Bohol, in the Philippines, is a tropical paradise perfect for backpackers who are looking for adventure without breaking the bank. This guide is all about exploring Bohol on a budget, from where to sleep and eat to the best things to see and do, all while keeping your spending in check.
Getting to Bohol Without Emptying Your Wallet
Okay, first things first: getting to Bohol. Most people fly into Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG). To save money, try flying during the off-season (June to November) when flights are generally cheaper. Keep an eye out for promo fares from airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Booking in advance is almost always a good idea.
Another option, especially if you’re coming from other islands in the Philippines, is to take a ferry. Companies like Oceanjet and Weesam Express operate ferries to Bohol from Cebu City. Ferries can be significantly cheaper than flights, although the journey will take longer. Check the schedules and book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or holidays.
Finding Affordable Accommodation
Bohol offers a wide range of accommodation options for budget travelers. Forget fancy resorts; look for hostels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly hotels in areas like Panglao Island (Alona Beach area), Tagbilaran City, and even in some of the inland towns.
Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers and save some serious cash. You can find dorm rooms for as little as ₱300-₱500 (approximately $6-$10 USD) per night. Search engine websites that compare hotels, such as Booking.com can often help you to find the best deals.
Guesthouses offer private rooms, often with shared bathrooms, for a slightly higher price than hostels. Expect to pay around ₱500-₱1000 (approximately $10-$20 USD) per night. These are ideal if you want a little more privacy but still want to keep costs down.
Consider staying slightly away from the main tourist areas. Accommodation further inland or in less popular areas will usually be much cheaper than places right on Alona Beach. You might need to rent a scooter to get around, but the savings on accommodation could more than make up for it.
Eating Deliciously on a Shoestring
Eating in Bohol doesn’t have to be expensive! There are tons of affordable and tasty options available.
Explore Local Eateries (Carenderias): Forget the fancy restaurants; the real culinary treasures are found in the local carenderias. These small, family-run eateries offer Filipino dishes at incredibly low prices. A meal of rice, meat, and vegetables can cost as little as ₱50-₱100 (approximately $1-$2 USD).
Visit Public Markets: Public markets are a great place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. You can also find cooked food at very reasonable prices. Look for vendors selling kakanin (Filipino rice cakes) or siopao (steamed buns) for a cheap and filling snack.
Cook Your Own Food: If your accommodation has a kitchen, consider cooking some of your own meals. Buying groceries at the local market is much cheaper than eating out every day. Try making simple Filipino dishes like adobo or sinigang.
Street Food Adventures: Don’t be afraid to try the street food! Bohol has a wide variety of delicious and affordable street food options, from banana cue (deep-fried bananas coated in caramelized sugar) to kwek kwek (deep-fried quail eggs).
Happy Hour is Your Friend: If you want to enjoy a few drinks, take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants. You can often find discounts on beer and cocktails during certain hours.
Must-See Attractions Without the High Price Tag
Bohol is packed with amazing things to see and do, many of which are budget-friendly. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have an incredible experience.
The Chocolate Hills: This is probably Bohol’s most famous attraction. The Chocolate Hills are a geological formation consisting of around 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. Entrance fees to most viewing platforms are quite minimal, usually around ₱50-₱100 (approximately $1-$2 USD). Consider renting a scooter and driving yourself there to save on tour costs.
Tarsier Sanctuary: The Philippine tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, is another must-see. Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to see these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The entrance fee is usually around ₱60 (a little over $1 USD).
Panglao Island Beaches: Panglao Island is home to some beautiful beaches, and most of them are free to access! Alona Beach is the most popular, but there are also quieter options like Dumaluan Beach and Doljo Beach. Bring a towel, soak up the sun, and enjoy the crystal-clear water.
Hinagdanan Cave: This stunning cave features an underground lake and a natural skylight. It’s a unique and memorable experience, and the entrance fee is quite affordable (around ₱50 or $1 USD).
Cambugahay Falls: While technically on Siquijor (another island near Bohol), it’s worth a day trip if you have the time. You can take a fast ferry from Tagbilaran. Cambugahay Falls is known for its multi-tiered waterfalls and turquoise waters. The entrance fee is minimal, and you can even rent a swing and jump into the water.
Explore Bohol by Scooter: Renting a scooter is a great way to explore Bohol at your own pace and save money on transportation. Scooters can be rented for around ₱300-₱500 (approximately $6-$10 USD) per day. Just make sure you have a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet.
Getting Around Bohol Without Breaking the Bank
Transportation can eat into your budget if you’re not careful. Here are some tips for getting around Bohol cheaply:
Rent a Scooter: As mentioned earlier, renting a scooter is often the most cost-effective way to explore Bohol. You’ll have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to rely on taxis or tour groups.
Ride the Local Buses: Local buses are a very cheap way to travel between towns. They might be a bit crowded and slow, but they’re a great way to experience local life and save money. Just ask around for the correct routes and schedules.
Use Tricycles for Short Distances: Tricycles are a common form of transportation in Bohol, especially for short distances within towns. Make sure to negotiate the fare before you get in.
