Bohol
Home to the famous
Chocolate Hills
Bohol is the 10th largest of the Philippines’ 7,641 islands. This island-province is made up of 47 towns and 75 component islands strewn about it. There is an abundance of sightseeing here which proves much to do while you are on vacation.
Bohol is well known for its famous Chocolate Hills. They are named this way because the grass covering the limestone hills turns a shade of brown during the dry season, thus giving them their name. These formations can be seen two ways: on land, by climbing the highest point, or by air through air tours.
The island is full of pristine white beaches and dive sites that allow for exploration of the rich marine life. You can have many exciting jungle adventures on land, visit a bee farm and explore history with the colonial stone churches.
Bohol is a place where the local culture is expressed in their music, dances, visual arts, and theater.
- Bohol-Panglao International Airport opened in late 2018 and is now a global travel route.
- Bohol can be reached from nearby Cebu City and Dumaguete City via seafaring fast crafts and slow boats from Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao.
- In Bohol, you can hop on jeepneys, tricycles, for-hire vans, and taxis. The local form of travel is a habal-habal motor-taxi, where passengers ride in the backseat of a motorbike.
- Be sure to carry Philippine pesos.
- Explore the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Spread out over 50 kilometers, the hundreds of green mountainous hills that litter the landscape are unique.
- Spend time on some of the world’s best beaches, which are home to many water sport activities.
- Go diving in Panglao, Cabilao, and Balicasag Islands, and explore the underwater marine life, including unique species of corals and nudibranchs in Anda town.
- Chase hundreds of spinner dolphins in Pamilacan Island as early as 5 o’clock in the morning and head to Balicasag Island for snorkeling, swimming, and a seafood lunch.
- Visit the Blood Compact Commemorative Shrine, a historical landmark that memorializes the friendship between a Spanish explorer and a local Chieftain.
- Go for a river cruise with lunch at Loboc River, a floating restaurant that looks like a giant house, complete with a roof and dining room. You’ll be serenaded by local musicians and entertained by local dancers or performers.
- Fly through the jungle on an exhilarating high-speed bike-zipline over the jungle and river, providing an amazing view of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park.
- Enjoy the white-sand beaches in Panglao Island (Alona Beach, South Palm/Bohol Beach Club)…
- Bohol Habitat Conservation Conservatory contains a deep collection of natural beauty, flowers, and animal cultures, such as birds, butterflies, spiders, and various insects.
- The Cabagnon Cave pool is known as the most impressive of many such cave pools on the island. This one contains a deep pool of clear blue water, perfect for swimming.
- The Dimiao Twin Falls (known as Pahangog Falls) are the best waterfalls on the island.
- The Tarsiers (known as mamag) are the endangered species protected inside of Bohol’s Tarsier Conservatory. These tiny and cute primates fit right in the palm of your hand.
- The Cathedral of San Jose is the largest and most visited church in the city, where locals go during the week and particularly on Sundays for mass.
- Quinale Beach contains so much rich life, including starfish, which are scattered everywhere.
- Bohol’s rice terraces sprawling flat plains with bright green colors.
- Cebu Lechon is roasted young pig that is stuffed with spring onions, lemongrass and various herbs.
- Try some ice cream made with ube, a purple yam root vegetable that makes this dessert denser and more full bodied.
- Flower salad, which is available at the Bohol Bee Farm, is made with the indigenous flowers gumamela, bougainville and cosmos.
- Gerarda’s Family Restaurant is one of the island’s busiest and well-known places to eat. They serve Filipino dishes with a twist.
- Bohol Bee Farm’s Buzzz Cafe serves dishes made with only fresh and organic ingredients. Try their uniquely-flavored ice creams made from coconut and carabao’s milk, served in a cassava cone. The farmers here offer lectures about organic farming.
- Antequera is home to thousands of weavers in the basket-making industry. It is a 30-minute drive west of Tagbilaran City.
- Bohol is the heartland of the weaving industry, and you can find excellent basketry made with fine craftsmanship.
- Bohol Quality Mall has the most to offer in terms of a Filipino experience. Known locally as BQ Mall, this modern and air-conditioned shopping center has restaurants, clothing boutiques, and bargain outlets.
