Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. The Philippine tarsier, considered the second-smallest primate in the world, is indigenous to the island.
The Island of Bohol is oval-shaped mainland surrounded with 73 smaller islands, having a gently rolling terrain, ideal for commercial and industrial site development. Bohol's mountainous interior is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. At certain points, hills drop steeply to the coast from a maximum elevation of 870 meters above sea level. The interior uplands are fit for agro-forestry and high value agricultural production. The central and northern lowlands have also fertile grounds and abundant water supply. Over a hundred caves have been identified, the biggest of which is found in the eastern part which makes Bohol ideal for spelunking adventures. The Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol are considered one of Philippine's natural wonders and Bohol is often referred to as the Jewel of the Philippines.
Numerous waterfalls and caves are scattered across the island, including the beautiful Mag-Aso falls in Antequera. Mag-Aso means smoke in the native tongue. The water is cool and often creates a mist in humid mornings which can hide the falls.
HOW TO GET THERE
Bohol is located in the middle of the Philippines, and can be conveniently reached by air and boat.
Coming from abroad, you have two options, you can fly to Manila or Cebu. Cebu is the most convenient, but only a limited number of international flights will take you there. If you are coming from Europe, you'll need to stop-over in either Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong, however, it will save you the hassle of going through Manila. Among others, the following airlines fly international routes to Cebu: Silk Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.
If you come via Manila, you'll probably want to take a connecting flight to Tagbilaran, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is also possible to take a boat to Bohol, but will take 25 hours, and is only advisable if you have plenty of time and want enjoy a trip on sea, or have to travel on a rock-bottom budget. If you are coming from Manila, you can also get to Cebu by air, then followed by taking a boat ride. There are numerous daily flights from Manila to Cebu. The flying time is about 50 minutes. The transfer by taxi from the airport to the pier takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions, and should cost 200 pesos. The following budget airlines fly from Manila to Cebu: PAL, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Astro Air, and Grand Air.
If you come via Cebu, you can also take a short 25 minute flight, but you'll probably want to take the one and a half hour trip with a fast boat to Tagbilaran. The regular boat to Tagbilaran will take about four hours. It is also possible to take a boat to Tubigon and Talibon, which may be more convenient if you want to be on the west or north coast of the island.
The most economical way to get from Cebu to Tagbilaran by boat is to catch a ferry to Tubigon, and continue by bus from Tubigon to Tagbilaran. This is sometimes both faster and cheaper than taking a boat directly to Tagbilaran.
Note that security regulations on domestic flights in the Philippines no longer allow bringing liquids (such as perfumes and bottles of wine) as carry-on items into the cabin. Even if you had those liquids sealed by duty-free shops on the airport of origin, you may be forced to throw them away if you are not able to place them in your checked-in luggage.
For more info on how to get there, you can log on to www.travelph.com
WHERE TO STAY
Bohol has a large number of hotels, resorts, and other facilities for tourists. Most of these are concentrated in Tagbilaran and around Alona Beach, with a few more scattered around the island. There are expensive hotels that are worth every penny and yet there are cheap accomodations that offer great value for money.
To help you make your choice we have listed most hotels here:
Bohol Beach Club Hotel
Address: 6340 Bolod, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Website: www.boholbeachclub.com.ph
Description:
Situated on Pangloa island, the hotel is surrounded by the natural splendor of a stretch of white sand bordering the azure waters of the ocean. Nearby tours, which can be arranged by the hotel, include Loboc river, Chocolate hills, Bacalyon church and Hinagdanan cave visits. The Bohol Beach club hotel boasts 3 large swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, massage service and shopping boutiques. The hotel is associated with Club AquaSports Inc., which arranges an array of water activities including scuba diving, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.
Flushing Meadows Hotel
Address: Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Website: www.flushingmeadows.com.ph
Description:
Residing along the pristine white sands of Panglao Island, the hotel exudes a tropical island ambience mixed in with city conveniences. The 51 rooms feature private balconies and terraces with garden and sea views - a great setting to enjoy a romantic meal if the numerous other dining options don’t tickle your fancy. The international size tennis courts, children’s fishing area, water sports and diving spots are sure to keep guests busy. For a little pampering, guests can get massages down by the pool or in the comfort of the luxurious guestrooms. With a beautiful location and numerous facilities, the hotel is an ideal getaway location for leisure travelers and families.
Anda White Beach Resort
Address: Brgy Bacong Sitio Dagohoy, Anda, Bohol
Website: www.andabeachresort.com
Description:
Anda White Beach Resort is a small and tranquil island getaway that offers you a white sand beach, crystal clear tropical waters and endless sun. This is an authentic tropical paradise with well-manicured grounds and breathtaking views all around, either from the comfort of your room or from the seaside swimming pool as well as spectacular dining. The hotel resort has air-conditioned, restful accommodation in traditional Filipino design with all the essentials to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable.
Eskaya Beach Resort Spa
Address: Barangay Tawala Panglao Island Bohol, Bohol
Website: www.eskayabeach.com
Description:
An exclusive and serene beach hideaway where spoiling and pampering is the norm, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa nestles amid 16 hectares of lush tropical gardens on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines. The resort is made up of 15 private villas and a superb spa, which is why it is the place for indulgent privacy and seclusion.
Architecture of the buildings is decidedly Filipino with a splash of modern amenities. The thatched villas, or “balai” in the dialect, are single-detached. These are built with sturdy construction materials, but the ample use of indigenous materials like bamboo, cogon, and wood for finishing is highly evident.
Alona Kew White Beach Resort
Address: Tawala panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines
Website: www.alona-kew.com
Description:
Delight in the tropical comfort that Alona Kew White Beach Resort provides. Savor the relaxing ambience and friendly service as soon as you step inside its doors. Inexpensive yet cozy, this beachside property invites you to indulge in simple pleasures like a hot bath and sleep undisturbed on your comfy bed. Get ready for rounds of fun in Panglao Island, Bohol with a rejuvenating spa treatment or refreshing workout at the gym. Then cap each day off by lounging by the pool or sinking your feet in the powdery white sands fronting the resort. Alona Kew White Beach Resort's prime location on Panglao Island, Bohol makes our beach haven an ideal place to stay. And with the police station just 200 m away, our resort is a safe place for all travelers.
Harmony Hotel
Address: Danao Panglao Island, Bohol
Website: www.harmonyhotelsite.com
Description:
Harmony Hotel is a new high class hotel, built with Scandinavian design, located 150 meters from the amazing white Alona Beach on Panglao Island in the Philippines. The hotel is located in a safe and secluded area and it is surrounded by beautiful nature. We offer 18 large rooms designed with the guests comfort in mind. All rooms have hot&cold freshwater, air conditioner and beds with supreme comfort. Enjoy the 140 square meters large swimming pool with kiddie pool and jacuzzi and our cozy poolside restaurant. We offers high class accommodation at reasonable prices.
For more information on where to stay, you can log on to www.bohol.com.
