24 Awesome Things to Do in Bohol: Complete Guide

A trip to Bohol is an unforgettable destination and a way to see another side of the Philippines.

If you’re a traveler who wants a bit of vacation and adventure then Bohol is the perfect destination. Whether you’re snorkeling its world-class reefs, spotting tarsiers, or exploring incredible waterfalls, Bohol has something for everyone.

Here we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Bohol so you can pick and choose what adventures to go on.

24 Awesome Things to Do in Bohol

Pahangog Falls (Dimiao Twin Falls)

Pahangog Falls, also known as Dimiao Twin Falls, is one of the best waterfalls in Bohol and was the highlight of our trip to the island. This stunning waterfall features twin cascades that plunge into a perfectly teal-colored rock pool surrounded by lush tropical greenery.

The large pool at the base of the falls is perfect for cooling off and escaping the heat. There are rocks around the pool ideal for jumping in, and benches nearby make it a great spot to chill out.

While Pahangog Falls is not the easiest destination to reach, its secluded beauty makes the journey worthwhile. The adventure of hiking, climbing, and swimming adds to the experience, making it an awesome place to enjoy, no matter what season.

Balicasag Island Snorkeling

Balicasag Island is a tiny island off the coast of Bohol where you can swim with turtles, snorkel with colorful fish, and relax on one of the world’s nicest beaches (according to us). While some might think it’s overrated, we found it absolutely worth the visit, though it does require a bit of effort to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.

When you first arrive at Balicasag Island, you’ll be given a tour around a busy snorkeling area where you can see reef fish and turtles. Although this was our least favorite part of the island, the guided tour is beneficial as it ensures every visitor gets to see these highlights.

After the tour, we ventured through the island to the quieter north side, seeking a more secluded snorkeling experience. Once we swam a bit farther out, we discovered an epic reef with expansive, healthy coral beds and schools of colorful fish. The best part was having this incredible snorkeling spot all to ourselves.

Free Bohol Google Maps Locations

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Alicia Panoramic Park Hike

The hike at Alicia Panoramic Park, also known as Binabaje Hills, offers stunning 360-degree views of Bohol’s unique landscapes. The panoramic scenery truly lives up to its name, with gorgeous views throughout the hike.

The trail to the top is 2 km long, reaching an elevation of 400 meters above sea level. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an optional 1 km extension, making it a total of 5 km round trip.

The hike isn’t too difficult if you’re in decent shape. There are a few steep sections, but we didn’t find them too challenging. Just be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water, especially if you’re hiking during the day—the heat and sun in the Philippines can be intense!

Can-umantad Falls

Can-umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bohol, standing at an impressive 60 meters. Its name comes from the Visayan word “can-uman,” meaning sixty. Surrounding the waterfall are several turquoise pools, each with varying depths, offering different experiences for visitors.

There are 3 areas to swim near the falls. At the base of the waterfall, it’s only 4 feet deep so it’s perfect for hanging out and cooling off. This is the most popular pool to swim in.

When we visited, we ventured into a cave behind the waterfall—it was surprisingly spacious and easy to access, though I was a bit nervous to go inside! It was a fun and refreshing way to cool off after a day of exploring.

Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay, Bohol is a beautiful spot to enjoy the countryside. From here, you can see the coastlines and mountains of Bohol in the distance.

To get there, you’ll drive up a dirt road that eventually turns into a nicer paved road, passing farms, cottages, and residential areas with kids playing in the street. We even saw children tying a plastic bag to a string as a makeshift toy—simple moments like these capture the charm of the Philippines.

We visited during the dry season, so the terraces weren’t as green, but it was still worth the visit. We passed by a few other rice terraces in the area, but Cadapdapan has the best views by far, with rolling hills and coastlines in sight.

The Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are located just above Can-Umantad Waterfall, so it’s a great place to stop for lunch after visiting the falls. There’s a restaurant called Eleuterio’s, where the food was good, but the views were even better. The restaurant also has Wi-Fi, making it a convenient spot to plan your next steps. It’s a perfect place to relax and cool off after exploring the Candijay area.

