The rich marine life that exists in the sea of Bohol draws a lot of diving enthusiasts not only from the country but also from around the world to explore numerous diving locations most especially those that are located near the islets of Panglao, Pamilacan , Balicasag, Jao, Cabilao, Mahanay and Lapinin. Some of these dive spots have been part of the list of best dive spots around the world.

Among the many well-recognized dive spots in Bohol, Balicasag Island has earned international fame because of the variety of marine life that can be sighted in waters surrounding the island. The island is famous for its cascading coral wall that is the dwelling place of very interesting marine species including exotic seashells. Pamilacan Island, on the other hand, is rich with various species of fishes that come in schools such as tuna, mackerel, surgeonfish, snappers and groupers. Another interesting feature of this island is the frequent sighting of various kinds of whales and dolphins that one can experience while exploring the waters surrounding the island.

Boholanos are protectors of Mother Nature’s gifts that their island is blessed with. They not only protect and preserve their natural bounty but they also show similar care to their wildlife, most especially to endangered species that are found only in the island province. This intense protection that Boholanos show to their alluring wildlife has produced, in return to the favour done to Mother Nature, certain benefits by which they are able to generate income. One perfect example would be the dolphin-whale watching trips that have become the new occupation and source of income for a lot of whale hunters who now serve as dolphin-whale guides to tourists.

The best area to for dolphin and whale watching would be the sea that surrounds Pamilacan Island. This tiny island lies at the heart of Bohol Sea and can be reached by boat ride for 1 hour only from the town of Baclayon, specifically at a port area fronting the Baclayon Church. This island is famous for residents who used to be expert whale hunters. Most of these male whale hunters have produced skeletal remnants of whales and other marine mammals that they are mounted on the walls of their houses, suggesting that the whaling industry has been a large one for several generations. However, laws have been strictly enforced to preserve marine life and to prohibit any form of whale and dolphin hunting especially in the area surrounding Pamilacan Island which is now highly considered as a marine sanctuary. This particular law enforcement did not steal from the whale hunters’ opportunities to generate income since their expertise in whale and dolphin sighting can be beneficial for them to become dolphin-whale watching guides to foreigners. As a matter of fact, these Pamilacan men are described to have the skills to locate mammals with accuracy even without the use of GPS equipment.

The months between April and June are believed to be the best period for whale sighting since the waters at this time are calm and clear, which makes the whole activity safe and convenient for tourists. Dolphins on the other hand can be spotted at any points daily. During this period also various species of dolphins and whales can be spotted. The playful spinner and the bottlenose dolphins can be frequently spotted anytime. On the other hand, small and huge whales can be found irregularly. Among the small-sized species of whales, the pygmy killer whale, the melon-headed whale and the short-finned whale usually appear can be spotted in groups. In the case of the huge types of whales, the Byrde’s whale and the sperm whale can also be sighted but not all the time.

Whale and dolphin watching activity is one fascinating tour activity that should be part of the itinerary of any tourists. This leisure interest will basically lead visitors to develop a caring attitude for marine life.

In order to take part of whale and dolphin watching activity, one can avail of packaged whale and dolphin watching tours from travel agencies especially in Tagbilaran City and beach resorts in Panglao Island. These packaged tours are set at reasonable prices and it includes experienced and trained guides.

Location: Eastern Side of Panglao Island

Considered as the town of musical artists because of its world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir, Loboc is a peaceful municipality that is easily associated to its well-known river which is aptly called Loboc River. This river is known to be one of the cleanest rivers in the country. What basically made this river famous is the role it plays in improving the economy of the town with the many varied activities that are being offered to tourists involving it. One of which is the thriving river cruising business that has drawn a lot of local and foreign visitors.

One’s visit of the town of Loboc would never be complete without experiencing cruising along the river on board small bancas or floating restaurants. The river cruise starts either the Loay Bridge which is located in the neighbouring town of Loay or at the town proper where one can choose from a variety of river cruising vessels. The river cruise usually runs for almost an hour back and forth. If one is up for simply enjoying the lush tropical vegetation along the river bank and communing closely with nature while enjoying the cool breeze, one can rent a motorized or non-motorized banca at a minimal fee. On the other hand, if one wants to enjoy a whole different dining experience while on board a water vessel, one can take the floating restaurant.

