Bohol Countryside Tour: An Expert Review & Guide

If you are thinking about visiting the Philippines, you just might want to think about Bohol; very often missed but incredibly captivating. So, this province packs a punch with attractions. The Bohol Countryside Private Day Tour is a terrific way, in my view, to get a generous taste of what this island has to offer. We are talking history, natural wonders, and maybe a bit of wildlife interaction, all smoothed into one convenient package.

Why Choose a Private Tour in Bohol, Anyway?

Group tours are ok. However, it’s really hard to deny the personalized touch and flexibility of a private tour. That said, you are in control, see? Want to spend a little longer at the Chocolate Hills? A private tour gives you just that freedom, so it seems.

A guide is only yours and that means a much deeper engagement with the history and the stories behind each place. You might have noticed that the pace can be relaxed. There’s really no pressure to keep up with a crowd or stick to a fixed timetable. Pretty nice, isn’t it? Plus, traveling in your group allows for more spontaneous stops or detours, actually discovering hidden gems not listed on any itinerary, too.

Chocolate Hills: Nature’s Kiss

These are probably Bohol’s most famous attraction. So, the Chocolate Hills are just these fascinating geological formations, and there’s something that makes them extra cool when the dry season rolls around. That said, the grass turns chocolatey-brown, giving them a rather striking name.

What I like to recommend is the main viewpoint in Carmen. That is really great because it gives you these panoramic views, almost stretching as far as the eye can see. Very, very cool. When it comes to the legend, they do vary, however a local one mentions giants throwing stones at each other which then transformed into the hills.

Seeing those hills laid out like giant chocolate drops – yeah, it’s very photogenic. In fact, try and go early in the morning, maybe when the light is soft; so, it brings out those curves and contours and everything.

Tarsier Sanctuary: Meeting Tiny Creatures

The Philippine tarsier happens to be one of the smallest primates on the planet. Visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary could be both fascinating and essential. So, this is due to conservation. These little ones are incredibly sensitive creatures, thus prone to stress from noise and handling.

At the sanctuary, it’s nearly important to keep noise levels to a minimum. Flash photography should be avoided to protect their huge, sensitive eyes, alright? Tarsiers, they have this rather fascinating appeal because they’re nocturnal, and just seem to cling to branches with a rather mournful gaze. Actually, seeing them in their somewhat natural habitat brings just such a respect for biodiversity, it’s very cool.

When you book with a reputable tour, very often they have solid relationships with conservationists, so that contributes a little to responsible tourism, very neat.

Loboc River Cruise: Floating Down Serenity

One of my favorites, the Loboc River Cruise; it involves a trip down the emerald-green waters of the Loboc River on a floating restaurant. Very unique experience if you were asking me.

While on board, that is, you will get some local Filipino dishes while being serenaded by local musicians. The food varies from grilled seafood to classic chicken adobo, so very Filipino and filling. Very often the cruise stops at a local village. Guests get a brief cultural performance where kids sing and dance traditional folk dances.

That the environment is lush adds to the relaxation element; actually you just slide down the river with those sounds of nature. This experience tends to be peaceful, with this sense that you are separated from the tourist crowds. The way I see it, you support the local economy too, as the cruise involves many villagers and performers, see?

Baclayon Church: A Glimpse into History

For any visitor with any interest in culture, the Baclayon Church is, arguably, worth visiting because it showcases Spanish colonial history.

The church happens to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. If you observe closely you might be interested in the architecture with Baroque elements. You will, just so you know, see religious artifacts and relics. Some were centuries old. I think it’s very neat to walk the old halls; actually trying to feel all those stories behind those stone walls, so ancient it seems.

In recent years, earthquakes have, unfortunately, damaged parts of the church, so it’s probably good to see it, still, and maybe, thus, to contribute a little to its preservation via tourism.

Man-Made Forest: An Uncommon Touch

The Bohol Man-Made Forest is slightly unusual. As the name implies, this is a forest planted by people.

Driving through this forest, you know, it gives you a strong awareness for reforestation and ecological conservation, so there are those rows of these tall, even trees on both sides, making a kind of natural tunnel; it really feels as though there’s a coolness.

For all those nature enthusiasts this forest delivers. I like that there is an awareness when it comes to balancing any impact; there are usually spots for photographers too to make those great images for Instagram and whatnot. It gives this distinct background to many shots, see?

What to Expect from the Tour, Maybe?

You’d probably want to factor in travel time of approximately 8 hours when it comes to any Bohol Countryside Private Day Tour. You may as well know about the fact that hotel pick-up/drop-off will more than likely be factored in as well. Tour guides will probably communicate very fluently in English so that interactions become easy. Lunch would also be included as you float, basically, down the Loboc River.

You’ll need some money to purchase the odd souvenir. Keep in mind that entrance fees can vary by the destination. That said, it is advisable that one should ask tour operators directly when it comes to detailed inclusion.

What to Bring and What to Wear

I find dressing comfortably helps. With breathable clothing and shoes ideal for walking, I’m ready to see sights. Maybe bring your swimwear for the Loboc River trip. And there are also those spots where it tends to get wet.

You’ll most likely want sunscreen, and some insect repellent, and, you know, a camera. Just so you capture things, the sun shines strongly in the Philippines, obviously. Keeping hydrated by packing water or buying it could be useful.

Responsible Travel Tips for Bohol

Just remember. Respect local customs and traditions so as not to cause a culture shock.

Support local businesses, probably by purchasing handicrafts; that boosts the community.

Reducing plastic waste goes a pretty long way, alright? A refillable water bottle just goes a long way for sure. When it comes to observing the Tarsier, always keep any noise levels quite low; so, it does no harm.

Booking Your Tour: Some Steps To Follow

I always advise checking various online travel agencies in any comparison exercise. I personally like to consider prices, reviews and itineraries.

Confirmation of the fact that a tour provider maintains any positive reviews could prove useful, right?

When you go directly via any local operator, so this happens often, that should support local community engagement.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You, Too?

The Bohol Countryside Private Day Tour appears as though it’s a handy intro to some top destinations if you are considering convenience.

A range of tourists probably stand to appreciate seeing this landscape – probably ones new to Bohol. With just those custom itineraries, such tours suit solo travellers. They fit family travellers and keen photographers too.

Very often you get people who desire immersion and control over travel arrangements to visit.