One Landmark Put Bohol on the Map, These Experiences Complete the Trip
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Planning a trip can be stressful! 🫣
There are so many details to figure out: where to go, where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and the must-do activities.
And that’s not even counting the needs and preferences of your travel companions if you’re not going solo!
While I’ve planned a lot of DIY trips, my recent trip to Bohol was a bit different. For two days, we booked two Bohol tours: one covering the countryside and another exploring lesser-known spots.
Now, if you’re thinking of renting a motorbike during Bohol’s hot season, be prepared—it’s a recipe for dehydration, especially if you’re venturing beyond Tagbilaran.
That’s why we decided to book guided day tours instead. However, if you’re just exploring Panglao Island, renting a motorbike might still be a good option.
But if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your visit, I recommend looking into Bohol package tours. They can help you see more in less time.
If you’re planning a trip to Bohol this year and aren’t sure where to find the best Bohol tours, this guide will help you out!
Best Classic Tour: Bohol Countryside Tours
Most Underrated Tour: Anda-Candijay Bohol Tours
Best Tour Activity: Island Hopping in Bohol Tours
5 Must-Try Bohol Tours
1. Bohol Countryside Tours 🌳
The Bohol Countryside Tour is perfect if you want to visit the island’s most famous landmarks in just one day.
This tour includes a stop at the Chocolate Hills, a natural wonder with over 1,200 hills that turn chocolate-brown during the dry season.
You’ll also get to see the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to the world’s smallest primate, the tarsier.
These shy creatures are known for their big eyes, and you’ll need to be quiet and avoid using flash photography to avoid disturbing them.
Other highlights include Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, and the Loboc River Cruise, where you can enjoy lunch on a floating restaurant as you drift down the river.
The tour also takes you to the Bilar Man-made Forest for a peaceful nature break, the Blood Compact Site for a bit of history, and ends with a stop at a souvenir shop.
2. Panglao Island Bohol Tours 🛵
f you’re a beach lover like me, Panglao Island is the place to be! It’s famous for its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving spots.
The Panglao Island Tour will take you to some of the island’s most popular beaches, including Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach.
Both are perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying water activities like snorkeling and diving.
For a little extra, you should consider getting a day pass at Oceanica Resort Panglao to really unwind by the beach.
Panglao, Bohol also offers easy access to some of Bohol’s top diving spots. The tour often includes trips to Balicasag Island, a famous diving spot with colorful coral reefs and marine life.
If you want to dive without going farther or without riding a boat, I recommend diving in the Napaling Reef.
3. Island Hopping in Bohol Tours 🏝️
If you’re an adventurer at heart, island hopping in Bohol should be at the top of your list. These tours often include visits to islands like Balicasag, Virgin Island, and Pamilacan Island.
On these islands, you’ll have the chance to swim with turtles, spot dolphins, discover beautiful beaches, and be in awe of the underwater world.
Sadly, Virgin Island (also known as Puntod Island) is temporarily closed for six months to a year due to vandalism of its coral reefs. 🥺
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It’s heartbreaking to see such damage, especially since corals are living creatures. If you’re diving, remember to dive responsibly and respect the marine life around you.
Despite that, island-hopping tours are still a fantastic way to explore Bohol’s marine beauty.
You’ll get to visit multiple islands in one go, making it a well-rounded adventure if you want to see more of the province’s natural wonders.
⚠️ Important Update: As of June 2025, water activities around Pamilacan Island—such as snorkeling and dolphin watching—are temporarily suspended due to a recent incident. Please check with local tour operators for the latest updates before your trip.
4. Anda-Candijay Bohol Tours 🚗
If you’re looking for a more peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Anda-Candijay Tour is perfect!
These areas are less touristy compared to Panglao but just as beautiful—making this tour one of my favorites.
This tour includes visits to hidden gems like Can-Umantad Falls and Anda Quinale Beach, which happens to be my favorite beach in Bohol.
You’ll also get to explore the stunning Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, which are especially picturesque during the rainy season, and take a refreshing dip in the Cabagnow Cave Pool in Anda.
If you’re hoping to escape the crowds and get a taste of rural Bohol, this tour is a great choice.
On the way, don’t forget to ask your driver for a quick stop in Jagna to try the famous Calamay, a sweet delicacy in Bohol, or swing by Alburquerque to pick up some Asin Tibuok—one of the world’s rarest and most expensive salts.
These make for unique souvenirs!
5. Danao Adventure Park in Bohol Tours 🚴🏻♀️
For thrill-seekers, the Danao Adventure Park Tour is a must-try.
Located in the mountainous region of Bohol, this park has extreme activities like ziplining, swinging, and river trekking.
Personally, I’d stick to the zipline and other mild activities, but the more daring can try it all!
This park is also known for its “Plunge”, a canyon swing that drops you into a gorge at high speeds—definitely not for the faint-hearted!
So if you want to do something new and more outdoorsy, then this Bohol tour is for you!
Is Bohol Too Touristy?
While Bohol has grown in popularity, especially in areas like Panglao, it still has many off-the-beaten-path spots.
If you want to avoid crowds, you can go to the lesser-known areas like Anda, Candijay, and Danao.
These locations offer a more relaxed and quiet experience and you can interact with more locals in these areas.
If you ask me, I would love to go back to Anda and spend two days at one of the Anda resorts here. 😉
Where to Go in Bohol Aside from Panglao?
If you’ve already visited Panglao or want to skip the crowded beaches, Bohol has plenty of other places to explore.
