Bohol, Philippines

Why You'll Love Bohol

Bohol is rad! It's an island province in the Philippines that is full of natural beauty and adventure. It has loads of incredible beaches, coral reefs, and jungles that you can explore. Diving and snorkeling here is the bomb, with crystal clear water and a plethora of sea creatures to marvel at.

One of the highlights of Bohol is the Chocolate Hills (they're not made of chocolate though, don't get too excited). They're hundreds of small, conical hills that are covered in green grass and look like giant chocolates scattered across the landscape. It's a pretty unique sight and definitely worth the trip!

Another must-see spot is the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with some of the world's smallest primates. They're tiny and super cute - you won't be able to resist taking a ton of photos!

If you're craving some adventure, you can go paddleboarding or kayaking on the rivers, zip-lining through the forest, or even try your hand at wakeboarding. There's heaps to do and heaps to see on Bohol, so get over there and start exploring!

Getting to Bohol

The nearest airport to Bohol is the Panglao International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle to your destination. If you are coming from other cities in the Philippines, you can also take a ferry from Cebu to Tagbilaran, which is the main port in Bohol.

The closest city to Bohol is Cebu City, in Bohol.

Travelling from Tagbilaran Airport to Bohol

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bohol, Philippines is during the dry season which runs from November to April. The weather is sunny and warm during these months, making it perfect for exploring the beaches, the chocolate hills, and the other attractions on the island. However, just be mindful of the peak season around Christmas and New Year, where prices tend to be higher and crowds can be more overwhelming.

Weather and Climate

Bohol, Philippines experiences a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. However, there are distinct wet and dry seasons.

From November to April, Bohol is typically dry and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77-84°F). It is a popular time for tourists to visit, especially during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

From May to October, Bohol experiences its wet season, with frequent rain and occasional typhoons. Temperatures during this time can range from 24-27°C (75-81°F). Despite the rain, this can be a good time to travel to Bohol for those who enjoy nature-based activities such as waterfalls and caves.

Overall, Bohol can be enjoyed year-round but travelers should take note of the weather patterns to better plan their trip.

Costs When Visiting

In Philippines, the currency is the Philippine Peso.
Some sample costs when travelling around Bohol are:

Food:
- Local street food: PHP 20-50 (0.40-1 USD) per item
- Budget restaurant: PHP 100-200 (2-4 USD) per meal
- Mid-range restaurant: PHP 200-500 (4-10 USD) per meal
- High-end restaurant: PHP 500-1,000 (10-20 USD) per meal

Accommodation:
- Hostel or guesthouse dorm bed: PHP 250-500 (5-10 USD) per night
- Budget hotel: PHP 1,000-2,000 (20-40 USD) per night
- Mid-range hotel or resort: PHP 2,000-5,000 (40-100 USD) per night
- Luxury resort or villa: PHP 5,000-10,000+ (100-200+ USD) per night

Safety Rating

Bohol, Philippines is generally considered a safe destination. The crime rate is relatively low, and the local people are known for being friendly and welcoming to tourists. Women can generally feel safe traveling alone, although it is recommended to take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of one's surroundings. LGBTQ tolerance is gradually improving in the Philippines, but it is still not widely accepted in some parts of the country. In Bohol, there are no specific laws criminalizing LGBTQ activities, but it is still advised to be cautious in public displays of affection. Racial tolerance is generally high, and tourists of all races are likely to be welcomed with open arms.

Local Population

Bohol, Philippines has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The majority of the population are Filipinos, who are predominantly Roman Catholic. The official language of the Philippines is Filipino, however, many people in Bohol speak the Boholano dialect. The population is fairly evenly split between males and females. The racial breakdown of Bohol is predominantly Asian, with some minority groups such as Chinese and Spanish.

Things to Do

Some common activities for tourists in Bohol, Philippines include:

1. Visiting the Chocolate Hills - A geological formation of over 1,000 hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate mounds.

2. Island hopping - Bohol is surrounded by islands that offer scenic beaches, diving spots, and marine life.

3. Viewing Tarsiers - These tiny primates, only found in the Philippines, are nocturnal and can be seen in their natural habitat at the Tarsier Sanctuary.

4. River cruising - The Loboc River Cruise offers tourists a ride through lush forests and villages while enjoying a buffet lunch on board.

5. Visiting historic churches - Bohol has several old churches that reflect the Spanish colonial era, such as the Baclayon Church and the Alburquerque Church.

6. Snorkeling and diving - The waters of Bohol offer a variety of dive sites with diverse marine life, including sea turtles and whale sharks.

7. Visiting the Hinagdanan Cave - A natural limestone cave with blue waters and stalactites and stalagmites.

8. Trying local delicacies - Bohol is famous for its peanut kisses, calamay, and balut (a boiled duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside).

9. Visiting the Man-made Forest - A popular site for tourists, the Bilar Man-made Forest is a dense stretch of mahogany trees lining the main highway.

10. Zip-lining - There are several zip-line activities in Bohol, such as the Loboc Eco-Adventure Park zipline that offers a scenic view of the Loboc river and its lush surroundings.