This Bohol Travel Guide helps you make the most of your three days on the island. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
The Philippine Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills are two of Bohol’s most distinctive features.
I traveled to Bohol in 2012 for work and to get up close and personal with the second smallest primate and famous tourist spot. Owing to a busy work schedule, I was unable to even catch a peek at the island’s well known attractions. I so left from Bohol with heavy heart, vowing to return for total relaxation and leisure.
After a decade long years of waiting, the word became a reality. The island of Bohol has plenty of open spaces besides a blend of historically significant and pristine natural sceneries. I feel that visiting two of Bohol’s well-liked attractions would be a must-do for this three-day holiday.
Beyond its well-known features, Bohol provides much more. It might not be sufficient to spend three days exploring the island. However, there is always tomorrow to discover something you have not yet.
Bohol Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Bohol
- Visa in the Philippines
- Standard Time in Bohol
- Climate in Bohol
- Best Time to Visit Bohol
- Language in Bohol
- Currency in Bohol
- Modes of Payment in Bohol
- Ways of Getting to Bohol
- Getting Around Bohol
- Areas to Stay in Bohol
- Internet in Bohol
- Power Adaptor in Bohol
- Bohol Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Bohol Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Bohol
The island of Bohol, together with Siquijor, was part of Cebu until 1854. Its name originates from Bool – a neighborhood in Tagbilaran and a historical ground of the first Filipino-Spanish Treaty of Amity.
Visa in the Philippines
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit the Philippines should contact the Embassy of the Philippines regarding entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Travelers to the country must undergo stringent immigration procedures. Please read the article, ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Bohol
The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in Bohol is UTC +08:00.
Thus, Bohol is four hours ahead of Dubai, six hours ahead of Paris, and seven hours ahead of London. Moreover, Bohol is twelve hours ahead of New York City. Conversely, Bohol is an hour behind Tokyo and three hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Bohol
Bohol experiences a tropical rainforest climate. Thus, the island remains warm, humid, and wet throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
Bohol is an all-year-round tourist destination. And, a visit to the island during the summer is best to witness the iconic hills in their deep-brown color.
December to May
The months from December until May are the dry season in Bohol. Hence, the best time to visit Bohol island. Visitors may expect a colder atmosphere from December to February.
Conversely, the hot summer weather welcomes tourists from March until May. The summertime also hoards crowds, especially during the observance of the holy week.
June to November
The wet season commences in June and lasts until November. Hence, visitors may likely experience rain showers and downpours during these months. Visiting Bohol during the lean season benefits travelers as airfares and accommodation rates plummet.
Language in Bohol
Boholano, a native tongue of Cebuano, is widely spoken in Bohol. Fret not; Boholanos or locals also speak Tagalog and English.
Here are essential Boholano words and phrases to learn before your trip to Bohol, Philippines.
- Maayong buntag – Good morning
- Kamusta naman ka? – How are you?
- Maayong pag abot – Welcome
- Pasaylo – Sorry
- Unsay imong ngalan? – What is your name?
- Tana – Let’s go
- Ali diri – Come here
- Asa man CR? – Where is the toilet?
- Unsa ni? – What is this?
- Tag pila? – How much?
- Ihatag nako – Give it to me
- Pwede mo hangyo? – Can I get a discount?
- Mahal kaayo – Very expensive
Currency in Bohol
The Philippine peso, abbreviated as PHP, is the official currency in the Philippines. Exchange rate as of September 30, 2022, is PHP 58.55, or USD 1.
Modes of Payment in Bohol
Hard cash is the preferred mode of payment in Bohol. However, several shops, restaurants, and hotels also accept major cards.
Cash withdrawal is not a problem in Bohol since banks and money changers are widespread over Tagbilaran and Panglao.
Ways of Getting to Bohol
Located in the Central Visayas, Bohol is accessible via air and water. The Panglao-Bohol International Airport and several seaports in mainland Bohol serve as the main gateways.
By Air
The most efficient way of getting to Bohol is via air, going from parts of Luzon and Mindanao. A few domestic airlines provide direct flights from Pasay and Davao.
Pasay
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia offer flights to Bohol from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The travel time between Manila and Bohol is approximately an hour and 15 minutes.
Davao
From Mindanao, spend about a couple of hours to reach Bohol from Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport via major airlines.
By Water
Cebu, Dumaguete in Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Camiguin, and Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental is Bohol’s neighboring island provinces. Several shipping lines provide sea transfers to the island.
