Travel in Bohol
Bohol is one of the Philippines' top tourist destinations, and it's easy to see why.
The island offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring coral reefs and swimming in waterfalls to relaxing on pristine beaches. You can dive into an underwater cave, witness stunning geology, and even meet some of the world’s smallest primates.
The Chocolate Hills are Bohol’s iconic geological formation. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Bohol and is a symbol of the island, featured in its official flag.
How to Get to Bohol
Bohol is accessible by air and sea. The island’s main entry point is Panglao International Airport, which has regular flights from Manila, Seoul, Davao, and Busan. If you're in Cebu, you can take a ferry to Tagbilaran City in Bohol.
Best Time to Visit Bohol
We recommend visiting Bohol in January, February, or March. These months are part of the island's dry season, making them perfect for outdoor activities. During this time, all of Bohol's waterfalls will still be flowing, as some may dry up later in the dry season.
- Dry Season (January to April): This is the best time to visit Bohol. The weather is sunny with little to no rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.
- Wet Season (June to November): During these months, Bohol experiences heavier rainfall and occasional tropical storms. We recommend avoiding these months due to unpredictable rainfall and hotter temperatures. Although it’s not constant rain, downpours can be frequent, especially in July and August. However, the wet season is less crowded, which can be nice if you don’t mind occasional rain showers.
- Shoulder Seasons (May and December): May is the hottest month in Bohol, but stays relatively dry. December, though cooler, still sees a bit of rain. December also marks the beginning of the island's tourism season, particularly around the holidays.
Where to Stay in Bohol
Depending on how long you stay in Bohol we recommend splitting your stays between Panglao and Anda.
If you are in Bohol for less than 4 days we recommend basing yourself out of Panglao. If you are staying longer we recommend staying at least 2 nights in Anda. Here are our recommendations for places to stay:
- Luxury: Amorita Resort (Panglao)
- Mid-range: Casa Amihan (Anda)
- Budget: Bluewaves Apartment (Panglao)
If you prefer to find your own place to stay, you can visit Booking.com to explore all your accommodation options in Bohol.
Read our full blog post: Where to Stay in Bohol: Our Guide to the Best Areas and Hotels
How to Get Around Bohol
Renting a motorbike is the best way to explore Bohol. You can rent a motorbike for 300 to 500 pesos per day, giving you the freedom to visit the island's attractions at your own pace.
Alternatively, tricycles, tuk-tuks, and taxis are available in tourist-heavy areas, while buses and jeepneys operate on the main roads. If you're looking for comfort, you can also hire a private driver for day tours or rent a car in Panglao.
Read our full guide: How to Rent a Motorbike in the Philippines: Complete Guide
What to Pack for Bohol
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Bohol.
- Crocs: During our time in Bohol, I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when exploring rocky terrain and chasing waterfalls. They are the ultimate shoe in the Philippines for a reason – many Filipinos wear them too!
- Snorkel: With all the amazing snorkeling spots in Bohol, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one if you plan to do some underwater activities! Plus, you won't need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of... questionable quality.
- Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I've even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn't work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Bohol.
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Bohol! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Bohol Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Bohol locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Bohol locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Bohol adventure.
