Live Your Best Lives
Do you remember the small hills beneath the magical sky in the Harry Potter movies? That's the scenery of Bohol Island in the Philippines. The blue skies and turquoise seas evoke the allure of a magical world. On Bohol, this refreshingly pleasing island, we too are searching for a new self.
Some say Bohol is the most beautiful of the Philippine islands. While this might seem a bit of an exaggeration in the "Country of a Thousand Islands," a visit to Bohol truly lives up to its reputation from a different perspective. Clear waters abound, and broken corals wash up on sandy beaches. Even under the scorching Philippine sun, the waters remain cool to the touch.
Bohol's unique geographical location makes it rarely affected by typhoons and earthquakes. Its unique topography includes the Chocolate Hills, a collection of small hills that are unique to Bohol and one of the world's ten wonders. From the high viewing platform, these hills resemble chocolates of varying sizes scattered across a flat surface. Other attractions include the world's smallest miniature tarsier, a 3,000-foot-high underwater cliff, and a pod of adorable dolphins—all of which are not to be overlooked.
Going to Bohol Island is not as simple and direct as going to Boracay Island. The most popular and convenient means of transportation to Bohol Island is by plane. You can fly from Manila or Cebu to Tagbilaran City in Bohol Island. There are often discounted tickets. You can also take a boat from Cebu to Bohol Island. The journey takes about 2 hours.
There are two Ocaen Jet boats departing daily from Dumaguete to Tagbilaran Pier in Bohol.
Starting from March 1, 2017, there will be one Ocaen Jet ferry running between the two places every day.
Tips:
The ferry ticket does not include: terminal tax (15~25p/person) and luggage fee (100~200p), please note;
Ocaen Jet's flights are often rescheduled and there are long queues during holidays. It is recommended to buy your ferry ticket in advance and confirm the location of the terminal to avoid delays.
Some tourists have reported that they were asked to pay exorbitant prices and arbitrarily charge luggage fees when buying tickets on site. On the one hand, they should argue with reason, and on the other hand, they should ask for receipts so that they can file complaints later.
The best time to travel to Bohol is from January to February, which coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday.
Bohol's rainy season typically runs from June to October, but it's less susceptible to typhoons and earthquakes. January and February are not only the cooler, drier months, but also a great time for whale watching and diving. Visitors from China can switch from winter to summer, enjoying the sun, beaches, and sea.
Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Chocolate Hills, located in central Bohol, comprise 1,268 hills and served as a filming location for the Harry Potter film. Many legends surround these hills, including one about two giants who fought and hurled rocks at each other. Although they eventually reconciled, the chaotic scene of the fight remained. Two of the hills have since become resorts, offering accommodation, dining, scenic views, and recreational facilities. These hills once had other names, but a British teacher, upon arriving and noticing the dry season's tanned grass, named them "Chocolate Hills."
The Chocolate Hills are covered with vegetation, primarily a local thatch, wild sugarcane, chrysanthemums, and some ferns. The color of these plants changes with the season, temperature, and rainfall: light green in spring, dark green in summer, egg yolk in early autumn, yellow-red in late autumn, and a dark brown in the dry season. Experts still cannot definitively explain how this landform formed.
Tips: Address: Carmen-Sagbayan-Bacani RD, Sagbayan, Chocolate Hills, Central Bohol Island, Philippines Cost: 10 yuan Transportation: Generally, you can take a bus from Tagbilaran City for about 1 hour and 45 minutes before chartering a car or taking a day trip on the road.
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is a renowned captive breeding site for tarsiers on Bohol Island. Located near the town of Corella, approximately 10 kilometers from Tagbilaran, it houses a tarsier conservation center open to the public. These tarsiers, considered a national treasure of the Philippines and primarily found in the southern Philippines, are considered endangered. Tarsiers are very small, with large, round eyes that resemble glasses, hence the name. Their long tails, constant jumping movements, and nocturnal activity make them incredibly endearing. Don't miss seeing these adorable creatures at the Tarsier Visitor Center while in Bohol. Tarsiers can rotate their heads 180 degrees and can leap to heights over 20 times their own height.
Located on the east coast of Panglao Island, not far from Alona Beach, the Bee Farm is a must-see for most Bohol vacationers. It's a new landmark, joining the tarsiers, Chocolate Hills, and the Cathedral as a must-see destination in Bohol. Don't mistake this for a bee-filled farm; the farm's biggest draws include delicious food, accommodations, and diving.
The entire farm is decorated in a charming and romantic atmosphere. Their honey meals are a perfect blend of the original flavors of the ingredients. Signature organic dishes include honey bread, honey lasagna, and honey ice cream. Their famous "petal salad," where even the vibrant petals are edible, is a favorite among female visitors. Additionally, the farm's specialty shop, Buzzz Shop, offers honey, bee pollen, propolis, organic bread, plant-based sauces, and a variety of fruit teas, making it a great place to purchase local handicrafts.
Tips: The Bee Farm's sea-viewing deck offers lounge chairs, perfect for watching the sunset in the evening, the sunrise in the early morning, and even enjoying a drink and stargazing at night. We recommend a meal here. A set meal for two costs 1100p. For groups of 11 or fewer, it's 450p per person. For groups of 11 or more, the price remains the same.
