Visit Bohol & Panglao Island, Philippines

Bohol, located east of Cebu, is an island province that is naturally beautiful and historically rich. Its capital city, Tagbilaran, is found in the southwest of the island and has pretty tree-lined plazas and historic stone buildings, including a church built by the Jesuits in the 18th century.

The province has gained a reputation for offering some of the best beaches in the country. Along its coastline are numerous small isles, including Panglao, Cabilao, Mahinay and Lapinpin, which are excellent diving spots. Bohol is also famous for its unusual landscape, specifically the Chocolate Hills — mounds of limestone formations left over from coral reefs during the Ice Age which turn brown during the summer; although you may hear of a few legendary tales as to how the hills were formed. Nature lovers will want to look out for the delightful Philippine tarsier monkey — one of the world's smallest primates — which is indigenous to the island. Scattered around the island are numerous waterfalls and caves, including the Mag-Aso Falls in Antequera. 'Mag-Aso' means 'smoke' in the native tongue, referring to the mist that the water creates on humid mornings.

To get to Bohol you can fly to Tagbilaran airport from Manila or Cebu, or catch the ferry from Cebu. Panglao Island is a nature reserve, reached by road bridge from Bohol. This is where our favorite hotels are located, and it is easy to arrange day trips from here.