Why You Can Definitely Skip the Over-Hyped Man-Made Forest in Bohol (See Alternatives)

Bohol is one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited in the country. There are the Chocolate Hills, the cute tarsiers… and that floating restaurant on the Loboc River? I loved the unique experience of having lunch while cruising down the river.

But did you know that right near these attractions, there’s another popular spot that’s usually included on most tours, just like the one we took during our day trip to Bohol?

That attraction is the Bilar Man-Made Forest, which people often compare to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan. The forest was super popular with travelers from our country, especially those of us who hadn’t been to Kyoto yet.

Fun fact: the man-made forest is actually a mahogany tree plantation.

Is Bilar Man-Made Forest Worth It?

Our verdict after visiting the man-made forest? Don’t get overly excited to come here like we did.

The scenery was refreshing, and I liked feeling like we were inside a green tunnel. But apart from being great for photos, it’s really just an ordinary forest with a road passing through it.

In fact, there isn’t a dedicated viewing area where you can take in the best view of the forest. You’ll end up taking photos right in the middle of the road to get that iconic shot.

You really have to watch out for traffic, even though there are signs telling drivers to slow down for tourists taking pictures.

Bilar Eco Park and Hiking Trail

Anyway, you can go hiking in the Bilar Man-Made Forest if you want to enjoy some nature.

Of course, you won’t be walking along the side of the main road with cars speeding past. There’s a small eco-park inside the forest with trails you can explore, though I’m not entirely sure how big the area is.

According to recent reviews, it’s more of a short walk than a real hike. You’ll find the entrance on the right side of the road if you’re driving from Loboc toward Carmen. On Google Maps, look for “Bilar Eco Park and Hiking Trail.”

Entrance is super cheap, costing around 10 pesos the last time I checked.

Alternative to Bilar Man-Made Forest

With all that in mind, if you’re thinking about visiting the Bilar Man-Made Forest just to check it off your list, I’d say check out some other places that are more worth your time.

That said, you’re going to drive straight through it anyway if you’re going between Carmen and Loboc. Carmen has the Chocolate Hills, and Loboc is where the floating restaurant is at.

If you’re looking for awesome nature and beautiful views in Bohol, you’ll probably love the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, Lamanok Point in Anda, or Alicia Panoramic Park. Let me tell you more about them.

Disclaimer: I haven’t been to every single one of these places myself yet. I only stumbled across them while making my Bohol travel map, where I map out the island’s top attractions and hidden gems.

1. Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

(Credits to Google Maps Photo Contributors)

Out of the three, the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces surprised me the most. I was under the impression that rice terraces were only found in Luzon, so it was really interesting to learn that Bohol has them too.

While they might not be as grand as the ancient rice terraces in the Cordillera mountains, they’re still worth a visit for a unique taste of local island life.

Based on reviews on Google Maps, there are hiking trails right through the paddies where you can get a close-up look at local farming traditions. Plus, the pictures online show some awesome photo spots that make a great alternative to the Bilar Man-Made Forest.

2. Lamanok Point

(Credits to Google Maps Photo Contributors)

While exploring eastern Bohol on Google Maps, I was surprised to find even more off-the-beaten-path destinations. It isn’t just about the beaches, but places where you can enjoy a well-rounded experience, like Lamanok Point.

It’s a mystical, spiritual, and eco-cultural spot in the town of Anda. You’ll find limestone karst formations, ancient caves, boardwalks through the mangroves, and clear coastal waters where you can go paddleboarding to relax. You can also join a guided tour to see ancient wooden coffins, burial jars, and rock paintings made thousands of years ago.

There’s plenty more to do in Anda, including visiting a cave pool and another white-sand beach. You can check the official Bohol tourism website for details, or just head straight to the Anda Tourist Information Center near the town hall.

3. The Alicia Panoramic Park

(Credits to Google Maps Photo Contributors)

For travelers looking for incredible scenery, Alicia Panoramic Park is a great alternative to the man-made forest. Based on the photos on Google Maps, the dramatic 360-degree views of rolling hills covered in soft cogon grass look out of this world.

The pictures actually remind me a lot of the grasslands on Mount Pulag. Some visitors even say it’s the most beautiful place they’ve visited in Bohol.

Keep in mind that this is a real hiking destination, with trails taking anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. You’ll need to hire a mandatory guide to help you navigate and stay safe.

Plan to go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, especially since there’s very little shade along the trail. Plus, catching the sunrise or sunset over the hills is totally worth it.

If you want the latest info before you go, just check out Alicia Bohol’s official Facebook page.

Conclusion

Even though I wasn’t super impressed by the Bilar Man-Made Forest during our visit, it’s still a nice extra stop along with the Blood Compact Shrine and Baclayon Church, especially if you’re checking out the Chocolate Hills on a day trip in Bohol. It’s also super close to other major highlights like the Tarsier Conservation Area and the Loboc Floating Restaurant.

Lastly, whether you decide to visit the Bilar Man-Made Forest or check out those other spots I mentioned, the easiest way to get around is by booking a tour or renting your own vehicle.

There are buses that run through the island, but they don’t offer enough flexibility to make the most of your trip. I mean check out these routes. Most bus lines only connect back to Tagbilaran City, so moving directly between smaller towns can be a real hassle.

You could also grab a tricycle or a habal-habal motorcycle taxi, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you just want a stress-free ride or aren’t comfortable bargaining over prices.

If you don’t have a place to stay yet for a multi-day trip to Bohol, I recommend Panglao because it has plenty of choices, from budget spots to mid-range and luxury hotels. I also think Loboc is a great option if your itinerary is mostly focused on inland attractions.

Have a great trip!

Planning a Trip to Bohol?

Bohol is one of the highlights of the Philippines. Don’t miss out on what makes this island so special. Here’s our itinerary to spark some inspiration.

If it’s your first time visiting Bohol, you’ll definitely find everything we discovered and learned on our trip helpful. Learn what to avoid, what not to miss, when to visit, how long to stay, and so much more. Read all my tips so you can have a truly wonderful time in Bohol. Hit the button below.

View my maps for a visual guide to discovering attractions.

Important: Organizing your trip, like booking tours, ferry tickets, places to stay, or vehicle rentals, shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why I created my Bohol Travel Planning Page to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure. It serves as your complete guide to remove the stress so you can focus on getting excited.

Hit the button below to start planning.

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