Bohol Island in the Philippines is a hundred times more fun than the Maldives with fewer people
Among the more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, Bohol Island is one of the most diverse islands, offering exciting mountain and sea adventures‼️
🏝️|Basic Information
Bohol Island consists of the main island, Panglao Island, and smaller islets. Most land attractions are on the main island, while the airport and beaches are on Panglao Island.
🛺|Island Transportation
There are three main modes of transport:
🔸Tutu car: The most common, fits 4 people per car, negotiate around 50P per person for trips within 8 km.
🔸Motorbike: Renting a motorbike for self-driving is very cost-effective, 300P per day.
🔸Car: Includes sedans and vans. Grab is not available on the island; for chartered cars or taxis, negotiate at a 30% discount.
🏨|Accommodation Options
The island mainly offers homestays, with some resort hotels:
🔹For full dining, entertainment, and easy sea access: stay near Alona Beach on Panglao Island, well-developed with complete facilities. ⚠️The closer to the beach, the noisier it gets.
🔹For a relaxing vacation and hotel lounging: stay near Dumaluan Beach on Panglao Island, quieter with fewer people, featuring Bohol’s most beautiful beach.
🔹For in-depth land exploration: stay near Loboc River on the main island, known as the "Amazon of the East," with fun boat rides and paddleboarding.
🤹♀️|Leisure and Entertainment
1️⃣ Diving
🔺Napling Sardines: Half-day tour. You can see them just by snorkeling. From January to October, there is a stable fish storm, a miniature version of Moalboal.
🔺Lila Whale Sharks: Requires early start, half-day morning tour. You can see them from the boat and snorkel alongside them. Although fewer in number than Oslob, the distance is much closer.
2️⃣ Island Hopping Day Tour
6:30 AM dolphin watching → Pamican Island snorkeling → Balicasag Island snorkeling → Virgin Islands → Return at 4:30 PM
⚠️The sandbar at Virgin Islands only appears after the afternoon low tide, so plan to visit after 2 PM.
3️⃣ Land Day Tour
9:30 AM departure → Baclayon Church → Loboc River cruise & buffet lunch → Tarsier Sanctuary → Chocolate Hills & ATV → Return at 4:00 PM
⚠️Avoid these spots: Blood Compact Monument, Hinagdanan Cave, Butterfly Farm, Man-made Forest, Firefly watching at night.
4️⃣ Sand & Water Activities
The island has four major free beaches:
🔺Alona Beach: The busiest and most commercialized, the sand is not very clean, but water activities are abundant, including parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides available anytime.
🔺Dumaluan Beach: Fine white sand, well-maintained area in front of the resort hotels, perfect for relaxing.
🔺Dojio Beach: Newly opened resort, wide beach, quiet with few people.
🔺MoMo Beach: Less developed.
🍤【Food Highlights】
✅Cebu Night Market
- Lechon (roast pig) with crispy skin dipped in liver sauce 🐖
- Magical combo of mango dipped in shrimp paste (Bagoong), a fiery and icy taste sensation
❌Manila trendy restaurants (personally find them a bit pricey and lacking freshness)
✅Bohol Island Hidden Menu
- "Popping Candy Coffee" at the Tarsier Café
- Loboc River bamboo raft lunch, fried bananas with chili sauce 🌶️
⚠️【Personal Tips】
⛔️Safety first: Stay away from political areas, avoid going out alone at night
⛔️Sun protection: Start with SPF 130+
⛔️Travel curse: Bring seasickness medicine ready