In a world where more and more vacation spots are becoming a frenzy of loud partying and crowded tourists, Bohol Island has preserved its own laidback and seductive atmosphere. If you’re traveling to the Philippines, the world-class white sand beaches, amazing natural outdoors, happy people and good food of Bohol are those you cannot miss out.
But this sea of relaxation doesn’t mean that you should go to Bohol totally unprepared. There are still things to check and make sure they’re set correctly to enjoy your vacations to the fullest. In this article, we’ll review what you must prepare before going to Bohol.
Budget and cost of living
Is it expensive to stay and live in Bohol? This question is quite important, and that’s why we’ll cover it first! Bohol accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts so prices can vary between USD 8 to USD 300 a night. If you’re traveling during peak season like Christmas, New Year, and Holy Week, it is recommended to arrange your accommodation in advance.
Food is generally cheap and can go as low as a dollar in the local canteens. These might not always ravish your palate but definitely constitute a good option if you’re traveling on a very tight budget. Restaurants can also, and of course, be quite expensive if you want to experiment higher-end places, especially those located in the beachfront.
As for most areas of the Philippines, few tourist places accept credit cards in Bohol and you will most likely need to pay in cash for doing tours and activities. If you find yourself wanting to shell out more money, there is a number of cash machines and banks across towns. Withdrawing money in Bohol should thus not be a problem.
What to expect in Bohol
In Bohol, you’ll be able to get priceless memories of a tropical paradise without breaking the bank. Here, you can wear flip-flops, swimwear and straw hats all day long, and enjoy fresh seafood plus your choice of fruit shake everywhere. You can have fun at the shallow waters or relax on the shore in solitude. If you want to reach your zen, let yourself be pampered with a good massage by skilled locals while enjoying the sound of the waves as your background music.
If you would like to drink and dance, some restaurants offer happy hours with live entertainment like bands or fire dancing. Noise are still mellowed down to prevent the stillness of neighboring resorts. Expect to enjoy a milder atmosphere as there is not too much partying going on.
Feast your eyes on Bohol’s dramatic sunsets, drink under the stars, and walk barefoot along the shore. Taste traditional Filipino food or delight in international style dishes with the vast blue ocean as your view. Typical deserts include a taste of common Bohol fruits: mango, banana, soursop (guyabano), and durian. You can also try the local and delicious peanut-butter flavoured delicacy called kamalay (or calamay).
The language spoken in Bohol is generally Cebuano or its dialect Bohalano. However, you will not have trouble communicating with the locals as most speak English as well as Tagalog. The locals are generally friendly and sweet, as the trademark of Filipinos.
Where to find an Internet connection in Bohol? For the digital nomads who need Wi-Fi, you should be lucky enough to find a reliable internet connection at resorts, lodges, or restaurants.
Visa regulations
It is easy to fall in love with the exotic beauty of Bohol as shown from the number of foreigners and expats who stayed for good. If ever you find yourself wanting to extend your stay in the island, you can go to the Bohol Immigration Office located in the Bohol capital Tagbilaran City. Requirements and fees apply.
Keep all these tips in mind as you plan for your Bohol travel. For an easier and more memorable Bohol vacation, we can help you to arrange your tours and activities so you can sit back and enjoy the little piece of heaven called Bohol. Just have a look at all the tours and activities you can have there and easily book them online today!
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