sicilian home cooking — making it one of the most beloved dining spots in Bohol.
Accommodation
Panglao Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels for backpackers to luxurious resort hotels, allowing visitors to choose according to their budget and travel style. There are many simple lodgings available for just a few thousand yen, and even more affordable yet comfortable places can be found in areas a bit farther from the beach. On the other hand, for a more luxurious stay, the well-known Henann Resort on Panglao Island is a top choice, featuring a beautiful private beach, elegant pools, and excellent restaurants and spa facilities. Henann is perfect not only for couples seeking a resort getaway but also for families, as it offers family-friendly amenities. Overall, accommodations on Panglao Island are known for their great value, making it easy for travelers to enjoy a comfortable stay that suits their budget.
