DiscoverBaclayon
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Baclayon.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedBaclayon HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Baclayon.
Stays AcrossBaclayon
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Baclayon
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Baclayon.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Baclayon
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Baclayon
- Holidays to Baclayon, in the western side of the coast of Bohol, is a kind of living museum with Spanish colonial buildings in the town murmuring about centuries long lost.
- A lot of tourists love to spend their holidays in Baclayon, Bohol because of the unchanging beauty and the calmness of the place that welcomes silent meditation and relaxing walks along cobblestone streets.
- Ancestral houses line the cobbled streets and each one of them is an expression of the mastery of generations, which have long preserved the culture of Bohol.
- Tourists are also allowed to stroll around the local market where crafts men showcase their hand-made pottery and woven baskets, which provide a physical appeal to the artisanal background of the island.
- On the top hill within the town, a whole view of the Pacific Ocean is seen up to the horizon making it dramatic to take pictures during the sunrise.
- Even the most basic sunset on the silent beach seems to be a national assembly of colours, transforming a normal evening into a common experience of amazement.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran City
- International airport: No international airport in Baclayon
- Nearest commonly used: Bohol-Panglao International Airport
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano (Boholano), Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The most significant element of Baclayon is the iconic stone church which is a National Cultural Treasure constructed to withstand the time.
- The Baclayon Museum, which is located on the side of the church, displays ancient religious items and colonialism relics that generate a clear image of how the island used to be.
- The altar of the church is baroque art of the finest order, the marble columns and gilt sculptors chasing the majesty of the ancient Europe.
- The unique set of pre-colonial pottery on display in the museum also provides the insight as to the native life that existed in the country before the impact of the Spanish.
- Sea sceneries with Panglao Island present a harmonious contrast of the old stone with the lush turquoise waters of the pacific.
- The holidays to Baclayon cultural experience is spiced with a tinge of a marine element by the dolphin-watching jump-off point located on Pamilacan Island nearby.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- By arranging your holidays to Baclayon, Bohol during the dry season, you will get to enjoy nice temperatures to do your sightseeing in the area and also the chances of being affected by the travels are minimal.
- The months of December to February are the coldest, which makes perfect evenings when one can enjoy the local coffee in one of the historic cafes.
- Summer months between March and May are warm and sunny days ideal to be spent island-hopping and sailing along turquoise coasts.
- June to October during rainy season is the period, which has smaller crowds, and thus the traveller can enjoy the serene rhythm of the town without the noise and commotion of mass tourism.
- The surrounding forests are very green even in monsoon and the greenness of the rainforest is supplemented by the humidity, which keeps vegetation in tropical forests at maximum bloom.
- When you book World Pinoy Flights, you are guaranteed of a hassle free beginning on your trip and you will go into the island refreshed and ready to discover the treasures it has.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Baclayon Church & Museum
- The front of the church is oriented on two storeys, stucco-decorated, and there is an internal altar there, possessing some old carvings, which seem to fascinate people.
- The interior is filled with pews of polished wood, where the worshippers and tourists are all welcome to sit and worship in a reverent silence during the centuries of the past.
- The nearby museum displays a collection of liturgical vestments that is under curation; every piece of clothing is a narrative of piety that came through the misfortunes of nature.
- In the museum courtyard, there is a little chapel in which one can take some time to reflect, having a stone cross made by local craftsmen.
- The bell tower that can be approached using a winding staircase has a panoramic view of the rooftops of the town and the sea in the distance.
- The stained glass windows of the church are creating kaleidoscope of light in the church interior as the marriage of faith and artistry is celebrated.
Baclayon Heritage Walk
- The strolling path is a maze of ancestral houses which have been preserved and each door is adorned with elaborate carvings which are centuries old.
- The path is lined with bamboo and coconut palms giving the impression to the travellers that they are moving back to a pre-modern Bohol.
- Each building comes with a historical plaque, which includes short storeys that shed light on the history of the ancestors of the town.
- The stroll leads to a small square where local musicians perform, giving the viewers an opportunity to hear the soundtrack of the living culture of the region.
- There is a small cafe close to the plaza which offers fresh coconut juice, and this will present the travellers with the local flavours during their trip.
- The trail leads to a viewpoint on which the sunset bathes the sky with the colours that appear to be too beautiful to be explained.