Cebu to Bohol
The Cebu to Bohol sea lane takes roughly two hours from the Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran Port. Lite Shipping, OceanJet, and FastCat are the three major lines that follow this route.
Dumaguete to Bohol
OceanJet Line departs from Negros Oriental via Dumaguete Port to Tagbilaran Port twice daily. Passengers spend around two hours to reach Bohol.
Siquijor to Bohol
Spend an hour-and-a-half journey to Bohol via the OceanJet and Lite Ferries, departing from Larena Pier to Tagbilaran Port.
Camiguin to Bohol
It will take roughly 4 hours to reach Bohol from Balbagon Port, Mambajao, to Jagna Seaport. The Super Shuttle Ferry operates through this route thrice weekly.
Cagayan de Oro to Bohol
Spend approximately seven hours traveling from Cagayan de Oro Pier to Tagbilaran Port. Major shipping lines like Trans Asia, Lite Ferries, and Cokaliong offer sea transfers to the island.
Getting Around Bohol
There are several ways of getting around Bohol once you set foot on its soil. Bohol has an integrated transport terminal in Tagbilaran that stations major transports like buses, jeepneys, and vans.
Bus
Public buses are the ideal transport for far-off destinations in Bohol. Buses usually depart at Dao Integrated Terminal near the Island City Mall and follow a particular route.
Also, there are paid shuttle services at Panglao-Bohol International Airport, which provide direct transfers to Tagbilaran and vice versa.
Jeepney and Minicab
Minicabs and jeeps are multi-seater transports that roam throughout Tagbilaran’s neighboring towns. These transports ply the main roads and most stations at the Dao Integrated Terminal.
Van
Passenger vans or ‘V-Hires’ are the more expensive yet convenient ways of getting around Bohol. It can load up to 14 passengers at a time. However, it can only depart once the van is full. In addition, it also serves as a transport mode for Bohol’s countryside group tours.
Taxi
City cabs are rare in Bohol, yet an alternative for a more convenient trip on the island. Many of them park near malls, hotels, and ports.
Car Rental
The hassle-free and most convenient way to navigate Bohol is by chartering a private car – with or without a driver. This transport is ideal, especially for places not covered by public vehicles. You may opt to hire four or eight-hour exclusive car use for Bohol Countryside Tour.
Tricycle and Habal-Habal
A tricycle is a public transport designed to fit up to 4 passengers and intended for short-distance trips. You may hail or hire a tricycle in many areas of Bohol.
Otherwise, you can charter a motorcycle taxi or ‘Habal-Habal’ – a motorbike with extended back seats. It carries at least two passengers at a time.
Boat
Bohol is an archipelago of 75 islands, including Balicasag and Virgin Island. Outrigger boats are the primary transports to reach some of these islands.
Areas to Stay in Bohol
Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island are the ideal areas to stay in Bohol. These locales are the island’s commercial hubs and host a variety of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury beachfront resorts. Here are the best areas to stay in Bohol:
Tagbilaran
Bohol’s capital, Tagbilaran City, is the center of commerce and the point of departure for countryside attractions. Stay in Tagbilaran to get nearer to the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuaries, roughly an hour’s drive.
Panglao
Lies southwest of mainland Bohol, the island of Panglao boasts pristine beaches like Alona and Dumaluan. It has numerous lodging options, including upscale beachfront hotels, particularly in Alona.
The Panglao-Bohol International Airport is 15 minutes drive from the Panglao town proper, where shops, eateries, and hotels are packed.
Internet in Bohol
Bohol offers fairly decent internet speed. While several hotels, diners, cafès, and bars provide complimentary wifi.
Power Adaptor in Bohol
Bohol operates on a 220 V supply voltage with a frequency of 60 HZ and has one type of power adaptor:
• A or has two flat parallel pins
Bohol Travel Guide Itinerary
Day 1 - Panglao and Abatan
06:00 am – 07:30 am Flight to Bohol
07:30 am – 08:30 am Arrival at Panglao-Bohol International Airport and head to Panglao town proper
• From the Panglao-Bohol International Airport
• Take your booked van transfer to Panglao
• Alight at Panglao town proper
08:30 am – 12:00 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Leux Hotel, and have lunch
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, stay in a hostel. A hostel is an inexpensive lodging facility that provides basic amenities, such as bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Thus, if you are on a tight budget, book a hostel in Bohol.
12:00 pm – 04:00 pm Sunbathe and swim at Alona Beach
Alona Beach
Alona Beach is a stretch of white-fine sands, meeting the endless azure waters of Bohol. A few meters from the island’s most touristy beachscape are rows of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Alona’s serene daytime atmosphere turns into a hectic and rowdy ambiance during the night. Diners and bars cater to pleasure-seekers, while performances add energy to exciting nightlife.
