Bohol Travel Guide: 7 Days Beyond the Tourist Crowds

Updated September 2026

A 90-minute flight from Manila, Bohol is one of the Philippines’ most fascinating islands. It has a little bit of everything: the famous Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers, spectacular waterfalls, coral reefs, beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds.

Bohol has become a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Most visitors base themselves in Panglao, the small island connected to Bohol by bridge, where you’ll find the biggest choice of restaurants, resorts and nightlife. But if, like us, you prefer a quieter side of an island, there’s much more to Bohol than Panglao.

We spent seven days exploring Bohol, staying for three nights along the Loboc River before moving to the quieter Anda Beach area for four nights. We loved having the chance to experience both the lush interior and the peaceful eastern coast. In this guide, we’ll share the best things we did, where we stayed and the places we think are worth adding to your Bohol itinerary.

Bohol at a glance

• How long: 5–7 days
• Best areas to stay: Loboc, Anda or Panglao (if you want nightlife)
• Best for: waterfalls, Chocolate Hills, wildlife, beaches and adventure
• Our favourite area: Anda
• Best quieter alternative: Anda rather than Panglao
• Getting around: private driver/scooter
• Don’t miss: Chocolate Hills, Can-Umantad Falls, Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and Loboc River
• For fewer crowds: start attractions early and explore beyond Panglao

What to do in Bohol?

The list of things to do in Bohol is extensive and even in a week we didn’t get to see everything. The activities below best matched our interests and our style of travel. They gave us a good variety of experiences.

Visit the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella

This sanctuary is located deep in the secondary growth forest foothill of Corella town, in the interior of Bohol. This institution is dedicated to the preservation and scientific research on the endemic tarsier of Bohol.

The Tarsiers are the smallest primates in the world and are only found in some islands of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. No larger than a man’s hand, they have giant round eyes and a tail that is longer than their body.

These nocturnal cuties survive in rain forests with thick vegetation and can leap as far as 10 feet from tree to tree. Like owls, they can turn their heads 180 degrees! Unfortunately, habitat destruction via logging and mining threatens the Philippine Tarsier with extinction.

There are two places to see the Tarsier in Bohol, but the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, is a non-profit responsible tourism operation that cares about the conservation of Tarsiers. When you visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a guide takes you on a short walk around the sanctuary to point out the Tarsiers. Their tiny size makes them very hard to spot. The guide will also keep an eye on you, making sure that you don’t touch the Tarsiers or use your camera’s flash.

Avoid visiting the Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area which is over touristy and unethical.

See the Chocolate Hills

Other than the Tarsiers, the second most visited site in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills near Carmen. The Chocolate Hills are named this way because at a certain time of the year (during the dry season), they are a chocolatey brown colour. We visited at the end of the rainy season, so they were green for us, but were still an amazing sight to see.

These unique geological formations are comprised of unique cone-shaped hills that all look very similar. There are at least 1,200 of them, spanning an area of more than 50 square kilometres.

These hills are an iconic part of Bohol, making a visit to Bohol incomplete without seeing them. There are 214 steps to get to the top of the observation deck, but it is totally worth the effort for the views!

Our advice is to visit Chocolate Hills as early as possible. We arrived at 8am and it was relatively quiet at that time. However, by the time we finished exploring the site, the place was already packed. It was also incredibly hot, even early in the morning, and climbing the stairs was hard work in the heat. We wouldn’t recommend doing it during the peak of the day for that reason alone!

Note: If you have time, take an ATV tour around Bohol Island’s iconic Chocolate Hills. The tour normally lasts an hour, and it is a lot of fun! It was particularly muddy after recent heavy rains, but Simon loved navigating his way around the mud and I tried my best to stay clean; rather unsuccessfully!

Explore the Loboc River by SUP

The Loboc River is another popular attraction in Bohol. Most tour groups end up on one of the Loboc river cruises for a lunch buffet cruise. You can also hire a boat from a few different operators to have your own private cruise.

We decided to do something a little bit different and signed up for a standup paddle boarding tour to the local waterfall, starting from our hotel, the Fox & Firefly Cottages.

Our hotel organised the SUP for us and our tour guide was very professional. He took it slowly and gave us tips on how to use our SUPs better. Starting early, we had the river to ourselves for the first couple of hours which was very nice.

The Loboc River is a beautiful setting and doing a SUP tour is a great way to see it. We ended up paddling for over 4 hours!

Chase Bohol’s waterfalls

There are so many waterfalls in Bohol that you will need to pick and choose and that’s not easy! We visited four of them during our time on Bohol, but we easily could have seen more. The ones we visited were all beautiful and we never regretted the hikes to them, even though we’ve seen many waterfalls before in our home state of Queensland.

Here are the four we visited:

Pahangog Falls (Twin Falls)

The Pahangog Falls is not the easiest waterfall to get to, but it’s certainly worth it! Our driver dropped us at the payment booth and a local guide took us down to the falls. When we visited, it wasn’t advisable to take a motorbike to the top of the steps, due to incredibly bad sections of road after heavy rainfalls.