Avoid Taxis: Taxis are the most expensive form of transportation in Bohol. Try to avoid them whenever possible, unless you’re traveling in a group and can split the fare.
Walk: Walking is free! If you’re exploring a small town or beach area, walking is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise.
Sample Bohol Backpacking Budget (Per Day)
This is just an estimated budget, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style and preferences.
- Accommodation (Hostel Dorm): ₱300-₱500
- Food: ₱300-₱500
- Transportation: ₱200-₱400 (assuming scooter rental)
- Activities: ₱200-₱400 (entrance fees, etc.)
- Total: ₱1000-₱1800 (approximately $20-$36 USD)
You can definitely travel Bohol for around $20-$36 USD a day if you are frugal with your spending. Of course, it’s good to have some extra money for unexpected expenses or if you want to treat yourself.
Tips for Saving Money
Here are some extra tips to help you save money on your Bohol backpacking trip:
Travel During the Off-Season: Flights and accommodation are generally cheaper during the off-season (June to November).
Bargain: Don’t be afraid to bargain, especially when shopping at markets or hiring tricycles.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle: Refilling your own water bottle is much cheaper (and more eco-friendly) than buying bottled water all the time.
Learn Some Basic Tagalog: Knowing a few basic Tagalog phrases can help you communicate with locals and get better deals.
Use Free Wi-Fi: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at hostels, cafes, and restaurants to save on data charges.
Travel with Friends: Traveling with friends can help you save money on accommodation, transportation, and even food.
Safety Tips for Backpackers
Bohol is generally a safe place to travel, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions:
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.
Don’t Flash Your Cash: Avoid flashing large amounts of cash in public.
Protect Your Belongings: Keep your valuables safe and secure. Use a money belt or hidden pocket.
Be Careful When Renting a Scooter: Inspect the scooter carefully before renting and make sure you have a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet.
Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can make you vulnerable to theft or scams.
Be Respectful of Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Get Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is always a good idea in case of accidents, illness, or theft.
Responsible Tourism in Bohol
As a backpacker, it’s important to travel responsibly and minimize your impact on the environment and local communities.
Respect the Environment: Don’t litter, stay on marked trails, and avoid damaging coral reefs.
Support Local Businesses: Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and stay at locally owned guesthouses.
Be Mindful of Your Water and Energy Consumption: Conserve water and energy whenever possible.
Learn About the Local Culture: Take the time to learn about the local culture and customs.
Be Respectful of Local People: Treat local people with respect and kindness.
Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots
Consider venturing beyond the popular tourist spots to discover hidden gems and experience the real Bohol.
Anda Beach: Quieter and less crowded than Alona Beach, Anda offers pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters. It’s a great place to relax and escape the crowds.
Can-umantad Falls: Located in Candijay, Can-umantad Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bohol. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the stunning scenery is well worth the effort.
Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape: Hike through this lush rainforest and discover hidden waterfalls, caves, and diverse wildlife. It’s a great place to escape the heat and connect with nature.
Danicop Twin Falls: Another set of beautiful waterfalls that are relatively undiscovered. Pack a lunch and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters.
Inabanga River Cruise: Take a scenic river cruise along the Inabanga River and learn about the local flora and fauna. You can also enjoy a traditional Filipino meal on board the boat.
Mag-Aso Falls: The falls are in Antequera, Bohol, the waterfall’s local name, Mag-aso, means smoke in the local dialect, and true to its name, the falls create a misty atmosphere as the water cascades down the 25-meter drop.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about backpacking in Bohol:
What is the best time to visit Bohol? The best time to visit Bohol is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. The weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.
Is Bohol a safe place to travel? Yes, Bohol is generally a safe place to travel. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and protecting your belongings.
What is the currency in the Philippines? The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
Do I need a visa to enter the Philippines? Many nationalities can enter the Philippines without a visa for a certain period of time. Check the visa requirements for your nationality before you travel. You can find details regarding visa and entry requirements on the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines website.
What should I pack for my Bohol backpacking trip? Pack light, comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Also, don’t forget your camera!
Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan food in Bohol? Finding vegetarian or vegan food can be a bit challenging in Bohol, but it’s definitely possible. Look for restaurants that offer vegetable dishes or prepare your own meals using ingredients from the local market.
How much Tagalog should I know before I go to Bohol? Knowing some basic Tagalog phrases will definitely be helpful, but it’s not essential. Many Filipinos speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, locals will appreciate your efforts to speak their language.
Can I use credit cards in Bohol? Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but not everywhere. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when traveling to more remote areas.
Is it easy to find ATMs in Bohol? ATMs are available in Tagbilaran City and other major towns. However, it’s a good idea to withdraw some cash before traveling to more remote areas.
Ready for Your Bohol Adventure?
Bohol is waiting to be explored! With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you can have an unforgettable backpacking trip without emptying your bank account. So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to experience the beauty and charm of this incredible island. This guide is your starting point; take it, adjust it to your needs, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Now, go on and discover Bohol on a budget! You won’t regret it.
References
Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
