Bohol may well be described as the outstanding gem of the Visayas as it offers the visitor a heady combination of 16th century watchtowers, Jesuit Baroque mission churches, outstanding natural wonders and some great beaches. Bohol is probably most famous for its stunning ‘Chocolate Hills’ which consist of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills which have been fashioned by years of volcanic action and the flow of water. The island of Bohol is also famous for one of the rarest animals that can be found in the Philippines: the tarsier is the smallest primate in the world and is a nocturnal animal measuring around four to five inches, with a tail that is longer than its body. Those interested in seeing the tarsier often combine this with a scenic cruise on the Loboc River to see one of the island’s waterfalls. Bohol’s coastline is dotted with gentle coves and white sand beaches and you can find some of the country’s great dive sights here such as Balicasag. From Bohol it is also possible to take boat trips to watch the dolphins and whales that cruise through the warm waters of the Visayas.