Floating restaurants have become a major thriving business that has contributed in boosting the tourism industry not only of the town but also of the province of Bohol. As the name suggests, first class fine dining is offered by these floating restaurants where one can enjoy a sumptuous Filipino cuisine buffet including local delicacies at Php 280.00 only per head. Besides the sumptuous dining experience that these floating restaurants have in store for tourists, dining guests are treated with are serenaded by an in-boat band that plays a variety of songs and even songs requested by the passengers. So, while enjoying one’s sumptuous meal, one enjoys a memorable musical cruise along the river of Loboc.
If the river cruise is upstream, it ends at the Busay Falls which drops one and a half meters only. But before reaching this one of the sources of the Loboc river, the floating restaurant makes a stopover to bring the passengers to a much more different musical experience by the riverbank. At this time, guests are treated to a unique musical presentation of a rondalla group that is sheltered under a floating cottage. This rondalla band usually plays Boholano folk songs and Filipino novelty songs in Tagalog or Cebuano much to the delight of the passengers. What is so unique about this river cruise is that along the way passengers are able to see the idyllic lifestyle of the townspeople who live by the riverbanks.

All in all, this Loboc river cruise brings a whole new experience to tourists who go for something uniquely different in their participation and exploration of touring activities that the municipality of Loboc offers to its guests.

Floating Restaurant: Php 280.00 per head (Inclusive of buffet meal, toll fee and boat
rental fee)
Location: Loboc—24 km from Tagbilaran City

Among the finest tour attractions in Bohol are its white sand beaches with crystal clear waters. To a lot of beach enthusiasts, they would be surprised to find out that one attribute that adds to the beauty of the island is its unpolluted shoreline of captivating white sand beaches. Most of which can be found in the humble island of Panglao and in some neighbouring islets that have similar pristine white sand beaches.

Primarily, these beaches in Panglao Island have gained fame because of their high quality white fine sand that is even exported to different beach resorts not only in the country but around the world. What usually draw attention to these beautiful beaches of the island are the clear blue waters that are unpolluted and well maintained. There is no wonder why there is a thriving beach resort industry in the island of Panglao. Most of the beach resorts in Panglao Island have become favourites for locations shots by a lot of film productions, adding more to the fame of these beaches.

Besides the fine white sand and the crystal blue waters that most beach resorts of Panglao island boast of, most of which offer various enjoyable water activities for their guests such as jet skiing and banana boating. Not only that, they also provide fine dining experiences matched with entertaining musical bands every night. To name a few, beach resorts that offer such activities are Dumaluan Beach Resort, Nature Island Beach Resort, Bohol Beach Club (Private) and Alona Beach Resort.

Although Bohol has gained reputation for having some of the finest white sand beaches around the world found in the island of Panglao, this island province also has a treasury of white sand beaches that can be found in the coastline of the mainland. Compared to the aforementioned beach resorts in Panglao island, several well-known beach resorts in the mainland are affordable when it comes to their amenities. Most of these beach resorts are blessed with long stretches of white sand and calm waters and shaded with tall coconut trees as well as palm trees. Adding to the convenience of picnickers, huts and benches are provided for rental at a considerably affordable price ranging from Php 100.00-150.00 depending on the size and shape of the hut. Some of these beaches are also considered to be good camp sites worth to be experienced by camping enthusiasts because of their accessibility and safety.

The following are some of the well-known beach resorts located in different towns of the province: Santa Fe Beach (Alburquerque), Laya Beach (Baclayon), Imelda Beach (Dimiao), Canuba Beach (Jagna), Claring Beach (Loay) and Lintuan Beach (Loon).

If one wants to take pleasure in undisturbed tranquillity of one’s visit in Bohol, the beautiful white sand beaches of this province are just the right places to be.