Virgin Island, also known as Pontod Island, is an uninhabited island nestled in the icy blue Bohol Sea. It boasts two beautiful half-moon-shaped beaches, each bordered by an emerald lagoon. Boatmen typically bring tourists to the island during low tide in the morning and midday. During this time, locals flock to the island, vying to sell their freshly caught sea urchins. For just 10-15 pesos, you can feast on the delicious seafood.
Lobo Church is approximately 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. In the early 17th century, the church was the burial place of priest Alonso de Humanes and is considered a pilgrimage site by many believers. In 1768, the Society of Jesus undertook a major renovation, adding a colonnade and strengthening the foundation. The exterior design features the papal tiara and the Jesuit cross. Numerous ornate and elegant angel statues add a touch of tranquility and harmony to the church. Behind the church stands a convent with a gilded ceiling and a three-story cloister with a stained-glass balcony, a prime example of Baroque architecture. The top floor is now a museum showcasing precious relics.
The Loboc River, the only freshwater river flowing through Bohol, is lushly forested, its banks teeming with pristine tropical scenery and mysterious jungle animals. It's nicknamed the "Amazon of the East."
A whitewater rafting cruise is considered the best way to experience the Loboc River. The most popular route, starting at Loay Bridge in the southwest and continuing up the river to Busay Falls in the island's center, offers visitors a glimpse into the tropical scenery and the rustic homes along the banks. The boatman prepares hearty Filipino cuisine, accompanied by a singer playing acoustic guitar. The rafting concludes at an indigenous village, where you can go ashore to watch the indigenous people, dressed in grass skirts, perform archery, jump through fire hoops, and swallow fire. The boat then returns to the dock along the same route, a journey that takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Baclayan Church is the oldest church in the Philippines, built over 420 years ago and still remarkably preserved. While its exterior may seem unassuming, it boasts a unique architectural heritage: it is constructed primarily of coral and stone, with a binder consisting of a mixture of sand, limestone, and egg white. The church also houses a museum housing numerous religious relics, including vestments woven with gold thread and Latin church music lyrics written on sheepskin. The church boasts unique ceiling frescoes and intricately carved ancient confessionals. Visit during abundant sunlight to witness the beautiful reflections of the stained glass on the floor, creating a truly captivating experience.
Bohol is perfect for diving. The waters are crystal clear, allowing you to clearly see corals and a variety of fish. Snorkeling is also possible for those without a diving license. Snorkeling is safe and allows you to step onto the bottom. There are two recommended diving spots.
Panglao Island, one of the world's top ten diving destinations, is a smaller island in the Philippines, connected to Bohol by a causeway. Located in the Bohol Sea, it is part of the Visayas Islands and is administered by Central Visayas. With an area of 80.5 square kilometers, it is a popular tourist destination. Its coastal ecosystem is unspoiled, earning it the nickname "Diving Mecca."
The best diving season here is from March to September, when the climate is stable. The rainy season is from October to February. Due to its geographical location, this island has almost no typhoons all year round, making it an ideal diving destination.
Tips: There are two diving spots on the island that are worth visiting: Cape Duhou has a maximum depth of about 20 meters and a strong current, suitable for intermediate and advanced divers; the other diving spot is Alona Beach.
Balicasag Island is a 45-minute boat ride from Bohol. The fault at Balicasag Island is said to have a 1,000-meter drop to the seafloor, making it a designated protected underwater area by the United Nations. The underwater wonder, the Great Fault, is truly magnificent. Visitors can spot rare black coral, clownfish, and, with luck, sea turtles and whale sharks.
Tips: On Balicasag Island, the reference cost for going out to sea is about 150 yuan/4 people, and one boat can accommodate 10 people; if you want to snorkel, you will need to pay an additional 30 yuan per person, and the snorkeling equipment is 15 yuan per set.
In Tagbilaran City, jeepneys are the most common type of taxi. They operate similarly to taxis, with metered fares and low fares. You can also hire a driver to take you to various tourist spots on the island.
Rides are relatively cheap and convenient, with three main types available: motorized tricycles, human-powered tricycles, and trailer motorcycles. Each type can accommodate different numbers of people, and of course, the price varies, so be sure to ask for the price before boarding. However, if you're planning to explore steep mountain trails, it's recommended not to choose a motorcycle.
Crab boats are a unique feature of the Philippines, named after their resemblance to crab legs. They are the primary mode of transportation for island hopping tours, and most tourists charter a boat for this purpose.
Tips: Many unlicensed local taxi drivers on the island solicit car and boat rentals. They often offer low prices, but then charge exorbitant fees mid-trip. This not only fails to guarantee safety but can also lead to disputes. Travelers with limited English should be sure to choose a reputable travel agency and avoid cheap deals.
Bohol is a relatively undiscovered island, relatively new to the scene, so not many people visit. Bohol is often grouped with Dumaguete for a trip, entering Bohol and exiting Dumaguete. If you're interested in off-the-beaten-path travel, Bohol is a great choice.
