The Philippines boasts international attention for its natural beauty, from pristine beaches to mesmerizing volcanoes, caves, picturesque mountains, a world-class diving spots, and is believed to have the third largest reef area and the most diverse coral reefs all over the world!

“It’s More Fun In The Philippines” a campaign name that was launched by DOT here in the Philippines. And for me, it’s an act that portrays what the tourists will look forward to in terms of Filipino Culture, Tourist Destinations, and Local Foods.

The Philippines is the home of 7,641 islands. Visayas is one of the 3 main principal geographical divisions of the Philippines. Aside from being a place of history and festivities, Visayas is also well known for its crystal clear waters, famous waterfalls, picturesque mountains, and amazing diving sites. Visayas has been one of the wonderful tourist destinations for more than decades now, not only for the locals but also internationally.

In this article, I’ll highlight the top tourist destinations in Bohol and why each one is a must-visit. From its history and iconic landmarks, you’ll see what makes these places so special and why they attract visitors from all over the world.

Bohol is the home province of Carlos P. Garcia, the eighth president of the Republic of the Philippines (1957–1961), who was born in Talibon, Bohol. Bohol is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region. Bohol is known for coral reefs and unusual geological formations, notably the Chocolate Hills. It comprises numerous smaller surrounding islands. Bohol is also the province with the most towns in the Philippines, totaling 47 towns, and 1 component city, which is Tagbilaran City.

For some time now, I have been going places and Bohol Island is one of the islands in the Philippines I have fallen in love with.

It was late last year, 2023, when I first visited the top tourist destinations in Bohol. I was recovering from stress caused by my VISA DENIAL when someone told me that “traveling will help you move on” so, astonishingly, I did try!

By the time we arrived in Bohol, the feeling was surreal! I was in awe of the island's breathtaking natural beauty. If only I had visited this Island sooner, I would have shared this experience with my family and friends.

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The Famous “Chocolate Hills”

Amazingly, the Philippines has the **SEVEN WONDERS OF NATURE**. One of them is the unique and stunning natural monument that consists of about 1,776 mounds of the same general shape which is the Chocolate Hills.

Did You Know?

The Chocolate Hills are known to be one of the top tourist destinations in Bohol. Its formation can be seen by land, by climbing at the highest point, using drones, or by air tours. Meanwhile, Panglao Island in Bohol, located just southwest of Tagbilaran, is also famous for its diving locations and is listed as one of the Top 10 diving locations in the world. There are numerous tourist resorts and dive centers on the southern beaches.

Chocolate Hills have been declared the country's third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Why They Called it Chocolate Hills?

In the Legend’s Story, a giant who had been disappointed in love, grieving the death of a mortal woman he had fallen in love with, because of his tears the hills grew. — and that’s what brings the Chocolate Hills now.

But why it is color green?! Well, here in the Philippines, we have these two major seasons which we call the “SUMMER AND RAINY SEASON”. As you can see in the image above, it was captured in the RAINY SEASON (July), and that explains why it shifts its color to green. Meanwhile, during SUMMER SEASON (December to May) which may also be considered the “dry season” is the time when the grass-covered hills dry up and turn into a coned shape of color brown, like a CHOCOLATE BAR! The hills consist of thin to medium bedded, sandy to rubbly marine limestone, and these limestones contain abundant fossils of shallow marine foraminifera, coral, mollusks, and algae. The Chocolate Hills are the most popular attraction, its numerous mounds of brown-colored limestone formations are worthy in your social media galleries!

2. Stumbled Upon “The Mahogany Forest”

It was such a bizarre feeling to discover this Man-Made Mahogany Forest in Bohol. Some people define it as a “Carpet of Trees” and an “Enchanting Forest” due to its uniform colors and uniqueness. I mean, who would not be blown?! This area is a towering of trees and a 2-kilometer stretch that would calm your mind and would just relentlessly make you feel nothing but its ecological vibe!

The Mahogany forest is one of the top tourist destinations in Bohol. Just like other tourist destinations in the Philippines, this Man-Made Mahogany Forest in Bohol deserves a spot on your social media feed and it’s also perfect place to visit with your family and friends.

Did You Know?

After World War II, most of the Public Land of Bohol was deforested by the people who sought refuge in the forest for safety. The Man-Made Mahogany Forest was created in response to the deforestation caused by the burn farming procedure or as we call it here in the Philippines “kaingin”.

Nonetheless, there are also some safety precautions when entering the Mahogany Forest. BE AWARE THAT THIS LOCATION IS A HIGHWAY! You must be cautious when taking pictures because there are Vehicles that come and go on the road every minute. Practice safety and pay attention to the surroundings.

3. “Tarsiers” The World’s Second Smallest Primate

Did You Know?

Philippine Tarsier are one of the top tourist destinations in Bohol. Their populations are primarily on the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao. It has also been found on various isolated islands such as Maripipi Island, Siargao Island, Basilan Island, and Dinagat Island. Tarsiers diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small vertebrates such as small lizards and birds.

Tarsiers are nocturnal. Tarsiers are shy. Tarsiers are active only at night. During the day, they are asleep. They like to sleep in dark hollows close to the ground, near tree trunks, and cutely hug deep into the bushes. (yes.. they are cute and we are very fortunate to have them in our country!) The tarsier can develop sore eyes when they are stressed or have a poor diet. Another danger is the creature's tendency to commit suicide. Because the tarsier is often shy and nervous, some human activities such as camera flashes, being touched, and being kept in an enclosure stress them.

One of the most Top Tourist Destinations they have in Bohol is the Philippine Tarsiers. The Tarsiers are indigenous to the Island. Tarsier is the second-smallest primate on the planet. Aside from the beautiful Chocolate Hills and the Man Made Forest in Bohol, Meeting the Tarsiers on the Island was one of the happiest and unforegettable experience I ever had! But at some point, I had an emotional feeling because as a tourist we noticed that there are some irresponsible tourism that is happening in the area. Here’s why: upon touring the location, most of the tarsiers were wide awake! as I have mentioned above, tarsiers are nocturnal, sensitive to bright light & loud noises— tarsiers are expected sleeping during day time.

There were even visible preventive signs and restrictions at the site for the tourists, which I still don’t understand why some of the tourists doesn’t practice responsible tourism specifically the DO’S AND DONT’S signs while at the area.

NOTE: To everyone that is planning to visit and see the Tarsiers anywhere in the Philippines, PLEASE.. let’s all practice healthy & responsible tourism. In that way, we can already contribute good and proper conservation for these animals. :)