Vacations with friends are essential. Some people plan at least two trips with their friends every year to refresh their mental state. It is the perfect escape from reality, and it gives you a chance to be happy and have fun with people you love.

Many places in the Philippines are ideal for a holiday getaway with friends, one of which is Bohol. The small island province in the Central Visayas region offers multiple natural attractions and exciting tourism activities. Booking a vacation in Bohol will leave you with nothing but satisfaction and a happy feeling that will last for days after the trip.

Here are a few of the exciting activities you can enjoy with your friends when you visit Bohol:

1. Take a dip in Panglao’s Alona Beach

Bohol is a tropical destination, so it’s only wise that the first thing you want to do on the island is swim in its cool ocean water. Alona Beach is one of the best beaches on the island. It is located in the southern part of Panglao, and it is relatively accessible from Tagbilaran Port and only five minutes from Panglao International Airport.

Related article: What Makes Panglao Island Bohol’s Top Tourist Draw

The beach features white sandy shores with coconut palms spread throughout. It also offers an abundance of seaside restaurants, clubs, and bars open every day, giving tourists a chance to enjoy the scenery while dining and drinking with friends.

2. Take on the challenges of Bohol’s adventure parks

Bohol’s Chocolate Hills Adventure Park and Danao Adventure Park offer tourists various adventurous and engaging activities. Friend groups will surely enjoy these activities. It will awaken your physical and even mental capabilities.

These adventure parks offer biking on air, ziplining, bungee jumping, paramotoring, rappelling, root climbing, and other river activities.

3. Cross the Tigbao Hanging Bridge

The Tigbao Hanging Bridge is quite famous among Bohol tourists, and it is well-cared for by locals. The bridge is made entirely of woven bamboo straps, and it hangs 83 feet above the Loboc River.

The bridge and the scenery offer a perfect opportunity for you and your group to take pictures to commemorate your trip. Crossing the bridge to the other side will let you see a different view of the Loboc River.

4. Journey to the Hinagdanan Cave

The Hinagdanan Cave is a divine Bohol attraction. It reveals a clear pool of water where tourists can swim to see the stalactites and stalagmites underneath. Light filters through the cave entrance, filling the whole area with an alluring and ethereal view.

The best way to reach this hidden gem is to rent a scooter and drive your way there. The journey to the cave is part of the overall experience.

5. Visit the Bilar Man-made Forest

It’s hard to believe there is such a thing as an artificial forest, but it does exist. The Bilar Man-made Forest is among the most captivating attractions on the island. It should not be missed on your list of activities with friends while in Bohol.

The Bilar Man-made Forest consists of planted mahogany trees that stretch for more than two kilometers. The temperature cools down when you drive through the man-made forest, and the canopy above nearly cuts out all sun rays.

6. Jump off the Molave Cliff

Bohol’s Panglao island has a lot to offer when it comes to group activities – jumping off the Molave Cliff happens to be one of them. This cliff diving spot features a five-meter-high diving board straight to the ocean below.

If you’re a group of thrill-seeking people, jumping off the Molave Cliff is a perfect activity you can do with your friends on Bohol’s Panglao Island.

7. Go on an island-hopping tour

Island hopping is a must when visiting Bohol. The tour will include a visit to Balicasag Island and Virgin Island, where tourists can watch dolphins from the boat, go snorkeling with sea turtles, and visit the unique sand bar on Virgin Island.

This group activity is highly recommended among friends. It offers a unique experience that will stimulate a feeling of adventure and being one with the ocean.

8. Hike the Binabaje Hills trail

The Binabaje Hills hiking trail offers the best and most satisfying experience in Bohol. It takes around an hour to reach the summit, and there you will see a captivating panoramic of the island and its coastlines.

Hiking isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. The climb can be exhausting for those who aren’t physically fit. However, if you’re up for the challenge, then the hike will surely be worth it once you get to the top. Cherish the view on the top with your friends and take as many photos as you can before heading back down.

9. Take a historical tour of churches and other sites

History nerds are among the many who will genuinely benefit from a vacation in Bohol. The island province has a lot to offer regarding heritage sites and gorgeous churches. As one of the oldest provinces in the Philippines, Bohol is the first to embrace Christianity. It also homes a few of the oldest churches in the country.

Many of these churches have stood the test of time, while solid earthquakes damaged others. Locals have made it their mission to rebuild, restore, and maintain these churches due to their religious significance.

10. Watch fireflies by Abatan River

The Abatan River is home to many species, but the true star of this paradise is the fireflies. These magical creatures sparkle and illuminate the nighttime with their wonderful glow. It is a spectacular show if you want a bit of magic to top your day of adventure and excitement.

The firefly watching tour will cruise along the Abatan River and drift close to the centuries-old mangroves where the fireflies will appear from the trees. Tourists are advised to minimize talking and making loud noises to avoid scaring the fireflies.

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Featured image: Tia Lacson, Penguin Guide, Bohol Beach Resorts Hotels Guides