A Day in Bohol: Countryside Tour with Abraham Tours
We booked a Countryside Wonders of Bohol tour through Abraham Tours, and it turned out to be one of those days that felt both packed and peaceful, adventurous and slow. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes exploring without the stress of planning every stop, this tour is for you.
Planning a trip to Bohol
How to Get to Bohol
✈️ Getting to Bohol by Air:
The easiest way to reach Bohol is by flying into Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG). There are direct flights from Seoul, Busan, Manila, El Nido, Iloilo, Davao, and Clark. Some routes have limited schedules, so it’s a good idea to check ahead before planning your trip!
⛴️ By Ferry from Cebu:
If you’re coming from Cebu, you can take a fast ferry from Pier 1 to Tagbilaran Port, which takes about 2 hours; companies like OceanJet, SuperCat, and Weesam Express operate daily trips, and it’s smart to book online during weekends or holidays.
Best Time to Visit Bohol:
The dry season from December to May offers sunny skies and calm seas. It is a perfect time for exploring; if you’re okay with occasional rain, the off-season (June to November) is quieter and still beautiful.
Money Tips:
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP); cards are accepted in cities, but rural areas and local shops are often cash-only, so it’s best to withdraw money in advance and carry smaller bills for transportation, tips, and local stores.
ATMs are available on the island, so you won’t have to worry about withdrawing cash.
Basic Phrases & Languages
People in Bohol are friendly and helpful and while many speak English, locals primarily speak Bisaya (Cebuano).
Here are a few phrases that might come in handy:
- “Maayong buntag” – Good morning
- “Salamat” – Thank you
- “Tagpila ni?” – How much is this?
- “Asa ang CR?” – Where’s the bathroom?
Even just trying to say a few words in Bisaya will earn you smiles.
Safety:
Bohol is generally safe for travelers, including solo travelers, but it’s always smart to take basic precautions—avoid flashing valuables, lock your doors and windows, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas or ports. If you’re booking tours or water activities, go with reputable operators like Abraham Tours, known for their organization and responsiveness.
Visa:
Most nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, as long as your passport is valid for at least six months and you have a return or onward ticket.
If you’re unsure about requirements, check with your local embassy before traveling.
Transport:
To get around Bohol, you can use tricycles for short trips, rent a motorbike if you’re confident riding, or hire vans and private cars for tours or longer transfers.
Klook.comWhere to Stay in Bohol?
If you’re heading to Bohol and still figuring out where to stay, I highly recommend Abraham Bohol Resort in Panglao. It’s where I stayed, and honestly, I loved it. Super chill vibes, comfy rooms, and they cater to all kinds of travelers, whether you’re solo, with a partner, or on a family trip.
They’ve got bunk beds for backpackers, and private rooms if you want a bit more space. I stayed in a private room and it had everything I needed: air-conditioning, a clean bathroom, and a little terrace overlooking the garden. There’s also a fridge, a desk if you need to work, and reliable WiFi (very important for me as I work online).
Dining & Leisure:
One of my favorite things? The on-site restaurant. They serve a mix of American and Mediterranean food, and everything I tried was pretty good!
There’s also a bar, a nice outdoor pool, yoga classes, and even live music some nights. It’s the kind of place where you can just be, with no pressure to rush around.
Scuba Diving:
If scuba diving is on your bucket list, you’re in luck! Scuba Kings Academy is located right inside the resort. You can easily sign up for lessons or dives without even leaving the property. Super convenient if you’re curious about exploring Bohol’s underwater world. I did my Open Water Experience with them!
ATM on Site:
Another thing I really appreciated: there’s an ATM right at the resort. Total lifesaver. No need to hunt down a machine in town when you run out of cash especially handy for trike rides, tips, or local markets.
THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
We booked the Countryside Tour with Abraham Tours and honestly, it was such a good call. The tour costs ₱2,700, which might seem like a lot for a day trip but trust me it’s worth every peso. You get to see all the highlights in one go and everything is taken care of. No stress, no getting lost, just show up and enjoy.
