Bohol: Limestone Hills, Caves and Island Experiences

Bohol brings together striking limestone landscapes, caves and beaches with river cruises, island activities and historic sites. Your trip can therefore take many different directions: explore natural formations, spend time by the water or learn about the island’s cultural heritage.

Landscapes, Caves and Coastlines

At the heart of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark are the iconic Chocolate Hills, a group of nearly symmetrical limestone hills. The geopark is recognized as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines; UNESCO periodically reassesses the designation. The Binabaje Hills shape the landscape of Alicia Panoramic Park. They rise to 400 meters above sea level and are largely covered with cogon grass. Visitors can hike the ridge trails. Check trail conditions and guidance about guides before your trip.

The caves also feature a variety of formations. Princess Manan-aw Cave is 195 meters long; its entrance is 5.6 meters high and 3.7 meters wide. Stalactite and stalagmite formations characterize the cave. Hinagdanan Cave features an underground pool, distinctive rock formations, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Anda’s cave pools include Cabagnow, Combento, Kaligoon Cave Pool, East Coast Cave Pool and Kalorenzo Cave Pool. Quinale Beach, a white-sand beach, is also located in the municipality of Anda on Bohol Island. Lake Lanao is Bohol’s only natural lake and is frequently visited by migratory birds.

River and Island Experiences

The Loboc River has long been a major driver of river tourism in Bohol. A river cruise offers views of lush greenery and waterfalls, floating restaurants, and performances by local artists. Activities at Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park include ziplining, cable cars and rope courses. On the river, the focus is on scenery and artistic performances, while the park offers rope and course activities.

A two-hour tour goes around Pamilacan Island to watch dolphins at their preferred hunting grounds. You can also snorkel and swim on Pamilacan. Boat tours from Panglao visit nearby islands such as Balicasag Island and Virgin Island, where visitors can swim, snorkel and dive, and see marine life, coral reefs and sea turtles. You can also go island-hopping from Balicasag Island and reach Puntod Island near Panglao. Snorkeling gear, fins and other swimming equipment are available for rent. Check departure times and availability in advance, as well as water and operating conditions for island activities, since they may change.

Cultural History and Local Cuisine

Baclayon Church was founded by Jesuits in 1596 and is considered the oldest Christian settlement on Bohol and the second-oldest church in the Philippines. The Baclayon Museum is located right next to the church. Religious artifacts and historical objects illustrate the area’s culture and history. Lamanok Island is home to the section of the Anda Peninsula considered the cradle of Bohol’s civilization; archaeological artifacts and burial sites of early settlers have been preserved there.

Local foods can also be part of your travel experience: in Loboc, you can try balut, fried crickets and banana blossoms at food stalls and restaurants. Bohol Bee Farm offers farm tours, organic dishes and ice cream made with local ingredients. Culinary experiences thus add another perspective to Bohol’s landscapes, activities and cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Loay, Tagbilaran, Panglao, Candijay, Loon, Batuan, Cebu, Negros Oriental.

View the broader travel overview: Central Visayas.