Napaling Reef Snorkeling

Napaling Reef sits along the cliffs of Panglao and provides a spectacular underwater snorkeling experience. Stretching along a steep underwater cliff, the reef is home to an impressive array of marine life, including vibrant coral, diverse fish, and a massive sardine ball that rivals the famous one in Moalboal.

The snorkeling area is big and roped off, so you don’t have to worry about boats. To give you an idea of its size, we spent almost two hours there and still didn’t cover the whole reef.

As we snorkeled, we encountered a dramatic underwater wall created by a steep drop-off. This natural feature attracts tons of marine life, including a huge sardine run just offshore.

The waters around Panglao are teeming with marine species, reportedly more diverse than those in Japan. And it certainly felt that way—every time we looked in a different spot, we discovered a new type of fish or coral.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is a must for anyone coming to Bohol. This sanctuary is home to the world’s smallest primates—Tarsiers! These adorable creatures are native to Southeast Asia, and seeing them in their natural habitat is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When you arrive, you’re guided in small groups to view the tarsiers in their daytime resting spots. Since tarsiers are nocturnal, you’ll find them sleeping in the trees, which makes for a peaceful and quiet visit. Even though they’re tiny and well-camouflaged, the guides are experts at spotting them, ensuring you get to see these fascinating creatures up close.

For me, the Tarsier Sanctuary was one of the highlights of our trip to Bohol. Tarsiers have always been my favorite animals, and I was thrilled to see them in such an ethical, natural environment. The sanctuary doesn’t hold the tarsiers in captivity—they are free to roam the forest. As someone who is sensitive to seeing animals in captivity, I felt reassured by how well the sanctuary protects and respects these little primates. It was an unforgettable experience!

Kankoka Hills Viewpoint

Kankoka Hills Viewpoint is an ideal place to relax for sunset, offering panoramic views of eastern Bohol and the surrounding hills. From the terrace of an old building, you can take in sweeping vistas of the wide, open landscape, with trails that stretch over the rolling hills.

The area feels vast and peaceful, with people walking along the trails, and the scenery resembles the grassy hills of New Zealand. It’s a quiet spot where you can fully appreciate the beauty of Bohol from above.

When we visited, we explored one of the trails and stayed long enough to see locals arrive with snacks and beers, ready to enjoy the sunset. It’s hard to imagine a better spot for a sunset—relaxing in the shade with stunning views, food, drinks, and great company.

Lonoy Cold Spring

Lonoy Cold Spring is fed by several natural spring sources, making it an ideal spot to cool off after a day of exploring Bohol.

The drive to Lonoy Cold Spring is scenic, with beautiful views of the countryside and rice fields. The cold spring itself is spacious and perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of adventuring.

During our visit, we were quickly welcomed by friendly locals who invited us to join them. After a swim, they offered us a shot of Tanduay rum, which Trey couldn’t pass up! We left Lonoy feeling incredibly refreshed—the perfect way to wrap up a long day on the island.

Princess Manan-aw Cave

Princess Manan-aw Cave, tucked away in the forests of Alicia, Bohol, is one of the geosites within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. The cave is home to stunning mineral formations, and it stands out for its active and evolving nature.

Though the cave is hundreds of thousands of years old, it is still growing and changing. Water droplets continually form new stalactites and stalagmites, giving the cave a sparkling, almost magical appearance.

Reaching the cave requires some effort, as it’s off the beaten path. But for those seeking some extra adventure, it’s well worth the trip. We were completely awestruck by the beauty inside—seeing the cave’s formations glistening and changing before our eyes was a highlight of our time in Bohol.

Hermit Beach Sunset

Hermit Beach, located on the western side of Panglao, is the perfect spot if you’re seeking a more secluded place to watch the sunset. Unlike other busier beaches, Hermit Beach offers a peaceful setting with views of the ocean and nearby islands. The rocky point at the end of the coastline provides a panoramic view, making it an ideal spot for sunset.

To reach Hermit Beach, you’ll need to ride a motorbike or tuk-tuk to the main gate. From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk along a trail that leads to the coastline. The trail is manageable, although a bit dusty but the serene atmosphere at the end of the trail is well worth the journey, and the beach itself is free to enter.

