Bohol is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in the Philippines, offering a mix of natural wonders, unique wildlife, and adventure-filled activities. When planning your trip, the Ultimate Bohol Tour is a great way to see the island’s top sights in one day. While most tours follow a set itinerary, there are also plenty of optional extras to make the experience even more memorable. The Ultimate Bohol Tour: What to See, Do, and Our Best Moments.
We recently did our own version of the Ultimate Bohol Tour, and in this blog, we’ll share what you can expect, the highlights of our adventure, and some personal experiences (including a moment of pure terror on the Twin Hanging Bridge!).
What to Expect from the The Ultimate Bohol Tour: What to See, Do, and Our Best Moments
A standard Ultimate Bohol Tour typically includes:
- Chocolate Hills
- Tarsier Sanctuary
- Loboc River Cruise
- Man-Made Forest of Bilar
- Twin Hanging Bridge
- Pangas Falls (or other waterfalls)
Optional extras include:
- ATV ride at Chocolate Hills
- Danao Adventure Park (zip-lining, canyon swing, and river tubing)
- More waterfalls (Can-Umantad Falls, Mag-Aso Falls)
- Beach stops in Panglao Island
- Firefly watching at night
Now, let’s dive into what we did and what we loved best!
Our Ultimate Bohol Tour Experience
Loboc River Stay Instead of a Cruise
Since we are staying right on the Loboc River (Water to Forest Ecolodge), we skip the popular river cruise. Instead, we have the luxury of waking up to misty views of the water, watching locals paddle by in small wooden boats, and enjoying the peaceful sounds of the jungle. It is the perfect start to our adventure.
We swim in the waters and Cory went for a paddle in his Trak Kayak.
The Twin Hanging Bridge – Facing the Fear ( I was scared = ‘Fearty’ in Scottish!)
Entrance fee: Pesos 50 per person
Crowd level – quiet at 9am
Our first stop was the Twin Hanging Bridge, a bamboo suspension bridge that shoogles (sways) above the deep blue Loboc River. I’ll be honest—I was terrified (or as we say in Scotland, “feart”). The bridge wobbles with every step, and looking down at the water below doesn’t help! But I did it, gripping the sides tightly and trying not to let my legs shake too much.
On the other side, there are small stalls selling snacks and souvenirs when you get over to the Sevilla side! Then you have to walk back over the next bridge to get back to your transport!
If you’re afraid of heights but want to conquer your fear, this is a great place to challenge yourself!
Photo Stop at the Man-Made Forest of Bilar
Crowd level – quiet at 10am
This 2-kilometre stretch of mahogany trees is an Instagram favourite, and we stopped for some quick photos. The forest is beautiful, with tall, perfectly aligned trees forming a tunnel over the road. It’s cooler here compared to the rest of Bohol, making it a nice break from the tropical heat.
When we read about this being part of the tour, we were a bit baffled. However when we did stop it is magical!
Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary – Tiny, Adorable Nocturnal Creatures
Entrance fee: Pesos 170 per person
Crowd level – quite busy at 10:30 am
We absolutely loved our visit to the Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary. These tiny primates, with their enormous eyes and delicate fingers, are some of the cutest animals we’ve ever seen. Since they are nocturnal, they were mostly curled up, trying to get some shut-eye after a busy night of hunting insects. The sanctuary has a strict no flash photography rule to protect them, and we made sure to keep quiet so as not to disturb them.
10 Incredible Facts About Tarsiers You Need to Know
Pangas Falls – Swimming, Hidden Caves, and Freshwater Crabs
Entrance fee: Pesos 50 per person
Crowd level – quiet at 11am
This was one of our favourite stops! The Pangas Falls is a stunning natural pool with a cascading waterfall, surrounded by jungle. It was a hot, humid day, so we were glad we’d worn our swimsuits—we stripped off immediately and jumped in! The water was cool and refreshing, perfect for a midday swim.
One of the highlights was swimming up to the waterfall and discovering a hidden cave behind the falls. Inside, we spotted freshwater crabs hiding in the rocky crevices. Meanwhile, local kids were having a blast jumping off the top of the waterfall, laughing and splashing around.
Dragonflies hovered, sand coloured fish darted around and a tiny blue fluorescent shrimp landed on Cory’s arm and explored the jungle of his hairy arm.
We spent over an hour at the falls it was so beautiful and relaxing. Other tourists came and went but we could hardly drag ourselves from the waters.
💡 Tip: There are changing rooms here, so bring a towel and a dry change of clothes. The rocks around the falls are slippery, so we recommend wearing old trainers or water shoes. We didn’t spot any toilets.
Chocolate Hills – More Spectacular Than We Expected
Entrance fee: Pesos 100 per person
Crowd level – very busy 12 noon
We weren’t sure if the Chocolate Hills would live up to the hype—after all, we’ve all seen the pictures on social media. But they absolutely did.
The hills look like rolling mounds of chocolate truffles, stretching as far as the eye can see. The site is well-managed despite the high number of visitors. There’s an efficient drop-off and pick-up system, plenty of toilets, and vendors selling cold drinks and snacks.
Climbing to the viewing deck involves a bit of effort—there are a lot of stairs and not much shade, so we took our time. But once we reached the top, the panoramic view was worth every step.
How the Chocolate Hills Were Formed: A Tectonic and Geological Perspective?
These hills were once coral reefs, uplifted over thousands of years and shaped by erosion. Today, they are a UNESCO-protected geological wonder and one of the Philippines’ most famous landmarks.
Local Lunch – Noodles, Jackfruit Coconut Curry, and a Stray Dog
After all that exploring, we asked our driver to take us to a local eatery rather than a touristy restaurant. We ended up at a small roadside place where we had delicious noodles and a jackfruit coconut curry—creamy, rich, and packed with flavour.
We also met a stray dog who looked hungry, so we shared some leftover chicken with her. She wagged his tail happily and trotted off after her meal. It was a simple moment, but one of those little things that makes travel feel special.
Optional Extras for Your Bohol Tour
If you have more time or want to add extra adventure to your tour, here are some optional activities:
- ATV ride at Chocolate Hills – Drive through the hills for a closer look.
- Danao Adventure Park – Zip-lining, canyon swings, and river tubing.
- Firefly watching on the Abatan River – A magical evening experience.
- Diving or snorkelling in Panglao – See vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
- Can-Umantad Falls – A towering waterfall in a lush jungle setting.
Final Thoughts – Our Favourite Moments
Bohol exceeded our expectations in every way. From the adorable tarsiers to the thrill of crossing the hanging bridge, from swimming in hidden caves to gazing at the Chocolate Hills, every moment was unforgettable.
Would we recommend the Ultimate Bohol Tour? Absolutely. Just make sure to:
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Bring swimwear and a towel for the waterfalls
- Have plenty of small change as the cost of entrance fees is not included in the taxi which you hire to take you to your chosen sites
- Stay hydrated and pack sunscreen
- Take your time to enjoy each stop
Bohol is a special place, full of adventure, beauty, and culture. We can’t wait to go back!