Bohol

Introduction

Tarsier, Bohol

© TLWH

Bohol is one of the islands of the Visayas, one of three major regions in the Philippines.

Situated at the southeastern side of the island of Cebu, the island is a famius destination for eco-tourism, the unique landscape of the Chocolate Hills and being home to the world's smallest primate, the tarsier.

Geography

The island lies southeast from Cebu Island and southwest of Leyte Island in the Central Visayas region. This oval-shaped island is the tenth largest of the Philippine archipelago.

Cities

• Tagbilaran is the capital city of Bohol and the main entry point onto the island. You can enter by air or by sea with ease from Cebu.
• Jagna is a peaceful city on the southern coast of the island. It is known as an excellent diving location due to the double coral reef just off the coast.

Sights and Activities

Bohol is a tropical haven of natural beauty. The coastline of the island is skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches. Bohol is not as internationally famous as Boracay, but is well-known locally as a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Dolphin watching and whale watching tours are popular with both residents and visiting tourists. The best season is from March to June, but dolphins can be seen year-round.

Chocolate Hills make up more than 1,200 perfectly-coned hills clustered in the town of Carmen on the central part of the island of Bohol. The hills turn brown during the dry season, mimicking the likes of Hershey Kisses Chocolates.

Weather

Warm and humid weather throughout the year, with maximum temperatures mostly around or above 30 °C and nights mostly above 20 °C.

Getting There

By Plane

Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) for now (until a new international airport is finished) is the main airport, with flights to/from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

By Boat

Tagbilaran Seaport is the main port on the island. There are regularly scheduled ferries that travel between Tagbilaran and Cebu including OceanJet and SuperCat

Getting Around

Bohol Island is easily accessible by jeepney, private car, taxi and rental car. Many of the towns in Bohol have a bus terminal where you can get a ride to other towns. Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, has an integrated bus terminal located in Dao, where you can get a bus ride to most towns in Bohol. Most bus lines follow daily schedules. A van service called "GT Express", which operates nationwide, often beats a bus ride, since people travelling in public vehicles are always cramped together like farm animals. Most resorts and hotels in Bohol offer day tours which include all the popular tourist spots.

In Tagbilaran City, commuters usually get from place to place with a tricycle or multicab. Taxis are available sparingly; they usually stand waiting for fares at the two major malls, Bohol Quality and Island City Mall.

Sleep

Bohol's rapidly growing status as a developing tourist attraction in the Philippines has resulted in the improvement of its tourist facilities. From quality boutique hotels to delightfully quaint bed-and-breakfasts, lovely top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. Hence, whatever your budget, you can probably find a suitable place to stay.

View our map of accommodation in Bohol

External Links