Top 5 Bohol Gems in One Day
Friends living in Panglao, after seeing our photos, said they hadn't explored Bohol enough.
We've put together the perfect full-day itinerary, encompassing the most picturesque spots in Bohol, both in time and location. This includes:
• active time on ATVs,
• admiring the Chocolate Hills, the eighth wonder of the world,
• swimming in the emerald waters of a waterfall hidden in the jungle,
• a delicious lunch on a cruise boat on the Loboc River with live music and Filipino flavor.
We also included:
• where to find the Philippine tarsier, the smallest primate in the world, and
• a walk through a relict forest.
So, let's begin our unforgettable day.
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Location 1
Chocolate Hills by ATV
The perfect way to start the day is with some activity. Be sure to book an ATV trip through the famous Chocolate Hills in advance – a popular adventure where you can admire this geological wonder up close. Anyone can do it; it's not difficult.
We booked for 10 AM, but earlier would have been better to have some spare time.
Location: Bohol province, Carmen district, central Bohol
Time to location:
60 minutes from the Bohol coast,
90 minutes from Panglao
Routes: Short walks (about 1 hour) or longer trips to viewpoints
Cost: 25-30 euros
Season: The hills are covered in greenery during the dry season, turning brown usually from March to May
Booking: on platforms or on the company's website. We rented an ATV from Graham, but there are actually several of them within the same square kilometer.
Options: buggy for two, ATV for one.
Location 2
Chocolate Hills from the observation deck
The Chocolate Hills are one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the Philippines and the main symbol of Bohol, even appearing on the island's coat of arms. The main observation deck is called the Chocolate Hills Complex and is located three minutes from the ATVs.
You arrive at the parking lot, where you buy a ticket. Then you transfer to a local shuttle, which takes you to the entrance of the observation deck. Keep your ticket so the shuttle can take you back down to the parking lot.
There are two observation decks, the steps are not difficult, and there's a gazebo along the way for rest if you get tired.
Time to explore: 30 minutes is enough.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Location 3
We're heading to the Philippine tarsier.
The most ethical and appropriate place to see them is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, 20 minutes from the Chocolate Hills. This is not a petting zoo, but a protected forest sanctuary where the animals live in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary has specially planted plants that attract insects. This is a natural feeding method without human intervention. Photography is only permitted from a distance and without a flash. Even the light from a phone can be stressful for them. It's a very quiet, peaceful place.
Location: Corella Municipality.
The tour lasts approximately 20-30 minutes and takes place along shady paths. Comfortable shoes are required, especially after rain.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Ticket price: 150 pesos
Tip: There are two delicious spots in the parking lot – one for ice cream and one for shakes/drinks. I tried the durian ice cream (very original) and the avocado ice cream (no distinct flavor, just the color).
Interesting facts about the tarsier
• Its eyes are larger than its brain.
• It doesn't move its eyes, only turning its head 180 degrees.
• Weighs from 90-160 grams, about the size of a man's fist. A pocket pet.
• The tarsier is a nocturnal hunter and feeds only on insects.
• It can leap up to 5 meters while standing about 10-12 cm tall.
• It is one of the few mammals that doesn't tolerate stress at all. Therefore, it is protected at the national level.
Location 4.
Lunch Cruise on the Loboc River
After a light snack, you can head to the Loboc River Cruise tourist complex for a cruise and lunch along the most beautiful part of the Loboc River.
This activity also requires early reservations, so make sure to book in advance. A river cruise is an excellent choice for lunch in a unique and even romantic setting. An interactive show of traditional Filipino dances on small docks, live music on the boat, and some truly impressive vocals, I say as an expert.
Location:
30 minutes from Tagbilaran, meaning we're heading down toward Panglao Island.
Route duration: 60 minutes.
The last cruise departs at 2:30 PM.
Price: 350 pesos (river cruise and lunch)
Children 0-3 years old free, drinks included.
4-8 years old: 50% of the price, drinks included.
Location 4.1.
On the way from the tarsier, it's worth stopping for a few moments for a wonderful photo. Five to eight minutes from the reserve, a relict high forest begins. It makes for beautiful photos with its delicate shadows.
Many people take photos right on the median strip of the S-shaped bend, but we occupied both lanes. Security is lenient to photo ops and helps regulate the flow of cars, which don't often pass.
The entrance to Bilar Eco Park is nearby; the price is a symbolic 20 pesos. A leisurely stroll among the towering relict mangroves will take about an hour, if you have the time.
Until then, I'd only seen mangroves growing out of the water. The park has an interesting zipline and a bicycle zipline. I don't know, maybe that's what we saw later on the cruise, when people were flying above us like birds on a zipline. The sight is impressive from below, and probably even more captivating from above.
Location 5.
Emerald Falls
Our final spectacular location will allow you to wash away the day's fatigue under the magnificent Pahangog Falls with its emerald waters. The main thing is not to miss it, as the sign only points in one direction.
We leave our vehicle in the parking lot and, accompanied by a guide, walk the 10 minutes to the waterfall.
You can get some great, spectacular photos on the bridge with the waterfall in the background. For a small fee, a guide will also take you into the water and take 10-15 winning photos, as they know all the angles of the waterfall better than you.
This will save you time so you can catch the sunset! And the Philippines is the king of sunsets. If you agree, give this post a like ❤️👍
I've shared more photo ideas in my separate post about Pahangog waterfalls. I'd be grateful if you'd check it out!
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