Welcome to our Bohol backpackers guide that includes the top things to do in Bohol. Bohol & the smaller island Panglao in the Visayas region of the Philippines draw backpackers from all over with the promise of beautiful beaches, rural chocolate hills, the Loboc River cruise & tarsier-tastic wildlife. It is a common backpackers stop while touring the Philippines and as one of the larger islands has lots to offer.
We love Bohol due to the variety of landscapes and activities it has to offer! We spent our time on the island trying to get outside of our comfort zone, we were new to the Philippines and wanted to soak up everything it has to offer. This included being stuffed into a minivan with many locals (I counted 14 of us at one point) on our way up to Danao Adventure Park where we took part in the plunge, which is the largest canyon swing in Asia.
If you don’t fancy a heart-stopping plunge we also spent a few days at Nuts Huts on the banks of the Loboc River, one of the top things to do in Bohol, where we relaxed, kayaked and visited the small tarsier sanctuary.
As mentioned above Panglao is a small island connected to Bohol and where most tourists spend the majority of their time, although Bohol is definitely home to some secret gems and amazing activities, Panglao has white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife perfect for backpackers and solo travellers. The island is also super budget-friendly with cheap transport, food and accommodation.
This Bohol travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, whether you’re looking for what to do in Bohol for three days or planning a comprehensive Bohol itinerary, we’ve got you covered. We also share a 2-day, 3-day and a 5-day Bohol itinerary, if you have the time, we highly recommend the 5-day option, as there’s so much to explore. We’ve created this Bohol tour guide based on our own adventures so we also share our personal budget to help other backpackers plan effectively.
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Best Time To Visit Bohol
The best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season, from November to May where the temperature is around 25-32°C (77-90°F) and when you can fully enjoy the island’s natural attractions and Bohol’s best tourist spots. The wet season (June to October) brings occasional rain showers but fewer crowds. We visited in May and found the island not to be super crowded plus we had perfect weather! The only thing to note is the chocolate hills may not be chocolate coloured if you visit during the wet season as they turn brown when the island is at its driest.
Now you know when to visit, let’s explore how to get to Bohol and what to do in Bohol during your stay.
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How To Get To Bohol
Planning the perfect Bohol Itinerary starts with figuring out the best way to get to the island.
Manila To Bohol
- Direct Manila to Bohol Flight: The easiest and most convenient way, taking only 1 hour & 30 minutes and can cost from $30-100. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia operate daily flights from Manila to Bohol.
- Direct Manila to Tagbilaran Ferry: A budget-friendly alternative, but it takes 33 hours! Departs once a week from Manila North Harbour at 5 AM, arriving in Tagbilaran the next day at 2 PM, costing $30-60.
Cebu To Bohol
- Cebu to Bohol by Flight: The quickest way is a direct 40-minute flight from Mactan Airport in Cebu City to Panglao Island. Flights can be expensive (up to $100) so book in advance if you can.
- Cebu to Bohol by Ferry: A budget-friendly alternative is the direct ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran, taking 1-2 hours and costing $16.
- Consider a Bohol Tour: Some companies offer a day-trip Tour from Cebu
Siquijor To Bohol
One of the most popular routes, and the route we took, is from the neighbouring island of Siquijor. A direct ferry will take you from the small witchcraft island to the larger jungle paradise. During peak season (December-April), we recommend booking ferries at least a day in advance as they can sell out quickly.
Note: The ferry port is in the busy city of Tagbilaran, from here you will need to get further transport to your accommodation. If you’re staying on Panglao we recommend hiring a trike or tuk-tuk which should cost around ₱150-300 or if you’re on Bohol it might be worth checking out the bus station if you’re on a budget.
Want to know more? For a detailed Bohol Travel Guide read our full blog: How To Get To Bohol: From Cebu, Manila, Dumaguete and More
Top Things To Do In Bohol Map
Suggested Bohol Itineraries
Wondering what to do in Bohol based on your available time? Here are our suggested itineraries.
Bohol 1 Day Itinerary
If you only have a short time in the Philippines you can experience the top things to do in Bohol with a day Bohol Tour from Cebu. This is a great option if you want to see the highlights of the island.
Bohol 2 Day Itinerary
Two days isn’t enough to see everything Bohol has to offer, you’ll need to make some sacrifices and choose the highlights you want to see. If you only have two days we recommend choosing either Bohol or Panglao. This Bohol 2-day itinerary is perfect for weekend travellers.
