Panglao to the Wilds of Bohol

After a hearty early morning breakfast, we traded Panglao’s sunny coast for Bohol’s wild, green interior in our rented pickup. Our first destination was directly to the Man-Made Forest, bypassing the Loboc River cruise, which we intend to visit for Lunch.

Driving into the long stretch was like entering a living tunnel; towering mahogany trees completely shaded the road, offering an immediate and amazing rush of cool, fresh air. The heavy, yet profoundly calming, silence of the greenery surrounds us.

The Tiniest, Most Sensitive Celebrities

Next on our inland journey, we met the island’s tiniest and most delicate celebrities: the Philippine Tarsiers. Perched quietly on low branches in their protected sanctuary, these minuscule primates were captivating; their bodies, no bigger than a human palm, seemed dwarfed by their impossibly large, round eyes, which held a disconcerting depth and ancient wisdom. However, admiring these creatures requires deep respect and caution, as they are acutely sensitive in nature. Visitors must maintain the necessary distance and observe strict silence, for any loud noise or sudden movement can cause them immense stress.

Critically, flash photography is strictly forbidden; tarsiers are known to become so distressed when startled that they may commit suicide by banging their tiny heads against hard surfaces. Though unbelievably cute, they must be admired only from afar, ensuring their fragile peace is never disturbed for the sake of a photo or closer look.

The Majestic Chocolate Hills

But nothing, not even the tarsiers, truly prepared me for the magnificent, panoramic view from the Chocolate Hills in Carmen. This iconic landscape is Bohol’s most famous attraction and holds the esteemed distinction of being a UNESCO Heritage Site.

All service cars can be parked down the hill, except for the tourist van and coaster. The Local Government Unit (LGU) provides a shuttle lift to the middle of the hill for visitors using private vehicles. From there, the real effort begins, a sharp incline staircase climb that will truly test your legs and breathing.

Yet, reaching the summit removes all feeling of exertion, replacing it instantly with appreciation for the complete scale and symmetrical beauty of the hills below. This is, without a doubt, a place you must visit at least once on any trip to Bohol.

Standing at the viewing deck, the sight is almost unreal: perfectly rounded hills stretch far into the horizon, each one a unique shape. They earn their name because, during the dry summer months, the grass dries up, turning them a rich, cocoa-brown hue, an endless feast of ‘chocolate kisses.’

River Fiesta on the Loboc Cruise

After being filled with wonder at the grand display of the Chocolate Hills, we made our way back, stopping at the planned midday destination: the Loboc River Cruise for lunch.

We were greeted by wooden signage under a bridge where several floating restaurants were docked. The theme was set for a fiesta: the middle section of our boat was loaded with an unlimited Filipino buffet, mostly BBQ, allowing us to take as much food as we wanted while the boat slowly sailed its gentle journey.

The river unfolded before us, a vast, refreshing stretch of green, and thick nipa trees lined the banks. The experience was made truly relaxing by onboard entertainers who serenaded us with lively singing and dancing as we navigated the beautiful, lush riverbanks toward an inner village.

The cruise makes a cultural stop at the Ati Tribe performance area. Dancers welcomed the boats with traditional music and captivating movement. I chose to remain on the floating restaurant, content to observe the vibrant performance and energy from a respectful distance.

Leaving the river, I felt a deep appreciation for the mainland. The Carmen side of Bohol was distinctly different from the refined coast of Panglao, it felt less polished and more raw. It had been a full day of trees, hills, quiet rivers, and tiny, precious creatures, all stitched together into one profoundly unforgettable Bohol mainland adventure.

Check out my Panglao escape too!

Bohol Countryside Tour Helpful Information

Attraction/Service	Estimated Price (Per Person)	Notes on the Fee
Pickup Truck Rental (1 Day)	₱2,000 – ₱3,000+	Pickup rental without driver and fuel from Tagbilaran. Daily SUV costs around ₱2,000 to ₱3,500.
Chocolate Hills Complex	₱50 (Entrance Fee)
Loboc River Cruise & Lunch Buffet	₱450	This covers the floating restaurant ride and the unlimited Filipino lunch buffet.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary	₱60 (Entrance Fee)
Bilar Man-Made Forest	₱0 (Free)	This is a roadside attraction, so there is no formal entrance fee.