I spent four days on the island, basically touring all the usual tourist spots in Bohol. I hired a motorbike, for 400 pesos a day, and racked up the miles zipping around Bohol and Panglao.

Most tourists end up staying in Panglao, thanks to the beautiful beaches, even though they generally say it’s Bohol. The two terms are kind of interchangeable between tourists to the Philippines which can be confusing if you’re planning a trip to Bohol.

There’s not actually that much to do in and around Panglao though, beyond the beaches, which makes it the perfect place to relax, but if you’re looking for some action and adventure you need to know what there is to do on Bohol island.

Top Tourists Spots in Bohol

 ^ Map of top tourist spots in Bohol ^

If you’re looking for some sort of itinerary in Bohol, check out the map above. I’d recommend you do all this over two days, to really enjoy, and then spend your third day in Bohol cruising the beaches of Panglao.

But read on for more info…

1. Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Tarsiers are cute little creatures with huge eyes, found in the trees of Bohol. They’re actually endangered as people take them from the trees as pets and if they get touched too much, or have too much light, they get depressed and kill themselves. Sad story hey?

Head to the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the little cuties. Unfortunately for us tourists it’s a very quick trip, expect to spend about 5 minutes walking round and then you’re ushered out. On the day I went the weather was horrendous which could’ve been the reason but we literally got shown 5 tarsiers for a minute each and then had to move to the next.

There was a tarsier information centre inside, mostly featuring skeletons of tarsiers from times gone by. Despite the quick trip my visit to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary was totally worth it – I’d been really excited to see the tarsiers and they were so cute.

You could always go back if you didn’t get enough of the tarsiers, it was only 30 php (40p) to get in and it all goes back into looking after them.

2. Chocolate Hills

The Chocolate Hills in Bohol were the main reason I wanted to visit the island. Not too sure why but since going to the Philippines back in 2013 I’ve had a hankering to see them for real. They’re a natural phenomenon visible from miles around but it’s at the highest point you’ll see them the best, obviously. Pay a small fee and make your way up to the top via bike.

Almost up the top and you’ll find a restaurant, a bar and a few shops, and, the stairs. You need some level of fitness to make it to the top of the stairs, but when you do you’ll see 360 views of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills for miles around.

It was a bit of a mission up there on the bike (two hoursish) but totally worth it.

Also, side note, on the way I stopped in the Tokyo Road Cafe and went for sushi – it was some of the best and most cheapest sushi I’ve ever had. Go there, not the burger place over the road.

3. Alona Beach

Alona Beach is so pretty and gets even better as you walk along it – don’t give in to being a lazy tourist and not walking unless you have to. Walk the length and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, promise. Just check out this video below if you don’t believe me!

Of course you’ll have the usual hawkers trying to sell you stuff as you do in the most popular Bohol tourist spots but the ones I spoke to were friendly enough, and were intrigued when I got my drone out. Alona Beach is a great place for photography thanks to the blue waters and pretty boats lining the shore.

It’s known as the best beach in Bohol, although, really, it’s in Panglao.

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Read more about my trips to the Philippines 

Including the best things to do in Boracay if you’re on a budget, what it’s like to visit Kawasan Falls in Cebu, and the top tourist spots in Palawan. 

Also, don’t miss my awesome itinerary for two weeks in the Philippines. 

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4. Bee Farm

I noticed that the Philippines in general seemed to have a great attitude to sustainability and resources, particularly when it came to bottled water. Most places would only let you refill, rather than buy a new bottle. For somewhere where you can’t drink the bottled water I thought this was a great idea.

The Bee Farm in Bohol was just another example of their dedication to the planet. There’s a restaurant and resort, dedicated to bee cultivation, organic farming, and healthy eating. Go and check it out to see the bees in action.

Find out more about the Bohol Bee Farm on WillFlyForFood.com.