Top 20 Must Visit Places in Bohol
Bohol as the 10th largest island in the Philippines and one of the most visited attraction in the country offers a paradise to everyone. This island paradise is combination of different tourist attractions such as beaches, hills, waterfalls, heritage sites and amazing snorkeling and diving sites. For that reason, I trim down my Top 20 Must Visit Places in this amzing island paradise.
20. Heritage Churches – San Jose Cathedral and Baclayon Church
San Jose Cathedral
The parish of Tagbilaran is one of the first 6 parishes founded by the Jesuit missionaries who came to Bohol in 1595. Saint Joseph the Worker, a favorite among the Jesuits, was enthroned as the patron saint by Rev. Fr. Joaquin de San Jose in 1767, a year before the Jesuits were expelled from the country.
Both the interior and exterior of the church of Spanish times have been greatly renovated. Despite frequent renovations to meet modern-day requirements, some historic pieces still remain. The side altars are of the 18th century baroque style. The main or center altar, simply but elegantly decorated with ornate gold designs depicting symbols of Old Testament times, is in the 19th century Neoclassical style.
Baclayon Church
The Church of Immaculada Concepcion in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines. Construction began in 1717 where some 200 native forced laborers (obras pias) cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position.
19. Blood Compact Monument
Located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in the Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol.
This Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between two different races, religions, cultures and civilizations. It was a treaty of friendship based on respect and equality. This event is commonly known as “Sandugo”
18. Hinagdanan Cave
The Hinagdanan Cave, meaning “Laddered” in Cebuano, is one of the many wondrous caves in the island province of Bohol.
The cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer; while clearing his land he found 2 holes, curious, he dropped a stone and heard a splash. He built a ladder “hagdan” and was able to access the cave and find its hidden beauty, thus the origin of the name Hinagdanan.
Aside from its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Hinagdanan also holds a bit of history from the Second World War. The cave was once used as a hideout by the locals to escape from the Japanese Imperial army, but unfortunately they were still found.
17. Food Trip at Oceana Seafood Restaurant, Bee Farm and Gerarda’s
Love healthy and yummy food? These restaurants will not disappoint you.
Oceana Seafood Restaurant
Indulge your touch buds with delectable dishes prepared by their Executive Chef.
Bohol Bee Farm
The Bohol Bee Farm is a very cozy and relaxing place on Panglao island. Owner and Chef Vicky Wallace prepares delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm–from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. She rents her chalet-styled home to guests who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of having the entire farm to themselves…
This is certainly a place apart: not only is it a wonderful relaxing place for visitors, it also tries to contribute to the local community and the environment. From the value statement on their website:
Everything we do at Bohol Bee Farm is geared towards encouraging and inspiring our farmers to practice Organic farming. They don’t need to spend for costly conventional fertilizers, nor use harmful pesticides in their farms. Basic composting and companion planting are alternatives we offer in their stead.
Gerarda’s
Treat yourselves to some traditional Filipino food at this super popular restaurant in Tagbilaran. You’ll notice that many dishes here have both Asian and Spanish influence stemming from the rich history of the country. It’s this fusion that makes Filipino food so unique and delicious. Try the Seafood Noodles in black squid ink and the fried ice cream for dessert!
In addition to the food, the location of the restaurant is quite charming. This ancestral house has many interesting features such as old wooden floors and elegant hardwood chairs that add a level of comfort that other restaurants can’t meet. The staff here is accommodating, the host is friendly, and the chefs are clearly very talented in their craft.
16. Bohol Habitat Conservation Conservatory
Butterflies, spiders, centipedes, caterpillars, birds, and flowers- come witness a dense collection of natural beauty at the Bohol Habitat Conservation Conservatory. Walk with a guide who will point out fauna indigenous to the island, persuade you to let bugs crawl on your arm, and take a few funny photos while you’re at it. Afterwards, stop by the restaurant and ice cream shop near the entrance to try some all-natural ice cream.
15. Bamboo Hanging Bridge and Busay Falls
The Bamboo Hanging Bridge crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a fun tourist attraction. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope, today the rope has made way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability.The deck of the bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats. In places some of these appear broken but its still sturdy enough to take the weight of tourists, locals and even small motorcycles.
Stepping onto the bridge is a little daunting at first, the bamboo deck flexing a little under your feet. Although the support cables are made of steel, you still experience some side to side sway and up and down bounce.
Near the Hanging Bridge, you can see the beauty of mini Busay Falls.
14. Nova Shell Museum
If you are planning a vacation to Bohol, then consider taking a tour of the Nova Shell Museum located on Panglao Island. The Nova Shell Museum in Bohol is really a one-of-a-kind Bohol attraction where you can see all types of seashells, not from just around the Philippine Islands, but from all around the world.
This is what makes the “Bohol Nova Shell Museum” so unique, it’s the diversity of seashells you will see, from the smallest seashell in the world to the largest, and there all right here in a very well organized museum founded by Quirino Hora. Mr. Hora is quoted as saying that he has been studying and collecting shells for over half his life, collecting seashells is truly his passion, and once you enter his fantastic Nova Shell Museum you will most certainly agree.
13. Man made Forest
The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees and giant ferns lining the road.
The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.
