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The Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful island, we are here to take you through the best way to get there, the best attractions, must-visit restaurants, travel itineraries, where to stay, how to get around, and more. Bohol has something for everyone and we’re really excited to share with you this guide.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
The best time to visit Bohol is between November to April. The Philippines experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April, ideal for clear skies and outdoor activities, and a wet monsoon season from May to October, which can offer budget-friendly travel opportunities due to fewer tourists.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to Bohol? Before you set foot in Bohol, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
When traveling to Bohol we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our Bohol trip we purchased a reliable SIM card and picked it up in Cebu where we were flying.
Where to Purchase a SIM Card In the Philippines
The best place to purchase a SIM card in the Philippines depends on your preference. You can get them at malls, electronic stores, or vendors in popular tourist hubs. For the ultimate convenience, we recommend Pre-booking in advance, the booths are easy to find once you arrive in the international terminals of Manila and Cebu.
Entry Requirements
Upon arrival in the Philippines, you are granted a free 30-day visa, which can be extended for an additional 30 days online for approximately ₱3,030 or around $54 USD. Proof of vaccination or a test result is not required for entry.
Travel Vaccines
We always recommend seeking advice for vaccinations for Indonesia on the CDC website, and visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
The power plugs in the Philippines typically have Type A or Type B sockets, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 60Hz. It’s also recommended to carry a universal adapter when traveling internationally with many types of plug variations.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in Bohol
The picturesque island of Bohol, where idyllic beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture await. We’ll reveal the best places to stay and accommodations that cater to every budget and taste. Whether you seek beachfront luxury, serene countryside retreats, or charming budget-friendly stays, we’ve got you covered.
Ideal for beach lovers and vibrant nightlife seekers, Panglao Island boasts stunning beaches like Alona Beach and a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.
Budget: Bohol Coco Farm
A highly rated budget-friendly accommodation that offers a unique and eco-friendly experience. You can stay in charming bamboo cottages nestled in a lush garden setting, providing a serene and sustainable stay.
Mid-tier: Amorita Resort
This resort combines modern luxury with Bohol’s natural beauty. This beachfront resort offers stylish rooms, excellent dining, stunning ocean views, a spa, and 2 pools.
Luxury: Hennan Resort Alona Beach
This resort stands out as the top-rated luxury hotel in Panglao Island. With its luxurious rooms, beautiful infinity pools, direct beach access, and impeccable service. We loved the perfect row of slanted palm trees looking directly into the pristine aqua-blue waters.
Nestled along the scenic Loboc River, this area offers tranquility, river cruises, and easy access to attractions like the Tarsier Conservation Area and Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park. It’s perfect for those seeking a serene riverside retreat, while 4-5 star resorts don’t exist in this area we will provide 2 great options under budget and mid-tier.
Budget: Loboc River Resort Loboc River Resort
This beautiful budget-friendly option, offering a unique stay along the scenic Loboc River. The accommodations are accommodations, offers riverfront dining, and a serene riverside atmosphere is so unique.
Mid-tier: Fox & Firefly Cottages
This is another great option that offers a unique and eco-friendly stay in a riverside setting. You will stay in your own individual cottage and among the serene ambiance of Loboc River. The restaurant has great authentic food and smoothies.
Getting Around Bohol
We travelled from Cebu to Bohol by OceanJet Ferry. We pre-booked discounted tickets here. 2-hour ride (Note: 1 carry-on per person and check-in luggage 15kgs max for tourist class, 20kgs for business class.)
Bohol has two main entry points: Tagbilaran Airport and Tagbilaran Seaport.
How do you get from Tagbilaran Airport or Seaport to your hotel?
The most convenient way to get to the city center is by taking a tricycle or taxi. Tricycles are readily available outside the airport and can accommodate up to 3 passengers, sometimes 4.
Tricycles are not regulated, so you may need to negotiate with the drivers to get the best price. It’s always good to ask how much the fare is before you get in. When you exit the Seaport, yes, you will be swarmed by people asking you where you are going and they will help you arrive your transportation to your hotel. There seems to be a set rate of 800 pesos for a Taxi from the Seaport to Panglao area. For a tricycle it’s about 300-400 pesos.
The public transportation in Bohol is primarily by jeepney, which is just a local bus that operates on set routes around the island, it can accommodate more than 15 passengers at a time. It’s definitely the most affordable and local way to get around, however, it may be culture shock and less desirable for the average tourist.
Tuk-Tuk is another option versus the jeepney which is popular among tourists for getting around however, this option will be more expensive as it’s not regulated on the island, therefore, the drivers can charge a lot higher than in big cities.
Taxis are not as readily available in Bohol but mostly waiting at arrival ports, however, they are the most expensive option. You can find them in major tourist areas like the airport, the seaport, shopping malls, hotels and more. When we stayed near Alona Beach, we didn’t see many around. There are plenty of TukTuks/Tricycles.
As of May 2023, my experience was that taxis have a fixed rate of 800 PHP or $14 USD from the Taligran Sea Port to the Panglao area. This is actually quite expensive compared to getting around in a city like Cebu.
Tricycles are the more affordable option but for shorter distances, and when not transporting a lot of luggage.
Travel Tip: The best decision that made our Bohol trip so memorable was deciding to rent a car. This was not only more cost-efficient than the other transportation option, but we also had no trouble with parking, and we had the flexibility to craft our stunning 3-day Bohol itinerary which we will share all the details in the itinerary section.
Travel Itineraries for Philippines
Get ready to embark on the ultimate adventure in Bohol without the hassle of extensive planning. Our meticulously crafted 3-Day Bohol Travel Itinerary travel is your key to unlocking this tropical paradise’s hidden gems and top attractions. We’ve spared no detail, from budget-friendly options to the best dining experiences.
Check out more of our comprehensive itineraries outline the must-visit locations, provide pricing insights, and curate the top activities and dining spots in the Philippines. Let us be your guide to a seamless and enriching journey the Philippines!
Top Attractions in Bohol
Prepare for a journey of paradise on the island of Bohol. We have compiled all the top attractions, where you can explore the mesmerizing Chocolate Hills, encounter the adorable and endangered tarsiers at the Tarsier Sanctuary, and embark on a scenic Loboc River Cruise. These are just a glimpse of the treasures awaiting you in this tropical paradise. Refer to the itinerary section to uncover the secrets and stories behind Bohol’s must-visit destinations and make the most of your island adventure.
Our Thoughts on Bohol
Bohol exceeded our expectations and if you’re traveling to Cebu, put Bohol on your list of beautiful islands to visit. From our experience, 3-4 days should be plenty of time to explore the best attractions and sites in Bohol.
We believe in sharing not just the highlights but the full tapestry of our Bohol adventure. While this island paradise is renowned for its natural beauty and warm hospitality, we’re here to provide you with an honest insider’s perspective. While Bohol is undeniably beautiful, you may run into inconsistent luggage pricing on islands when it comes to taking the Ferry from Cebu to Bohol and Bohol to Cebu.
There’s no real regulated system in place making it unpredictable, and this goes with the private taxi drivers and tuk-tuks. Prices for transportation are double on the island versus commuting around a city like Cebu.
If you’re interested in booking the island hopping tour which includes Virgin Island Bohol, We recommend chartering a private boat for this tour, we would do that next time. It’s perfect for a family or if you want privacy. When we first arrived, we let our accommodation pre-book a group tour and it was not what we expected.
We thought we were on a boat with 8 people but when we arrived not only did our boat leave an hour late, they filled it with 15 people, making the journey very uncomfortable. This is the risk you take especially with the numerous boat salesmen selling the tour on the main strip.
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide”
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