Ready to plan your Bohol adventure? This guide will help you create your own special trip, making it affordable and fun. We’ll show you how to skip the usual tourist traps and discover the real Bohol. Let’s start planning!
Why DIY Bohol?
Most people join group tours when they visit Bohol. While tours can be convenient, they often rush you from one spot to another, and you don’t get to explore at your own pace. Doing it yourself means you choose exactly where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and how much you want to spend. DIY also means you can eat at local restaurants, meet local people, and see things that tour groups usually miss. It’s a more personal and authentic experience, plus, you get to bragging rights!
Getting to Bohol
Okay, first things first, you need to get there! The easiest way is to fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). Many airlines, like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, offer regular flights from Manila and other major cities in the Philippines. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is crucial to snag better deals.
Another option is to take a ferry. Ferries from Cebu City are frequent and can be a more cost-effective choice if you’re already in Cebu. OceanJet and Weesam Express are popular ferry operators. The journey takes around 2 hours. Consider the travel time to and from the ports in both cities when weighing your options.
Transportation within Bohol
Once you’re on Bohol, getting around is easier than you think. Here are a few options:
Rent a Scooter: This is probably the most popular and affordable way to explore. Scooter rentals are widely available in Panglao and Tagbilaran City. Just be sure you’re comfortable driving, wear a helmet and have a valid driver’s license. Daily rentals typically cost between 300-500 pesos.
Hire a Car or Van with a Driver: If you’re traveling with a group or prefer more comfort, hiring a car or van with a driver is a good choice. Your hotel or guesthouse can help you arrange this. Rates depend on the distance and duration, so negotiate before you agree.
Tricycles: These are great for short distances within towns and cities. Agree on the fare before you get in.
Public Buses: Buses are the cheapest option, but they can be slow and crowded. They are a good way to experience local life, though!
Creating Your Bohol Itinerary
This is the fun part! Let’s break down some popular attractions and how to visit them on your own.
The Chocolate Hills
Of course, you can’t go to Bohol without seeing the Chocolate Hills! These iconic hills turn brown during the dry season, resembling giant chocolate kisses. There are several viewpoints, including the Chocolate Hills Complex, where you can get a panoramic view. Entering to view the Chocolate Hills themselves are quite cheap, costing around 100 pesos.
You can easily reach the Chocolate Hills by rented scooter or hire a car; the travel is relatively easy with roads leading directly to it.
Tarsier Sanctuaries
The Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates in the world. Remember that tarsiers are very sensitive creatures, so choose a sanctuary that prioritizes their well-being. Avoid places where tourists are allowed to touch or handle them; the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella is generally considered a better choice, since they promote responsible tourism. Respect guidelines about noise levels and flash photography.
Loboc River Cruise
A relaxing way to experience Bohol is by taking a Loboc River cruise. These cruises typically include lunch onboard a floating restaurant while you enjoy the scenery. While once highly popular, you need to ensure that you are booking a river cruise that benefits the locals, and contributes to the local economy.
Panglao Beaches
Panglao Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. Alona Beach is the most popular, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and dive shops. If you’re looking for something quieter, head to Dumaluan Beach or Bagobo Beach. These are public beaches with few commercial establishments, which will give you a better experience.
Hinagdanan Cave
Located in Panglao, the Hinagdanan Cave is a natural cave with a serene underground pool. It’s a short but stunning visit. The entrance is quite small, and you have to climb down a set of stairs to access the cave. Entrance fee is usually around 50 pesos. Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Anda Beach
Located on the eastern side of the island is the beautiful Anda Beach. It is less crowded than Alona Beach and is famous for its white sand and clear turquoise water.
Sample DIY Bohol Itineraries
Here are a couple of sample itineraries to get you started. Feel free to mix and match!
3-Day Bohol Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bohol, check into your accommodation on Panglao Island. Afternoon: Relax on Alona Beach or explore nearby Dumaluan Beach. Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Alona.
Day 2: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers. Early morning: Travel to Carmen to see the Chocolate Hills. Mid-morning: Visit Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Afternoon: Return to Panglao and enjoy swimming in the beaches.
Day 3: Loboc River Cruise and Departure. Morning: Head to Loboc for a river cruise. Afternoon: Visit Hinagdanan Cave. Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure.
5-Day Bohol Itinerary
Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary above.
