Bohol is a province found in the Visayas region. It is made up of one main island, the 10th largest in the Philippines, surrounded by several smaller islands. It is a popular vacation spot known for its beaches and ecotourism destinations.
Although it was hit by a major earthquake in 2013, its attractions remain open to visitors, and the local government of Bohol continues to work hard to keep its tourism industry thriving. Locals are quick to welcome visitors, hence earning its capital city, Tagbilaran, the nickname City of Friendship.
Bohol is known for its friendly locals as much as it is for the native tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world
Traveling to Bohol
The easiest way to get to Bohol from Manila is on a commercial flight from NAIA to Tagbilaran airport via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Air Asia. Travel time is less than one hour; however, there are limited flight schedules.
As an alternative you can fly to Cebu and take a ferry from there. Fast Ferry rides to Tagbilaran take an hour and a half, while a regular ferry takes four hours to get to Tagbilaran from Cebu.
One of the main attractions in Bohol is the Loboc River Cruise lunch buffet experience
Family-friendly accomodations
There are several affordable accommodations available within Tagbilaran City that you can choose from.
One is Marcelina’s Guest House, which offers a Double Deluxe Room at Php 900 per night. Another option is Panda Tea Garden Suites, at Php 1,250 per night for a twin room.
If you prefer a hotel that is closer to the beach, try Cherrys @ Home in Panglao Island. Here you can book a standard room at Php 1,000 per night.
Click “Continue Reading” for a 3D/2N itinerary for a family of 4 and travel tips for visiting Bohol.
Getting around the city
You can opt to book a car with driver to take you to the various tourist spots around Bohol. There are several rent a car agencies that offer transport for Php 2,000 to Php 2,500 for an 8-hour period. If you want to spend less, you can contract a tricycle driver for the day for about Php 800 to Php 1,000 pesos.
Hire a driver to conveniently take you to Bohol’s various tourist spots, including the Blood Compact Shrine
DIY itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights in Bohol
It doesn’t cost much to have a lot of fun in Bohol. Here is a 3-day, 2-night DIY itinerary for your family this summer.
Day 1
- Arrive in Bohol via air or sea
- Check in at hotel (Php 900++ per night at Marcelina’s Guest House)
- Visit Dauis Church
- Take a look around Bohol Bee Farm (Entrance fee: Php 20 per head)
- Visit Hinagdanan Cave (Entrance fee: Php 20 per person)
- Watch the sunset on Alona Beach
- Dinner at Roderick & Vivien’s Seafoods and Restaurant along Alona Beach (Budget: Php 600)
- Back to hotel
Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
Day 2
- Breakfast at hotel
- Take photos of the Chocolate Hills (Entrance fee: Php 60 per person)
- Pass by the Bilar man-made forest
- Spend time at Simply Butterflies Conservation Center (Entrance fee: Php 50 per person)
- Buffet lunch and Loboc River Cruise (Php 450 for adults, Php 250 for kids 9-11 years old, Php 125 for kids 4-8 years old, free of charge for kids 0-3 years old)
- Visit the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary (Entrance fee: Php 50 per person)
- See the Sevilla Hanging Bridge (Entrance fee: Php 10 per head)
- Dinner at Jo’s Chicken Inato – Payag (Budget: Php 400)
Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills
Day 3
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Baclayon Church and museum (Entrance fee: Php 25 per person)
- See the Monument of the Blood Compact
- Check out from hotel
- Buffet lunch at Prawn Farm (Budget: Php 325 for adults, Php 165 for kids 6-11 years old, Php 1-5 for kids 3-5 years old)
Trip budget = Approximately Php 6,120 (Excludes airfare/ferry and transportation around Bohol)
Baclayon Church before the earthquake
Bohol travel tips
- If you want a truly value-for-money trip, be on the lookout for promo fares from the various airlines that fly into Cebu or Bohol. Booking those plane tickets in advance will guarantee you a lot of savings.
- Wear cool clothing and comfortable shoes when touring Bohol. The weather can get very warm so make sure to also have drinking water, a fan, and a towel or handkerchief with you throughout the day.
- Bring swimming attire and sunblock during your trip, especially if you are planning to visit the beaches in Panglao Island, go island hopping or dolphin-watching.
- Peanut kisses, raw honey from Bohol Bee Farm and calamay are just a few pasalubong options you have when visiting Bohol.
- If you prefer to book a tour rather than plan your own itinerary, you may do so through agencies like Bohol Travel Buddy and Bohol Life Tours.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan
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