The island’s historicity dates all the way back to the Tang Dynasty era when Bohol already had established trade and cultural ties with Chinese naval merchants before it became one of the first Spanish settlements in the country.  In fact, local museums and centuries old churches house artifacts that attest to the island’s rich history. Another site of great historic importance in Bohol is the shrine of the 1565 blood pact between Bohol Chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish Explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Every year, the Sandugo Festival marks the day in July when this historic event took place.

Bohol is also home to the Philippine tarsiers, a species of endangered haplorhine primates endemic to the Philippines with a large number located in the island. The Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is the leader in conserving these adorable, fist-sized creatures. So far, efforts are successful in restoring and raising the population of tarsiers in the country and thus became one of the most popular tourism attractions of Bohol in recent years.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The island’s economy revolves around tourism and has a number of resorts hotels. Panglao island is well-known for its beaches and watersport amenities. Balicasag island is considered by many as the best diving spot in the Philippines. The waters of Pamilacan island is home to schools of tuna, mackerel and surgeonfish. There’s also whale and dolphin watching tours. A visit to Busay Falls can lead to a river cruise down Loboc River. Hinagdanan Cave offers cool springs and unique rock formations. Finally, there are hundreds of restaurants serving local and international cuisine for those looking for something more gastronomic.