12. Dimiao Twin Waterfalls
The Pahangog Twin Falls or known as Twin Falls in Dimiao, Bohol is tucked in the deep forest of Brgy. Guingoyuran, Dimiao, Bohol. Peacefully surrounded by big trees and lush vegetation; which pulls in the waterfall, stunning and offers a mollifying atmosphere. Locals said that this waterfall still maintain its beauty even during at the extremum of the summer months. The water that flows from the higher elevation is gently falling in three streams over crags and ridges that form a perfect nature-made lagoon when it reaches to the catching basin. The waterfall proudly stands for about 30 meters or 90 feet in height; and naturally divided into two, which makes it being called as Twin Falls. There are also stunning caverns located near the falls. They both have a jaw-dropping beauty with the presence of stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.
A 25 minute motorcycle ride has come to an end, and our driver told us that we are now at the jump off field. He was supposed to drive us up to the utmost end of the road, but the road that time was jouncy, hence, he can’t drive us up to the end. We then departed to walk even it was quite far, but we love it. Actually, the long trek to Pahangog Twin Falls has granted us an additional level of adventure. True enough, the trek was quite far and have caused us sweating a great deal. While on our way to Pahangog Twin Falls, we were offered a panoramic sight on the left side, which is a beautiful rice field. It seems like the one in Cadapdapan Rice Terraces in Candijay, Bohol.
Mag-aso falls is located in barangay Can-omay, Antequera, Bohol. It is around 18.5km. from Tagbilaran City. There were two entrance fees, first is 10 pesos upon entering route to the falls then another 20 pesos upon reaching the main place.
To reach the falls you have to descent on a well paved 197 concrete stairs under lashes of tall trees. The falls is 25 feet in height and you can see two beautiful waterfalls cascade. What I love about the place is it’s clean and peaceful.
11. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces
If you happen to visit Bohol, you should visit their version of Rice Terraces.
10. Python and Wildlife
The largest python in captivity can be found in Alburquerque, Bohol. This python is over 25 feet long and is fed one small pig a month.
The Bohol Python and Wildlife Park is really a fun place to visit and educational for people who are interested in learning about the need for wildlife conservation.
The tour will take about 30 to 45 minutes to explore the entire park.
There are also many other animals to be seen here, including a Philippines Eagle that was rescued and brought here.
Without the Bohol Python Sanctuary and Wildlife Park, these animals could not survive in the wild due to injuries sustained either by other animals or humans trying to capture them to sell for a profit.
By visiting the Bohol Python Sanctuary and Wildlife Park, you are helping to support these rescued animals with every ticket purchase.
9. Tarsier Conservation Area
The Tarsier Conservation Area is an initial six-hectare woodland area located in barangay Upper Bonbon, Loboc town. A stone’s throw away from the Loboc part of the man-made forest, Tarsier Conservation Area is the new home of the captive tarsiers previously displayed for tourists along the Loboc River for decades.
The tarsier (Tarsius syrichta fraterculus) is Bohol tourism’s mascot. It is known locally by many names – mamag, mago, magau, maomag, malmag and magatilok-iok. For decades, tarsiers in the Loboc riverbank were poked with sticks, blinded by flash cameras, endured day long petting and force feeding from tourists. Tarsier display owners were widely criticised for allowing this to happen.
An initial three-hectare area is now ready for tarsier viewing with pebbled pathways for visitors laid out around the wooded sanctuary while a thatched-roofed waiting area showcasing tarsier souvenirs has been constructed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
A 60-vehicle parking area with modern and clean rest rooms are all part of the 25-hectare Tarsier Conservation Area. Umbrellas are also available for the visitors during inclement weather while trained guides will usher tourists around the hilly terrain.
8. Night Life at Alona Beach
7. Anda Adventure
Offers mountain-bike tours, kayaking, cave and waterfall excursions, and rents GoPro cameras so you can record your trip. Located a block south of the municipal plaza.
6. Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park
They offer zipline and cable car rides with exhilarating heights of 120 and 100 meters respectively. This will let you take a good look at Loboc’s wonderful mountainous slope while enjoying the ride. Have a great time viewing Loboc’s lush green trees together its ravishing clean river.
5. Virgin Island
More commonly known to tourists as Virgin Island, Pungtud Island lies in the middle of a relatively shallow area between Balicasag and Panglao Islands. It is always a crowd favorite because of its C-shaped naked sandbar.
4.Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching at Balicasag Island
Bohol is one of the best diving and snorkling sites in the Philippines. The water creatures and coral reefs are really mesmerizing and will surely take your breath away.
3. Loboc River Cruise
One of the iconic activities you need to experience when in Bohol. The food is relatively ok but the panoramic site is one you should not miss.
2.Chocolate Hills
Are a geological formation in the Bohol province of the Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown (like chocolate) during the dry season, hence the name.
1.Beach hopping at Panglao Island
Panglao Island in Bohol is a haven for beach lovers from luxurious beach resorts and unexplored beaches. As a beach person I really love this island.
Recommended Hotels and Accommodation
BUDGET HOTELS
Recommended Travel Agency – Lingaw Travel and Tours
Whether you’re looking for a cruise, plane tickets, hotel accommodations, or the whole package with quality souvenirs we have you covered! Simple tell one of our specialists where you want to go and we’ll help you figure out the rest. We work directly with other legit companies to get the best deals.
Recommended Transport Services
The best way to explore the island is by renting a motorbike or car. You can avail that at Bohol 3R Motor Rental.
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