An hour’s flight from the Philippines’ capital of Manila is the beautiful island of Bohol. Teeming with rich natural resources and having solid tourism infrastructure, the island offers an endless list of sights to see and things to do. It is not a big surprise that Bohol is one of the top island destinations in the Philippines according to the Department of Tourism.

To give you a glimpse of what’s in store, here are the best Bohol tourist spots to see and enjoy:

 

1. Can-umantad Waterfalls

Considered to be Bohol’s tallest waterfall, Can-umantad Waterfalls is found in the sleepy town of Candijay. A rural getaway, its height is 60 feet and features a picnic area for visitors, as well as a swimming hole perfect for swimming.

If you fancy a tourist spot that’s not too crowded, then this is definitely the spot to visit.

 

2. Lamanok Island

A few minutes from the town of Anda, this mysterious island has been called Bohol’s “cradle of civilization.” During low tide, visitors can reach the island by foot; and by high tide, it can only be reached by boat.

It’s a small island that can be explored in under an hour, and you’ll find burial sites in caves, limestone rock formations, and white sand beaches.

 

3. Balicasag Island

If diving or snorkeling is your fancy, nothing can get better than Balicasag Island, which features a marine sanctuary. Along with Virgin Island, it is often part of an island hopping itinerary for visitors who wish to visit the nearby islands from Panglao, which is Bohol’s most popular resort area.

 

4. Virgin Island

This unique island can only be visited during low tide, where a sandbar of pristine white sand greet boats that dock on its shores. During high tide, the sandbar submerges underwater, and all you can see are the palm trees which stand in the middle of the island. It’s the perfect place to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe during low tide.

 

5. Cabagnow Cave Pool

Another tourist spot in and around Anda, the Cabagnow Cave Pool is one of the many cave pools found in the area. Situated inside a private property, it’s actually an opening on a limestone ground, with a beautiful crystal-blue water mini pool. The only way inside is through a ladder or if you jump in, or you can also rappel your way into the pool.

 

6. The Chocolate Hills

Bohol’s most iconic tourist site, the Chocolate Hills is a unique geological monument consisting of over 1,700 dome-shaped hills that are almost similar in height and shape. Found in the town of Carmen, visitors climb over a hundred steps to get the peak and are rewarded with spectacular views of the limestone hills.

The hills are called such since during the wet season, they are covered in coarse grass but turn chocolate brown when the grass dry up during the dry season, looking like hundreds and hundreds of chocolate kisses.

 

7. Tarsier Sanctuary

Another icon of Bohol is the tarsier. They are considered to be the smallest primates in the world, and have big bulging eyes. There are a few of them in the sanctuary, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitats.

 

8. Danao Adventure Park

Bohol’s top tourist spots aren’t just limited to its natural resources. For some adrenaline-pumping action, the Danao Adventure Park is packed with extreme adventures to try. The list of things to do includes a ride in a cable car, kayaking, river trekking, bungee jumping, wall climbing, zip lining, and river tubing.

 

9. Panglao Island

Packed with resorts, hotels, and lined with miles of white sand beaches, Panglao Island is Bohol’s top tourist draw. Its calm crystal blue waters are perfect for swimming from kids to the oldies, and its soft, white sand beaches are the most ideal for sunbathing and enjoying a host of activities such as beach volleyball, frisbee, and just running around.

Its most famous beach is hands down Alona Beach, which is lined with resorts, bars, and restaurants with tables right on the white sand shores.

 

10. Loboc River

The most popular activity to do in Loboc River is definitely the floating restaurants, where guests enjoy a lunch buffet while cruising down the river. A singing and dancing group also serenades and entertain guests on the cruise, creating a festive atmosphere while you enjoy the river’s scenic route.

 

When visiting Bohol with family or friends, the best choice for accommodation is no doubt, a private villa. There are a few options for private villas in Bohol, where a visit to the island’s top 10 tourist spots can be easily arranged as they are merely minutes and a few hours away, making your private villa the perfect jumping point to explore the rest of Bohol.

Featured image source: flickr.com/christerisulat