Sometimes, a vacation is just what you need to unwind and forget the troubles of the world. Flying off can be tedious, especially if you’re not quite sure about where you’re headed. Bohol, thankfully, is a place best suited for those who prefer to wind down and enjoy the simple tranquility life has to offer. It’s not the sort of place that screams for non-stop partying like Boracay or the busy nightlife of Siargao. Instead, Bohol offers a calm pause from urban distractions and lets you feel one with nature.

In our most recent visit, we found ourselves whisked away to a beachfront hotel that managed to capture the still beauty of Bohol. We stayed at the Lime Resort Bohol, a member of Radisson Individuals Premier. It has a homely feeling that makes you wish you never had to go home. We were fortunate enough to have a room (though in this case, a full-on luxury villa feels to be the more appropriate term) with a splendid view of the beach. You can imagine the enchanting feeling of waking up to the sunrise coloring the waves of the sea in a vivid orange tone. Come nighttime, you can listen closely as the waves send you to a deep slumber. Though if the vastness of the ocean isn’t one to entice you, the lagoon-style pool in the center of the hotel will do just fine.

As tempting as it was to just stay and lounge about for our visit, we had much of Bohol to explore. To start our journey, we visited Hinagdanan Cave and Bath Resort. Guides shared how the cave was discovered by a farmer who used a makeshift ladder to enter. Once inside, he found a spectacular sight of a lagoon naturally lit by holes in the cave’s ceiling. Nowadays, folks can drop by and go for a quick dip in the cave’s cool waters. Its stalactites and stalagmites are a sight to behold as well.

For those who prefer swimming in more open spaces, we recommend Panglao Kalikasan Resort. Here you’ll get to dive firsthand and witness the underwater sanctuary of Napaling Reef. Aside from countless fish swimming about, there are also colorful corals to admire. If you’re looking to make permanent memories, skilled divers are willing to snap underwater photos and videos for you. Initially, our stay here was meant to last only an hour, but we found ourselves so lost in the beauty of the aquatic life that we ended up swimming for two hours.

Next on our itinerary was lunch. We made the most of it by having lunch aboard the Loboc River Cruise. Along the river, you’ll spot many trees and some locals swimming about or rowing along. There’s a stop where you get to watch performers dance various local dances. You can even join in and learn how to step as they do. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the many types of unique birds that can be seen flying in the area.

With any trip to Bohol, a stop at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary seems almost second nature. Just remember to keep your mouth shut throughout your visit, as these little critters are quite sensitive. If the tarsier finds itself stressed out, it’ll literally find ways to harm itself to end the pain. These creatures are left out in the open, as keeping them caged will lead them to bang their heads on the cage in a desperate attempt to break free, oftentimes killing themselves in the process. Tarsiers are also nocturnal, which means visiting during the day will have you spotting them sleeping peacefully atop their branches. Be nice to them by simply admiring from afar, and making sure your camera’s flash is off.

For food options, Bohol is filled with countless restaurants worth checking out. We recommend trying the croissant pizza offered by Chada Restaurant or going healthy by having a go at the organic offerings from the Bohol Bee Farm. Of course, if you’re not feeling like venturing too far for a decent meal, Lime Resort Bohol’s all-day restaurant, Larder, has ample dining options for breakfast and lunch.