Why Bohol?
Bohol is a small piece of the lost paradise with full of wonders and captivating sites. It is one of the prides of every Filipino. It is not just known locally but as well as globally. Truly, an ideal place for everyone because of its terrific tranquil ambience.
Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippine archipelago, and a top tourist destination of the Philippines.
Bohol is blessed with a number of amazing pristine white beaches as well as the famous world- known Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
Language – Locals speak Boholano, English and Tagalog.
Climate – The climate in Bohol is very pleasant and warm. From November to April, the northeast monsoon (amihan) prevails. Except for a rare shower, this is the mildest time of the year. Daytime temperatures average 28°C, cooling down at night to around 25°C. The summer season from May to July brings higher temperatures and very humid days. From August to October is the southwest monsoon (habagat). The weather during this season is not very predictable, with weeks of calm weather alternating with rainy days. It can rain any day of the year, but a higher chance of heavy showers occurs from November to January.
Philippine Time – Philippine standard time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Dress/What to bring – Bohol is indeed an interesting place to visit as it is rich in historical sites and beautiful beaches. The climate is very pleasant and warm. Visitors can spend days touring the city as they wouldn’t run out of things to do. However, what to bring and what to wear in Bohol is a major concern for most travelers. In an effort to help, we have narrowed down a list of things to bring when visiting Bohol:
- Make sure to wear light clothing made of natural fiber.
- Bring a hat or cap with you to protect your scalp from the heat of the sun, especially in open-spaced venues. Bring sun glasses to protect your eyes.
- Apply sun block before leaving your hotel or accommodations. Re-apply significantly when bathing in beaches and swimming pools.
- Bring comfortable shoes for touring around the city and rubber slippers when lounging around the beaches.
- When headed to any Bohol’s pristine beaches, make sure to bring the following: shorts, bathing suit, cover-ups, flashlights and loads of sun block.
- Aside from applying sun block to your skin, make sure to apply insect repellant as well to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Do this especially in visiting lush vegetation areas or forest as you may be visiting a haven for insects.
- A small, handy bag should be perfect to house your belongings safely.
- Shorts, sleeveless t-shirts or slippers should never be worn when visiting churches, mosques or temples. These areas are considered sacred places, so do your part and respect them.
- The Barong Tagalog is acceptable formal wear when attending social events around the city. Bring something a bit formal for the ladies just in case you attend any social events.
- Of course, never forget to bring your camera.
Money – The Philippine currency is peso. Next to the peso, the US dollar which is widely accepted. Most foreign currencies may be change at banks, hotels, and authorized dealers. Foreign currencies are not accepted by the establishments in Bohol. Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only in major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Visitors/guest are advised to bring enough amount of change in small coins or bills.
Business Hours
- Banks:
– 9:00A.M. – 3:00P.M. – Monday to Friday
- Government Offices:
– 8:00A.M. – 5:00P.M. – Monday to Friday
- Private Firms:
– 8:00A.M. – 5:00P.M. – Monday to Friday
– 9:00A.M. – 12:00NN – Saturday
- Shops:
– 9:00A.M. – 8:00P.M. – Monday – Saturday
– Most department stores stay open on Sunday and holidays.
- Public Transport:
Travelling around Bohol is quite an easy experience even for non seasoned visitors. Below are the common means of transportation in the city/province:
- Tricycle – there are tricycles (motorcycle with sidecars), habal-habal motorbikes with minimal fare which are suitable for compact city streets and journeys of short distances.
- Jeepney – a Jeepney will cost 8 pesos flat fare, however some routes are very long and can cost you a little more. Typically, jeepneys will not leave until completely full, so be prepared to wait a while.
- Taxi – Metered taxicabs are widely available. They can be found near shopping malls, airport and ferry terminals.
- Other means of transport: vehicles for hire – van , cars and coasters.
Getting in Bohol by Land – It is very easy and convenient to travel by land when someone is in Bohol because there are various means of land transport in the province.These range from buses, jeepneys, taxis, multicabs, tricycles and habal-habal motorbikes.The most common modes of land transport when you are in Tagbilaran City area are the tricycles, multicabs and taxis. Metered taxis can be found near shopping malls, hotels, ferry terminals and airport. Telephone numbers of taxi companies are listed in the local telephone directory so that one can just call if ever taxi services is needed.
Getting in Bohol by Sea – Ship,Fastcraft and Banca;
SHIPPING DIRECTORY
- Aboitiz Transport System
-Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City
Contact Numbers: (63-38) 411 – 3080 / (63-38) 501 – 8115
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Number: (63-38) 501-8380
-CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City
Contact Number: (63-38) 411-4906
- Cokaliong Shipping Lines
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Number: (63-38) 411 – 3066
- Lite Shipping Corporation
-50 Soledad Street, Tagbilaran City
Contact Numbers: (63-38) 411-4724 / (63-38) 411-2874 / (63-38) 411-3074
-Tubigon Office
Contact Number: (63-38) 508-8260 / (63-38) 237-2036
- Palacio Shipping
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Number: (63-38) 411-3402
- Ocean Fast Ferries (Ocean Jet)
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Number: (63-38) 235-3562
- Sulpicio Lines
-H. Grupo Street, Tagbilaran City
Contact Number: (63-38) 411-3079
- SuperCat
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Numbers: (63-38) 501-8380 / (63-38) 416-1150
- Trans-Asia Shipping Lines
-Palma Street, Tagbilaran City
Contact Number: (63-38) 411-3234
- Weesam Express
-Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier
Contact Numbers: (63-38) 501-0062 / (63-38) 501-8223
Getting in Bohol by Air – There are two airports in Bohol. The one is located in Tagbilaran City is classified as Principal Airport Class 1 while the airport in Ubay is classified as a feeder airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
The Tagbilaran City Airport, with its 30-meter wide and 1.7 kilometer long runway services daily to Asian Spirit, Cebu pacific and Philippine Airlines flights from Manila. Manila to Tagbilaran is just one-hour flight.
AIRLINE DIRECTORY
- Philippine Airlines
-38 CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City
Contact Number: (63-38) 411-3102 / (63-38) 411-4226 / (63-38) 411-2232
- Cebu Pacific Air
-Tagbilaran City Airport, Tagbilaran City
Contact Numbers: (63-38) 411-5701 / (63-38) 500-1548