04:00 pm – 06:00 pm Head to the hotel, prepare for the tour, and have dinner
06:00 pm – 07:00 pm Head to Abatan River
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: You may book an arranged Abatan River Fireflies Watching tour and see up close these nocturnal bugs. This hassle-free trip covers your transfers and admission fee with the boat and life vests.
07:00 pm – 08:00 pm Night cruise and fireflies watching along the Abatan River
Abatan River
Located in western Bohol, the Abatan River is around 20 kilometers long and passes through Catigbian, Antequera, Balilihan, and Maribojoc. Alongside the Abatan River is a dense growth of mangrove forest that shelters a few species of fireflies.
At sundown, these glittering lightning bugs start to amaze tourists while on board for less than an hour cruise.
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: The summer season is the ideal time to eye-witness a sparkle of fireflies flashing synchronously. Conversely, avoid wet months as it likely suspends tours.
08:00 pm – 09:00 pm Head to accommodation
09:00 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 2 - Countryside
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: Exclusive tours allow you to explore tourist sites at your time. Hence, charter a private car to have control over your itinerary. Instead, join a shared Bohol countryside tour with fellow tourists.
06:00 am – 08:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, and have breakfast
08:00 am – 04:00 pm Head to and explore Bohol countryside
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are dome-shaped karst hills carpeted with vegetation. This distinct natural formation has over 1,700 humps peppered across the municipalities of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. During summer, these mounds turn brown due to the dried grasses concealing these hills.
Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck is open from Monday through Sunday, from 06:00 a.m. until 09:00 p.m. The admission fee is PHP 100.00 or USD 1.71.
Bohol Travel Guide Fact: Peanut Kisses is Bohol’s homegrown delicacy made of high-grade peanuts and egg whites. The Kisses-inspired treat appears like Bohol’s iconic landmark – the Chocolate Hills.
Tarsier Conservation Area
Aside from Corella’s tarsier sanctuary, Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area also serves as a refuge for the world’s second smallest primate. This grayish or reddish-brown-furred mammal measures roughly 3 to 6 inches and weighs between 80 to 165 grams.
Philippine Tarsier’s natural habitat is in tropical rainforests and endemic in the islands of Bohol, Leyte, Samar, and parts of Mindanao.
Tarsier Conservation Area is open from Monday until Sunday, from 08:00 a.m. until 05:00 p.m. The admission fee is PHP 100.00 or USD 1.71.
Bohol Travel Guide Reminders: The Philippine Tarsier is an emotionally fragile, stress-prone critter. Once stressed out, it commits suicide by hitting its head against a tree trunk. Before seeing closer these gentle creatures, be reminded of the following tarsier viewing rules.
- Observe silence upon entering. Avoid raising your voice inside the premises.
- Photography is allowed. However, turn off your camera flash as tarsiers are so light-sensitive.
- Do not touch or even feed the tarsiers.
- Avoid shaking branches of trees, which are the primates’ natural habitat.
- Do not go beyond the enclosures.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a stretch of thick Mahogany trees scattered along the borders of Loboc and Bilar towns. This two-kilometer tunnel-like arrangement of lofty trees offers a stunning view as you go past and to Chocolate Hills.
Bilar Man-Made Forest is best to view during the daytime.
Loboc Church
Founded in 1596, Loboc Church is a Baroque architectural design Roman Catholic church erected along the banks of the Loboc River. It is made of coral stones and has a separate four-story campanile built closer to the river.
Church of Loboc is devoted to the town’s patron saint, Saint Peter the Apostle.
Loboc River
The Loboc River extends about 1 mile from the town of Loboc to the Bohol Sea in the south. Alongside the pristine waterway are teeming with greeneries that create a mesmerizing rural vista.
Spend the noon time break while cruising the river. The Loboc River Cruise provides an hour journey in a floating restaurant, serving buffet meals with folk performances.
Loboc River Cruise operates from Monday until Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. During the weekends, the cruise serves at 01:30 p.m.
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: Try the Stand-Up Paddleboarding offered at Loboc River.
Baclayon Church
Founded in 1595, Baclayon Church is a Roman Catholic parish church and Bohol’s oldest. The Spanish Colonial Era church is of Baroque-style architecture and made of corals.
Baclayon Church dedicates to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The church has an indoor museum that displays religious pieces, which requires admission of PHP 50.00 or USD 0.85.
