I thought Phuket was beautiful enough, until I went to Bohol!
It's not that Phuket isn't beautiful, it's that Bohol wins with its "less crowded, more natural scenery." There are no crowded long-tail boats, no noisy bar streets, just the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and jelly-colored sea—Bohol in the Philippines is truly seriously underrated.
⛰️ Chocolate Hills | Chocolate in the dry season, matcha in the rainy season
A filming location for the movie *Harry Potter*, the 1268 cone-shaped hills turn chocolate brown during the dry season (November-May) and a vibrant green like matcha pudding during the rainy season. Reaching the top of the viewpoint will truly elicit a gasp—they are like the earth's breasts, silently nourishing the entire island.
🐒 Tarsiers | The smallest monkeys on Earth
The national treasure of the Philippines, their eyes are heavier than their brains. During the day, they curl up into fur balls to sleep, occasionally opening one large eye to look at you, then slowly turning back to continue sleeping. The guides at the reserve will point out which cluster of monkeys is on the branches—finding them requires a bit of keen eyesight, but the moment you see them is absolutely worth it.
🐠 Balicasag Island | Jackfish Storm and Swimming with Turtles
This is a diver's paradise, about a 30-minute boat ride from Alona Beach. Snorkeling will allow you to see turtles eating seaweed right beneath your feet, and scuba diving offers the chance to encounter jackfish storms (whirlpools of fish). Remember to wear a rash guard for sun protection and protection against coral scratches.
🌿 Loboc River | Paddle into the Depths of the Rainforest
Take a traditional-style flat-bottomed boat and cruise upstream, with dense tropical rainforest on both banks. Occasionally, you'll see children jumping from the trees into the water to play. A buffet lunch is served on board: fried chicken, grilled fish, and white rice. The food is ordinary, but the atmosphere is fantastic. A guitarist plays Filipino folk songs, and you'll feel completely relaxed and soothed by the greenery.
🛕 Baclayon Church | Spain in the Rocks
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, its exterior walls are bonded together with coral and egg white, standing strong for centuries. The museum next to the church displays icons and bishops' robes; time seems to slow down here.
🌊 Alona Beach | Great Value Beach Life
Bohol's liveliest beach (but much quieter than Phuket). Many outrigger boats can be chartered for snorkeling, island hopping, and dolphin watching. At night, the beach transforms into a barbecue night market, with grilled squid, pork skewers, and ice-cold beer—you can eat your fill for around 50 yuan per person.
🦞 Seafood Frenzy
You must go to the east coast of the island (Anda area) for lobster; the prices are unbelievably cheap. A single lobster can weigh over a pound, grilled or steamed with garlic—sweet, fresh, and bouncy. There are also mantis shrimp as thick as your arm, freshly opened coconuts, and crabs bigger than your face—not expensive restaurants, but family-run kitchens by the sea, where you can eat under bamboo sheds with the sand right below you.
📍Useful Tips
· Transportation: Fly from your home country to Manila or Cebu, then transfer to Tagbilaran Airport on Bohol; or fly to Cebu and take a 2-hour boat ride to Bohol.
· Best Season: December-May (dry season), avoid June-November (rainy season, high waves and some island hopping flights suspended).
· Currency: Philippine Peso. ATMs are limited on the island, so it's recommended to exchange currency beforehand at the airport or in the city.
· Sockets: American two-prong flat plugs. Some hotels have universal sockets, but it's advisable to bring your own adapter.
· Alona Beach: The most convenient but very commercialized. For a quieter experience, consider Doljo Beach or the Anda area.
· Suggested Itinerary: 4-5 days, 2 days for land excursions (Chocolate Hills + Tarsiers + Loboc River), 2 days for island hopping (Balicasa + Virgin Island).
· Sun Protection: The tropical sun is strong, so be sure to bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and physical sun protection clothing.
The Philippines has many islands, but Bohol is the one that will make you want to stay. It lacks the sophistication of Phuket, but possesses a wild sincerity; it lacks the artistic flair of Bali, but has a primal vitality.
If you're tired of crowded islands, come here. It will make you fall in love with the sea again. 🐚🌊