When we visited Hermit Beach, we made our way to the rocky point and enjoyed an uninterrupted view of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting golden hues across the ocean. The quietness of the beach and the calm waves made it a memorable experience.

Birhen Nature Resort

Birhen Nature Resort is a cold spring that is popular among locals but largely unknown to tourists. The resort has a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, fed directly by the waters of a nearby spring.

The cold spring here is one of the largest we’ve seen in Bohol, offering a perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring. The water flows from the Cagong Cagong Cave system, which also connects to Princess Manan-aw Cave.

After visiting Princess Manan-aw Cave, we found Birhen Nature Resort to be an ideal stop. Its cool waters were just what we needed to relax and recharge.

Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills are one of Bohol’s most iconic attractions, known for their unique, dome-shaped mounds scattered across the landscape. The hills turn chocolate brown during the dry season, which is where they get their name. The viewpoint is actually on the top of one of the hills itself and provides 360-degree views of the Chocolate Hills. At the summit, you’ll find a rest area with shops, a restaurant, and 214 steps leading up to the observation deck.

Visiting the Chocolate Hills around sunset is a great idea, as the warm hues of the sky add to the beauty of the landscape. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the area never feels overwhelmingly crowded, and there are plenty of shaded areas along the stairs if you need a break. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by incredible panoramic views and multi-tiered platforms where you can take photos of the hills stretching out into the horizon.

For us, the journey to Chocolate Hills was an adventure in itself. We took our time on the motorbike, driving through rice fields and enjoying the countryside breeze. Arriving just before sunset turned out to be perfect, as we were able to drive all the way up to the viewpoint and watch the hills glow as the sky changed from pink to fiery red. We even got to witness small burns across the hills, as it was the burning season in May, which made the view even more striking. The long ride was well worth it for an unforgettable sunset.

Kinahugan Falls

Kinahugan Falls is off the radar of most guidebooks but still worthy of a visit. The waterfall contains three cascades, each flowing gently into a calm pool below. While none of the falls are particularly tall, together they create a mesmerizing scene.

Visiting Kinahugan Falls is simple—no guide is required. You can park nearby and take a short walk to reach the falls. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist areas and enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.

When we visited, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful cascades made it one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots in Bohol. It felt like a hidden sanctuary away from the usual hustle and bustle.

Free Bohol Google Maps Locations

Do you need a handy map with all our Bohol locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Bohol locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Bohol adventure.

Canawa Cold Spring

Canawa Cold Spring consists of two main areas: a natural cold spring nestled in the forest and a concrete swimming pool connected to it. The natural spring is tucked away in a secluded, wooded area with steep cliffs, while the swimming pool is fed by overflow water from the spring.

While Canawa Cold Spring used to be a quiet escape, it has become more popular over the years. Due to a past accident, life jackets are now required for swimming in the natural spring, adding a layer of safety to the otherwise tranquil experience.

When we visited, we enjoyed cooling off in the main swimming pool. The water wasn’t too cold, it was just the right temperature to lounge around in.

Explore the Strip at Alona Beach

Alona Beach isn’t just the most famous beach in Panglao—it’s also the heart of Bohol’s tourism scene. This long stretch of white sand is lined with palm trees and surrounded by a strip of restaurants, beach bars, and shops. Whether you’re looking to grab a meal, enjoy some live music, or shop for souvenirs, Alona Beach has it all.

Alona Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon lounging by the water or wandering down the strip. After a swim, it’s easy to find a spot to relax with a fresh fruit smoothie or cocktail while enjoying the ocean breeze. If you’re into diving or island-hopping, Alona Beach is also the starting point for many tour operators offering day trips to nearby reefs and islands.

When the day winds down, the beach turns into an evening vibe. Restaurants fill up, beachside bars come alive, and street vendors sell handmade goods and trinkets. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or exploring the nightlife, walking the strip at Alona Beach gives you the full Panglao experience.

Cabagnow Cave Pool

Cabagnow Cave Pool is one of several limestone caves in the Anda area of Bohol, reminiscent of the cenotes found in Mexico. This cave pool is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to cool off by swimming and jumping into its clear waters.

