Bohol, Philippines

We just got back from our 4D3N tour of the island of Bohol and I have so many stories to tell. I brought my notebook with me as I thought I could upload my blog posts from our resort in Alona Beach, Panglao when I learned that I could get online thru wi-fi. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any wireless network connection and instead of writing from my hotel room, I took advantage of the cheap massage courtesy of Alona beach masseuse. They are mostly Panglao homemakers who made a living out of offering an hour of wholebody massage services to tourist at the beach for only P250. According to my masseuse, Ate Miriam, there are only 45 of them in their association and you could easily find them as they are either in white or blue uniform. If you want the massage service privately in your room like I did, it's also possible, although you'll be paying P300 because additional P50 will go to resort.

Tagbilaran City, Bohol – The City of Friendship

We left Manila via Cebu Pacific Air at around 8:20 am and arrived in Tagbilaran Airport at around 9:10 am. Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines and is located in the Central Visayas Region. Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol. If you will be transferring from the airport to your resort in Panglao Island, take advantage of the nearest shopping malls in Tagbilaran City such as BQ (Bohol Quality), Alturas Supermarket, Island City Mall, or at the Plaza Marcela. It is so much cheaper to purchase soft drinks, mineral water, 3-in-1 coffee, cup noodles, or some important items in Tagbilaran City rather than in Panglao Island. There are a lot of foreigners in Panglao so most of the items there are dollar rated. To give you an idea, a regular price of 1.5 liters of soft drinks in the city costs only P35 while it’s P60 in Alona Beach, Panglao. ATMs are also easily available in the city as compared to Panglao. Friendly tip, always have your cash available as not all resorts and restaurants in Bohol accept credit cards.

I was also fascinated with Bohol’s unique transport – the Habal-habal. It’s around P9.00 – P10.00 motorcycle ride which can be hired to bring you to your place of destination. Aside from the Habal-habal, there are also the regular tricycle cabs and vans which could both be hired for tours. Here are the transport rates if you want to go around the city:

• Tricycle fare (motorized cab) – P6.00 per person within the city limits
• Tricycle fare from pier to Bus Terminal – P18 per person minimum of 2 persons
• Multicab fare or public utility jeepney – P6 per person within the city limits
• Tricycle fare from pier or airport to Tagbilaran downtown – P10

If you go to Bohol without any package tour, you can easily negotiate with tour operators at the port area or through your hotel. Prices are around P2,500 - P3,500 for an all-day tour.

Traveling Bohol for me has been really educating, humbling, although very tiring. Our group managed to check-out almost all the must-see places in this island. I will be writing in parts so I could nicely present my photos and experience of this picturesque and historical province. To give you an idea, these are the places we have been in Bohol:

Bohol Tour Part 1 – Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier
Bohol Tour Part 2 – Loboc River Cruise and the Ati Tribe
Bohol Tour Part 3 – Man-made Forest, Butterfly Sanctuary, Hanging Bridge
Bohol Tour Part 4 – Blood Compact, Baclayon Church, Watch Tower
Bohol Tour Part 5 – Bayoyoy, Prony, and Marimar
Bohol Tour Part 6 – Hidag-danan Cave and Mag-aso Falls

Aside from the land tours I mentioned above, I will also share with you my experience on our Dolphin watching, sea tour of Balicasag Island, our food trip on Alona Beach and Tagbilaran's famous Jo’s Inato. I can't wait to write about them, so till my next post!

Related Post: Bohol Escapade!