What are the Chocolate Hills?

The Chocolate Hills are 1,268 nearly identical cone-shaped geological formations in central Bohol. They turn brown in the dry season (hence 'chocolate'). The viewing deck in Carmen town offers panoramic views across this surreal landscape. It is one of the Philippines' most iconic natural wonders.

Where can I see tarsiers in the Philippines?

The best place is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol (PHP 100 entry). These tiny primates (10-15cm body) are among the world's smallest and are endemic to the Philippines. The sanctuary provides ethical viewing in a natural habitat, unlike the tourist traps that allow holding them.

How do I get to Bohol?

Fly to Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) from Manila (1.5 hours) or Cebu (30 minutes). Alternatively, take a fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran (2 hours, PHP 500-800 on OceanJet). The ferry is scenic and affordable.

Bohol Travel Guide 2026

Bohol is a province of extraordinary natural wonders that feel like they belong in a fantasy novel. The Chocolate Hills — 1,268 nearly identical cone-shaped hills spread across the landscape like a giant's chocolate truffles — are one of the Philippines' most iconic sights. Add the world's smallest primate (the Philippine tarsier), stunning Panglao beaches, the crystal waters of Balicasag Island and the scenic Loboc River, and Bohol offers perhaps the most diverse single-island experience in the Philippines.

Top Attractions

Chocolate Hills

Bohol's most famous attraction — 1,268 near-identical geological formations rising 30-120 metres from the ground across 50 sq km of central Bohol. In the dry season (February-May) the grass covering turns brown, giving them the chocolate appearance that earned their name. The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen (₱50 entry) has a viewing deck reached by 214 steps, offering panoramic views across this surreal landscape. No one fully agrees on how they formed — theories range from ancient coral reefs lifted by tectonic activity to weathering of marine limestone. Get there early (before 9am) for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella (₱100 entry) is the ethical way to see these extraordinary creatures — the world's smallest primates with bodies of just 10-15 cm and enormous eyes that are each as big as their brain. The sanctuary protects over 100 tarsiers in natural forest habitat. You walk along a quiet path with a guide who points them out clinging to branches. No flash photography, no touching. Avoid the tourist traps along the highway that keep tarsiers in cages — the stress kills them.

Loboc River Cruise

A floating restaurant takes you up the gentle Loboc River through lush tropical scenery (₱550-800, includes buffet lunch). Live music, dancing on the boat, and stops at cultural performances. The river runs through dense jungle with bamboo groves, coconut palms and the occasional kingfisher. A relaxing, uniquely Boholano experience.

Panglao Island Beaches

Connected to Bohol by bridge, Panglao Island has the province's best beaches. Alona Beach is the main tourist strip — restaurants, dive shops, nightlife and calm swimming. Dumaluan Beach is wider, less crowded and great for families. Doljo Beach on the north side is secluded and peaceful.

Balicasag Island

A marine sanctuary 6 km southwest of Panglao with some of the Philippines' best snorkelling and diving. The coral drop-off goes from 3 metres to 70 metres within steps, teeming with sea turtles, barracuda, jacks and colourful reef fish. Bangka boats from Alona Beach (₱1,500-2,500 including Balicasag and Virgin Island sandbar). Virgin Island is a sandbar that emerges at low tide — stunning for photos.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Panglao Airport or ferry from Cebu. Settle into Panglao. Swim at Alona Beach. Sunset drinks.

Day 2: Full-day countryside tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise, Baclayon Church (one of the Philippines' oldest, built 1596), man-made forest (1km of mahogany trees forming a cathedral-like canopy), and Bilar. Can be done by hired motorbike (₱500/day) or organised tour (₱1,500-2,500 with driver and entrance fees).

Day 3: Island hopping to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island sandbar (₱1,500-2,500 for a shared bangka). Snorkelling with sea turtles at the coral drop-off. Afternoon at Dumaluan Beach before departure.

Getting There

Route	Method	Time	Cost
Manila to Bohol	Cebu Pacific / PAL flight to TAG	1.5 hours	₱2,000-5,000
Cebu to Bohol	Cebu Pacific flight to TAG	30 min	₱1,500-3,000
Cebu to Bohol	OceanJet fast ferry to Tagbilaran	2 hours	₱500-800
Cebu to Bohol	Lite Ferries (slow ferry)	4 hours	₱250-400

The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) opened in 2018 and receives direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. It is located on Panglao Island, convenient for beach hotels.

Where to Stay

Budget: Alona42 Resort (from ₱800), Pyramid Beach Resort (from ₱1,200)
Mid-range: Henann Resort Alona Beach (from ₱4,000, beachfront pool), Amorita Resort (from ₱5,000, cliff-top views)
Luxury: Bellevue Resort (from ₱8,000), Mithi Resort (from ₱10,000, private lagoon)

Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation/night	₱800-1,500	₱3,000-6,000	₱8,000+
Countryside tour	₱800-1,500	₱2,000-2,500	₱4,000+ (private)
Island hopping	₱1,500-2,000	₱2,500-3,500	₱5,000+ (private)
Food/day	₱300-600	₱800-1,500	₱2,000+
Daily Total	$25-50	$70-140	$180+

Frequently Asked Questions

1,268 near-identical cone-shaped geological formations in central Bohol that turn brown in dry season. View from the Carmen Complex viewing deck (₱50, 214 steps). Best in February-May when they are actually chocolate-coloured.

3 days is ideal: 1 day for the countryside tour (Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Loboc River), 1 day for island hopping (Balicasag, Virgin Island), and 1 day for beach relaxation in Panglao. 2 days is the minimum to see the highlights.

Both work well. Ferry (OceanJet, 2 hours, ₱500-800) is scenic and arrives at Tagbilaran port near the action. Flights (30 minutes, ₱1,500-3,000) land at Panglao Airport which is convenient for beach hotels. Ferry is cheaper; flight saves time.

Bohol Snapshot

Region: Central Visayas
Airport: Panglao (TAG)
Best months: Nov-May
Budget from: $25/day
Famous for: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers