7 Tourist Spots in Bohol for Your One-Day DIY Day Tour

Location: J.P EK Inting St., Tagbilaran East Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Time to Spend: 10 minutes

The Blood Compact Monument, also known as the Sandugo, is an outdoor tourist attraction in Bohol. It is usually the first stop of the Bohol City tour, and you could probably spend around 10 minutes here for picture-taking. The monument requires no entrance fee.

Here, you’ll find a human-sized monument facing the shoreline. It features five human-sized bronze statues of men assembled around a table, toasting drinks with Legazpi and Sikatuna. The monument honors the first international treaty between the Philippines and Spain. It marks the site where Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Rajah Sikatuna performed a blood compact on March 16, 1565, symbolizing peace and bond between the foreigners and the natives.

Below the monument, you’ll find a plaza with benches, trees, and flowers where you can relax. You can also have a coffee and a nice view at a hotel near the site.

Operating Hours: 24/7

You can ride a tricycle directly to the statue from the city center in Tagbilaran City. You can also sign up for tours that include the Blood Compact Monument in their itinerary.

Location: Along the seaside National Road, Baclayon, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Time to Spend: 30 to 45 minutes

Baclayon Church is only about 8 minutes away from the Blood Compact Monument, so it is usually the next stop after your monument tour. Note that you must dress respectfully to enter the church.

The Baclayon Church was the center of Spain’s first colonial settlement in Bohol. It was completed in 1727, having been built by 200 enslaved laborers who worked with coral stone. In 2013, an earthquake severely damaged the facade and the watchtower. The signs of restoration work in 2018 are still visible today.

The church also has a museum, and the entrance fee is PhP50. The exhibits are worth at least 30 to 45 minutes to appreciate fully.

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM; Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM

You can ride a jeepney to Baclayon from the Tagbilaran City bus terminal. You can also sign up for tours that include the Baclayon in their itinerary.

Location: Along the highway of Taguihon, Baclayon, Bohol

Time to Spend: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Visit the Aproniana Souvenir Shop after Baclayon Church, which is only a 3-minute away from the church. The shop is often called “Bohol’s ultimate souvenir destination.” It offers various items, including stuffed shirts, bags, replicas, jewelry, decorations, wooden crafts, and local delicacies.

Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Aproniana Souvenir Shop is just a 3-minute drive from Baclayon Church. You can also sign up for tours that include the Aproniana Souvenir Shop in their itinerary.

Location: Brgy. Canapnapan, Tarsier Sanctuary Rd., Corella, Bohol

Time to Spend: 15 to 30 minutes

Tarsier Sanctuary is only about 20 minutes away from the Baclayon Church. The sanctuary is a famous tourist spot in Bohol where you can see tarsiers. Tarsiers are among the smallest and oldest surviving primates and are currently endangered.

At the sanctuary, guides will lead you along a short jungle trail where you can spot tarsiers. For the best viewing experience, visit the sanctuary early in the morning when these nocturnal creatures are most likely awake and active. Note that flash photography is not permitted.

The entrance fee to the Tarsier Sanctuary is PhP150 per person, and the visit takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

You can ride a jeepney to Corella from the bus terminal in Tagbilaran City. It passes directly by the sanctuary. You can also sign up for tours that include the Tarsier Sanctuary in their itinerary.

Location: Brgy. Jimilian, Loboc, Bohol

Time to Spend: 1 hour

The Loboc River Cruise is a day activity only about 22 minutes away from the Tarsier Sanctuary. The Loboc River Cruise is a popular tourist attraction in Bohol. It offers a blend of stunning scenery and delicious food. Visitors enjoy a boat ride along the river while savoring a delightful buffet meal and traditional music.

Walk-ins are welcome; tickets can be purchased at the Loboc Tourism Complex along the Loboc River. However, it is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure your preferred schedule. The entrance fee is PhP1,000 per person, and the cruise lasts approximately one hour.

Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

From Tagbilaran City, take a bus or jeepney to Loboc or Carmen. Ask the driver to drop you off at Camayaan Intersection, where river cruise operators are located. You can also sign up for tours that include the Loboc River Cruise in their itinerary.

Location: Loay Interior Road, Bilar, Bohol

Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a two-kilometer stretch along the Loboc-Bilar border in Bohol, only about 20 minutes away from the Loboc River Cruise. It primarily features white and red mahogany trees and was established over 50 years ago as part of a reforestation project.

Visit the forest to enjoy the views, or climb or hike the mountain if you're adventurous. Mountain bikers, buses, and jeepneys use the asphalt road through the nature reserve.

The entrance fee is PhP100, and you should spend about one to two hours here.

Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

To get to the forest area from Tagbilaran City, take a bus or jeepney and head to Bilar. Get off once you arrive in the forest. Please note that the bus or van will not wait for you, so you must wait for the next one after taking your photos. You can also sign up for tours that include the Bilar Man-Made Forest in their itinerary.

Location: Spread across multiple towns, including Bilar, Carmen, Butuan, etc.

Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

The Chocolate Hills are a famous tourist spot in Bohol, less than 50 minutes from Bilar Man-Made Forest. They are a remarkable group of uniquely shaped hills in Bohol's heart. This extraordinary landscape is found exclusively on this small island. It has been designated the Philippines' third National Geological Monument and is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Although the hills cannot be climbed separately, there is a viewing deck from which you can appreciate the scenery. You must climb approximately 200 steps to reach the deck. The entrance fee for the viewing deck is PhP100.

Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

From Tagbilaran City, take a bus or jeepney to Carmen and ask the driver to drop you off near the Chocolate Hills viewpoint. You can also sign up for tours that include the Chocolate Hills in their itinerary.

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