Boholanos take pride not only of their scenic landscapes, but also of their pristine white-sand beaches that are at par with some of the world’s famous beaches. In fact, in the island of Panglao, several private and public beach resorts provide tourists with one of a kind beach experiences born from the beauty of the place along with their hospitable services. The world renowned Alona Beach resort is an example of these worth-seeing beach resorts.

This 800 meter stretch of white sand beach has attracted a lot of visitors, both locals and foreigners alike are attracted to the one of kind activities offered by beach and diving resorts. Most of these foreign tourists have already settled for good in this area because of the peace and security that they experience as well its accessibility. Most scuba diving services can be arranged in any of the resorts found in this area making it as a point for embarking on dive tours to two of the most famous dive spots around the world—-Balicasag and Pamilacan islands.

It can be safely said that because of the satisfaction and convenience provided by beach resorts like Alona Beach cause a lot of foreign visitors to come back for more and experience again the beauty of the place and the people of Bohol particularly in Panglao.

Badiang Spring is an extraordinary water system that is located in Valencia. This is an underground spring that provides freshwater that gushes out from twin pipes that are located near Bohol Sea. The freshwater that is released from the twin pipes is diverted to fill two swimming pools of opposite sizes. The larger one basically is for adult swimmers and the smaller one is intended for children only. Although this natural attraction has not yet gained fame similar to that of the Loboc River, this spring is beginning to draw attention from an increasing number of travellers.

Well-sheltered picnic tables have already been installed near this scenic spot to invite picnickers to experience the beauty of the spring.

Location: Valencia—44 km from Tagbilaran City

This winding river has gained rising fame from hosting cruising activities for both local and foreign visitors. This river is located in the so-called singing town of Bohol, the municipality of Loboc.

This river, as far as the modern world is concern, has long been an important part in the lives of the Lobocanons for this is primarily the source of electricity that is distributed to several towns in Bohol including the town of Loboc. Aside from being a source of electricity, Loboc River has also long aided the people in daily activities like washing, bathing and other recreational activities. More importantly, this river has provided jobs to a lot of people as it has opened income-generating livelihoods by entertaining the needs of tourists around the area. The most famous of which is the floating restaurant cruise wherein tourists are able to experience first class dining while on board for almost an hour, that could start either from the Loay Bridge that is found in the neighbouring town or at the town proper.

Location: Loboc—24 km from Tagbilaran City

Located in the town of Antequera, this glorious-looking water system is known for the smoke-like effect that is created by the strong current of the splash from its falls, especially in the early morning. Thus from how it looks, the locals in time came to name the falls as Mag-aso, which is the vernacular for the phrase having smoke.

Since Mag-aso falls is hidden, one can reach it by following signed directions that are installed at the market square of the town proper of Antequera or simply by asking for directions from the locals who are more than willing to show you the correct road to take in order to reach the area of the falls. Visitors of the waterfall will be greeted by a dilapidated stall where one will be asked to pay an entrance fee of Php 2.00 for the continuous maintenance of the surroundings of the falls. One has to climb down a flight of cemented steps before reaching the falls. This waterfall is remarkable since it is composed of three falls of varying sizes that drop 10 meters from its main source that forms a large pool that is considered to be more than 15 feet deep.

One can take varying shots of the falls on top of rocks that are near to the falls. However, one should be careful in doing so since the rocks are slippery by nature. Also, according to one of the caretakers of the falls, one should be careful on stepping on the rocks when getting a good view or taking pictures of the falls since there are mischievous elves and dwarves that dwell on the area that may play on anybody – a note on the superstitious quality of Boholanos in general.

Entrance Fee: Php 2.00
Parking Fee (Any type of vehicle): None
Location: Antequera—20 km from Tagbilaran City

Named after the late Philippine president, Ramon Magsaysay, this site is a Boy Scout camp which is considered to be one of the best campgrounds in the province. It has a cool and peaceful atmosphere brought about by the differing tall trees that surround the entire area. This man-made attraction is not only for boy scouts but also for families that wish to spend weekend getaways. The campground is constructed near mountains just few kilometres away from the heart of Bilar town.

With its tree-filled surroundings, this area allows camping enthusiasts to commune with nature away from the disturbances of human civilization.

Location: Bilar—45 km from Tagbilaran City