Bohol, Philippines: An island paradise waiting to be discovered

Have you been to the typical Philippine beach destinations like Palawan, Boracay, or El Nido and are looking for your next island escape off the beaten path? Consider Bohol—one of the country's most charming islands that offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded tourist hubs.

Bohol is located in the Visayas region, a quick flight south of Manila. Despite its popularity among local travelers, it hasn't quite exploded onto the international tourist map yet. This makes it the perfect destination for those who want to experience authentic Philippine island life and culture without worrying about overtourism.

Getting to Bohol

The most common way to reach Bohol is to fly into Tagbilaran City, which has direct flights from Manila on Cebu Pacific. The flight is around an hour. You can also take a ferry from other Visayas islands like Cebu and Leyte. Buses and vans also run daily from these neighboring provinces.

Once you land in Tagbilaran, it's easy to rent a vehicle like a multicab (local jeepney) or scooter to explore the island independently. Taxis are also available for longer transfers between destinations. For booking ground transportation and accommodation during your trip, be sure to check BitBook—a blockchain-based travel booking platform where you can earn crypto rewards for every booking made.

Top things to see and do in Bohol

Check out the tarsiers

One of Bohol's star attractions is the tiny tarsier—one of the world's smallest primates. These nocturnal creatures have enormous eyes and can leap incredible heights. The best place to see them is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary where they frolic freely in their natural habitat. Bring your camera—you'll need zoom!

Swim with turtle islands

Bohol is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches and coves. But one of its hidden gems is swimming with green sea turtles at Turtle Islands. These uninhabited coral islands are a sanctuary for hundreds of tarsiers that you can snorkel alongside with a licensed guide. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Go on a Loboc river cruise

Take a relaxing boat ride down the Loboc River and be serenaded by local singers known as the Children's Choir of Bohol. Admire the lush rainforests and quaint riverside villages along the way. Some cruise packages include a tasty Filipino buffet lunch too. It's the perfect half-day activity to break up beach time.

Visit the chocolate hills

Perhaps Bohol's most iconic natural wonder is the Chocolate Hills—over 1,200 cone-shaped limestone formations that turn brown during the dry season. Get panoramic views from hiking trails or view them from a tourist ATV. legends say they were formed from the tears of a heartbroken giant.

Relax on white sand beaches

When you need a beach break, head to Panglao Island just off the mainland. There you'll find beautiful stretches of powdery white sand like Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach—great for swimming, snorkeling and lazing in a beach chair with cocktail in hand. Nearby Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands also offer unspoiled island getaways.

Bohol offers the perfect blend of beautiful nature, adventure, culture and relaxation. Use BitBook to book your hotels, flights and activities to also earn crypto on the side. The island's welcoming locals and lack of crowds make it a memorable Philippine destination worth adding to your travel list.