So, we walked about 15 mins to the top of the steps and then down the 300+ steps. The waterfalls looked amazing, so it certainly was worth it. It was so nice to cool down with a dip after the walk.

The walk back up was gruelling in the heat but we’d do it again in a heartbeat! Pahangog can be quite popular, so visit early. There were probably 20 or more people at the falls when we visited.

Can-Umantad Falls

The Can-umantad falls is a must visit when in Bohol. It is the tallest waterfall on the island and arguably the prettiest. Take a refreshing dip by the falls and enjoy the incredible scenic views.

Access: If you come by car, you will need to park your car or leave your driver at the payment booth. Then you’ll take a ride down the access road on the back of a motorcycle (which costs PHP 100 back and forth). Cars are not allowed to drive down to the falls due to a landslide brought about by typhoon Odette.

Once the motorcycle drops you off, it’s a 5-to-10-minute walk before reaching the falls. There is a paved walkway for tourists which makes access to the falls a lot easier than other waterfalls we visited.

Ingkumhan Falls

When we arrived at Ingkumhan Falls, there was not a soul in sight, so we had the place to ourselves!  This large pool of stunning, turquoise water is not as popular as other waterfalls, so it’s great for avoiding the crowds. There are stalactites hanging dramatically on the side, dripping water into the warm pool below. It’s well worth the visit to take pretty pictures, swim and do some cliff jumping.

Camugao Waterfall

It’s a 10 to 15 minutes’ walk to get to Camugao Falls. It’s a bit of a steep and slippery path, so wear good shoes and take care. Once at the bottom, enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise water or do some cliff jumping on the right side of the waterfalls.

Our picks:

• Best overall: Can-Umantad
• Best for a quieter experience: Ingkumhan
• Best for swimming: Pahangog
• Best combined with another attraction: Can-Umantad + Cadapdapan rice terrace

Visit the Bilar Man-Made Forest

The Bilar Man-made Forest is such a beautiful place that you don’t want to miss on the island. The man-made forest is located between the towns of Bilar and Loboc and is on the way to the Chocolate Hills. Most tour operators will stop on the way but if you are going by yourself make sure to include this as a stop.

This beautiful man-made forest is made of mahogany trees and was planted as part of a reforestation project in the area. The mahogany forest stretches for more than two kilometres and when you enter this tunnel of trees, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. You will also notice the sudden drop in temperature which is very welcome on a hot and humid day!

Explore the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are one of the most beautiful locations on the island and should not be missed, especially if you are already in the Anda region.

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are basically right next to Can-umantad falls, so you should combine them together.

We had a local guide take us for a walk amongst the rice terraces. She then took us to the top of a hill, where we could get amazing photos of the terraces and the surrounding views.

If you are unsure where to go, just ask the lovely locals at the payment booth of the Can-umantad falls, as the terraces are basically next door.

Being there reminded me so much of the rice terraces of Bali. Except, there were barely any tourists here, unlike in Bali!

If you’re combining Bohol with Palawan, you might also enjoy our guide to Coron.

Swim in Bohol’s cave pools

The Cabagnow Cave Pool is in Anda. This limestone cave is similar to the cenotes found in Mexico and it’s the perfect place to go for a dip on a hot day.

The Cabagnow Cave Pool was made when the limestone bedrock dissolved and collapsed due to erosion from water. The water in the limestone cave is a mixture of freshwater from the mountains and saltwater from the ocean.

There are 5 cave pools in the area and the Cabagnow Cave is the deepest and largest of them all.

You can access the cave pool by cliff jumping into it or, if that’s not your thing, you can use the ladder, which is also your only way out afterwards. The water is so clear, it’s stunning.

Note: This cave is closed for swimming on Mondays and Fridays.

You can then carry on to the Combento Cave Pool. The Combento Cave Pool is not as big as the Cabagnow but it’s still a nice cave to visit. There is no ladder and it’s not deep enough to jump in or even really swim in there but it’s still worth a stop if you are in the area. It is also a lot quieter than the Cabagnow Cave Pool.

Relax at Quinale Beach in Anda

Quinale Beach has been named the best beach on Bohol and for a good reason.

This Beach is most loved for its long stretch of white sand, crystal clear waters, palm tree fringed shores, beach bars, and open-style huts that are dotted along the coastline.

The beach is best visited at high tide to really make the most of it. It can look a bit dirty at low tide due all the seaweed along the shoreline.

Grab a drink at the Old Castle Beach Bar where you can have a beer with your feet in the sand!

Watch an incredible sunset at White Beach Anda

Watching the sunset from White Beach in Anda was incredible every night we were there. Staying at the Anda White Beach Resort, we had a prime position every night.  What made it so special was the cluster of palm trees that grow out of the soft sands of the beach. Sunset was always a special time when the sky would turn into different shades of blue and purple. Spectacular!

