The Ultimate Bohol Travel Guide: Plan your trip
Bohol and Panglao Island are highly sought-after tourist destinations in the Philippines, with many travelers seeking guidance on the best time to visit and places to stay.
We trust that this article has provided valuable insights to help you plan a memorable trip to Bohol and Panglao Island.
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Bohol Countryside and Chocolate Hills (w/ Tour Guide)
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When to Visit Bohol
Bohol and Panglao Island are popular tourist destinations in the Philippines that can be visited all year round.
High Season
The high season is from November to early May, with public holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter attracting large crowds. During this period, it’s best to book your accommodations well in advance.
Low Season
The low season is from June to October, and adverse weather can occur during this period. Travelers should be prepared for adverse weather conditions, such as tropical storms or low-pressure areas, that can ruin their vacation.
Bad weather
The last significant typhoon to affect Bohol was Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, which caused some damage to the province.
When planning a trip to Bohol and Panglao Island, it’s essential to be aware of the weather conditions that could impact your travel. While these destinations can be visited all year round, adverse weather can occur anytime and potentially disrupt your plans.
In case of bad weather, ferry and flight schedules might be canceled, and it’s essential to note that all tour operators in Bohol and ferry companies are not responsible or liable for any extra expenses incurred due to these situations. Therefore, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended, especially during the wet season. Most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation due to reasons beyond your control, such as adverse weather conditions.
Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:
- Chocolate Hills
- Alona Beach
- Anda Beach
- Dumaluan Beach
- Tarsier Conservation
- Loboc River
Classic Bohol Tour Options:
The Bohol Countryside Tour is a must-do experience when visiting Bohol. The tour takes you to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the area, including Chocolate Hills, Tariser Sanctuary, Bilar Manmade Forest, Loboc River and Butterfly Sanctuary. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Bohol’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Experience the best of Panglao Island with our island hopping tour! Watch dolphins play in the waters around Pamilacan Island, explore the colorful Balicasag Reef, and relax on the pristine sands of Virgin Island
Danao Adventure Park is an eco-adventure park in Bohol, Philippines that offers various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, river trekking, caving, and more. It is a popular destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Discovering Bohol in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in Panglao Island
Upon arrival at the airport, take a private transfer to your hotel in Panglao Island. You can spend the day settling in and exploring the nearby beaches, such as Alona Beach, or simply relax and enjoy the tropical scenery.
Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour and Chocolate Hills
Start your day early with a Bohol Countryside Tour that will take you to the famous Chocolate Hills, one of the most popular attractions in the region. You’ll also visit the man-made forest, the tarsier sanctuary, the Loboc River, and other interesting landmarks.
Day 3: Panglao Island Hopping and Dolphin Watching
Take a boat tour around Panglao Island to discover its hidden gems and see the dolphins in their natural habitat. You can visit Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and other nearby islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and dive in crystal-clear waters.
Day 4: Departure from Panglao Island
Enjoy your last day in Panglao Island by relaxing on the beach or exploring other nearby attractions, such as the Hinagdanan Cave or the Bohol Bee Farm. Depending on your flight schedule, you can arrange for a transfer to the airport or take a ferry to another destination in the Philippines.
Where to stay:
If you’re planning to explore Bohol, Panglao Island is an ideal location to stay. Connected to the main island by a bridge, Panglao boasts stunning beaches and diverse accommodations.
For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere, Alona Beach is the perfect destination, with numerous hotels and restaurants nearby.
On the other hand, if you prefer a serene and peaceful environment, we highly recommend visiting Dumaluan Beach. Its tranquil ambiance and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit location during your stay in Bohol.
Bohol Beach Club is a beachfront resort that offers a relaxing tropical getaway. It features a private white sand beach, outdoor pool, and lush gardens. The resort has various types of accommodations, including deluxe rooms and beach cottages that are designed with traditional Filipino-inspired interiors.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The resort also has a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine, as well as a beach bar where guests can enjoy refreshing drinks while lounging on the beach.
With its serene ambiance and natural beauty, Bohol Beach Club is an ideal destination for those who want to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Dumaluan Beach.
Amorita Resort Bohol is a luxurious resort located in the beautiful Alona Beach. The resort offers breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea and the surrounding lush greenery. Amorita features elegantly designed rooms and suites that are well-appointed with modern amenities, and some even come with their own plunge pools.
The resort boasts an infinity pool, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delectable cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy various activities such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Amorita Resort is a perfect getaway for those seeking a luxurious and tranquil retreat.
Located on a lush 6.5 hectare property on the pristine shores of Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol, the Henann Resort Alona Beach welcomes guests with beautifully designed structures and warm, open spaces. The coastal-inspired interiors emit a relaxing vibe, offering guests an instantly tranquil stay.
With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, Henann Resort Alona Beach offers a plethora of features that ensure guests get the best of everything, whether visiting for a vacation or business. From luxurious accommodations to modern facilities and amenities, everything has been carefully curated to provide ultimate comfort and convenience.
Guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s stunning swimming pools, indulge in delicious cuisines at the on-site restaurants, and be attended to by warm and friendly staff
What to bring along
Are you planning a trip to Bohol? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
- Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
- Shorts and Cotton T-Shirts: A few lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts are perfect for casual daytime wear.
- Flip Flops: Essential for any beach vacation, flip flops are perfect for the sand.
- Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
- Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
- Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
- Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
- A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
- Insect Repellent: Keep mosquito away with a good DEET insect repellent, especially during the evening.
- Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
- Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.
Good to know
Getting Around Bohol and Panglao island
There are many ways to get around the island of Bohol. All vehicles with a “rainbow plate” are accredited by the Department of Tourism. Public transportation options include tricycles, which are the most popular mode of transport in Bohol and can take you to most locations within Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island.
Tricycles are motorbikes with carriages on the side and a luggage compartment at the rear and can carry up to three passengers. Longer routes to neighboring towns are served by multicabs, buses, and jeepneys.
Dining
Bohol offers a range of dining options. Higher-end restaurants are located within beach resorts, while many restaurants in Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach offer inexpensive dishes that combine classic Filipino delicacies with western food.
For a unique dining experience, try a “dampa” in Alona Beach, where you can choose your own selection of fresh seafood and have it cooked by a local chef. The seafood can be grilled right off the hook for an authentic gourmet treat, and San Miguel Beer is a popular choice to wash down your meal. Most nightlife is found along Alona Beach, where the majority of tourists prefer to stay.
Shops, Markets, and Crafts
Bohol is known for its handicrafts, including mats, baskets, raffia woven cloth, fashion accessories, woodcraft, processed food, and ceramics. There are countless gift shops all over the island where you can buy native delicacies and souvenirs.
Special buys include Peanut Kisses (a famous Bohol delicacy shaped like the Chocolate Hills but made out of peanuts), purple yam (locally known as Kinampay or Ubi), and baskets from the town of Tubigon made from local fibers and buri leaves.
Diving
Bohol is a top destination for diving, with impressive coral gardens teeming with colorful marine life. The island’s unique dive sites were created by continental shifts during prehistoric times, resulting in deep, steep walls. Diving is close to most resorts, so you don’t have to travel far from the dive shop to the actual dive site. The majority of Bohol diving is concentrated around the southwestern end of the Bohol mainland.
The islands of Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan, and Cabilao are all synonymous with excellent diving year-round. Panglao is a great place to base yourself, but resorts are also available on the outlying islands. Whichever you choose, diving is close to shore and very accessible.