Impressive in many ways, Bohol is an island of vast rice fields, pristine white beaches and the so-called Chocolate Hills. Other than mesmerizing nature, Bohol is also a laid-back island with friendly and warm people who are always happy to meet you. Possible to reach both by ferry and plane, it’s a great place to visit even if you’re stuck on a tight schedule. One day on Bohol Island would be both adventurous and relaxing, tasty and challenging. And basically, you’ll never want to leave.
What’s the best time to visit Bohol?
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The best time to visit Bohol would be December-April, although December can get a little busy. From May to July the temperatures go super high as does the humidity. The rainy season usually starts in June and lasts until the end of the year. If you’re not into getting wet occasionally, you’d better skip that period.
What’s good to know about Bohol?
Located in the Visayas region, Bohol is a name for the island itself and for 75 minor surrounding islands. An island of distinctive cultural heritage and lush nature, this is a popular tourist destination, with the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine tarsier being the ultimate tourist attractions.
Panglao Island, located southwest of the capital Tagbilaran, brings in all the crowds, since it is one of the most famous diving and snorkeling spots in the world. In 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit the island, claiming around 200 lives and destroying and damaging the Spanish heritage churches along the islands.
One Day on Bohol Island Itinerary
Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day on Bohol island.
Rent a scooter/motorbike right upon your arrival
Since you only have one day on Bohol, make the most out of it and explore all the things this mesmerizing island has to offer. The cheapest and most exciting way this can be done is by renting a motorbike. It could be managed also by taking a tricycle ride, but with motorbike it’s much more convenient.
Visit a tarsier sanctuary
Check out one of the few tarsier sanctuaries along the island. The Philippine tarsier is not just the cutest thing on the planet but also one of the world’s smallest primates. The tarsier is indigenous to the island, so this is your only chance to meet this little guy.
Check out the stunning beaches of the Anda region
Unlike the crowded beaches of the Panglao Island, Anda region offers pristine white beaches and crystal clear sea with almost no people around. It’s a part of the island you definitely should explore on your own. Bring some snorkeling equipment if you want to enjoy some astounding marine life.
Taste the local street food – Lechon Manok
This super affordable street food dish can be bought all over the island. The Lechon Manok is actually grilled pork, but its crunchiness and juiciness make it so delicious. If you prefer chicken over pork, you can order that one too, either way it’s gonna melt in your mouth.
Visit the Chocolate Hills at sunset
The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formations, are the island’s most recognizable attraction. Climb hundreds of stairs to the viewpoint for the spectacular Chocolate Hills view and preferably do it right before the closing time. Sunset makes it even more magical than it really is.
Have a night walk on the Panglao beach
Panglao beach doesn’t get less crowded in the night. It only transforms to an endless line of restaurants and bars with live music. If you want to avoid the crowd, order a beer and have a seat on the sand just next to the sea.
Try some seafood Filipino specialties for the dinner
No matter if you pick to stay at the Panglao beach or if you want to check out the restaurants in Tagbilaran, you should definitely go for a seafood dinner. If you want to have a real local dish, try tuna kinilaw. It’s a raw tuna dish marinated in an acidic solution, often vinegar or calamansî juice.
Where to stay on Bohol island?
Tagbilaran city
If you prefer to stay closer to the airport and the ferry port and enjoy facilities such as shopping centers and markets, find your accommodation somewhere around Tagbilaran city. It’s a great start point for doing an island day trip.
Sweet Home Boutique Hotel
Corner J. Borja and Remolador Streets, Bohol, 6300 Tagbilaran City
Sweet Home Boutique Hotel is one of the top rated hotels on the island. It offers modern rooms, amazing comfort and a great value for money. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service.
717 Cesar Place Hotel
CPG North Avenue, Barangay Cogon, Bohol, 6300 Tagbilaran City
717 Cesar Place Hotel is another modern hotel in the center of Tagbilaran city. The design is wonderful and the rooms are very much modern and full of natural light, so this is perfect for all types of visitors. It offers a free airport shuttle service, as well.
Pangalo island
If you prefer to stay closer to the beach – Panglao island offers some of the greatest hotels on the island. The island itself is quite touristy, but that means quite a lot of facilities and activities to do.
Positano Alona Beach Panglao
Alona Beach Rd, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines, 6340 Panglao
Only a few minutes’ walk to the beach, Positano Alona Beach Panglao offers a relaxing stay in a tropical ambient of banana and coconut trees. Bright and modern rooms provide super comfortable stay.
Reggae Guesthouse
Panglao Island Circumferential Road Tawala, 6340 Panglao
If you want to try something different – Reggae Guesthouse offers a cottage stay in a quite ambient of the tropical garden. The rooms are decorated in a reggae style, equipped with a terrace. It’s perfectly located – only a few minutes’ walking distance to Alona beach.
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Anca B.
Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).