Bohol bucket list: A must-try guide for first-timers

With its rich heritage and spectacular views, it is no wonder that Bohol has become a famous tourist spot in the Philippines. Scenic landforms, historic sites, breathtaking beaches – Bohol has it all. Hence, if you have not been to this place in the Philippines yet, now is the time. Here are some of the activities to cross off your bucket list when in Bohol.

Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills. It is, in fact, one of the most well-loved tourist destinations in the whole Philippines because of its unique God-given landscapes.

With about 1,260 to more than 1,700 hills spread across more than 50 square kilometers of land, Chocolate Hills is a sight to behold.

Address: Towns of Sagbayan, Batuan, and Carmen, Bohol

Known as one of the world's smallest primates, tarsiers could be found in the rainforests of Bohol. There are also sanctuaries around the area such as the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area where tourists could see a glimpse of the tiny creatures in their natural habitat.

Address: Loay Interior Road, Loboc, Bohol

Stop by for a hefty and delicious buffet lunch at the Loboc River Floating Restaurant where musicians will serenade you onboard. Admire nature as you dine while the floating restaurant cruises along the Loboc River. Likewise, the floating restaurant will take you to see a cultural show featuring Boholanos where tourists could also have the opportunity to dance with them.

Address: Loboc, Bohol

A Roman Catholic Church, the Baclayon Church was made out of coral stones, and was completed in 1737. It was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 1994, and a National Cultural Treasure in 2010. As some structures of the church got heavily affected following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol in 2013, the restoration was completed in 2017, and Baclayon Church reopened for the public in 2018.

Address: Baclayon, Bohol

As mentioned earlier, not only is Bohol rich in marvelous landforms for they have pristine beaches too. One of which is the Virgin Island of Bohol. It is a sandbar located in between the islands of Panglao and Balicasag. If you are coming from the city of Tagbilaran, you may head off to the island of Panglao where there are local tour guides who offer a charter boat for you to experience many water adventures like dolphin watching and island hopping, which includes the Virgin Island.

Address: Pungtud Island, Bohol

Gather your buddies for a groufie or take turns in taking OOTDs at the man-made forest in Bilar, Bohol. The mahogany trees sure make the perfect backdrop for photos you would post on the ‘gram!

Address: Loboc, Bohol

There are various animal sanctuaries in Bohol that would allow you to see different creatures in their natural habitats, specifically several kinds of butterflies and pythons.

Address: Bilar, Bohol

Address: Bilar, Bohol

A trip to Bohol would not be complete without a photo op at this important site. The Blood Compact Shrine was made in honor of the first treaty between the Filipinos and Spaniards.

There are tons of exciting activities to try when in Bohol. In order to enjoy a seamless and hassle-free trip, a tip would be to book a private car charter that would take you on a countryside tour in the aforementioned places. Fortunately, you can find this on Klook where there are car charter and tour services being offered. Yes, you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel for a convenient experience to make your trip even more memorable. Check out the offer here.

Address: Tagbilaran City, Bohol