Bohol Countryside Road Trip: Churches, History and Quiet Towns

If you’re looking for a road trip that brings together history, heritage and peaceful countryside vibes, then Bohol is the perfect choice. This January, I kicked off 2025 with a return to the island’s quieter side. We explored winding roads, centuries-old churches and charming towns that are often skipped by the usual tourist trail. It turned out to be one of those trips that stay with you long after you get back home.

Starting in Tagbilaran City

Image credit: Patrickroque01 | Wikimedia commons

We began in Tagbilaran City and rented a car through JAR Car Rental, which made everything easy and convenient. With Google Maps and Waze guiding the way, we hit the road, excited to see what was waiting for us.

Bohol is pretty easy to navigate. You’ve got your must-visit spots like the Chocolate Hills and Panglao’s white sand beaches. But we wanted to take a different approach. So we combined the classic tourist route with a few detours into the lesser-known parts of the island. The goal was simple. Drive slow, explore freely and enjoy the journey.

Discovering the charm of Dauis

Image credit: Bohol Living PH | FB page

One of our favourite stops was in Dauis. This peaceful town is home to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, a church that carries both spiritual and historical significance.

The structure dates back to 1697, but the coral stone building we see today was completed between the late 1800s and early 1900s. It features a mix of Gothic and Neoclassical design. But more than that, it has a unique story to tell. During the Second World War, the church became a refuge for nuns. Over the years, it gained recognition as a Diocesan Shrine in 2004, a National Historical Landmark in 2009 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

Stepping into living history

Image credit: Project Kisame | Wikimedia commons

Inside the church, we were immediately drawn to the ceiling murals painted in 1916 by Cebuano artist Ray Francia. These vibrant artworks show scenes from the Bible and the Assumption of Mary. They are beautifully preserved and add a layer of awe to the already peaceful interior.

The retablo, or the ornate altar backdrop, is just as impressive. At its centre stands the image of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which was canonically crowned in 2018. It is the first image in Bohol to receive that honour. Whether or not you are religious, you can feel the depth of devotion that surrounds this sacred place.

Next to the church, you’ll also find a coral stone watchtower that was once used to guard against Moro raids. Nearby stands a century-old convent that once housed Jesuit priests before they were expelled in the 1700s. Every corner of this place holds a story worth hearing.

A road trip worth taking

Image credit: Bohol Living PH | FB page

This road trip was a reminder that the best travel experiences are not always about chasing bucket-list destinations. Sometimes, it is the quiet places, the unexpected stops and the slow drives that leave the biggest impact.

If you’re planning a Bohol trip soon, don’t just stick to the beach. Rent a car, explore the inland towns and take your time. Visit the churches, talk to locals, and let the countryside surprise you. There is beauty here that does not scream for attention. It simply waits for you to notice.

Here’s to more trips that help us reconnect with culture, history and the joy of discovering places close to home.