The Bohol Countryside Tour is one of the best things to do in Bohol, especially if it’s your first time visiting the island. This full-day tour takes you to Bohol’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, and the Blood Compact Shrine.
I booked a private tour as a solo traveler so I could enjoy each stop at my own pace, and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Bohol.
Bohol Countryside Tour at a Glance
- Highlights: Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Shrine
- Duration: Full-day (6 to 8 hours)
- Start Time: Around 6:00 AM
- Pickup: Hotels and hostels in Panglao or Tagbilaran
- Transportation: Private sedan or shared tour van
- Tour Guide: Usually included
- Solo Tour Cost: ₱3,000 (Private Sedan with Driver)
6 Best Spots to Visit in a Bohol Countryside Tour
Most Bohol countryside tours follow almost the same route, making stops at the island’s most popular natural, historical, and cultural attractions.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills is the highlight of every Bohol Countryside Tour and one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the Philippines. Seeing the hundreds of perfectly cone-shaped hills in person is honestly far more impressive than seeing them in photos or textbooks.
- Location: Carmen, Bohol
- Entrance Fee: ₱100 per person
- Climb approximately 220 concrete steps to reach the main viewing deck.
- The hike usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your pace.
- Enjoy panoramic views of over a thousand limestone hills.
- The complex has comfort rooms, souvenir shops, and snack stalls.
- I stayed here for around 15 minutes, which was enough to enjoy the view and take photos.
Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River Cruise combines sightseeing and lunch into one relaxing experience. You’ll enjoy a buffet meal while cruising through one of the cleanest and most scenic rivers in the Philippines.
- Location: Loboc, Bohol
- Buffet Lunch & Cruise: ₱850 per person
- Additional drinks are available for purchase.
- The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.
- Boats travel toward Busay Falls, where they make a turnaround.
- Live acoustic performers entertain guests with OPM classics throughout the cruise.
- One of the highlights is stopping at a floating bamboo stage where locals perform traditional dances like the Tinikling and invite visitors to join.
This was much more enjoyable than I expected. I skipped it on my first visit to Bohol years ago, but trying it this time made me realize it’s worth experiencing at least once.
Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area
The Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area gives visitors the opportunity to safely observe one of the world’s smallest primates in a protected natural habitat.
- Location: Loay Interior Road, Loboc, Bohol
- Entrance Fee: ₱170 per person
- Home to the endangered Philippine Tarsier.
- Follow the designated walking trail to quietly observe the tarsiers.
- Flash photography and loud noises are strictly prohibited to avoid stressing the animals.
I honestly didn’t expect them to be this tiny. Seeing them up close made me appreciate how unique and fragile these little creatures are.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a beautiful stretch of towering mahogany trees that creates one of the most photographed roads in Bohol.
- Location: Between Loboc and Bilar
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Approximately 2 kilometers of dense mahogany trees.
- A popular stop for photos because of its cool temperature and tunnel-like scenery.
- Usually only a quick stop before heading to the next attraction.
Baclayon Church
The Baclayon Church is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines and remains one of Bohol’s most important historical and religious landmarks.
- Location: Baclayon, Bohol
- Entrance Fee: Church – Free
- Museum Fee: Around ₱100
- Built in the early 1700s using coral stones.
- Features centuries-old religious artifacts and architecture.
- Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully when entering the church.
Even if you’re not particularly into history, it’s worth stopping by to appreciate the church’s beautiful architecture and significance.
Blood Compact Shrine
The Blood Compact Shrine commemorates the historic friendship treaty between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna in 1565.
- Location: Tagbilaran City
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Features the famous bronze monument depicting the Sandugo (Blood Compact).
- One of the most visited historical landmarks in Bohol.
- Great stop for a quick history lesson and panoramic coastal views.
Since it’s close to Panglao and Tagbilaran, it’s usually the last stop before heading back to your accommodation.
More Attractions You Can Visit
Depending on your itinerary, budget, and available time, your driver may also include a few optional attractions during your Bohol Countryside Tour.
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (CHAP)
If you’re looking for a little adrenaline after admiring the Chocolate Hills, the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park offers exciting outdoor activities surrounded by the famous landscape.
- Location: Carmen, Bohol
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: ₱80 per person
- Activity fees are paid separately.
Top Activities
- The Rush (Bike Zip) – ₱750
- Wave Runner Surf Zip – ₱750
- Tree Top Rope Courses
- Zorb Ball
- Wall Climbing
- Tarzan Swing
You can simply pay for the activities you want to try, making it easy to customize your visit.
Bohol Countryside Tour Itinerary
Here’s a sample itinerary based on my experience. The exact schedule may vary depending on your pickup location, traffic, and how long you stay at each attraction.
- 6:00 AM – Pickup from your hotel or hostel in Panglao
- 8:00 AM – Arrive at Chocolate Hills
- 8:30 AM – Chocolate Hills Adventure Park (optional)
- 9:30 AM – Butterfly Lemur Park (optional)
- 9:45 AM – Python Agape Wildlife Conservation Park (optional)
- 10:00 AM – Philippine Tarsier Conservation Area
- 11:00 AM – Bilar Man-Made Forest
- 12:00 NN – Lunch at Loboc River Cruise
- 2:00 PM – Baclayon Church and Museum
- 2:30 PM – Blood Compact Shrine
- 3:00 PM– Zara’s Cafe
- 4:00 PM onwards – Return to Panglao or Tagbilaran
This itinerary works well if you’re booking a private tour. If you’re joining a shared tour, expect the schedule to be a bit more fixed since you’ll be traveling with other guests.
Tips Before Joining the Bohol Countryside Tour
- Start early to avoid crowds at the Chocolate Hills.
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes since you’ll be climbing stairs and exploring several attractions.
- Bring cash, as not all establishments accept card payments.
- Pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the tropical heat.
- Keep your voice down and avoid using flash photography at the tarsier sanctuary to avoid disturbing the animals.
- If you’re traveling during weekends or holidays, expect longer queues at the Loboc River Cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do the Bohol Countryside Tour solo or join a group?
It depends on your travel style. I chose a private tour because I wanted the flexibility to explore at my own pace. If you’re looking to save money, a join-in tour is the better option.
Is the Bohol Countryside Tour worth it?
Yes. It’s one of the best experiences for first-time visitors. Seeing the Chocolate Hills in real life was something I’d always wanted to do after only seeing them in textbooks growing up.
How big is the Philippine Tarsier?
They’re surprisingly tiny. Seeing them in person made me appreciate just how unique and adorable these little primates are.
Is it okay to skip the Loboc River Cruise?
Yes. I skipped it on my first visit to Bohol. But after finally trying it, I’d say it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once.
How long is the Bohol Countryside Tour?
Most tours last between 6 and 8 hours, depending on your itinerary, traffic, and optional stops.
Can I customize a private countryside tour?
Yes. Most private drivers allow you to adjust the itinerary, spend more time at your favorite attractions, or skip places that don’t interest you.
The Bohol Countryside Tour may be one of the most popular activities on the island, but it’s popular for a reason. Although the itinerary can feel packed, it’s one of the easiest and most convenient ways to explore inland Bohol without worrying about transportation or planning your own route.
If you have at least three days in Bohol, I highly recommend setting aside one full day for the countryside tour and spending the rest of your trip enjoying Panglao’s beaches, island hopping, or freediving in Bohol.
Read the complete travel guide about Bohol to help you plan your trip.
BOHOL TRAVEL GUIDE: Best Things To Do, Itinerary, Budget & Tips
