The island of Bohol, here on the Loboc River cruise.
Bohol, the tenth largest island in the Philippines, is situated just south of Cebu City and offers a wide array of attractions. One of the best aspects of visiting Bohol is the ability to start and end your day on a stunning white sand beach, enjoying a Piña Colada while also having explored the island’s diverse landscapes and history.
We started early, departing from Cebu City harbor at 6:00 AM on the fast ferry, arriving in Tagbilaran, Bohol, in just under two hours. This is the most time-efficient way to travel without losing half a day commuting. From Tagbilaran, Panglao Island and its best beach resorts are only a 20-30 minute drive away. Hiring a car from the harbor is an affordable option, often cheaper than hotel-arranged transport. Prices start high but quickly drop from 1500 pesos to around 700-800 pesos after some bargaining.
Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of our Bohol adventure.
Approaching the Bay of Tagbilaran.
Colorful tricycles in Tagbilaran City.
Exploring the stunning landscapes of Bohol.
Driving towards Panglao Island, our home for the next few days.
Arriving at Lost Horizon Resort at 8:30 AM.
Alona Beach in Panglao—one of the island’s most famous beaches.
After a quick breakfast, we headed back on the road to explore more of Bohol.
Our first stop: The Loboc River Floating Restaurant.
For just 250 pesos per person, this experience includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and live music while slowly cruising along the river. The lush scenery, traditional nipa huts, and playful local kids diving from palm trees into the water made for an unforgettable journey.
View of the floating restaurant buffet.
Next, we visited Bohol’s most famous attraction: The Chocolate Hills.
These unique hills, around 40 meters high, were formed by limestone and coral deposits sculpted by thousands of years of erosion. During the dry season, the hills turn brown, resembling giant chocolate mounds—hence the name.
A breathtaking view of the rice fields near the Chocolate Hills.
Another must-see in Bohol is the Tarsier Sanctuary.
Often referred to as the world’s smallest primates (though they are actually more closely related to lemurs), these tiny creatures have enormous eyes and are nocturnal. Seeing them up close is a rare treat.
Lastly, we visited the Blood Compact Site.
This historic monument marks the peace agreement between Spaniard Miguel López de Legazpi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna in 1565. The two leaders symbolically mixed their blood with wine and drank it as a sign of friendship.
Bohol is a truly mesmerizing island with a mix of history, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re after relaxation or exploration, there’s something for everyone.