Once you jump into the cave pool, there’s a rope for support and areas to hold onto if you need a break from swimming. To exit the pool, you climb a ladder. The cave pool also has Lifeguards standing nearby to ensure everyone’s safety.

We spent nearly two hours enjoying Cabagnow Cave Pool, jumping in and exploring. The water was crystal clear, and we enjoyed peering at the rocks beneath the surface. When we swam around the cave, we were surprised to find it much larger than it initially appeared, and when we swam to the far side, the view outside was barely visible.

Cabagnow Cave Pool provides a welcome escape from Bohol’s hot, dry landscape, making it a perfect spot to cool off and enjoy some relief from the Philippine sun.

White Beach Sunset

White Beach in Bohol is famous for its pristine white sand and is the best spot in Anda to watch the sunset. We visited in the evening, and the beach was nearly empty, with just a few kids and local fishermen around.

A short 2-minute walk from the road leads directly to the beach. As soon as we arrived, the first thing we noticed was its clean white sand, which was a refreshing change from the debris often found on nearby Quinale Beach.

The beach was surprisingly uncrowded, giving us nearly the entire stretch to ourselves—an ideal setting for a sunset. The few clouds in the sky made for a stunning display of pink and purple hues as the sun set behind the hills.

Several resorts line the beach, so if you’re hungry after the sunset, you can easily find a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Dam-Agan Falls and Ipo Falls

Dam-Agan Falls is made of two cascades that crash into a large pool, perfect for a refreshing swim. The expansive pool is so big that locals have created a bamboo raft to float it. The raft actually has a neat purpose. The local boys use the raft to climb up on the rocks and jump into the water.

The next waterfall, Ipo Falls, is not far in distance but requires a bit more effort to reach. Here, the water is deeper, providing a great spot for higher jumps. We watched local boys perform insane leaps from high up onto the pool below, adding a ton of excitement to our visit.

Panglao Beach Sunset

Panglao Beach is a hidden gem and a great place to watch the sunset.

Though it’s a bit more off the beaten path, Panglao Beach has a local charm, with fishermen’s boats dotting the shoreline. While some parts could benefit from a clean-up, the beauty of the beach remains, especially at sunset. The orange glow of the sun reflecting off the water creates an unforgettable scene.

When we visited Panglao Beach, we found a cute bench by the shore and watched the fiery orange sky as the sun dipped below the horizon. The best part? We practically had the beach to ourselves, sharing the view with just one other group. It was the perfect end to a day of exploring Panglao.

Combento Cave

Combento Cave is a set of limestone caves with crystal-clear water. Although the caves are small, their beauty is striking. The exterior of the cave is illuminated during the day, while the interior remains dark, offering a cool retreat from Bohol’s intense heat.

When we arrived, we were initially confused because there were no signs indicating the cave’s location. We ventured down a dirt path next to the road, unsure if we were in the right spot. After searching, we finally discovered the cave behind a rock formation.

At first glance, the cave seemed dry, but we soon realized that the bottom was filled with perfectly clear, still water. The pristine clarity of the water added to the cave’s allure, making it a hidden gem worth visiting.

Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge

The Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge in Bohol offers serene views of the Sipatan (Loboc) River from above. The two bridges, each 40 meters long and primarily made of bamboo, make them some of the most thrilling bridges we’ve been on.

Originally, only one bamboo bridge was used by locals to cross the river. As its popularity grew, a second bridge was added to accommodate two-way traffic.

Walking onto the bridge was a bit of a heart-dropping moment, with the bamboo planks creaking beneath my feet. Even though the bridges are reinforced with steel cables, the swaying added to the excitement, and I couldn’t help but wonder how locals managed to cross here during the rainy season before it became a tourist attraction.

Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls in Bohol is a stunning waterfall that’s worth a visit year-round, though the flow does slow down a bit during the dry season. Even so, it remains a beautiful stop if you’re exploring the area, especially since the water flow doesn’t diminish until late in the dry season.

The walk to the falls is an adventure in itself, as it takes you through remnants of an old wooden platform that was damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021. The destruction has left a rugged charm to the area, and the best part is that it’s now free to visit due to the condition of the paths and platforms. Despite this, the falls are still worth the stop if you’re in the area.