Anda is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches and cave pools, while Candijay offers rice terraces and underrated waterfalls.
Loboc is also a good choice, especially if you want to experience a scenic river cruise. Danao should be on your list if you want to do something that triggers your adrenaline rush.
Don’t forget island hopping to some of the less touristy islands like Pamilacan Island as well. These destinations showcase a more peaceful side of Bohol.
How Many Days Is Enough in Bohol?
You’ll want at least 3 to 4 days in Bohol to see its top attractions.
A day is enough for a countryside tour, but if you want to go island hopping, visit Panglao, and explore places like Anda, you’ll need more time.
I spent five days in Bohol last time and it wasn’t even enough. I mean, I could add more to my Bohol trip but I guess, this is something I could look forward to next time. 🤭
Additionally, if you want to relax and take your time, a week or more in Bohol would allow you to fully enjoy all the activities on the island.
Best Month to Visit Bohol
From December to May, during the dry season, that’s the best time to visit Bohol. This is when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, beach trips, and Bohol tours.
Also, take note that April to May or even up until June is the jellyfish season, so be careful when doing your water activities. 🪼
Trust me on this, I love the waters but paying the ocean tax can be painful. 😖
The months of March to May are particularly great if you want to experience Bohol at its sunniest, although it can get a bit hot but still perfect to see the Chocolate Hills at its finest.
For cooler temperatures, December to February is a good option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Chocolate Hills are often considered the best tourist destination in Bohol. These unique geological formations are unlike anything else in the world and are a must-see for any visitor.
Bohol is generally affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the Philippines. There are budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and tours. However, activities like diving or private tours in Bohol can be more expensive, so it depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Additionally, Panglao itself is pretty costly but other than that, you can manage touring Bohol on a budget, especially on DIY.
Yes, but only for a quick visit. A Bohol day tour can cover the main attractions, like the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact, and Loboc River Cruise. However, you’ll miss out on other beautiful spots like Anda and island hopping in Panglao. If you have more time, it’s better to stay at least 2-3 days.
Panglao Island is the most popular area for tourists due to its proximity to beaches and nightlife. For a quieter experience, Anda is a great alternative with its peaceful surroundings. Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital, is also a good base if you prefer staying in a more urban area with easy access to transportation. You can also check my other post “Where to Stay in Bohol (2024): Your Guide to the 15 Best Accommodations on the Island” for more details.
Yes, it’s fairly easy to get around Bohol. You can rent a van or car for private tours, or hire tricycles or tuk-tuks for shorter trips. If you’re coming from Cebu, there are also Bohol tours from Cebu that are widely available. There are also plenty of Bohol tours and packages that include transportation, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
Final Thoughts on Bohol Tours You Need to Try
Availing of one of the Bohol tours, whether from a package tour you found on your social media account or the one you found on a reliable website, can help you maximize your time on the island.
Booking a tour also means having a local guide who will tell you some facts or folktales that are not available online. We all love some tea from time to time. 🍵
So, on your next trip to Bohol, remember that one of the best ways to experience Bohol is through guided tours that let you explore the island’s top spots hassle-free.
🏝️ Travel Resources for Your Bohol Trip
Planning a trip to Bohol? Here’s a quick list of trusted websites to book everything you need—flights, ferries, hotels, tours, transportation, and more.
How to Get to Bohol – Use 12Go to book ferries to Bohol from Cebu, Siquijor, or Dumaguete, or search flights to Panglao’s Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Where to Book Your Stay – Browse top-rated resorts, beachfront stays, and budget-friendly options on Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, or Vrbo if you’re traveling with family or in a group.
Getting Around the Island – Book a self-driving car via Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com, rent a scooter locally (₱400–₱600/day), use a taxi, tuktuk, bus, or hire a private driver for day tours and airport transfers.
Book Tours and Activities – Discover Chocolate Hills, island hopping, and tarsier sanctuaries through Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide, or book directly with local operators in Panglao or Tagbilaran.
Stay Connected – Use an Airalo eSIM for reliable data, rent pocket WiFi from Klook if you’re in a group, or grab a Globe or Smart SIM card before you arrive.
Cash, ATMs, and Payments – Bring pesos for local shops and tours, as small towns may not accept cards, and some ATMs can run out of cash on weekends or holidays.
Travel Insurance – Get coverage for health, accidents, or delays from SafetyWing, HeyMondo, or World Nomads, especially if you plan to drive or join water activities.
Check Out These Recommended Articles:
- 7 Best Beaches in Bohol (+3 Must-Visit Islands)
- 20 Best Activities & Tourist Spots in Bohol You Can’t-Miss
- Where to Stay in Bohol: Your Guide to the 15 Best Accommodations on the Island
- Chocolate Hills of Bohol Philippines: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
- Your Bohol Itinerary: What to See and Do in 3 – 5 Days
- Your Guide to the Best Ferries to Bohol
- Discover the Visayas’ Best Hidden Spots Beyond Bohol
- Iconic vs. Hidden: The Philippines Landmark Showdown You Didn’t Know You Needed
About the Author
Hi! I’m Kristine (aka KR). I’m the main developer of Philippine Hidden Gems. My work includes going to places to cover events and places that I’m happy to share with the readers.
Even though I’m an introvert who loves to read and stay indoors all the time, I love to travel outside the country (at least once a year) and nearby regions within PH.
My recent hobbies include learning Japanese culture and exploring the world of K-Pop as a Carat.
