Bohol is without a doubt one of the most versatile islands in the Philippines. Whether you’re looking for natural wonders, unique wildlife, adrenaline, or cultural attractions, this island has it all. During my day trip to Bohol, I experienced more adventure than on many multi-day trips. From the iconic Chocolate Hills to ziplining above the turquoise Loboc River and spotting the world’s smallest monkeys.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through my experiences and give you all the practical information you need to plan your own unforgettable day trip to Bohol.
Seek Adventure on a Day Trip to Bohol
Where is Bohol Located and How Do You Get There?
Bohol is an island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, located southeast of Cebu. With nearly 200 kilometers of coastline and an area of approximately 4,800 square kilometers, it is the tenth largest island in the Philippines.
From Cebu to Bohol:
By Ferry (Recommended)
From Cebu City, ferries regularly depart to Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol. I took the 6 AM ferry – leaving this early is essential for a full day trip.
- Travel time: 2-3 hours (depending on the type of boat)
- Cost: ₱500-800 (€8-13) for economy, ₱1,200-1,500 (€20-25) for business class
- Companies: OceanJet and SuperCat are the most reliable
- Departure points: Pier 1 or Pier 4 in Cebu City
Pro tip: Book your tickets a day (or more) in advance, especially during high season. On the boat itself, I managed to doze off for a bit – ideal after such an early start!
Organize Your Tour in Advance or On-Site?
When I arrived in Tagbilaran in 2014, there were dozens of local guides offering day tours. I couldn’t manage to join a group on short notice, so I booked a private guide. This was more expensive (₱3,500 / €58 for the whole day), but also had advantages: flexibility in the schedule and a personal experience.
My advice now: Book your tour online in advance via ticket and go in a group of friendly fellow travelers.
The 7 Highlights of a Day Trip to Bohol
1. The Tarsier Sanctuary: Meet the World’s Smallest Monkey
My first stop was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Here I met one of the most remarkable creatures I’ve ever seen: the Philippine spectral tarsier.
Why is the tarsier so special?
- They are on the endangered species list
- It’s one of the smallest primates in the world (10-15 cm long)
- They have gigantic eyes – each eye is as large as their brain!
- They can turn their heads 180 degrees
- They are nocturnal animals, so during the day you see them sleeping
After payment, visitors are allowed to walk through the jungle under supervision where small protected areas have been set up. There the little creatures sit sleeping peacefully in the branches. The rangers explain everything and ensure that the animals are not disturbed, whispering is mandatory!
Practical information:
- Location: GPS Tarsier Sanctuary
- Entrance: ₱60 (€1) per person
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Visit duration: 30-45 minutes
Important information about animal welfare: The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is an eco-tourism project dedicated to protecting this endangered species. Unlike some other places, strict rules are enforced here: no flash photography, no noise and keeping a sufficient distance.
2. The Man-Made Forest: Through a Green Tunnel
After the tarsier visit, we drove through the Bilar Man-Made Forest – a completely different experience than you would expect from a “man-made” forest. By Philippine standards, this is special because most of the country has been deforested.
The Loay Interior Road runs through this mahogany and acacia forest that’s 2 kilometers long. The trees are neatly planted in rows and form a kind of green cathedral above the road. Sunlight filters through the leaves and creates beautiful light rays.
For us Dutch (where every forest is ‘man-made’), it may be less spectacular, but it is a nice rest break between stops and a nice photo opportunity.
Practical information:
- Location: GPS Man-Made Forest
- Entrance: free
- Tip: Stop for a photo, but you don’t need to plan an hour here
3. The Chocolate Hills: Bohol’s Iconic Natural Wonder
And then the bumps became visible between the rice fields. First here and there, then more and more, until we arrived at the Chocolate Hills – the absolute highlight of Bohol.
What are the Chocolate Hills? The Chocolate Hills are 1,776 conical or dome-shaped hills that rise from the flat landscape of Carmen. They are made of coral limestone and are the result of centuries of erosion. The hills are covered with a thin layer of soil and grass.
Why are they called Chocolate Hills?
I was there in spring, so the hills were still green. But in the dry summer months (February-May), the grass turns brown and barren, making the hills look like giant Hershey’s Kisses or chocolates – hence the name!
The View from the Top: After climbing 214 steps (update: there were really fewer than the 250 I was told!), I reached the viewpoint. The panorama was breathtaking: hundreds of perfectly round hills as far as the eye could see.
I was here in early 2014, less than a year after Typhoon Haiyan. The damage was still visible: the plateau had partly slid off and several hills in the distance were flattened. Now, years later, nature has probably largely recovered.
Practical information:
- Location: GPS Chocolate Hills
- Entrance: ₱50 (€0.80)
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Best time: early morning (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoon for the best light
- Duration: 45-60 minutes
- Stairs: 214 of them, manageable but bring water!