- Island City Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Bohol. This is a popular place for families, and here you can find a large selection of products, including clothing, books, and gadgets.
- Bohol island has many shops selling local desserts, baked goods, and items like peanut kisses, dried mangos, and pineapple.
- The Bohol Bee Farm sells sustainable local handicrafts, food delicacies, and souvenirs.
HOW TO GET HERE
- Option 1: Fly from Canada (One-stop from Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ) to Tagbilaran (TAG) via Philippine Airlines, Air Canada, as well as US, Asian and European airlines.
- Option 2: Layover in Manila, Cebu, or Clark (Philippines) or Asian countries like Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan and others. Then, fly from Manila (MNL) to Bohol(TAG)
ITINERARY
Vigan Loag
Coming Soon
Banaue Sagada
SEE THE BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF BANAUE AND SAGADA
Get ready to traverse mountains at Banaue and Sagada, where two stunning destinations await you: the UNESCO World Heritage – listed
Banaue Rice Terraces, said by legend to have been made as a stairway to the heavens, and the charming mountain town of
Sagada, home to the hanging coffins and burial caves. This chilly part of the Philippines will make you forget our tropical climate for a while; have your thermal.
Manila
Embrace Manila’s Old-World Charm
Experience the colorful fusion of history and modern Filipino life in the bustling financial, economic, commercial and natonal capital of the Philippines. It is the best start-off point to getting anywhere in the country, and a great introducton to the naton’s historical roots.
Boracay
CHASE THE SUNSETS OF BORACAY
Not only a beach capital but also a cultural experience, the most-visited island in the Philippines is only four miles long and two miles wide, but bury your feet in its
powder-fine white sand beaches, swim in the crystalline blue waters, try a watersport and explore the whole strip of it and find out why everyone who’s ever gone
to Boracay would want to visit again and again.
Palawan
ADMIRE NATURE’S HANDIWORK IN PALAWAN
Accessible only from Manila or Cebu and not from island to island, Palawan is an elongated island you should not miss. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush forests, breathtaking views, spectacular beaches and stunning marine wildlife under its belt, it’s no surprise that everyone says the islands of Palawan have the makings of an adventure like no other. Choose one of these three main islands of Palawan and get your sunscreen, swimsuits, and stamina ready: you’ve never seen the water this blue.
El Nido
Puerto Princesa
Coron
Cebu
LIVE LIKE LOCALS IN CEBU
Right in the middle of Visayas is Cebu, the second interna9onal gateway to the Philippines. Culturally and biologically rich, it is the
country’s secondary. Although more popular as a diving and snorkeling site, Cebu is an exci9ng place to experience authentic Filipino
culture and everyday life.
Bohol
Coming Soon
Siargao
SECRETS OF SIARGAO
Experience the best of both worlds in the Philippine’s largest city outside of Metro Manila and Luzon. Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and feel at ease at the some of the most popular amenities Davao has to offer. Get a taste of the freshest produce on the island, as it is known for being the leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.
