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Planning a trip to Bohol? You’re in the right place!
This island in the heart of the Philippines is full of surprises—rolling landscapes, lush forests, quirky wildlife, and even its own “chocolate” mountains. When we first visited, we thought it would just be a quick stop, but Bohol had so much to offer that it quickly became one of our favorite adventures in the country.
That’s why we’re sharing the five best things to do in Bohol—from spotting the world’s smallest primates to floating down jungle-fringed rivers. These experiences capture the spirit of the island and show why so many travelers fall in love with it.
Your adventure in Bohol starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bohol was this half-day highlights tour. From gazing over the Chocolate Hills to spotting tiny tarsiers and cruising the Loboc River, it packed the island’s magic into one unforgettable experience!
Things to do in Bohol, Philippines
1. See Bohol’s top sights: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservation, and Loboc River
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Time: Starting time confirmed with tour provider
- Highlights: Visit the iconic Chocolate Hills, spot tiny tarsiers at a wildlife sanctuary, enjoy a motorized boat cruise with lunch on the Loboc River, watch live entertainment onboard, and learn how these unusual hills were formed
- Inclusions: Lunch, private transportation, professional guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check out the 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
For the ultimate sightseeing Bohol experience, this half-day tour wraps up all the highlights in one easy package. You’ll see the island’s most famous landscapes, meet its tiniest residents, and enjoy a laid-back cruise through the countryside, all without the stress of planning the details yourself.
We started off by visiting the Chocolate Hills, a surreal stretch of perfectly rounded mounds that look like giant scoops of cocoa powder scattered across the horizon. Standing at the viewpoint, it really does feel like you’re gazing at something otherworldly.
From there, the pace shifts to something more intimate as you visit the tarsier sanctuary. These wide-eyed little primates are incredibly small, smaller than your fist, and watching them cling to branches was just so cute!
The tour wraps up on the Loboc River, where we boarded a motorized boat and floated downstream while enjoying a buffet lunch. There was also live entertainment, and we found ourselves humming along as the jungle scenery slipped by. It’s the kind of experience that made us really feel like we had embraced the slow-paced island lifestyle.
This tour is ideal if you want to see the best of Bohol in just half a day. With hotel transfers, lunch, and a private guide included, it’s hassle-free and full of memorable moments. And we aren’t the only ones who loved it—check out over 130 glowing reviews here to see why this is a can’t-miss experience in Bohol!
Secure your spot on this popular Bohol highlights tour here!
2. Find Bohol’s best waterfalls and explore the countryside on a scooter
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Ride through Bohol’s countryside on a scooter, visit hidden waterfalls, hike with a guide, stop at local eateries, and explore scenic and historic spots along the way.
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bottled water, all environmental fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re up for a full day of adventure, this full-day scooter tour is such a fun way to explore Bohol. Instead of being in a van all day, you’ll be zipping through the countryside, stopping at hidden spots, and seeing the island in a way most travelers don’t.
As you cruise down quiet roads, you’ll pass rice fields, little villages, and stretches of jungle that few visitors get to see. The ride has the freedom of independent travel, but with the bonus of a local guide leading you to hidden gems. One of the highlights is a short hike to Pahangog Falls, where you can cool off in the fresh water and enjoy that true “secret spot” feeling.
Midday brings a stop for lunch at a local eatery—one of those places you’d likely miss on your own, but where the food tastes like home cooking. It’s the perfect chance to refuel and soak in more of island life before continuing on to scenic viewpoints and a few historic stops.
The best part? You don’t even have to drive if you don’t want to—ride with a guide or upgrade to a private car. Either way, it’s an adventurous day you’ll be talking about long after.
Chase waterfalls and explore Bohol by scooter—book here!
3. Learn how to freedive (beginner-friendly!)
- Duration: 3-day course
- Time: Starting time arranged with tour provider
- Highlights: Take the SSI Level 1 freediving course in Panglao, learn breathing and safety techniques, practice in the pool before open-water dives, and gain the skills to dive up to 20 meters (65 feet) without tanks
- Inclusions: Snorkeling equipment, photos and videos, professional instructors
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Freediving is one of those skills that feels both challenging and freeing at the same time, and Bohol is the perfect place to learn it. This beginner-friendly course gives you the tools to dive underwater on a single breath, no tanks, no heavy gear, just you and the ocean. By the end of three days, you’ll have the confidence to reach depths of up to 20 meters (65 feet), which feels pretty incredible.
The course is structured to ease you in with confidence. It begins in the classroom and pool, where you’ll practice breathing and relaxation techniques before heading into the ocean.
Supportive instructors guide you every step of the way, making the experience approachable even for beginners. Then comes your first open water dive—gliding down into the blue, weightless and calm, is a moment you’ll never forget.
Small class sizes mean you get plenty of personal attention, and the included photos and videos are a fun bonus (who doesn’t want proof of looking like an underwater explorer?)
This course is ideal for travelers who love a challenge or want to try something completely new in Bohol. It’s safe, empowering, and an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Learn to freedive in Bohol—book your beginner-friendly course here!
Related Read: Need a place to stay? Hotels on the island book up quickly, so read our where to stay in Bohol guide to book one now!
4. Visit a cacao farm and make chocolate
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Time: Starting time arranged with tour provider
- Highlights: Tour a working cacao farm, learn the full process from tree to treat, taste fresh chocolate fruit and tropical fruits, see how cacao is harvested, fermented, and dried, then roast and mold your own chocolate to take home.
- Inclusions: Professional guide, private transportation, all equipment for chocolate making, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check out great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! Instead of just buying a bar as a souvenir, on this cacao farm tour you’ll actually learn how chocolate is made, from the cacao tree all the way to the final treat you can take home. It’s hands-on, tasty, and a surprisingly fun way to spend a few hours in Bohol.