If you choose Bohol:
- Day 1: Chocolate Hills, Man-Made Forest, Tarsier Conservation Area (Stay at Nuts Huts)
- Day 2: Explore the Loboc River, either from Nuts Huts of with a Loboc SUP Tour
If you choose Panglao:
- Day 1: Alona Beach, Hinagdanan Cave
- Day 2: Panglao Beach, Island Hopping Tour (Balicasag Island, Virgin Island)
Bohol Itinerary 3 Days
This perfect Bohol trip itinerary gives you enough time to experience both Bohol and Panglao highlights.
- Day 1: Chocolate Hills, Man-Made Forest, Tarsier Conservation Area. Use this land tour for a stress free day trip! (Stay at Nuts Huts)
- Day 2: Loboc River SUP Tour, Hinagdanan Cave, Alona Beach (Stay in Alona Beach)
- Day 3: Panglao Beach, Island Hopping Tour (Balicasag Island, Virgin Island)
🗺️ Your Ultimate Philippines Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in The Philippines. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Bohol Backpackers 5-Day Adventure Itinerary
Yay! With 5-days you can explore lots of what Bohol has to offer including some lesser-known attractions such as Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Anda Beach and Danao Adventure Park. We decided to stay 5 nights on the island and below I share our itinerary with a few tweaks to make it even better!
Day 1 & 2: Alona Beach
Arrive in Bohol and make your way to Alona beach in Panglao. Settle in to your accommodation then head to Hinagdanan Cave to explore the underground pool. In the evening, watch the sunset at Panglao Beach. On day 2 go on the island hopping tour that will take you to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island Sandbar.
Day 3: Danao Adventure Park
From Tagbilaran City get a shared van to Poblacion then a motorbike taxi to Danao Adventure Park. The park has lots of different rides but we recommend The Plunge, the highest canyon swing in Asia. Stay overnight at the park, and if you’re visiting during the wet season, you might witness a breathtaking sea of clouds in the morning.
Day 4 & 5: Loboc River
Take a shared taxi back to Tagbilaran, then catch a bus to Nuts Huts. Spend the day exploring the Loboc River and visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary. Stay at Nuts Huts, our favourite accommodation in Bohol!
Have Longer?
Great if you have longer you can spend your time exploring all the best things to do in Bohol! Below we have a list of the top attractions so you can build your perfect Bohol itinerary.
What To Do in Bohol: 35 Amazing Experiences & Tourist Spots
Natural Wonders
1. Chocolate Hills
Head to a viewpoint to see this unique landscape. The best time to visit is during the dry season when the hills are the richest brown. You can book you Chocolate Hills Tour Here!
2. Man-Made Forest
A reforestation effort planted 50 years ago, as you enter the forest the temperature cools and you’re surrounded by hundreds of trees. A great place to take your scooter!
3. Hinagdanan Cave
With an underground lake, stunning stalactites and epic cavern this cave is worth a visit and the entrance fees for Hinagdanan Cave are only 75 Pesos
4. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
Rich, green terraces with two viewing points. We think it’s worth the drive to see the stunning landscape.
Waterfalls and Springs
5. Can-Umantad Falls
The tallest waterfall in Bohol
6. Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls)
A twin cascade surrounded by jungle with a natural pool for swimming
7. Camugao Waterfalls
An hour from Alona Beach this tall waterfall offers a large pool and diving spot
8. Mag-Aso Falls
A picturesque waterfall known for its striking blue waters,
9. Ingkumhan Falls
One of the most popular falls equipped with rope swings and a deep pool
10. Kinahugan Falls
A lesser-known waterfall making it serene and peaceful
11. Lonoy Cold Spring
Cool off in this refreshing spring in a quiet local village
12. Canawa Cold Springs
A deep spring with clear, cool water. A perfect hidden escape
13. Tambuko Cave Pool
An off-the-beaten- track cave pool that’s hard to access
14. Anda Cave Pools
A series of natural cave pools in Anda with mesmerising blue waters, perfect for a cool and refreshing dip
15. Cabaganow Cave Pool
The most famous pool in Anda, perfect for diving and jumping
16. Kawasan Falls
A hidden gem with gentle cascading falls and natural pools
Beaches and Islands
- Alona Beach – Best for nightlife
- Panglao Beach Best sunset views
- Anda White Beach – Unspoiled beauty, local experiences
- Can-uba Beach – Off-tourist-path experience
- Quinale Beach Anda – Local atmosphere
- Balicasag Island – Great Snorkelling spots
- Virgin Island – Beautiful Sandbar
- Lamanoc Island and Mangrove Boardwalk
Adventure Activities
26. Hot Air Balloon over Chocolate Hills
A unique bucket-list activity in Bohol
27. Zipline at Loboc Adventure Park
Zoom over the Loboc River
28. Danao Adventure Park
There’s lots of activities here but we recommend The Sea of Clouds & The Plunge!