Day Two
| ISLAND HOPPING | Explore and join the amazing Island Hopping Activity to visit the famous 3 islands,Daku, Guyam, and Naked Island! You’ll have a van transfer (roundtrip) to General Luna’s Boulevard where your boat awaits you. Also included is bottled water, towels, a personal butler, and a picnic lunch will be provided in one of the island stops. Naked Island fits the description of this beach destination; fine white sand and cool clear waters. It got its name because of its “nakedness”; there’s no shade or almost anything on the island. This very minimalist island is only a few minutes away by boat from General Luna. It has a small sandbar and about 100 meters of sand. Daku Island is the biggest in the trio and has fine bone-white sand, emerald waters, and swaying coconut trees; all of which make it the perfect spot for lunch. It also has a barangay with friendly locals. Explore the palms, and enjoy your picnic lunch with grilled chicken, adobo, mango, pineapple, salad, and drinks. Guyam Island may be small, but its picturesque beachscape, shallow waters, and tropical paradise appeal more than make up for it. Smiling ladies with a small box will greet you and cheerfully let you know there’s a fee once you set foot on the island, however your entrance fees are covered. It’s small, and one can easily walk from one side of the island to the other, weaving through the 100 coconut palms. The water around the island is crystal clear, however a big reef surrounds the entire island. (Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Siargao) |
Day Three
| Tour | FREE DAY IN SIARGAO Today is a free day to explore Siargao on your own. There are plenty of surfing schools and places to rent boards so newbies can join in, too, and the crystal clear water also provides the perfect place to try paddle boarding or snorkeling. In addition there are lagoons, caves, sand bars, coral reefs, bizarre rock formations, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and a large mangrove forest reserve to discover. |
Day Four
MAGPUPUNGKO ROCK POOLS
Today you’ll have a tour to Magpupungko Rock Pools, and you’ll have the opportunity to swim with the beautiful underwater life. Part of the attraction is the imposing Magpupungko rock: a huge boulder that serves as the place’s natural monument. Separated from the ocean by a large reef, the water is incredibly clear in all shades of blue, green and everything between. During low tide, the receding coastline reveals natural pools perfect for some leisurely swimming*. Think of it as an all-natural infinity pool. * It’s recommended to check with the hotel staff first as the tour has tidal restrictions and time, as the pools only appears during low tide
Day Five
Departure:
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to say good-bye. You’ll have a shared transfer to the airport, and on to your next Avanti Destination!
Davao
ECO-ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
Experience the best of both worlds in the Philippine’s largest city outside of Metro Manila and Luzon.
Immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature and feel at ease at the some of the most popular amenities Davao has to offer.
Get a taste of the freshest produce on the island, as it is known for being the leading exporter of fruits such as mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, coconut products, pineapples, papayas, mangosteens and cacao.
Day Two
| Tour | Hijo Resorts and Madaum River Gear up for a Banana Plantation Tour in Hijo Resorts, located in the north of Davao Region. It is recognized as one of the oldest banana and coconut plantations in the country. Admired for its sprawling beach, vast river, lush forest and plantation, the resort is an ideal getaway for those who love being around nature and seek to preserve it in the most delightful way possible. Feel free to relax, sunbathe, swim or snorkel.For young adventurers at heart, you’ll be challenged by locals for a walk across the hanging bridges and forest trails in the area. Go on a scenic cruise on the Madaum River and enjoy its breathtaking scenery. Engulf a sumptuous lunch featuring famous cuisine of the region at the beachfront. Eat freshly picked fruits and vegetables harvested from their nearby garden. And watch a highly anticipated cultural show brimming with talented singers and dancers from local schools, as the highlight of the whole day tour. You will return to the City of Davao late in the afternoon. |
Day Three
| Tour | Davao CityYou will be given a brief announcement of what Davao has in store for you in the afternoon. If you’re brave enough to enter the Crocodile Park, they’ll introduce you to Pangil, the 2nd largest crocodile in captivity and Buloy, the friendly 15-foot python. A few minutes walk from the park is Tribung K’Mindanawan, where it showcases our rich cultural heritage and replicas of different tribal houses in the region. Chow down on the local fruits of Davao such as pomelo, mangosteen, marang, and dare take a whiff of the Durian, the world’s smelliest fruit. Don’t want the smell to rub off on you? No worries, you can settle for the candies at the Durian Candy Factory or take a sip of Durian Flavored Cappuccino. Head over to the wonderful view of Davao from the top of the Shrine hill at the Holy Infant Jesus and at the Jack’s Ridge. Don’t forget to check out Museo Dabawenyo, where it houses a rich collection of Davao’s history through finely displayed galleries, and purchase some of the coolest souvenirs available at the Aldevinco Souvenir Shop. Take pleasure in having lunch at a nearby restaurant. And have some needed R&R at the hotel. |
Day Four
Departure:
Check-out and depart from Davao homeward, or to another exciting Philippine destination.
Note:
Rates available upon request.
Refer to list of hotel options*
Recognized by the World Travel Awards as Asia’s leading beach destination in 2020 and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2019 and 2020
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ITINERARIES
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