Bohol is an island located in the south of the Philippines. It’s one of the neighbouring Islands next to Cebu and Siquijor. If you have seen pictures of huge green hills that stretch for miles and miles, that is the island of Bohol. I spent around five days in Bohol, as there is so much to see and do. Bohol is actually two islands connected by bridge. The smaller island is called Panglao Island, and it’s where a lot of the backpackers and tourists stay. There is no way you find yourself bored here, and it’s brilliant for families to, as there is so much to do for adults and children. Some of the landscapes of this island truly blew me away. And I’ll be forever grateful I have been there, witnessed it, and experienced it. Now it’s your turn!
The best time to visit Bohol, the Philippines
In Bohol, Philippines, you can perhaps categorise it into three seasons. Hot, really hot, And wet. Here i’ll give you a quick rundown of what you can expect the weather to be like throughout the year, so you can pick the best time for your own preference. I was in Bohol, the Philippines around November time, which is considered wet season, and yes it did rain. But it was still very hot and sunny for the majority of the time, and the rain would be heavy for around 10 to 15 minutes and then would stop. We would be out exploring on the scooters, and some of the local Filipino people would let us take shelter on their porches for the 10 minutes until the rain stopped.
December – March (Hot) Dry season and temperatures up to around 32°
March – July (Really hot) Dry season and temperatures up to around 38°
August – November (Wet) wet season and temperatures up to around 30°
How to get to Bohol, the Philippines
So depending on your preference, budget, and timeframe, you have a few options on travelling to Bohol, the Philippines. You can fly directly into the airport located in Panglao Island. Or you can get the boat to Bohol. Depending on where you want to stay, and what island you are travelling from. Bohol has a few Ferry ports to arrive in. I travelled from Siquijor, so the closest and easiest port to get to was Tagbilaran Port.
Two ways to get to Bohol
You can fly straight into Panglao international airport. Check flights here
You can get the ferry from neighbouring islands. See timetable below
Please note, I have only included prices and times for one ferry line called Ocean Jet. This is the main one I used when I was there as they had more times available and were very good on price.
There are other ferry companies to chose from if you need another time.
Where to stay in Bohol, the Philippines
Bohol is a pretty big island, and it’s actually one of two Islands. Bohol is connected by the island of Panglao via a bridge, which you can drive over. I stayed on the Panglao Island, which is where the majority of backpackers stay when in Bohol, and I really recommend staying on Panglao island. I arrived in Bohol at Tagbilaran Port by ferry, and hired a scooter from a company at the ferry port. I rented it for the full five days so I could drive straight to my accommodation, and straight back to the ferry port after my time in Bohol. The man helped me tie my backpack to the scooter with bungee jumps, and I used google maps through my headphones to direct me whilst driving over the bridge and through Panglao Island. If you are not confident at driving you can get a taxi, Van, bus.
Bus from Tagbilaran port to Panglao 70PHP
Taxi from Tagbilaran port to Panglao 500 PHP
Van from Tagbilaran port to Panglao 100 PHP. The van leaves when it is full of passengers.
Best and cheapest hostels to stay in Bohol, Philippines
There are many, many, many good places to stay in Bohol. Some right on the beach, some tucked away in the jungle, and some right in amongst the shops and restaurants. Here are a handful of some of the best I really recommend, and I have stayed myself.
Bohol Coco Farm
Bohol Coco farm is where I stayed when I visited Bohol. It was a recommended by another traveller when I was in the island of Siquijor just before. And I’m so glad it was. It was a short ride by scooter from Tagbilaran Port into Panglao, which is where Coco Farm is located. There is a large communal area, which is where everyone socialises, drinks, and eats. They have their own menu, So you can enjoy the tastiest meals whilst staying there. I met amazing people during my stay, and went on to travel with some of them, and I keep in touch with everyone till this very day. Highly recommended for solo backpackers!
Moon Fools Hostel
Moon fools hostel is centrally located right near the famous Alona Beach. It’s very popular amongst backpackers, and for good reason. They are a good sized hostel, featuring six bed and eight bed dormitories. They also offer are complimentary breakfast, which always is a blessing to those backpacking. The atmosphere is brilliant and you will really enjoy your stay.
Lennon's Place
Lennon’s place is located in Panglao, not far from Alona Beach. It mainly comprises of 6 and 8 bed dormitories, but they also offer a couple of private huts that people can enjoy. It is a short 10 minute walk to the beach, but is situated in a quiet peaceful place surrounded by nature. Also very popular in the backpacking scene and you all no doubt have an amazing stay!
Bohemian Bohol Hostel
Bohemian Bohol Hostel is situated a short walk to Alona Beach, and offers private rooms, mixed and female dormitories. A very good stay for budget backpackers, as they offer a free Wi-Fi, a lounge, free breakfast and its own bar. They have good air con running in the rooms and also good showers! A very good stay whilst being in Bohol!