29. Beach Clean Up
Help the local environment with a beach clean up
30. Mayana Peak
A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic views of the rolling hills and lush landscapes of Jagna
31. Binanaje Hills Sunrise Trek in Alicia
A breathtaking early morning trek leading to the Alicia Panoramic Park where you can watch the sunrise over rolling hills
Cultural Experiences
32. Tarsier Conservation Area
Ethical viewing of these beautiful creatures
33. Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc river floating restaurant is a highlight for many people staying on Bohol and the Loboc River Cruise price is around 850 Pesos per person ($15).
34. Bohol Bee Farm
Buy Organic products and eat in a farm to fork restaurant
35. Sikatuna Mirror of the World
Unique attraction where you can tour the world through sculptures
Where To Stay In Bohol & Panglao
Best Accommodation In Panglao
Abraham Bohol: Best Panglao Hostel
If you’re looking to stay in the dorm at one of Panglao’s best hostels, a bed can cost as little as £8 a night. This is a great deal as the hostel boasts a large outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge and kitchen. There is an onsite restaurant and cocktail bar perfect for meeting new people during happy hour. This is our top affordable accommodation pick!
LEUX Hotel: Best Budget Hotel In Alona, Panglao
Only 300m away from Alona Beach this hotel is well within walking distance of the most popular sites plus it is located close to many restaurants, including popular fast food chains. The hotel offers daily housekeeping and is one of the most affordable hotels in Panglao.
Where To Stay In Bohol?
Near The Loboc River: Nuts Huts
If you’re looking for the best place to stay on the island of Bohol, look no further and book Nuts Huts! This was hands down the best place we stayed during our two months in the Philippines. Off the beaten track and nested on the banks of the Loboc River you will feel like you have arrived in paradise. With a chill out area, traditional huts, kayak rental and more!
Best Places To Stay In Bohol
$ Budget
Nuts Huts
Nestled amongst the banks of the Loboc River and Bohol Jungle lives the hidden gem of Nuts Huts. After standing strong for 25 years, this truly is one of the best places to stay in Bohol.
$$ Mid-Range
Mad Monkey Hostel
Panglao, the island connected to Bohol is best known for the wild parties held on the beach. If you’re looking for a party, head to Mad Monkey close to Alona Beach
$$$ High-End
Bohol Beach Club
A large swimming pool and lush green gardens back onto the white sand beaches. Bohol Beach club offers lots of facilities such as on onsite restaurant, car rental and balconies.
Spacing
Average Costs Of Backpacking Bohol
£22 per person per day (based on two travellers sharing costs)
Over our 5-nights on Bohol here is the breakdown of costs:
Transportation: £55.49 (£27.75 per person)
Accommodation: £75.25 (£37.63 per person)
Food & Drink: £62.05 total for two (£5.17 per person per day)
Activities: £36.27 (£18.14 per person)
Miscellaneous: £3.91 (£1.96 per person)
Best Bohol Tours
Top Tips For Travelling Bohol
Below we share our favourite tips for travelling Bohol:
- The Alona Beach area is the busiest tourist spot with beautiful beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants, however expect a lot of people.
- Nuts Huts on the banks of the Loboc River is a paradise in nature! A much more authentic place to stay than Alona Beach. Book here.
- Use an E-sim like Airalo to stay connected all over the island, don’t rely on homestay’s WiFi.
- Bohol is actually a huge island unlike its neighbour Siquijor, so a Land Tour is more suitable than using public transport between the attractions.
- The marine ecosystem around Bohol is exceptional, there are plenty of Island Hopping Tours and Dolphin Spotting experiences you can join.
- Danao Adventure Park in the north is a great family & backpacker activity!