Photography tips:
- Sunset (5:00-6:00 PM) gives beautiful warm light
- The best photos are taken from the second floor of the platform
- Come in the dry months (March-May) for the classic ‘chocolate’ effect
- Sunrise (6:00-7:00 AM) is magical but requires an extra early start
Adventurous Day Trip to Bohol – The Philippines
4. The Butterfly Farm: A Colorful Stopover
On the way back, we stopped at a small butterfly farm. It wasn’t really the season for butterflies yet, but I did see some beautiful specimens and cocoons. For butterfly lovers, this is a nice short stop, but not essential if you’re short on time.
Practical information:
- Best season: May-September (more butterflies active)
- Entrance: ₱50-100 (€0.80-1.60)
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
On the way back, my guide took me to a butterfly farm. It wasn’t really the season for it yet, but I did see some beautiful butterflies and cocoons.
5. Zipline Adventure at Loboc: Pure Adrenaline!
This became the absolute highlight of my day. My guide told me about the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park and I was immediately enthusiastic. I had wanted to zipline for so long!
Without thinking twice, we booked it immediately. I was taken upstairs, got a harness on, and before I knew it I was hanging on the zipline…
The Experience
“Are you ready?” they asked. Yes, I thought I was… And off I went!
My breath caught in my throat. I was flying high, really high, above the clear blue Loboc River. And it was fast. I had my camera ready (with a wrist strap, of course) to take photos, but for those first few minutes, I could only stare in awe. What an experience!
The first zipline was 520 meters long, at 120 meters height. It’s one of the highest and longest ziplines in the Philippines! After a few photos, I stopped and just fully enjoyed it.
On the other side, I was unstrapped and had to walk up again for the return journey: another 460 meters over the river. Now I was prepared and could really enjoy the view. The turquoise water far below me, the green jungle, the wind… What a thrill!
Practical information:
- Location: GPS Ecotourism Park
- Cost: ₱550-750 (€9-12) for double zipline
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Minimum age: 7 years
- Maximum weight: 120 kg
- Duration: 20-30 minutes (including instruction)
The beautiful colour of the Loboc River
Safety tips:
- They are professional and the equipment is well-maintained
- Still: make sure your camera/phone is securely attached
- Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry
- Flip-flops are not allowed, wear closed shoes
Alternative: For those who want to take it a bit easier, there’s also a turtle sanctuary and canoe trip available at the same location.
6. Lunch on the Loboc River: Floating Restaurant Cruise
After all the adrenaline, it was time to relax. I was dropped off at a floating restaurant: a large boat that cruises along the Loboc River while you have lunch on board.
I sat at a table with a Dutch couple and we had a nice chat while gliding along the calm river. The food was a Filipino buffet: rice, grilled meat, fresh fish, vegetables, and tropical fruit. Nothing special but fresh and tasty.
Halfway through the trip, we docked at a small pier where local dancers performed a traditional dance. Touristy? Yes. But also fun and part of the experience!
Practical information:
- Included: buffet lunch, live music, cultural show
- Cost: ₱450-600 (€7-10) per person including lunch
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Departure times: between 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
7. Baclayon Church and Blood Compact Monument
On the way back to the harbor, we made two more cultural stops:
Baclayon Church (St. Peter the Apostle Church)
This historic church from 1595 is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. When I was there in 2014, shortly after Typhoon Haiyan, it was partly collapsed. The church itself was still usable, but the tower was in scaffolding. There was a free section and a small museum about the history.
Update 2025: The church has now been fully restored and has even been on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2017. It has been beautifully restored and is definitely worth a visit for history enthusiasts.
Practical information:
- Dress code: cover shoulders and knees
- Entrance: ₱50 (€0.80) for the museum
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Blood Compact Monument (Sandugo) – This monument commemorates the blood compact between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and local ruler Datu Sikatuna in 1565. It was the first treaty of friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos.
The monument shows both men raising a cup containing each other’s blood – a fascinating piece of history!
Practical information:
- Entrance: free
- Duration: 15 minutes (mainly for photos)
- Location: GPS Bloodpact Shrine
What to Bring on Your Day Trip to Bohol?
Essentials:
- ☀️ Sunscreen (the sun is fierce!)
- 💧 Plenty of water (1 liters)
- 🧢 Cap or hat
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes (no flip-flops for the zipline!)
- 📱 Camera with wrist strap
- 💵 Cash (small bills)
- 🩹 Small first aid kit / travel pharmacy
Handy extras:
- Powerbank
- Insect spray for the jungle parts
- Dry bag for on the boat
Clothing advice:
- Light, modest clothing (for churches)
- You can always put swimwear in your bag, you never know
- Layers you can take off (air conditioning in the bus!)
What Will You Do on the Adventurous Island of Bohol?
In 2014, I only had one day for Bohol and I enjoyed it optimally. But now, with more travel experience, I would take at least 2-3 days. The island has so much more to offer than just quickly passing by the highlights.
Would you like to see what trips you can book on Bohol island? Also book your overnight stay on Bohol so you have more peace to see it at your leisure. Less time? Book an adventurous day trip to Bohol.
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Curious About More Philippine Adventures?
- Hiking to the Summit of Mt Pulag
- Things to do in Summer Capital Baguio
- Island Hopping in El Nido
- Hiking to Osmena Peak – Cebu
- Ancient Rice Terraces of Banaue / Hapao