Why Bohol is still one of the best places to visit in the Philippines

Lucky Alabado

0 Shares

Bohol has long been known as one of the best tourist’s destinations in the Philippines – and for good reason.

Photo of Baclayon Church by Angelo Mendoza

Situated in Visayas, it is the 10th largest island in the Philippines with Tagbilaran City as its capital. Its neighboring cities are the famous Panglao Island, Dauis, Baclayon, Loboc and Carmen City.

Photo of Alona Beach by Waltz Siy

Photo of Loboc River Cruise by Angelo Mendoza

The Boholanos, which are the locals of Bohol, speak their own dialect called Boholano but they also speak Cebuano, Tagalog, and English.

Photo of Panglao Island by Lucky Alabado

Back in 2013, a devastating earthquake hit the island leaving the place visibly and literally shaken. However, because of Boholanos’ steadfast spirit and solidarity, Bohol, since then, has slowly but surely been re-building itself again. This just proves that true beauty cannot be beaten and can withstand anything.

Photo of Chocolate Hills by Lucky Alabado

Being one of the biggest islands in the country, Bohol has a wealth of scenic spots to offer – from the famous Chocolate hills and tarsier forests to its pristine, calm and inviting white-sand beaches, the island welcomes you, in a very alluring way, and allows you to truly relax and be one with nature.

Photo of Tarsier by Angelo MendozaPhoto of Danao Sea of Clouds by Angelo MendozaPhoto of Hanging Bridge by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Alona Beach by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Alona Beach by Angelo Mendoza

So much so that our local guide, Carlo, a native of Manila, packed his bags and went off to Bohol for what could possibly be the greatest adventure of his life.

Photo of Carlo at Danao Sea of Clouds by Angelo Mendoza

With only scuba diving experience and some entrepreneurial acumen to carry, he decided to bring his then-girlfriend-now-wife to the island and never looked back since. Now, they have a son as beautiful as the clear ocean and is happily settled with his wife.

Photo of the Holganza Family during the Loboc River Cruise by Angelo Mendoza

It’s not surprising, this kind of story. As mentioned, the island welcomes you and almost convinces you to stay. Also, What’s really nice about Bohol is the amazing roster of adventures you can do. “It’s not targeted towards a specific demographic,” Carlo said.

Photo of The Plunge by Angelo Mendoza Photo of The Plunge by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Cliff Jump at Napaling by Angelo Mendoza Photo at Kalikasan Dive Resort by Angelo Mendoza

There’s the water where people can feel connected with the sea – they can paddle, kayak, swim with a huge school of sardines and even dive to their hearts’ content.

Photo of Napaling Sardine Wall by Claud Evangelista

Photo of Dumaluan Beach by Waltz Siy

Then there’s the terrain – one can easily go hiking and catch the perfect sunrise at the sea of clouds, be a daredevil and jump off of a 200 ft cliff, or simply enjoy the mountains, trees, and geography of the whole place.

Photo of Carmen, Bohol by Angelo Mendoza

Photo of Danao Sea of Clouds by Angelo MendozaPhoto of Cliff Jump at Napaling by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Suislide at Danao Adventure Park by Angelo Mendoza Photo of The Plunge by Angelo Mendoza

Amidst the rise of hotspot destinations such as Siargao and Boracay, what makes Bohol stand out from the rest is still this: its elegant simplicity.

Photo of Hinagdan Cave by Angelo Mendoza

The multitude of adventures you can do in Bohol is just icing on the cake – its solid pillars still lie in the warm smiles and steadfast spirit of its people, alongside its innate, long-standing biodiversity that make up the whole island.

Photo of Balsa performers by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Antequerra Weavers by Angelo Mendoza
Photo of weavers by Angelo Mendoza

You don’t have to party, drink, or go on wild roadtrips to enjoy the place – you can do so by simply being there, reveling in the beauty of the ocean and basking in the warmth of the Bohol sun.

Photo of Man-Made Forest by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Dumaluan Beach by Angelo Mendoza Photo of Chocolate Hills View Deck by Angelo Mendoza

If you’re new to exploring Bohol, fret not – it’s become way easier and more convenient for everyone to travel to one of the most visited islands in the country!

Photo of Bohol Bee Farm by Lucky AlabadoPhoto of Bohol Bee Farm by Lucky Alabado

With the opening of the newest Panglao International Airport, Cebu Pacific now offers direct flights from Clark to Panglao, Bohol, giving everyone more reasons to come visit.

Photo of Panglao Island by Lucky Alabado

Bohol remains as iconic as ever and is continually surprising us with new things to see and do.

We’d like to thank our Travel & Tour partner, Southwest Travel & Tours for making our re-discovery of Bohol possible.

Carlo and Freedom Holganza for showing us their home in a different light. The Bohol Tourism Office for their support and coordinations as well as the local government unit of Antequera.

Photo of Danao by Waltz Siy