Go island hopping to Balicasag and Virgin Island

The Bohol Island Hopping tour package normally includes dolphin watching from the boat, snorkelling with sea turtles on Balicasag Island Bohol, and a visit to the unique sand bar on Virgin Island Bohol.

It is one of the most popular things to do on Bohol. Full disclosure, we didn’t take this tour, so we don’t really have an opinion on it. We had done a couple of similar tours in Coron so we decided to do different types of activity on Bohol.

Getting Around Bohol

Bohol is fairly easy to navigate once you decide how independent you want to be.

We hired a private driver for the bigger days (Chocolate Hills, waterfalls, rice terraces). It was the most comfortable and flexible option, especially with the sometimes rough roads after rain. Many hotels and guesthouses can arrange a reliable driver for a full or half day.

Renting a motorbike is popular and gives you total freedom, but only do this if you’re a confident rider. Some access roads to the waterfalls are steep, muddy, or damaged, and local tricycles or motorcycle taxis are often needed for the final stretch.

Within Loboc and Anda, walking and short tricycle rides cover most daily needs. At low tide in Anda you can even walk along the beach into town.

Best Time to Visit Bohol

The dry season (roughly December to May) is the most popular and generally the easiest time to visit. Days are sunnier, the sea is calmer for island-hopping, and the Chocolate Hills turn their famous brown colour in the later months.

We visited towards the end of the rainy season and still had a fantastic trip, the hills were lush green, the waterfalls were flowing strongly, and there were fewer crowds. Just be prepared for the occasional heavy afternoon downpour and some muddy roads.

If you prefer quieter beaches and don’t mind a bit of rain, the shoulder months (November and late May–June) can be a sweet spot.

Where to stay on Bohol?

Panglao – best for restaurants, nightlife and convenience

Loboc – best for jungle and river scenery

Anda – best for peace, beaches and getting away from the crowds

Where we stayed

Fox & Firefly Cottages in Loboc

Fox & The Firefly Cottages sits in the forested areas of Loboc, right beside the Loboc River. We stayed there and loved it. The guesthouse offers comfortable, affordable accommodation and is the perfect base for paddle-boarding (you can start your trip straight from the property).

Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout and complimentary parking. The on-site restaurant serves amazing fresh local food, and the team can also arrange day trips to nearby attractions on request. Check their latest prices here.

Anda White Beach Resort in Anda

Anda White Beach Resort sits directly on Anda Beach, about a 1-hour-45-minute drive from Tagbilaran City. It features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi in public areas.

We stayed here and really enjoyed the location — it’s close to several dining spots along the beach, and at low tide you can easily walk into town following the shoreline. The sunset views were spectacular; this is one of the best places to watch them.

Another good option in Anda is the Island View Beachfront Resort . The Island View Beachfront Resort has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a private beach area and restaurant in Anda. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi. Check their latest prices here.

If you prefer more nightlife, then Panglao is for you

Here are some good Panglao options:

Bohol Beach Club

Featuring an outdoor pool, lush green gardens, Bohol Beach Club is a beachfront resort that offers peaceful and comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access in the entire property. It operates a 24-hour front desk and boasts a private beach area where activities such as canoeing and windsurfing can be enjoyed. Check their latest prices here.

Pyramid Resort

Situated on the shores of Alona Beach, Pyramid Resort features an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue area and a terrace. Guests can enjoy drinks at the on-site bar. Check their latest prices here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Bohol?
We spent 7 nights and felt it was a good amount of time. 3 nights in Loboc and 4 nights in Anda. You can see the main highlights in 4–5 days if you stay in one base (usually Panglao), but a week lets you explore at a more relaxed pace and include quieter areas like Anda.

Is it better to stay in Panglao, Loboc, or Anda?
It depends on what you want. Panglao is best if you want beaches, nightlife, restaurants, and easy island-hopping. Loboc is quieter and ideal if you want to be close to the river and inland attractions. Anda is the most peaceful option, with beautiful sunsets and fewer crowds. We preferred Loboc + Anda for a more relaxed trip.

Do I need to join organised tours?
Not necessarily. Many people hire a private driver for the day (which is what we did for the bigger sightseeing days) or rent a motorbike if they’re confident riders. Some activities, like paddleboarding on the Loboc River, can be arranged directly through your accommodation.

Which Tarsier sanctuary should I visit?
We strongly recommend the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella. It’s a non-profit focused on conservation. Avoid the more touristy Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area, which has poorer conditions for the animals.

Are the Chocolate Hills brown or green?
It depends on the season. They turn chocolate-brown during the dry months and are green after the rains. They’re impressive either way. We saw them green and still thought they were spectacular.

Is Bohol good for a first trip to the Philippines?
Yes. It’s relatively easy to get around, has a good mix of nature, beaches and culture, and feels less overwhelming than some of the more developed destinations. Just decide early whether you want a lively base (Panglao) or something quieter.

Read More:

12 Best Things to Do in Coron, Palawan

Exploring The Old Walled City of Manila: Intramuros