Bohol province has is one of the premier tourist destination in the Philippines. Beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife, the Chocolate Hills, amazing food creates a hospitable atmosphere for any traveler.
Places like Panglao, Pamalican, and Tagbilaran made the province an ideal destination for tourists and a few days around the province will certainly rejuvenate your mind and body.
The island is one of the rice, vegetable and fruit baskets of Visayas and has recently become a world-class tourist destination due to the efforts of the local government and the entrepreneurial residents. Visit the wildlife, Spanish churches, beaches and the famous Chocolate Hills.
How to get there
It has an airport in the provincial capital, Tagbilaran and the three local carriers have regular flights to the island. Philippine Airlines has 3 daily flights from Manila with economy rates at P1,864.00++. Cebu Pacific flights usually cost around P1,400.00. Lastly, Zest Airways also has a daily flight to the island, usually at P1,500++.
You have two options to get to there: by boat or by plane.
If you’re coming from Cebu, you can also take a fast watercraft to Tagbilaran for P500.00. Just make sure that the weather isn’t stormy or else you’ll be in for a rough ride.
UPDATE: It’s Still Safe to Visit Bohol!
After an earthquake devastated Bohol on October 15, 2013, its local tourism is getting back on its feet as it opens several of tourist destinations to the public. Tour agencies and local tourism are planning to redesign the island’s tour packages and add the quake ruins to its historical attraction. Tourism has been a major source of income to many of its residents.
Tour agencies and local tourism are planning to redesign the island’s tour packages and add the quake ruins to its historical attraction. Tourism has been a major source of income to many of its residents.
Where to stay
Once on the island, you can visit the provincial capital, Tagbilaran. This is where you can find a number of excellent hotels, hostels, and inns to suit your preference and budget.
If you’re looking for island resorts then Panglao Island is your destination.
Budget accommodation
Are you on a budget? Then you just need a room for sleeping since you intend to spend most of the day traveling around. Tagbilaran City has enough traveler’s inns and pension houses to fit your budget.
Nisa Traveler’s Inn
You can try Nisa Traveler’s Inn located in Tagbilaran where rooms cost anywhere between P900.00-P1,200.00 a night. Nisa doesn’t have the best facilities or amenities but their rooms have aircon, showers, and a television, plus they can help you arrange transportation for your trip around the province.
Bohol Tropics
One of the best places you can stay at in Tagbilaran is the Bohol Tropics, it’s really more of a resort with good rooms and amenities. Room rates are somewhere around P2,150.00 to P05,350.00 per night.
MetroCentre Hotel
If you’re looking for just a real hotel type of place that’s in-between the travelers’ inn and the resort then MetroCentre Hotel is your pick. It is located at the heart of Tagbilaran with complete amenities. The rooms are between P1,400.00 to P7,950.00 and include continental breakfast.
Loboc River Cruise Dining
If you get hungry, the province has a number of notable dining places but if you want something different. You can cruise the river and have lunch at the Loboc River on a bamboo barge. The buffet meal which costs around P300.00 can be taken as the barge flows calmly down the river and if you’re lucky, musicians will also be playing catchy natives tunes while you dine.
There are also a number of small local restaurants and food places you might want to experience native Boholano cuisine. But if you’re not into the sort of thing, Tagbilaran has a number of commercial fast-food establishments to suit your needs.
Travel tips
Since the island has become such a destination for local and foreign tourists, a few bad apples are bound to come up.
First of all, the food stalls in the Tagbilaran Pier are over-priced so be sure to ask for the prices before ordering anything.
If you get the services of a driver and his van for a tour around the province, be sure to have the agreement written down on paper and have them sign it so they don’t jack up the prices last minute.
Peak season is usually in December, January, April, May, and October. Anytime can be a holiday with your friends and family. So book your vacation to Bohol now!