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Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).

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Bohol Travel Guide

An island in the central Philippines known for island-hopping and snorkeling in clear water, plus unusual nature like the Chocolate Hills and tiny tarsiers. It suits a relaxed beach-resort holiday.

White sand and clear water along the Alona Beach seafront on Panglao Island.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island · Photo: Patrickroque01 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Plan your Bohol trip

We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.

At a glance

Currency
PHP (₱)
Power & plugs
220V · Type A/B/C
Driving side
Right
Tipping
Optional (small, for good service)
Local language
Filipino
How long to stay
4 to 5 days

Emergency numbers

When to go

The December-May dry season, especially January-April, brings the calmest, clearest seas. June-November is the wet season with frequent showers, and typhoons (mainly July-October) can stop ferries and flights.

Airport to the city

Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG) to Alona Beach

The airport is on Panglao Island, where the beach resorts are. Use a resort pickup, airport taxi or van, or a tricycle.

Time about 15-25 min to Alona BeachCost check pickup or vehicle fares when booking

Bohol airport to Tagbilaran City

The main city of Bohol is a short drive across the bridge.

Time about 20-30 minCost check vehicle fares when booking

Via Cebu and fast ferry

You can also fly into Mactan-Cebu (CEB) and take a fast ferry from Cebu City (Pier 1) to Tagbilaran. Ferries often sell out on weekends and holidays, so book ahead and check schedules and weather.

Time about 2 hours by ferry (plus the airport-to-pier transfer)Cost check ferry fares with the official operator

Getting around

Tricycles

Motorbikes with sidecars, handy for short trips. Agree on the fare before you ride.

Car and driver hire

Mainland sights like the Chocolate Hills and Loboc River are usually visited on a day hire with a driver.

Island-hopping boats

Balicasag, Virgin Island and other sea spots are reached by boat; trips may be cancelled in bad weather.

Motorbike and scooter rental

Useful around Panglao, but you need a license and helmet, and some roads are rough.

Where to stay

Alona Beach

Good for: First visit, restaurants, boat trips

The main beach on Panglao with hotels, restaurants and dive shops, liveliest in the evening.

Panglao resort beaches

Good for: Quiet resorts

Resorts are spread along the coast outside Alona. Quieter, but you may need a ride to restaurants.

Tagbilaran City

Good for: City convenience, ferries

The main city with malls and the port. No beach vibe, but handy for ferries to Cebu.

Around the Loboc River

Good for: Nature, quiet stays

A green inland area by the river, close to the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier sanctuary.

Map of stays in Bohol

Compare prices from many booking sites on the map

Search stays in Bohol in the app

Map & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site

Top sights

  1. Chocolate Hills

    Over a thousand rounded hills that turn brown in the dry season, like chocolate drops. Paid viewpoint.

    Rows of rounded Chocolate Hills stretching across the Bohol countryside.
    Chocolate Hills, Bohol · Photo: P199 / CC BY-SA 3.0
  2. Tarsier sanctuary

    See tiny nocturnal tarsiers. They are easily stressed, so stay quiet and never use flash; visit an accredited sanctuary.

  3. Loboc River cruise

    A floating lunch cruise through the jungle, usually combined with a countryside tour.

    The Loboc River flowing between green jungle banks in sunlight
    Loboc River cruise · Photo: Kris Fulgencio / CC BY-SA 4.0
  4. Balicasag Island

    The classic island-hopping stop for snorkeling with sea turtles over coral reefs. Follow marine sanctuary rules.

    White sand beach and sea on Balicasag Island
    Balicasag Island · Photo: Ric V Obedencio / CC BY-SA 4.0
  5. Virgin Island

    A white sandbar that appears at low tide; what you see depends on the tide.

  6. Dolphin watching

    Early-morning boat trips sometimes spot dolphins. Choose operators that keep their distance and don't chase them.

  7. Baclayon Church

    An old Spanish-era stone church. Dress respectfully with covered shoulders.

  8. Bilar Man-Made Forest

    A road lined with tall, densely planted trees, a quick photo stop on countryside tours.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Seafood barbecue

Prawns, squid and fish grilled over charcoal. Often priced by weight, so check first.

Lechon

Whole roast pig with crackling skin, the star of Filipino feasts, served by the plate in restaurants.

Adobo

Meat braised in soy sauce and vinegar, Filipino home cooking. About 150-300 pesos a plate.

Halo-halo

Shaved ice with fruit, jellies and ube (purple yam). About 100-250 pesos.

Mangoes

Philippine mangoes are sweet and fragrant; a mango shake is about 100-200 pesos.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout 2,000-3,000 pesos per day: guesthouse, local eateries, tricycles
Mid-rangeabout 5,000-8,000 pesos per day: beach hotel, island-hopping, restaurants
Comfortabout 15,000 pesos+ per day: resort, private car, private tours

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Airport to Alona Beach, check in, a beach walk and seafood barbecue dinner.

  2. Day 2

    Early island-hopping: dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag and Virgin Island, then an afternoon at the resort.

  3. Day 3

    Countryside tour with a driver: Baclayon Church, the tarsier sanctuary, a Loboc River lunch cruise, Bilar forest and the Chocolate Hills.

  4. Day 4

    Beach and spa in the morning, souvenirs, then the airport (allow plenty of time for international flights).

Local tips

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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.

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