Bohol
Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, Bohol is a wonderfully preserved island, replete with old churches, historical landmarks and unique natural features, including the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier, the second smallest primate in the world. The beaches of Panglao Island are just a short drive from Bohol's capital, Tagbilaran, where several Spanish colonial sites still stand. It is the site of the first international peace treaty, where native king Datu Sikatuna welcomed Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, officiated through a blood compact. This would be Spain's first contact with the native Philippines and what would become a seminal moment in Philippine-Spanish history.
Bohol is a popular eco-tourism destination, as much of its forests, rivers and iconic hills have been well preserved, much to the delight of nature lovers. The Tarsier Conservation Center is home to the miniature Tarsier, and where guests can trek through to spot these adorable, nocturnal creatures and take pictures. The Butterfly Conservation Center is also a delight for all, where your guide can tell you about the different species and more. The main attraction, however, are Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills, almost perfectly conical grass-covered karst hills that during the dry season turn brown, hence the name. The hills are a National Geographical Monument.
To get to Bohol, fly to into the major hub city of Cebu then take a private charter boat or helicopter to Bohol Island.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Adventure Sports
Zipline over a gorge or do a reverse bungee jump, at your own risk. Danao's Nature Park offers these thrilling (and safe) activities, though not for the faint of heart.
Bee Farm
Have lunch at this charming bee farm and organic garden on a seaside hill overlooking the sea. Opened by a Filipino repatriate, this wonderful farm also produces a variety of treats and desserts from ingredients grown on its premises.
Blood Compact Site
Stop by the Blood Compact Site, where Spanish Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi entered into a blood compact with Rajah Sikatuna, a local chieftain, to ensure friendly relations between the Spaniards and the natives.
Chocolate Hills
See the Chocolate Hills, 1,776 conical mounds of grass-covered limestone that stand side-by-side in a seemingly endless horizon. It’s a sight to behold, especially in the summer when the intense heat turns the hills brown so that they resemble Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses.
Dinner Cruise on Loboc River
In the evening, board a floating bamboo raft for a dinner cruise on Loboc River. The trees along the river banks are lined with multi-hued LED lights, offering a spectacular light show while guests dine on Filipino food while being entertained by acoustic guitar music.
Historic Tour
Spend half a day on a historical tour of Bohol. Visit its old churches that date back to the early years of Spanish colonization in the late 16th century, and learn about the Muslim rajahs who first welcomed the Spanish visitors who introduced Christianity.
Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
Stop by the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center. The enthusiastic conservationists will teach you a thing or two about winged insects (not just butterflies!), and you’ll get to walk around the lovely garden that is home to over 60 species of butterflies.
Tarsier Conservation Center
Drive along Bohol’s coast and see its verdant forests and healthy rivers. Along the way, stop by a tarsier conservation center. The tarsier is the second smallest primate in the world (after the mouse lemur), and it’s adorable.
Watersports
Panglao Island has several stretches of white-sand beach with gentle waves, ideal for skimboarding, windsurfing and snorkeling. Some of the Philippines' best diving can be found off the coast of Bohol.
Philippines Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Giants and Blood Oaths: Delving into Bohol’s History
- Author
- Travelogues
Bohol is an indelible part of the history of the Philippines, from ancient blood compacts to the giants that created the Chocolate Hills.
The Boracay Alternative: Philippines Beaches to Party and Explore
- Author
- Travelogues
It’s official: Boracay is closing. But, for travelers who want tropical paradise and a party in the Philippines, there are quite a few options left.
The Adorable Wildlife of the Philippines Above and Below the Water
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- Travelogues
Take a break from the beach and check out these five cute critters found everywhere from Bohol to Palawan.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Florida - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
As the trip progressed strangers became friends. Particularly special was the effortlessness: perfect logistics, never having to worry about anything, and, of course, the charming and thoughtful way you organised everything.
Jessika and David, Los Angeles
There was an authenticity to the type of experience set up for us that made every city we visited special and gave us countless moments we will never forget.
A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.