Bilar Man-Made Forest

The Bilar man-made forest is made of mahogany trees and was planted as part of a reforestation project in the area. We’ve seen photos of this place online but after experiencing it in person it was way cooler than expected—literally! Once we passed into the manmade forest it cooled down over 10 degrees and was the cool refreshing change we needed!

While I wouldn’t consider the Man-Made Forest to be a destination in and of itself, it’s conveniently located on the route to other areas of Bohol, making it worth the stop if you pass through.

Something that surprised me about the man-made forest is that street signs are telling you to beware of pedestrians taking photos. I found it surprising that in the Philippines, taking photos in the middle of the road is encouraged!

How to Get to Bohol

Bohol is accessible by air and sea. The island’s main entry point is Panglao International Airport, which has regular flights from Manila, Seoul, Davao, and Busan. If you’re in Cebu, you can take a ferry to Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

How to Get Around Bohol

The best way to get around Bohol is by motorbike since you’ll have the freedom to go anywhere at your own pace. You can rent a motorbike in Bohol for about 300 to 500 pesos per day.

Don’t worry if riding a motorbike isn’t your thing. There are other transportation options to get around Bohol, and all the tours we recommend include transportation to Bohol’s top attractions.

If you’re only going around Panglao, tuk-tuk drivers hang out all over the place and you can hire one for 300 to 500 pesos per ride.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Depending on how long you stay in Bohol we recommend splitting your stays between Panglao and Anda. If you are in Bohol for less than 4 days we recommend basing yourself out of Panglao, but if you are staying longer I recommend staying at least 2 nights in Anda. Here are recommendations on places to stay:

• Luxury: Amorita Resort (Panglao)
• Mid-range: Casa Amihan (Anda)
• Budget: Bluewaves Apartment (Panglao)

If you prefer to find your own place to stay, you can visit Booking.com to explore all your accommodation options in Bohol.

Best Time to Visit Bohol

We recommend visiting Bohol in January, February, or March. These months are part of the island’s dry season, making them perfect for outdoor activities. During this time, all of Bohol’s waterfalls will still be flowing, as some may dry up later in the dry season.

• Dry Season (January to April): This is the best time to visit Bohol. The weather is sunny with little to no rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.
• Wet Season (June to November): During these months, Bohol experiences heavier rainfall and occasional tropical storms. We recommend avoiding these months due to unpredictable rainfall and hotter temperatures. Although it’s not constant rain, downpours can be frequent, especially in July and August. However, the wet season is less crowded, which can be nice if you don’t mind occasional rain showers.
• Shoulder Seasons (May and December): May is the hottest month in Bohol, but stays relatively dry. December, though cooler, still sees a bit of rain. December also marks the beginning of the island’s tourism season, particularly around the holidays.

Our Free Bohol Google Maps Locations

Do you need a handy map with all our Bohol locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Bohol locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Bohol adventure.

What to Pack for Bohol

Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Bohol.

1. Crocs: During our time in Bohol, I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when exploring rocky terrain and chasing waterfalls. They are the ultimate shoe in the Philippines for a reason – many Filipinos wear them too!
2. Snorkel: With all the amazing snorkeling spots in Bohol, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one if you plan to do some underwater activities! Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of… questionable quality.
3. Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I’ve even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn’t work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Bohol.
4. Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
5. Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Bohol! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.

Are You Following Our Bohol Blog Series?

During our 11-day adventure in Bohol, we found some of the island’s most stunning natural wonders—epic waterfalls, caves, and incredible snorkeling spots. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.

• Start planning your trip here: Bohol Travel Guide
• Our Bohol accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Bohol
• Our Ultimate Guide to Bohol: 24 Awesome Things to Do in Bohol
• How to plan your Bohol vacation: Bohol 3 Day Itinerary
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 5 Best Waterfalls in Bohol During Dry Season
• Our favorite hike in Bohol: Alicia Panoramic Park Hike
• Our favorite day tour in Bohol: Balicasag Island Snorkeling
• Our favorite waterfall in Bohol: Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls)
• Our favorite place to swim in Bohol: Cabagnow Cave Pool
• How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines

We hope our guide to things to do in Bohol helped you out in planning your adventure! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