Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Countryside Tour

Exploring Bohol: A Balanced Look at the Chocolate Hills and Countryside Tour

Bohol’s countryside is packed with sights that make it a must-visit in the Philippines. This popular 10-hour tour offers a generous slice of what makes Bohol special—from iconic natural wonders to charming cultural experiences. If you’re curious about the island’s unique landscape, adorable primates, and local traditions, this tour could be just right.

What we love about this experience are the well-organized itinerary and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make every stop informative and engaging. Plus, the inclusive paddleboarding activity on Loboc River adds a fun, active element that’s not your typical sightseeing. One possible consideration is the length of the day, which can be a bit tiring if you prefer more relaxed schedules or less bus travel.

This tour seems best suited for travelers eager to see a wide range of Bohol’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It’s especially good for those who enjoy active, hands-on experiences, and want to dive into local culture along with natural beauty.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences with visits to Tarsier sanctuaries, salt-making workshops, and cultural sites.
• Balanced mix of activities including sightseeing, paddleboarding, and cultural learning.
• Knowledgeable guides who add depth and fun to each stop.
• Good value for money considering the inclusion of transportation, entrance fees, and activities.
• Flexible options like paddleboarding and optional ATV rides, with some surprises along the way.
• Ideal for active travelers who want a full day of exploring without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of What to Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins at Abraham Hostel in Panglao, a convenient meeting point for those arriving on the island. Expect to spend a good portion of the day traveling on a comfortable vehicle, with a small group typically kept to under 10 travelers—an aspect many reviews praise for personal attention and a friendly atmosphere. The transportation is included in the price, which helps keep things stress-free.

Salt-Making Workshop

The first stop is a boutique salt farm where traditional methods are still used. This isn’t just about salt—it’s a glimpse into a livelihood that’s been part of Bohol’s culture for generations. You’ll see how locals produce salt using age-old techniques, and taste the results. Reviewers mention this as a highlight for its authenticity and the chance to connect with local traditions.

The Chocolate Hills

Next, we visit the famous Chocolate Hills, a geological formation of over 1,700 nearly identical hills that turn a chocolate-brown hue in the dry season. The viewpoint here provides a breathtaking panorama of the landscape—truly a sight that sticks with travelers long after the trip. Tourists appreciate visiting before it gets crowded, which is when the hills look their best. Several reviews describe the view as “amazing” and “just stunning,” emphasizing the importance of early visits for the best photo opportunities.

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Tarsier Conservation Area

A quick drive through the Bilar Manmade Forest leads to the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can observe the second smallest primate in the world—the adorable Tarsiers. This stop gets high marks for being ethical and small-scale, as the sanctuary emphasizes animal welfare over crowd control. Reviewers consistently mention how much they enjoyed seeing these tiny creatures up close and learning about efforts to protect them. It’s a definite favorite, offering both cuteness and conservation education.

Loboc River Paddleboarding

One of the tour’s unique features is the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) activity on the Loboc River. It’s included in the price and offers a chance to relax and enjoy the lush scenery from a different perspective. Many travelers find this activity a fun break from the busyness, with some noting it as a highlight. Positive feedback highlights how supportive the guides are, and how the activity adds a memorable, active element to the day. If you’re not confident in your balance, don’t worry—the guides are experienced, and the calm waters make for easy paddling.

Baclayon Church at Sunset

As the day winds down, before returning to Panglao, you’ll visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest in the Philippines. Built with coral stones and egg whites, it’s a charming example of colonial architecture. Visiting at sunset offers a peaceful, reflective end to your day. Some reviews note that the visit is brief but worthwhile, providing a glimpse into the island’s religious heritage.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour price of $56 per person covers transportation, entrance fees, and paddleboarding. It’s a value-packed option considering the variety of attractions visited and the small-group experience. However, lunch and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some cash or snacks if you prefer. A towel isn’t included, so pack one if you plan to paddleboard or want to freshen up.

Pacing and Group Size

Most reviews mention that the tour is well-paced—there’s a good mix of sightseeing and activities, with enough time at each stop to explore without feeling rushed. Small groups foster a friendly atmosphere, and guides respond well to individual preferences, including optional activities like ATV riding (note that ATV prices are higher than some expect).

Practical Tips

• Bring a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag to protect your belongings.
• Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty—you may get a bit muddy or sweaty, especially on the ATV or salt farm visits.
• Consider bringing a change of clothes if you plan to paddleboard or swim.
• Don’t forget your passport or a photocopy for site entry.

The Authentic Experience Crafted for Curious Travelers

From the start, this tour aims to give you a taste of Bohol’s natural beauty and cultural roots. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to highlight the island’s most iconic sites but also include lesser-known local treasures like the salt farm and the small sanctuary.

Guides are praised repeatedly for their knowledgeability and friendliness, adding a layer of storytelling that elevates the experience beyond just sightseeing. Several travelers appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions about Bohol’s traditions, landscape, and wildlife.

The inclusion of active elements like paddleboarding and optional ATV rides makes this tour especially appealing for those wanting to stay engaged and physically involved. It’s not just a bus tour but a lively day of exploration that caters to a variety of interests.

The Value Proposition

For $56, you get a full day’s worth of sights, activities, and learning. The experiences are curated to maximize exposure to Bohol’s best features, making it a solid choice for travelers who value diversity and depth. Many reviews mention how well-organized the day is, with everything running smoothly, which is reassuring when you’re on a tight schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to see multiple highlights without the hassle of planning each stop individually. It suits those interested in nature, wildlife, and local culture—especially families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a well-rounded experience.

While it might not be suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to the walking and uneven surfaces at some sites, most people who enjoy a lively, engaging day will find it rewarding. The tour’s flexible nature and friendly guides make it a good choice for first-time visitors wanting an authentic taste of Bohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation on a comfortable vehicle is part of the package, ensuring smooth travel between sites.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, clothes that can get dirty, passport or a copy, and a waterproof bag for your valuables.

How long is the paddleboarding activity?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but it’s included as part of the day. Many find it to be a relaxing and fun way to enjoy Loboc River, especially after visiting the other sites.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to bring some cash or snacks for the day.

Can I do the ATV ride?
Optional ATV rides are available and typically cost more (around 1,100 PHP for an hour). Several reviews recommend trying it for a more adventurous experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and children should be comfortable with walking and water activities.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Check availability for start times, but doing the Chocolate Hills early is recommended for avoiding crowds and catching the best views.

To sum it up, the Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Countryside Tour delivers a well-balanced, engaging day that uncovers the island’s natural splendors and cultural charm. With friendly guides, a carefully curated itinerary, and a variety of activities, it offers excellent value for travelers who want to explore without feeling hurried or overwhelmed. It’s particularly well-suited for those seeking a lively, authentic experience that combines sightseeing, active fun, and cultural insight—all in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: