White sand beaches and spectacular ocean are commonplace in the Philippines, this country just does both impeccably. But Bohol has that extra something something. It might be that Panglao (where you’re likely to base yourself) just does great local food and is easy to navigate or that its Chocolate Hills are truly a natural wonder or that the water at Dumaluan Beach is so clear you’ll pinch yourself- whatever it is, Bohol will win you over with its charm. If you’re heading here- lucky you! Here are our Top Things To Do in Bohol, Philippines…
1. Hire a scooter and ride out to the famous Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are nearly a 2 hour scooter ride away from Alona Beach but if you can manage it, it’s a far more pleasant excursion than joining a tour. The roads are good and the drive takes you through small villages and past lush rice paddies giving you a glimpse into local life. Once there, you probably won’t linger other than to take a few snaps and marvel at the mounds that dot the landscape. But you will marvel- they are truly impressive. So named for the way they look in the dry season when the grass turns brown, there are are over 1200 hills that stretch as far as the eye can see!
2. Meet tarsiers at the Tarsier Sanctuary
The Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is the only place in Bohol where you can see these tiny Yoda like primates in their natural habitat. For 60PHP/$1.10USD a guide will take you around the sanctuary and point out the sleeping spots of their resident tarsiers. They’re nocturnal animals but you might be lucky enough to spot a couple suffering from insomnia!
A tarsier at Tarsier Sanctuary
3. Eat fried chicken with the locals at D’Ellens
Hit up local joint D’Ellens for a feast of fried chicken. They literally only serve fried chicken (12PHP/$0.25USD per piece!!!), white rice and soft drinks but oh man, this is some of the best fried chicken you’ll have ever eaten, we promise. A must visit!
D’Ellen’s incredible fried chicken!
4. Swim in the crystal clear waters of Dumaluan Beach
Dumaluan Beach is the most beautiful beach in Panglao, period. Its perfect icing sugar like sand and its crystal clear water has to be seen to be believed. To get access to it head to the Dumaluan Beach Resort where you pay 25PHP/$0.50USD per person entry fee for the whole day.
Dumaluan Beach
5. Sunset drinks on Alona Beach
It’s where all the tourists congregate but you have to enjoy sunset at Alona Beach at least once during your time in Bohol. Happy Hour tends to be from 5pm-7pm and beers are usually about 50PHP/$1USD a pop. Get your feet in the sand and marvel at that spectacular Filipino horizon.
Found this post useful? Check out our 48 Hours in Bohol and Chasing a Plate’s Guide to Port Barton, Palawan posts.
Liked this post? Pin it!
