Bohol’s Natural Treasures: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and Forest Escape

About this tour

Introduction

Experience the essence of Bohol on this immersive day tour that highlights the island’s most iconic destinations. Begin your adventure at the world-renowned Chocolate Hills, a unique geological formation with over 1,200 cone-shaped mounds. Marvel at their transformation during the dry season when the grass turns a rich chocolate brown, lending the hills their name. Then, journey through the tranquil Bilar Man-Made Forest, a lush canopy of mahogany trees planted as part of a reforestation initiative, offering cool, refreshing air and picture-perfect moments. Conclude your day at the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter the enchanting tarsiers, the world’s smallest primates, and learn about their behavior and conservation. Along the way, indulge in a farm-to-table organic lunch at the acclaimed Bohol Bee Farm, blending sustainability with unforgettable flavors. This tour is the perfect mix of nature, wildlife, and cultural wonder.

Itinerary with Detailed Highlights

8:00 AM – Departure from Panglao or Tagbilaran
Your day begins with a comfortable ride through Bohol’s scenic countryside. Enjoy glimpses of traditional nipa huts, rice fields, and local life as you make your way to your first stop.

9:00 AM – Chocolate Hills Viewpoint

• What You’ll See: The Chocolate Hills are a geological marvel formed by weathered limestone. These symmetrical mounds, covered in grass, turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant chocolate drops.
• Why It’s Special: The hills are unique to Bohol and have become a national symbol of the island. Their unusual formation has sparked local legends, including tales of giants and heartbreak.
• Key Features:
  • Climb the viewing deck in Carmen to take in a panoramic view of the hills stretching to the horizon.
  • Learn about the hills’ origins and cultural significance from your guide.
  • Perfect for photography and capturing the scale and beauty of this natural phenomenon.
• Activity Time: 1 hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the viewpoint.

10:30 AM – Bilar Man-Made Forest

• What You’ll See: A 2-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees planted in the 1960s, creating a dense forest canopy. The forest was part of a successful reforestation project, now one of Bohol’s most scenic attractions.
• Why It’s Special: The trees’ uniform height and spacing create a tunnel-like effect, offering a sense of peace and tranquility. The area is also home to small wildlife like birds and butterflies.
• Key Features:
  • Short walks under the towering trees to enjoy the cool, shaded environment.
  • Take stunning photos of the sunlit pathways framed by the symmetrical tree lines.
  • Listen to the gentle rustling of leaves, adding to the serene ambiance.
• Activity Time: 30 minutes.

11:30 AM – Bohol Bee Farm for Lunch

• What You’ll Experience: The Bohol Bee Farm is a must-visit for food lovers and those interested in sustainable farming. Set on a picturesque cliffside, the farm offers breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea.
• Why It’s Special: This eco-friendly restaurant sources fresh, organic ingredients directly from its gardens and nearby farms.
• Key Features:
  • Try signature dishes such as honey-glazed chicken, garden salads with edible flowers, and homemade cassava ice cream.
  • Learn about the farm’s practices, including honey production and organic vegetable cultivation.
  • Relax in the open-air dining area with stunning ocean views.
• Lunch Duration: 1 hour.

1:00 PM – Tarsier Sanctuary

• What You’ll See: The Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is a conservation-focused habitat for tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates, known for their wide, expressive eyes and nocturnal habits.
• Why It’s Special: The sanctuary ensures that visitors can observe tarsiers without disturbing their natural behavior, adhering to strict eco-tourism practices.
• Key Features:
  • Observe tarsiers clinging to tree branches or hiding among leaves during the day.
  • Learn about their unique traits, such as their ability to rotate their heads 180 degrees and leap great distances despite their size.
  • Understand the challenges of conserving these fragile creatures, whose populations are threatened by habitat loss.
  • Explore the serene, forested sanctuary trails guided by knowledgeable staff.
• Activity Time: 1 hour.

2:30 PM – Return to Panglao or Tagbilaran
Relax and reflect on your day’s adventures during the ride back. Take in the views of the countryside as your guide shares more stories about Bohol’s culture and history.

3:00 PM – Tour Ends
Arrive back at your starting point with photos, memories, and a newfound appreciation for Bohol’s wonders.