Blood Compact Church
Located along the main road of Tagbilaran, Blood Compact Shrine commemorates the first Filipino-Spanish friendship treaty held on March 16, 1565. It depicts the ‘sandugo’ or one-blood pact between Spain’s Miguel López de Legazpi and Bohol’s tribal leader, Rajah Sikatuna.
Both parties make a slash in their left arms and extract blood drops into a glass of wine to drink. Bohol’s Napoleon Abueva, a National Artist, sculpted these five life-size bronze statues erected in Bool – a sitio in Tagbilaran.
Hinagdanan Cave
The Hinagdanan Cave is a limestone cave found in Dauis, Panglao Island – a short drive from Panglao town proper. It is a naturally lit cavern, concealed with stalagmites, and has an inviting 4-meter deep turquoise-color freshwater natural pool.
Before entering the cave’s small passage, pay the admission fee of PHP 50.00 or USD 0.85 at the entrance gate. In addition, swimming in the lagoon costs PHP 100.00 or USD 1.71, while the parking fee is PHP 20.00 or USD 0.34.
The Hinagdanan Cave is open from Monday to Sunday, from 07:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Bohol Travel Guide Fact: The Hinagdanan Cave is an accidental discovery by a local while clearing his land. Out of curiosity, he built a ladder down to the cave, hence the name – ‘Hinagdanan’ or laddered.
04:00 pm – 09:15 pm Head to accommodation, have dinner, and nightlife
09:15 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 3 - Balicasag and Virgin Island
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: The perfect way to explore the other islands of Bohol is via an organized tour. Reserve a slot for the island hopping tour for convenience.
04:00 am – 06:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast
06:00 am – 12:00 pm Head to and explore the island of Balicasag
Dolphin Watching
Arriving earlier in the waters of Balicasag Island with clear skies is a perfect match to watch the leaping dolphins. These gentle creatures appear in unexpected directions. Hence, prompt your cameras; who knows, they will appear next to your boat.
Balicasag Island
Around a 30-minute from Panglao, Balicasag is roughly a round-shaped island sprinkled with white sands and surrounded by azure waters. Like Coron, Palawan, it is also a paradise for snorkeling and diving because of its rich marine resources.
With your snorkels and life vests on, expect underwater sceneries with an abundance of fishes, corals, seaweeds, and sea turtles.
Virgin Island
Akin to Naked Island of Siargao, Virgin Island is a bare sandbar between Balicasag and Panglao. During low-tide, it appears as a comma-like sign from above.
This barren white sand island has floating eateries where you can indulge in fresh foods and drinks. The environmental fee amounts to PHP 30.00 or USD 0.51.
12:00 pm – 03:00 pm Head to accommodation, have dinner, and prepare for departure
03:00 pm – 05:35 pm Head to the Panglao-Bohol International Airport, flight check-in, and boarding
05:35 pm – 07:05 am Flight to Manila
Budget for Bohol Trip
In 2022, I spent PHP 9,585.45 for three days and two nights in Bohol. However, costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Please read ’35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Below is the Bohol Travel Guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- Round trip airfare, Manila to Bohol, PHP 3,540.45
- 3D2N accommodation with breakfast, PHP 2,380.00/2, PHP 1,190.00
- Private car for the countryside tour, PHP 2,300/2, PHP 1,150.00
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 150.00
- Panglao-Bohol International Airport through Panglao town proper via van transfer, PHP 250.00
- Lunch, PHP 150.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
- Abatan River Fireflies Watching, PHP 650.00
2nd Day
- Entrance fee – Chocolate Hills, PHP 100.00
- Admission fee – Tarsier Conservation Area, PHP 100.00
- Lunch, PHP 200.00
- Driver’s lunch, P 200.00/2, PHP 100.00
- Entrance fee – Hinagdanan Cave, PHP 100.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
3rd Day
- Island Tour, PHP 1,200.00
- Enviromental fee – Virgin Island, PHP 30.00
- Lunch PHP 150.00
- Panglao Town Proper to the Panglao-Bohol Airport via tricycle, PHP 150.00/2, PHP 75.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
Bohol Travel Guide Tip: Wish to extend another day in Bohol? The island offers adrenaline-fuelled activities in Danao Adventure Park. Dare to try?
Travel Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa!
SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home.
The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.
Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda. It offers unmatched hotel deals!
Explore the world with HostelWorld! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies.
Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Bohol Travel Guide Question: What is the world’s second smallest primate endemic on the island of Bohol?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Bohol Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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