Pamilacan Island
- The island lies in the crystal-clear waters, due to which it is known, being accessible by a short boat ride at Baclayon port; and friendly population of dolphins.
- The dolphin watching tours at dawn-time is a favourite custom, as the frolicsomee animals jump with the new day-star.
- The coral reefs in the island, which are easily accessible in snorkelling, present colourful marine life which is a call to both an amateur and professional diver.
- A guide takes the visitors on a tour around the reef, revealing the ecological value of the reef, which transforms a basic visit into a learning experience.
- The soft white sand forms an ideal beach where late afternoons can be spent on picnics and some small huts are there where one can rest.
- The evening casts an air of calmness and the visitors are able to star-gaze on a sky without the glow of the city and this was an ideal way to conclude the day exploration.
Baclayon Coastline
- The smooth lines of the coastline provide a perfect place to have quiet walks whereby the waves sound is used as a lullaby to weary travellers.
- Cliffs in the distant shoreline are a suitable location to take panoramic photography, and they combine the rugged beauty that is enclosing this silent town.
- Classic fishing vessels sail along the horizon, which highlights an idea that the people of Baclayon were very close to the sea.
- There is a small fish shop on the coast offering fresh fish and provides a food experience of the local cuisines to the visitors.
- There is a row of small coves formed by the natural rocks in the shoreline where a person can find solitude and an in-depth attachment to nature.
- Sunset on the Baclayon Coast is shared with the locals and tourists alike, who come together to see the sky turn into a canvas of gold.
Reason 05
Discover More
Ancestral Homes and Stone-wall Ruins
- Exploring the old Baclayon districts, one can see the stone walls created several centuries ago which remain firm even in the tropical conditions.
- The storeys of family traditions, which continue to be alive throughout the generations, accompany each ancestral home, with its thatched roof and wooden beams.
- The walls are reeking with the sounds of the ancient prayers and the drawings on the doors are a reflection of the artistic taste of the local craftsmen.
- They have small shrines located behind the houses as a tribute to the local saints and ancestors, which provide a better spiritual profile of the community faith.
- The remaining windows that are coloured by the tropical light provide an exclusive atmosphere that resembles entering a museum of life.
- Tourists are even urged to take photos of the complex stonework so they can take a bit of Baclayon heritage to share with friends and family.
Early Morning Dolphin Watching
- Setting out in the early morning, the boat provides a peaceful environment in which the rising sun kisses the water as it breaks out and prepares one to have the experience of the lifetime with the dolphins.
- The crew is welcomed by the dolphins which are also playful and as a result demonstrate their smartness in a spectacular way.
- A professional guide tells the different species and their migration patterns making a watch seem an interactive learning experience.
- The water is clear and cool at this time and can be viewed best by a small wooden boat.
- The enthusiasts can also carry along a pair of field glasses to have a closer look and there are those who are happy enough to just breathe in the morning air.
- The day is complete with a toast of fresh coconut water which is a typical present of the local fishermen, who celebrate the success of the day.
Panglao Exploration
- Baclayon is a serene setting, where tourists can explore the clean shores of Panglao without people crowding as it happens in bigger cities.
- The lagoons around the island are ideal to be explored by kayaks where the traveller will be floating through the coral reefs of colour and concealed coves.
- A local tour guide is able to guide you to the most favourable snorkelling sites, which brings out the marine life as well as the natural beauty of the reef.
- Evenings on Panglao, a relaxing dinner in a restaurant with a beachfront would be a good choice, and the menu is represented by fresh seafood grilled to perfection.
- The volcano that has occurred in the island is evident in the rocky cliffs, giving it a distinct topography that is a combination of the volcanic and tropical vegetation.
- The relaxed nature of Panglao is an excellent supplement to the more historical nature of Baclayon, especially to backpackers, as well as families.
Countryside Biking
- The sloping hills surrounding Baclayon have coconut trees and small farms that are scenic to the bicycle followers.
- Non-tarmac roads take hundreds of kilometres, which the cyclist would love, as they will have an opportunity to explore local villages at a slow-paced.
- Along this path, there are small fishing villages, where people share their daily activities, so people have a feeling of being immersed in a certain culture.
- Rest is also a good place to have fruit juices and homemade pastry to have a glimpse of the local cuisine.