Adrianna's Place
At Adrianna’s, they are a eco-friendly built hostel. Using local materials to build their huts and hostel. They are traditional Filipino style, with thatched roofs to the common area and bar. They have relaxing hammocks and chairs for backpackers to relax and socialise in. The hostel its self is surrounded by Beautiful gardens and nature, and it’s practically right next to the beach, A few minutes walk. You will have a beautiful stay at Adrianna’s
Best things to do in Bohol, Philippines
Chocolate Hills
The chocolate hills are a MUST visit if you are going to Bohol. Thinking back to when I was there, I can hardly put into words the view that you see from up there. I have not seen one picture on this planet that does a good job of showing you what it really looks like in real life. It’s like stepping into another world. Giant grassy mountains that go on and on and on until, what seems like the end of the earth. It’s like you landed on another planet full of grass mountains. Okay, that’s me done TRYING to explain how I felt, and what it looks like. You have to see for yourself! It would be interesting to know how you would describe it! If you have been, please comment how it made you feel! I would love to know.
Not only can you visit and see the chocolate hills, but they also have an adventure park which is fun for everyone! You can ride a bike on a wire over the forestry, sumo wrestling, tree top activities and feeding animals! You can really make the chocolate hills a full day out!
Entrance fee for Chocolate hills
The entrance fee is 50 PHP, and parking is free
Tarsier Conservatory
Tarsier’s are one of the world’s smallest primates, and only found in some countries in South East Asia, including Bohol. This is why visiting the Tarsier conservatory is popular thing to do whilst visiting Bohol. You must keep very quiet whilst visiting the Tarsier conservatory, as it can be very damaging if the tarsier get upset, stressed, or scared. The tour guided there will explain everything you need to know about these tiny primates.
Entrance fee to the Tarsier Conservatory
The entrance fee for the tarsier conservatory is 80 PHP.
Hinagdanan Cave
The Hinagdanan cave is located in Panglao Island. We travelled there by scooter, and parked up in the car park. There is some nice stalls there too with fresh mango juices, and Bohol t shirts for sale. The entrance to the cave is literally a whole in the ground with a steep staircase descending into the cave. It’s well lit so no need to take a flashlight or anything. As you climb down into the cave it opens up with a walk way with handrails. The underground lagoon looks like an underground swimming pool, with turquoise water! It’s huge with plenty of space to fully swim, and around 3-4 metres deep.
Entrance fee to Hinagdanan Cave
The entrance fee for Hinagdanan cave is 50 PHP and 20 PHP for parking your scooter.
Don’t forget your bikini, I had to swim in my dress!
Dumaluan Beach
Although Alona Beach is very popular and everyone flocks there, we were told to go to Dumaluan beach by the locals and it was beauuuutiful! We pretty much had the beach to ourselves when we were there and it had gorgeous white sand and turquoise oceans!
Entrance fee to Dumaluan Beach
Entrance fee for Dumaluan beach is freeee!
Bamboo hanging bridge
The bamboo hanging bridge is located in Sevilla, Bohol, and hangs over the Loboc River. It’s very safe to cross even though it might not feel like it when you walk over. But that’s only because it is made from bamboo and steel cables, so it kind of bounces as you walk across!
Entrance fee for the Bamboo hanging bridge
There is no entrance fee to cross the bamboo bridge in Sevilla. It was made for locals and the public to cross for everyday life
Bilar man made forest, Bohol
If you are driving scooters from Panglao to the chocolate hills, or the Tarsier conservatory, you will actually drive through the Bilar man made forest on the way. I didn’t even realise it was the man made forest at first until my friend on the back of the scooter I was driving pointed it out! There is over 2 Kilometres made of red and white mahogany trees, which were grown as part of a reforestation project. So naturally, it is free to visit! You can also walk through nature trails there, as well as drive through the forest.
Alona beach, Panglao Island
Alona Beach is one of the most well known beaches in Panglao, as it’s famous for its white, white sand! And of course the pristine, turquoise coloured ocean that surrounds it! If you are in Panglao it is absolutely worth going to lie on the beach, and swim around in the two tone ocean.
Entrance fee for Alona Beach
Entrance fee is freeee!
Ingkumhan falls
Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls. If it’s one thing the Philippines is known for, is having the best waterfalls! And they are the best because not only can you see them, but you can play in them, swim in them, and jump off em! And most of them all have turquoise blue water!! Ingkumhan falls is located in the main part of the island in bohol, in a place called Dimiao. Once you reach the car park, it is a short walk down to the falls, where you can swim and swing on a rope swing there. You can also jump off the falls into the water, which is around 4 metres deep.
Entrance fee to Ingkumhan falls
The entrance fee to Ingkumhan falls is 20 PHP, which you pay up at the car park
Molave Cliff diving resort
If you love proper cliff jumping into the ocean, then Molave cliff diving resort is a day out for you! Once you get to the resort, you have to pay a 50 PHP entrance fee and then you can head down to the cliffs. There will probably be plenty of other people hanging out there in the wooden huts, and chilling on the rocks. As there is not only the 5 metre cliff board, but also the Molave cave that people enjoy snorkelling in. You have a good chance of seing turtles and sardine runs! I highly advise taking a wet bag, and some aqua shoes, as the rocks whilst getting in and out of the ocean can be jagged and the last thing you want is to cut your feet!
Entrance fee to Molave cliff diving resort
The entrance fee is 50 php for the full day
And there you have it. A guide on backpacking Bohol, The Philippines. I know for a fact you are going to have the time of your life and making memories that will stay with you forever, like they have done me. I would love to be tagged in your pics, or hear your feedback!
Follow me on social's!
Don't miss my Boracay island blog post!
The island of Boracay was always described to me as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is known
Disclaimer: some links on my website are affiliate links. This means that should you wish to make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I could earn a commission at no extra cost to you what so ever.