Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $25–60 |
| Food | $5–12 | $12–25 |
| Transport | $5–10 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 |
| Entry Fees | $2–8 | $8–15 |
| Daily Total | $25–65 | $70–165 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times
- A valid return or onward ticket may be required at immigration — have proof ready
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — nearest major hospital is in Tagbilaran
- Bring mosquito repellent with DEET — dengue is present in the Philippines, especially during wet season
- Sun protection is essential — apply SPF 50+ and reapply every 2 hours, especially when snorkelling or diving
Getting Around
- Motorbike rental is the most practical way to explore — roads are generally good but drive carefully on rural tracks
- Tricycles and multicabs connect towns cheaply but slowly — agree on the fare before boarding
- Fast ferries from Cebu to Tagbilaran are the most common arrival route — boats depart from Pier 1 in Cebu City
Connectivity
- Buy a Globe or Smart SIM card at Tagbilaran port or airport for cheap mobile data — 30-day plans start from 300 PHP
- WiFi is available at most Panglao accommodation but speeds vary. Download offline maps for countryside exploring
- Mobile signal drops in rural interior areas — tell someone your plans if heading to remote waterfalls or villages
Money
- Currency: PHP (Philippine Peso). Cash is essential outside Panglao — most local businesses do not accept cards
- ATMs are available in Tagbilaran and Panglao. Withdraw enough cash before heading to the countryside or islands
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated — 50-100 PHP for guides, 10% at restaurants if no service charge is added
Packing Tips
- Lightweight breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard for snorkelling and diving
- Waterproof dry bag for boat trips, a headlamp for cave visits, and reef shoes for rocky shorelines
- A light rain jacket for unexpected showers — even in dry season, brief afternoon downpours are possible
Cultural tips
Respect Local Customs
Filipinos are famously hospitable — return the warmth with politeness and gratitude. Use "po" and "opo" (respectful forms of yes) when speaking with elders. Remove shoes when entering homes.
Leave No Trace
Pack out all rubbish from beaches, caves, and waterfalls. Do not touch or stand on coral reefs. Bohol's marine ecosystems are fragile — use reef-safe sunscreen and never chase or grab marine life.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing locals, especially children and in rural communities. At the tarsier sanctuary, flash photography is strictly prohibited — it can blind and fatally stress the animals.
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken across Bohol, making communication easy. Learning a few Cebuano phrases — "salamat" (thank you), "maayong buntag" (good morning) — earns warm smiles and respect.
Support Local Communities
Choose locally-owned guesthouses and eat at family-run carinderias rather than chain restaurants. Book tours directly with community guides — the firefly and river tours directly fund village conservation programmes.
Pace & Patience
Filipino time runs slower — buses leave when full, boats depart when ready, and meals arrive when cooked. Embrace the pace rather than fighting it. The relaxed rhythm is part of Bohol's charm.
