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Bohol (Philippines) is an island province known for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, white-sand beaches (Panglao), diving, and relaxed island culture. Plan for tropical weather, island transfers, and basic but friendly local services.
Visa / entry requirements
- Many nationalities (including US, EU, Australia, Canada) receive 30-day visa-free entry; others need visas. Check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or your embassy for current rules before travel.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date in most cases.
- Return/onward ticket may be requested.
- If arriving via Cebu/Bohol domestic flights, carry passport and proof of onward travel.
Best time to visit
- Dry season (November–May) is best: calmer seas, less rain, good diving and island-hopping. Peak tourist months: December–April.
- Wet season (June–October): more rain, occasional typhoons; lower prices and fewer crowds but some tours/ferries may be disrupted.
Safety tips
- Bohol is generally safe for tourists; petty crime (bag/snatch theft) can occur—use common-sense precautions.
- Avoid flashing valuables, use hotel safes, and secure belongings on beaches/boats.
- When renting scooters/motorbikes: wear helmets, inspect the vehicle, carry license, and ride cautiously—roads can be narrow and uneven.
- For sea activities, only go with licensed operators, check life jackets, and heed weather warnings.
- Health: bring mosquito repellent (dengue risk), stay hydrated, and follow food-safety caution with street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage is recommended.
Local customs & etiquette
- Filipinos are friendly and polite. Greet with a smile; 'Salamat' means thank you.
- Dress modestly in villages and when visiting churches; beachwear is fine on the shore but not in towns.
- Bargaining: acceptable at markets and for some tours/boat hires, but be respectful.
- Tipping: not mandatory but appreciated—small tips for drivers, guides, and staff are common.
Currency & money
- Local currency: Philippine Peso (PHP).
- Major towns (Tagbilaran, Panglao) have ATMs and currency exchange; carry cash for small vendors and island transfers.
- Credit cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and some dive shops, but many small businesses are cash-only.
- Inform your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks.
Transportation & getting around
- Arrival: Fly into Panglao (Bohol–Panglao International Airport, TAG) or arrive by ferry from Cebu or Dumaguete to Tagbilaran or Tubigon.
- Local transport: taxis, tricycles (motorbike taxis), habal-habal (motorbike for hire), jeepneys, and rented scooters/cars. Pre-arranged transfers from the airport are common.
- Island hopping/diving: book with reputable operators; check boat condition and safety equipment.
- Distances: sights are spread out—renting a car with driver or hiring a day tour is convenient. Roads vary from good paved highways to rough rural lanes.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Chocolate Hills: visit early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds. Combine with nearby attractions like the tarsier sanctuaries.
- Tarsiers: choose accredited sanctuaries that follow wildlife-friendly viewing rules (no flash photography, no loud noise).
- Panglao beaches (Alona Beach, Dumaluan): popular and developed; explore quieter beaches (Doljo, Anda on mainland) if you want less crowd.
- Diving & snorkeling: excellent—Balicasag Island and Panglao house reefs are top spots. Book dives with PADI/SSI dive centers.
- Day trips: Loboc River cruise, man-made forest in Bilar, Baclayon Church, Anda for cliffs and seascapes.
- Food: try fresh seafood, local sweets (budbud, kalamay), and Filipino favorites (adobo, lechon).
- Connectivity: mobile data is widely available; buy a local SIM at the airport for better coverage.
- Conservation: respect coral reefs (don’t touch, use reef-safe sunscreen), avoid plastic waste, and support ethical wildlife tourism.
Practical checklist
- Passport, printed & digital copies; any required visas.
- Travel insurance covering activities like diving.
- Cash in PHP and at least one working credit/debit card.
- Lightweight rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes.
- Chargers, powerbank, travel adapter (Philippines uses Type A/B plugs, 220V).
- Copies of bookings and emergency contacts (local embassy/consulate, tour operators).
Enjoyment tip
- Allow time for unplanned discoveries—Bohol’s charm often shows in small villages, roadside stalls, and quiet beaches beyond the main attractions.