While most tourists visit the famous Chocolate Hills, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences in Bohol that are not commonly known to many visitors. Aside from the beaches and waterfalls, we listed the best and most unique experiences in Bohol for adventure-seeking travelers.
1. Freediving
Photo: @diver.junchi via Instagram
Bohol has spectacular underwater scenery and biodiversity. Dive spots around the island can bring divers to breathtaking marine life like turtles, corals, and even whale sharks. If you prefer freediving or apnea diving, where you dive on a single breath, there are training courses offered by numerous dive shops located on Panglao Island.
Tourists can take professional AIDA (Association for the Development of Apnea) Courses from beginner up to instructor level. Divers can discover a whole new underwater experience by taking these courses, which help condition your body for freediving and teach essential skills for breath-hold diving like breathing, duck diving, finning, buddying, and other safety techniques.
2. Bungee Jumping in Danao
Photo: Danao Adventure Park
If freediving isn’t something you’re keen on experiencing, perhaps you’d enjoy free-falling 75 meters in four seconds over a bridge. Known as “The Plunge,” this bungee-jumping experience starts from the bridge or the launch deck 200 meters above the canyon floor. The drop is a 75-meter (240 feet) free fall, then swinging the brave tourist across the cliff like a pendulum. The rope is known to carry around 5000 kilograms, so daring tourists have nothing to worry about.
The instructors will help fasten the tourist and coach them on what to do in preparation for the drop. This thrilling plunge is among Danao’s most popular, exhilarating, and unique experiences.
Related Article: Awesome Sights and Thrills at Danao Adventure Park
3. ATV Trails
Photo: Graham’s ATV & Bugcar Rental
The ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Trails is another unique experience for tourists who want to enjoy the spectacular hills of Bohol in a 4-wheeler. One of the most tourist-friendly ATV tours is located in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol. This tour takes you to all the island’s highlights, including the Chocolate Hills, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, the Loboc River, and the man-made forest.
Before the tour, tourists will be briefed on how to control the ATV and the safety protocols. Anyone looking to ride without a guide can also opt to drive a motorbike alone.
4. SUP Tour – Loboc
Photo: SUP Tours Philippines
Tourists can journey down the Loboc River through SUP or Stand-Up paddleboarding. Stand on a board and navigate through the area’s jungle and waterfalls. If you choose to paddleboard at night, there are often fireflies to help light up your path, adding to the charm of the experience.
Travelers can book a tour with SUP Tours Philippines or the Loboc River Watersports. These groups will provide you with the gear, including the paddleboard, paddles, and life jackets. Additionally, they will train you how to paddle, mount, and other skills needed for a successful paddleboarding experience. They also provide the famous lunch offered in this part of Bohol.
5. Chocolate Hills Camping
Photo: @johnnyferniz via Instagram
For the ones who love the outdoors, there’s only one way to fully immerse in the wonders of the Chocolate Hills; through camping. There are a few well-known tourist groups that offer this type of experience.
One good example is The Regenesis Project from Carmen, a group initiative that provides an immersive camping adventure that aims to give back to the environment. The Regenesis Group also hosts special camping events that welcome anyone who wants to participate, focusing on different themes, such as physical activity and restoring nature’s beauty. Alternatively, interested campers may book The Regenesis Project’s camping grounds for a private camp experience.
Alternatively, Mayana Highland Cafe, located just above MUSFA Mayana Organic Farm, is a glamping area famous in Bohol for strawberry picking. They also provide tents and carpets for their guests.
Meanwile, The Acacia Glamping Park is also a popular site where tourists can camp and experience sleeping underneath the stars. They have Tuareg tents, beds, and even toilet amenities.
6. Firefly Watching
Have an enchanting night at Bohol by witnessing hundreds, if not thousands, of fireflies illuminating the rivers in colorful hues.
Tour cruises along the waterways of Abatan or Loay River offer this journey, where tourists can travel along the mangrove river on a traditional wooden boat and watch the fireflies appear along the riverbank. Loud noises may scare the fireflies, so guides may advise the tourists to minimize talking.
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