We started with a visit to the Chocolate Hills followed up by walking through the farm, where our guide explained how cacao trees grow and let us try the fresh fruit straight from the pod. It’s nothing like you’d expect, tangy and sweet, almost tropical, and it gave us a new appreciation for where chocolate begins.
From there, we followed the journey step by step: fermentation, drying, roasting, and finally the best part, molding our own chocolates. There’s something really satisfying about crafting a piece of chocolate and knowing you’ve seen every stage of its creation.
Along the way, we got to taste different varieties and even snack on some fresh tropical fruits grown on the farm. The whole experience felt relaxed and welcoming, like spending the day with locals who really love what they do.
This is a treat for anyone who wants to slow down and savor Bohol’s flavors. Families, couples, or anyone with a sweet tooth will love it, and you get to leave with chocolate you made yourself. Just check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why travelers rave about this tour!
Check availability and secure this cacao farm tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Ride an ATV through the Chocolate Hills
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours
- Time: Starting time confirmed with tour provider
- Highlights: Combine sightseeing with adventure as you ride an ATV around the iconic Chocolate Hills, enjoy the countryside views, and make your day hassle-free with optional private transportation and a professional guide.
- Inclusions: Professional guide, private transportation, lunch
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check out the reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes sightseeing is even better with a little dust on your shoes, or in this case, a little mud on your tires! Riding an ATV through the Chocolate Hills on this half-day tour is one of the most fun ways to see Bohol’s most famous landmark, and it turns a scenic stop into a full-blown adventure.
We had such a blast zipping along the trails, with the rolling hills rising all around us. The Chocolate Hills look amazing from a distance, but getting up close while bouncing along on an ATV gives you a whole new perspective. It’s not just about the view, it’s about the thrill of the ride. Don’t worry if you’ve never driven an ATV before; the guides are there to get you comfortable, and once you’re rolling, it’s surprisingly easy to handle.
The tour doesn’t stop at the ATVs either. With private transportation, a guide to lead the way, and even lunch included, the whole experience feels seamless. You don’t have to think about logistics, just show up, gear up, and enjoy the ride.
This is the perfect pick if you want to add a burst of energy to your Bohol itinerary. You’ll leave with muddy shoes, big smiles, and plenty of photos worth showing off.
Book your adventure here and ride an ATV through Bohol’s Chocolate Hills!
Where to Stay in Bohol
Bohol offers plenty of great places to stay—whether you’re after a beachfront luxury escape, a stylish mid-range resort, or a budget-friendly base that still comes with plenty of perks. From tropical resorts steps from the sand to laid-back stays surrounded by greenery, there’s something here for every traveler and budget.
To help you decide, we’ve highlighted three of the best options in Bohol across different price ranges. Just keep in mind that hotels in this area can book up quickly, so if you find one that suits your trip, it’s best to lock it in early!
Oceanica Resort Panglao – $$$
If you’re dreaming of a beachfront stay in Bohol, Oceanica Resort Panglao delivers the full island escape. Just steps from Bolod Beach, it’s the kind of place where you can roll out of bed and head straight for the sand or the sparkling pool. The rooms are bright and tropical, with thoughtful touches like minibars, coffee makers, and private balconies that instantly put you in vacation mode.
Days here are easy to fill. Start with a spa treatment or a workout, then grab a snorkel or simply lounge poolside with a drink from one of the lively bars. When hunger hits, Oceanica Restaurant serves up seafood specialties alongside international favorites.
With rooms averaging $200–250 USD per night, this resort is a luxury pick that feels both indulgent and fun. Check availability and book Oceanica Resort here!
Marina Point Bay Resort – $$
Marina Point Bay Resort is a charming choice if you want comfort and style without going full luxury. The air-conditioned rooms are bright and inviting, with balconies overlooking the pool or gardens, perfect for a morning coffee spot. You’ll also have a fridge, TV, and free WiFi, so it’s easy to settle in.
We love the laid-back vibe here. The resort has a year-round outdoor pool, a sunny terrace, and plenty of greenery that makes it feel peaceful and private. The restaurant is another highlight, serving American, Asian, and international dishes with vegetarian options, plus a tasty brunch menu.
At around $140 USD per night, this spot balances value and comfort beautifully, with friendly staff and a quiet location near Panglao’s highlights.
See rooms and book Marina Point Bay Resort here!
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort – $
For a beachfront stay that won’t stretch your budget, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort is a solid choice. Set right on the sand, it has sea views, a pool terrace, and plenty of spots to relax under the sun. The air-conditioned rooms are simple but comfortable, with private bathrooms and free WiFi to keep you connected.
There’s more than just the beach to enjoy. You can book a massage at the spa, hit the gym, or even unwind in the hot tub after a day of exploring. Families will appreciate the children’s playground, while foodies can choose from the on-site restaurant, bar, or coffee shop, breakfast options range from continental to buffet and Asian.
With rooms averaging $120 USD per night, it’s a budget-friendly base that still delivers great amenities in Panglao. Check all room types and secure your stay here!
For even more great options, check out all of Bohol’s hotels listed on Booking.com!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Bohol is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left—whether it’s the sight of the Chocolate Hills at sunrise, the wide-eyed stare of a tiny tarsier, or the simple joy of drifting down the Loboc River with music in the background. These experiences capture the island’s mix of adventure and charm, and we hope this guide helps you plan a trip that’s as memorable as Bohol deserves.
For extra tips, itineraries, and hidden gems, check out our other Philippines blogs here—they’re packed with real experiences and practical advice to make your travels smoother and more fun. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few of our most popular guides you won’t want to miss:
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How to Spend THREE DAYS in Manila, Philippines: The Best 3-Day Itinerary