Bohol is back! Top 10 reasons to visit Bohol in 2021

Dreaming no more. After almost a year of rest, the island paradise of Bohol—the place you would want to visit more than once—is ready to welcome domestic travelers.

From breathtaking beaches to vibrant coral reefs, spectacular dive sites, scenic hills, lush forests, majestic rivers, old churches, heritage sites, luxury resorts, and savory local cuisine—you won’t want to miss Bohol’s abundant charms.

Best experiences in Bohol

Found in the Central Visayas region in the Philippines, Bohol is blessed with a fascinating blend of nature and culture, luxury and serenity, history and modernity, combined with cool recreational activities and friendly people. Offering you more than enough reasons to visit Bohol in 2021.

“I believe that not even COVID, the lockdowns and general fear that is gripping the world, will keep a man away from reconnecting with God’s beautiful creations,” says Margie Munsayac, vice president for sales and marketing of Bluewater Resorts.

“Soon, all of us will feel the need to hear the waves roar, the melodies of the palm fronds as they sway to the gentle lullabies of the ocean breeze, the feeling of sand beneath our feet, or just simply open our eyes to majestic vistas of perfectly shaped hills that have captivated the imagination of tourists for as long as we can remember.”

Whether you like to chill out in a hammock on a beach or go on adrenaline-fueled adventures, Bohol offers endless memorable experiences.

Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Bohol now.

The must-see attractions and activities listed here have been vetted by the provincial team headed by the Bohol Tourism Office and are now ready in terms of compliance to safety protocols and guidelines, according to Lourdes Sultan, owner of Travel Village Tours and Travel and president of the Bohol Federation of Travel and Tour Operators (BOFETTO).

1. Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale

As Bohol tourism stakeholders collaborate to launch the first-ever and biggest selling campaign, the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale, now is the best time to plan a visit to the island.

Balik sa Bohol is an original Boholano composition often sung by local musicians aboard a floating restaurant or at the departure area of ports enticing visitors to return.

“The catchy lyrics and upbeat rhythm usually linger in the mind even after tourists have left Bohol. Today, we have made this our anthem to encourage travelers to come back to Bohol,” says Munsayac.

To lure tourists back, resorts, hotels, and tour operators will offer massive price drops (as much as 70% discount) in rooms, food, tours and related services during the Balik sa Bohol: Bohol Online Sale.

Sale period is from February 21 to March 14, 2021. Vouchers are valid for a minimum of one year, but participating establishments are flexible with the extension of validity if needed. You can book through https//traveloco.ph/balikbohol.

Munsayac said 13 resorts, one adventure park, and six tour operators are taking part in the Bohol online sale.

Participating brands are Amarela Resort, Amorita Resort, Be Grand Hotel, Bohol Bee Farm, The Bellevue Resort, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Panglao Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol Beach Club, Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, The Acacia Glamping, Donatela Resort and Sanctuary, Loboc River Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa, South Palms Resorts Panglao, Angels’ Wings Tours and Travel, Baclayon Travel & Tours, Bohol Holidays Travel & Tours Inc., Coordinates Tours and Travel, and Travel Village. The platform is powered by Atlantis and co-sponsored by Cebu Pacific Air.

2. Chocolate treat

Chocolate Hills is undoubtedly the most iconic and most popular attraction in Bohol. The 1,776 conical- and dome-shaped hills dotting the beautiful countryside is a sight to behold. During dry season, the lovely green grass covering the hills turns brown, resembling Hershey’s Kisses chocolate, hence the name. You can spend hours here just admiring the unusually shaped hills and unique landscape.

3. Gentle river cruise

Loboc River Cruise is an experience you do not want to miss in your Bohol itinerary. Chill out like never before—relax and enjoy Filipino cuisine as you cruise along the famed Loboc River.

4. Stand-up paddling (SUP) adventure

Bohol offers a unique stand-up paddling experience. As you paddle through the serene, emerald green waters of Loboc River—which is a great place to learn SUP—embrace the opportunity to watch the locals go about their daily life. Have a glimpse of life in Loboc, one of Bohol’s oldest towns and home to one of the province’s major rivers.

5. Beach escape

Explore the pristine beaches in Panglao island and experience a stress-free existence. Go barefoot and let the fine white sand caress your feet. Or take a dip and let the gentle waves calm your nerves. Popular beach destinations like Alona Beach and Dumaluan Beach are just two reasons to visit Bohol.

Panglao island’s diverse marine life also makes it a great snorkeling and diving spot.

6. Extreme adventure  

Complete your Bohol escapade by getting your adrenaline fix at Danao Adventure Park. Taste Bohol’s exhilarating side and go for ziplining, rappelling, bungee jumping and other exciting activities.

Another adventure to tick off your bucket list: taking The Plunge, said to be the only canyon swing in the Philippines. Experience a 50-meter free fall from the top of a 200-meter high cliff. As soon as you hit the end of the rope from your fall, you begin to swing over the canyon for about five minutes until they haul you back up again.

7. Cave spelunking and swimming

Swim inside a cave? You can do that in Hinagdanan Cave, rated number 1 of 7 things to do in Panglao Island by Tripadvisor. What could be a more unique swimming experience than in a cave lagoon with bats flying overhead? With natural lights seeping in through the cave entrance and ceiling, you can see the many beautiful stalagmite and stalactite rock formations.

8. Abatan River Community Life Tour

In Bohol, you get up close not only with the natural world; you also get the chance to witness the local community life. The Abatan River Community Life Tour highlights the life of the Boholanos. Go for a sightseeing tour and immerse yourself in lush greeneries and community life along Abatan River, one of the three major rivers of Bohol.

9. Firefly watching activity

When was the last time you saw a firefly? While at Abatan River, choose to stay until it gets dark. Wait till the fireflies put on a dazzling show of glowing lights, illuminating the trees and mangroves along the riverbanks with a brilliant twinkling display.

10. Punta Cruz Watchtower

Have a glimpse of Bohol’s history and culture at the Punta Cruz Watchtower, a structure built in 1796 to watch the coast of Bohol and the neighboring island of Cebu from marauders. It is the only perfect isosceles triangle watchtower in the Philippines, according to Bohol Tourism, the official tourism website of the province of Bohol.

Found in the coastal town of Maribojoc, Punta Cruz Watchtower is one of the reasons to visit Bohol, especially if you are a history buff.

When in Bohol, you’ll never run out of activities to do and places to visit.

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