Also, big shoutout to Abraham Tours for being so organized. They send updates via WhatsApp and email, which was super helpful especially when you’re in vacation mode and can’t remember what day it is. 😂
What to Pack:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof bags
- Mosquito repellant
- Extra clothes (just in case you need to change)
Here’s a quick look at what’s included in the tour, plus some fun facts about each stop:
Baclayon Church
It is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines, built in the 1600s. The church is made of coral stone, cemented together using the whites of over a million eggs.
It survived several earthquakes and still stands strong, making it a beautiful piece of history to explore.
NOTE: If you want to go inside, wear modest clothing (sleeved shirts and long shorts or pants).
Asin Tibuok
Asin Tibuok is an ancient Filipino salt-making tradition from Alburquerque, Bohol, and it’s now very rare. It’s made using a slow, labor-intensive process that takes months.
Coconut husks are soaked in seawater, dried, and then burned while seawater is poured over the fire. This creates salty ashes, which are turned into a super-concentrated brine. The brine is boiled in clay pots for hours until it forms a solid, smoky salt ball that weighs about a kilo.
To use it, just crack or grate a piece and sprinkle it on food. It has a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that’s so different from regular salt.
Watching it in real life made me think about how many beautiful things we forget in the age of convenience.
Tarsier Sanctuary
We visited the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella, Bohol, and it was honestly one of the most peaceful parts of our countryside tour. The sanctuary is run by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a nonprofit based in Tagbilaran City. It’s a private initiative but is supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
It’s home to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. These tiny creatures are about the size of your hand, have huge eyes, and can rotate their heads almost 180 degrees. They’re super shy, so the sanctuary keeps things really calm and quiet (which I loved).
We moved slowly through the sanctuary, whispering and just watching them in their natural habitat. It felt like a quiet pause in the middle of an adventure-packed day.
Tarsier Sanctuary Etiquette:
🫢 Keep quiet – Tarsiers get stressed easily by noise
📸 No flash – Their eyes are super sensitive to light
🚫 No touching – They’re wild, fragile, and should never be held
🚶♀️ Stay on the path – Don’t wander or disturb their space
👀 Observe from a distance – Let them do their thing
🌱 Respect nature – No littering, no picking plants
This stop was a gentle reminder of how amazing (and vulnerable) our wildlife really is.
Loboc River
Loboc River is famous for its river cruise where you enjoy a buffet lunch on a floating restaurant. The river is surrounded by lush jungle, and local performers often serenade you with traditional music as you glide along. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a must-experience when you’re in Bohol.
On our tour, we had the option to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking, which was such a nice surprise. My husband chose a small boat (bangka) instead, and we had so much fun just floating along, laughing, and taking in the view.
After the river activity, we were treated to an amazing lunch. It was fresh, tasty, and just what we needed after a morning of exploring. We also had a great time chatting with others on the tour. It’s always nice to meet new people and share stories along the way!
Man-Made Forest
Driving through the Man-Made Forest feels like entering a tunnel of trees. It’s a dense stretch filled with tall mahogany trees planted by locals decades ago. The cool air, the shade, and the greenery make it perfect for a quick stop and some photos.
📸 Quick reminder: This spot is along the main road, so please be careful when taking pictures.
Chocolate Hills
You can’t visit Bohol without seeing the Chocolate Hills. With over 1,200 cone-shaped hills, this natural wonder got its name because the grass turns brown during the dry season, making them look like giant chocolate drops.
They have a 360-degree viewing deck, which you need to climb 225 steps to reach.
The Chocolate Hills are also part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, thanks to their unique geological formation. They’re not yet a World Heritage Site, but they’re on UNESCO’s Tentative List.
Souvenir Shops
Before wrapping up the day, we stopped by some local souvenir shops. It’s a great way to support local artisans and grab a few keepsakes plus some yummy snacks too.
This tour was a full-day experience, but it never felt rushed. Each stop had its own vibe and together, they told a quiet, lovely story of Bohol’s countryside. If you only have a day to explore the island, let it be this one.
Watch our vlog!
Note: Thank you to Abraham Tours for sponsoring this tour. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.
My Travel Faves!
🌎 Safetywing: For travel insurance
✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals
🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels
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☀️ Klook: For tours and activities
📷 Canon G7X Mark II: My travel camera
🧳 Luggage: My favorite luggage
