Bohol Highlights Tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Spotting and Loboc River Cruise

The Bohol Highlights Tour offers a chance to take in the island’s natural wonders. From the iconic Chocolate Hills to the captivating tarsiers, this full-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors can expect a guided journey through the region’s lush landscapes, complemented by a leisurely cruise along the Loboc River. With comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Bohol’s highlights. What awaits those who embark on this adventure?

Key Points

• The Bohol Highlights Tour offers a full-day exploration of Bohol Island, including visits to the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Conservation Area, and a Loboc River cruise with lunch.
• The tour includes historic sites like the Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Monument, and a butterfly sanctuary, as well as a scenic drive through mahogany forest and local villages.
• Pickup and drop-off service from selected Panglao hotels is provided, and the tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly for families.
• The Loboc River cruise offers the opportunity to spot tarsiers and savor local Filipino dishes in a tranquil river setting.
• The tour has received high praise from travelers, with a 5.0 rating from 17 reviews, highlighting the tour guide’s knowledge, scenic beauty, and memorable cultural experiences.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Bohol Highlights Tour offers a full-day exploration of Bohol Island, showcasing its natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Visitors can look forward to visiting the iconic Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Conservation Area, and the scenic Loboc River.

The tour also includes stops at the historic Baclayon Church, the Blood Compact Monument, and a butterfly sanctuary.

Along the way, guests will enjoy a scenic drive through a mahogany forest and local villages.

Lunch is included during the Loboc River cruise, providing an opportunity to spot the elusive tarsier.

With an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation, this comprehensive tour provides an engaging and immersive experience of Bohol’s top attractions.

Tour Itinerary

The Bohol Highlights Tour kicks off with a morning pickup at 9:00 AM from selected hotels in the Panglao area, setting the stage for a day of exploration and discovery across the island.

The first stop is the Blood Compact Monument, where visitors can learn about this historic event in just 15 minutes.

Next, the tour visits the Baclayon Church and Museum, spending 30 minutes immersing in the region’s rich cultural heritage.

At the Butterfly Sanctuary, guests can witness the vibrant diversity of over 150 butterfly species across the 7-acre center.

The scenic drive then leads to the renowned Chocolate Hills, offering close-up views and a panoramic viewpoint to admire this unique geological formation.

Morning Pickup and Stops

At 9:00 AM, the tour begins with a pickup from selected hotels in the Panglao area, setting the stage for a day of discovery across Bohol Island. The first stop is the Blood Compact Monument, where visitors spend 15 minutes learning about the historic treaty between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna. Next, the group explores the Baclayon Church and Museum for half an hour, marveling at the Spanish colonial architecture and cultural artifacts.

Stop	Duration	Admission
Blood Compact Monument	15 minutes	Included
Baclayon Church and Museum	30 minutes	Included
Butterfly Sanctuary	–	–
Chocolate Hills	–	–

The tour then proceeds to the Butterfly Sanctuary, a 7-acre center showcasing about half of Bohol’s 300 butterfly species.

Chocolate Hills Scenic Drive

Next, the tour heads to the renowned Chocolate Hills, where travelers enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Carmen. Along the way, they catch captivating glimpses of the iconic, uniform-shaped hills that have made Bohol a popular destination.

The hills, numbering over 1,200, are a geological wonder formed by the uplift of coral deposits. Reaching heights of up to 400 meters, these grass-covered mounds take on a chocolate-brown hue during the dry season, giving them their distinctive name.

At the viewpoint, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking panorama and snap photos of the surreal landscape before continuing on to the next stop on the Bohol highlights tour.

Loboc River Cruise Experience

After exploring the Chocolate Hills, the tour makes its way to the serene Loboc River, where travelers embark on a delightful 50-minute cruise with an included buffet lunch.

Passengers are treated to picturesque views of the lush, verdant riverbanks and may even spot playful tarsiers darting amongst the trees. The peaceful cruise provides a chance to:

• Savor local Filipino dishes prepared freshly on board

• Admire the natural beauty of the surroundings

• Immerse in the tranquil ambiance of the river

This enchanting Loboc River experience offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, culinary delight, and serenity, leaving participants with cherished memories of their Bohol adventure.

Loay Town Visit

The tour then ventures to the quaint town of Loay, where travelers have the opportunity to explore local industries and traditional crafts. From handwoven fabrics to intricate woodcarvings, the town showcases the skilled artistry of its residents. Visitors can browse the lively markets, interact with the friendly locals, and gain a deeper understanding of Bohol’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Local Industry	Description
Weaving	Skilled weavers create colorful textiles using traditional techniques.
Woodcarving	Artisans craft detailed figurines and home decor from locally sourced wood.
Basket-making	Intricate baskets and bags are woven using natural materials.
Pottery	Potters shape and fire unique clay vessels and pottery pieces.
Jewelry-making	Local jewelers craft ornate accessories using precious stones and metals.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The Bohol Highlights Tour includes an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off services provided.

Plus, the experience features a delicious lunch and all necessary gratuities.

The tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a great option for families and those with mobility concerns.

Infants can sit on laps, ensuring comfort for all participants.

The maximum group size is 20 travelers, with a minimum of 2 passengers required.

Whether you’re seeking a cultural adventure or a leisurely day exploring Bohol’s highlights, this tour has a lot to offer.

• Wheelchair accessible

• Stroller-friendly

• Suitable for infants

Traveler Reviews

Garnering a 5.0 rating from 17 reviews, the Bohol Highlights Tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past travelers.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour guide’s extensive knowledge and the scenic beauty encountered throughout the day’s activities. Many highlight the engaging atmosphere and valuable cultural insights provided during the experience.

Travelers especially enjoyed the Loboc River cruise, where they could spot elusive tarsiers while indulging in a delicious buffet lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tour?

There’s no specific luggage limit mentioned, but travelers should bring only what they can comfortably carry. The tour focuses on sightseeing, so large or bulky bags aren’t recommended. Light, portable essentials like a camera and small personal items are suggested.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the cruise. The tour includes a buffet lunch during the Loboc River cruise, so outside food and beverages are not allowed. However, you can purchase additional items on board if needed.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention providing Wi-Fi access during the itinerary. Travelers should assume there won’t be Wi-Fi available and plan accordingly. Participants can enjoy the scenic tour without relying on internet connectivity.

Are There Any Discounts for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour operator offers a 10% discount for senior citizens and students with valid ID. Discounted rates are available for group bookings as well. Customers should inquire about any available promotions when making their reservation.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Attractions?

Yes, the tour operator allows customization of the itinerary to focus on specific attractions. Customers can work with the guide to tailor the tour based on their interests and preferences.

Recap

The Bohol Highlights Tour offers an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the island’s natural wonders.

Visitors can marvel at the Chocolate Hills, spot the enchanting tarsiers, and enjoy a serene Loboc River Cruise.

With knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Bohol’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures, leaving travelers with lasting memories of their time in this beautiful Philippine destination.