Day 4: Anda Beach and East Coast Exploration. Morning: Travel to Anda. Spend the day relaxing on Anda Beach, snorkeling, or diving.
Day 5: Island Hopping. Morning: Take a boat trip to Balicasag Island for snorkeling and diving. Visit Virgin Island, a sandbar that appears during low tide. Afternoon: Buy souvenirs or enjoy your remaining time on Alona Beach. Evening: Departure.
Avoiding Tourist Traps
Bohol is a beautiful place, but like any popular destination, there are a few tourist traps to watch out for.
Overpriced Tours: Shop around before booking any tours to make sure you are getting a fair price. Check with several local tour operators or hotels to compare rates.
Restaurants near Alona Beach: While Alona Beach is convenient, some restaurants there can be quite expensive and not always the best quality. Venture a bit farther from the beach to find cheaper and more authentic options.
Souvenir Scams: Be careful when buying souvenirs, particularly items made from sea creatures (shells, coral etc.). These are often illegal to possess and contribute to the destruction of marine life. You can avoid it by asking locals where to get the best deals for souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Bohol
There are accommodations for every budget in Bohol. Alona Beach in Panglao has the highest number of hotels followed by Anda.
Budget: Check out guesthouses or hostels in Tagbilaran City or along Alona Beach. These offer basic accommodation at affordable prices.
Mid-Range: Look for hotels or resorts in Panglao with good reviews. These offer more amenities and comfort without breaking the bank.
Luxury: Several high-end resorts in Panglao offer luxurious amenities, private beaches, and excellent service.
Bohol Food Adventures
Don’t miss out on the delicious food in Bohol!
Seafood: Bohol is abundant with fresh seafood. Try grilled fish, shrimp, squid, or lobster.
Peanut Kisses: These are a Bohol delicacy. You can find them in local markets and souvenir shops.
Calamay: A sweet and sticky delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar.
Ube Kinampay(Purple Yam): Bohol’s special variety of purple yam is known for its vibrant color and sweet flavor.
Responsible Travel Tips
Let’s keep it in mind when exploring Bohol, let’s aim to be responsible tourists!
Respect the Environment: Avoid littering.
Support the Local Economy: Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and use local transportation.
Conserve Water and Energy: Be mindful of water and energy usage.
Be Respectful of Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites. Obtain consent before snapping a picture of a local.
Budgeting for Your Bohol Trip
Saving money for your trip to Bohol?
Accommodation: PHP 500 – PHP 5,000+ per night, depending on the type of accommodation.
Transportation: PHP 300 – PHP 1,500 per day, depending on the mode of transportation.
Food: PHP 500 – PHP 2,000 per day, depending on your dining choices.
Activities: PHP 500 – PHP 3,000 per day, depending on the activities you choose.
Useful Filipino Phrases
Knowing a few basic phrases in Filipino can be helpful.
Magandang araw (Good day)
Salamat (Thank you)
Magkano (How much?)
Oo (Yes)
Hindi (No)
Essential Things to Pack
Don’t forget these:
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the tropical sun.
Insect Repellent:: Keep those mosquitoes away!
Swimsuit: Essential for enjoying the beaches and pools.
Light Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the warm weather
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
FAQ Section
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Bohol.
Is Bohol safe for tourists?
Yes, Bohol is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
What is the best time to visit Bohol?
Bohol is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May. The weather is sunny and dry, perfect for exploring the beaches and outdoor attractions.
How much money do I need for a trip to Bohol?
This depends on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around PHP 1,500 – PHP 2,500 per day, while a mid-range traveler may spend PHP 3,000 – PHP 5,000 per day. Luxury travelers can easily spend much more.
Do I need to book accommodations and tours in advance?
It’s always a good idea to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. As for tours, you can often book them on arrival, but booking in advance can guarantee availability and sometimes snag better deals.
Can I use credit cards in Bohol?
Major hotels, resorts, and restaurants in tourist areas typically accept credit cards. However, smaller establishments and local shops may only accept cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you.
References List
Philippine Airlines Official Website
Cebu Pacific Official Website
OceanJet Ferry Website
Weesam Express Ferry Website
Ready to experience Bohol your way? Ditch the crowded tours and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful island at your own pace. Start planning your DIY adventure today, book that flight, and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Embrace the freedom, connect with the locals, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your Bohol adventure awaits!