- There are subtle changes that the landscape induces as it turns into green forest areas and sun-dried fields providing a constantly changing background of the photography.
- At the end of the day, the bike ride arrives at a peaceful hilltop where a person may see the sunset over the sea, which is an emotional ending to the day adventure.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The community of Baclayon is so Catholic and the Virgin Mary is worshipped with deep respect and it can be seen in the daily church activities.
- On feast days, the inhabitants of the town are in grave processions, carrying statues of gilded designs by which the beat of the drum impels the procession.
- The native songs, which are a blend of some old songs and new folk songs, make a palpable mosaic that glorifies religion and unity.
- The old crafts are still passed on by the artisans who continue the practise of bamboo weaving (bamboo weaving) and pottery to the next generation.
- The mild, polite nature of the town residents is observed in all relations, with either strangers or local inhabitants.
- The collective warmth that shapes the social life of Baclayon is demonstrated in family get-together, usually following church services.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Puto and bibingka, which are made using coconut milk, are local delicacies that provide a sweet, cosy flavour of Boholano culture.
- Vast seafood of the island fish, squid, and shrimp are the main focus of home-style food in local cafes.
- The cuisine of the area is varied and is reflected through the traditional stews cooked in fresh herbs and spices.
- One of the favourite meals is known as kinilaw, it is made of raw fish with vinegar, onions, and chilli and it presents to the travellers a healthy taste of local food.
- The main plaza is dominated by street vendors selling fresh kakanin and other pastries every foodie should not skip.
- The restaurants around the church serve menus that are based upon heritage, which combines the historical atmosphere with the modern cuisine experience.
Fun
- Dolphin watching at the Pamilacan Island is nature and adventure at the same time, an experience that is overall worth remembering despite the age.
- A walk around the heritage area of Baclayon allows one to experience the history of the area and at the same time have a leisurely feel of the place.
- Family picnics with simple beach visits on calm portions of sand make an ideal environment of family meetings or personal meditation.
- The capture of the first light of the day on the town cliffs which form the Pacific capture of the sun rise is an artistic and serene way of capturing the first light of the day.
- Being part of religious festivals or cultural programmes will provide a real experience of the communal life of Baclayon.
- There are an evening breeze and a calm day of discovery end on the coast.
Fashion
- During the day, light tropical clothes are best since the climate of Baclayon is very warm and the traveller will not feel out of place.
- When coming to the church, it is a good idea to wear modest clothes, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect to the sanctity of the place.
- Quick-dry clothes and swimwear are also necessary when visiting the island, so that the trip can be comfortable and free.
- The type of footwear that can be taken to have a walk on cobblestones and tour the heritage area is comfortable sandals or breathable shoes.
- The sun may be covered with the help of a wide-brimmed hat or a lightweight scarf (that will also add some sort of sophistication).
- To be able to have fun in the celebrations of Baclayon, a plain, nice dress or a casual wear will keep the travellers on their toes to have fun during the night.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The sea life of the Pamilacan Island, turtles, dolphins, and colourful coral reefs, present a wonderful underwater safari experience.
- The coastline of the island is clean and makes perfect places to take nature pictures to capture the interaction of lights, water and water.
- The green canopy established by the surrounding coconut trees is the one that shelters the traveller in the countryside.
- The climate is moderate in the area and it is suitable to do light hiking and other greener adventures without having to confront harsh weather changes.
- The holidays to Baclayon local guides can take you to secret areas where the ocean and the earth meet and where it has isolated coves and hidden beaches.
- The tranquilly of nature contributes to the feeling of relaxation, and the travellers have an opportunity to replenish in the picturesque beauty of Baclayon.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- This event is the town fiesta on December 8 to celebrate the Immaculate Conception, which has colourful processions, pulling both visitors and locals.
- It is an celebration of the artistic heritage of Baclayon, since cultural dances, music performances, and food stalls are a part of this event.
- A sense of community is enhanced by community feasting where family members and friends come to take part in feasting on traditional food and talking over their lives and problems.
- There are also fiestas that take place in the barangays all year round, and they are minuscule, involving the individuality of that locality.
- Such holidays to Baclayon activities enable a feeling of appropriateness whereby the travellers can feel the warm hospitality of Baclayon.
- Attending such events, the visitors also enter the living culture making an ordinary visit a wonderful experience of cultural immersion.