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Welcome to the gateway of Bohol province!



Tagbilaran, capital of Bohol, is the center of business, education, and governance of the province. Bohol is renowned for its beautiful beaches, dazzling dive spots, and other impressive natural wonders, so it’s not surprising that Tagbilaran is often passed over by visitors who head straight for the more well-known tourist spots like the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella or the beaches in Panglao Island. But Tagbilaran has its own treasures that are worth checking out if one only takes the time.

Chocolate Hills

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WHAT TO BRING FOR BOHOL

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

About Tagbilaran

Tagbilaran has a few underrated spots that speak of the city’s rich history. Aside from monuments and shrines that were built to commemorate significant historical events, the city is also home to old stone churches, antiquated Spanish-era buildings, and vintage houses.


An easy walk through the city center can lead you to traditional mom-and-pop shops, an old school building that survived the last world war, and several heritage houses — the oldest one was built back in the 1830s. Touring the city further can bring you to notable places like the Ubujan Marker, the Blood Compact Shrine, the Bohol branch of the National Museum, Saint Joseph the Worker Cathedral, and the Carlos P Garcia Heritage House, once the residence of the former Philippine president and now a provincial museum holding old relics and memorabilia owned by the family.

Tagbilaran, Bohol

Tagbilaran is also known as the City of Friendship — a title well-deserved, given the amiable and laid-back locals who have no problems chatting with tourists. The people here are used to visitors coming and going and would gladly offer their travel tips to passengers arriving on flights to Bohol (Tagbilaran).



How to get to Tagbilaran, Bohol

There are many ways to travel to Tagbilaran, Bohol from any points in the Philippines (major cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao). Here are some of the best routes and transportation for Tagbilaran, Bohol:


Tagbilaran by Air

Since November 2018, Tagbilaran has been served by the Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG IATA), the only airport in Bohol with commercial service. The old Tagbilaran Airport in downtown Tagbilaran is closed.

Bohol–Panglao International Airport

Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines all have flights to Panglao Airport. While most flights to the city originate from Manila, since 2018, there has been a boom in air service to the city, and it is now possible to fly from Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Metro Cebu, Davao and Angeles. International service was also introduced, with Jeju Air flying from Seoul.

Ground Transportation

Buses connect the airport with the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal (Island City Mall) via Alona Beach and downtown Panglao, operated by Southern Star Transit, with service every 45 minutes from 5:45AM until 6PM. fare of ₱50.


Airline Promo Fares

If you are looking for cheap flights in the Philippines, see airlines listed below or view all promo fares:

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

Tagbilaran by Ferry

There are boats going to neighboring islands in the Visayas, as well as to Luzon and Mindanao. Two types of ships transport passengers to Tagbilaran: fast ferries (catamarans) and regular ferries. Fares on regular ferries are cheaper than with fast ferries, although the travel times are longer (for instance, the regular ferry to Cebu takes five hours versus two hours with a fast ferry).

SuperCat by 2go Travel

Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier

Handles more than 5,000 travellers on a daily basis. When leaving Tagbilaran, departing passengers have to pay a "terminal fee" of ₱20. Some boat tickets however already include the fee into the cost of the ticket, so check first before paying.

Fast ferries

Three companies provide fast ferry service. Fares are normally around ₱400-500 one-way, with all three companies offering promotions for buying tickets early.

Check out my complete ferry guide to Tagbilaran with routes, fares and schedule.


Tagbilaran by Bus

Most buses serving Tagbilaran from other towns in Bohol, as well as all buses from other cities in the Philippines, terminate at the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT), Alfonso L. Uy St, Dao (in the northern outskirts of the city, beside the Island City Mall).

Southern Star Transit

The relatively structure also houses the terminal for vans serving the rest of Bohol: vans are to the left of the entrance, while buses are to the right. Southern Star Transit has a bus to/from the Integrated bus terminal to Alona beach every 45 min from 5:45AM till 6PM for ₱50.


How To Book a Trip / Reserve a Ticket

Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can get a ticket or check available trips online:
  • Go to this link and INPUT the origin and destination in the search box (eg. Manila - Boracay)
  • Input the dates of your desired arrival.
  • Choose if it is One-way or Return trip.
  • Choose the number of seats you wish to book or reserve
  • Then click Find Tickets to search for the available trips



Best Time to Visit Tagbilaran, Bohol 

Tagbilaran is the site of several festivals every year. The best reasons to jump on a flight to Bohol (Tagbilaran) are for the Ubi Festival (January), Sandugo Festival (July), and the Saulog Festival (May). See all festivals celebrated in Bohol.

Sandugo Festival in Bohol




Best Things to do in Bohol

Philippine Tarsier
  • Pay a visit to one of the world's smallest primates - the Philippine Tarsier - at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • For extreme adventures, head to Danao Adventure Park for thrilling activities like ziplining or river kayaking
  • Heed the siren of Bohol's pristine beaches and relax in any of the popular beach strips like Panglao Beach, Dumaluan Beach, Doljo Beach, and Alona Beach


Bohol Tourist Spots

Here are top tourist spots to visit from Tagbilaran in Bohol:

Anda Beach

This little town east of Tagbilaran City is home to quiet fishing villages, a laid-back resort community, and the dreamiest beach in Bohol.

Anda Beach

Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is one of the top diving spots in the Philippines for scuba diving tours for certified divers because of its sea turtles and shouldn't be missed when planning your diving tours in the country. Go snorkeling and marvel at giant clams, sea turtles, colorful schools of fish and beautiful coral reefs.


Bohol Bee Farm

Learn more about honey production and watch locals weave handicrafts at this farm. Then, round off your visit with a scoop of delicious malunggay ice cream.

Location: Purok 1, Brgy Dao, Dauis, Bohol
Tel. No.: +63 38 510 1822


Chocolate Hills

Marvel at the sight of more than 1,200 conical, symmetrical haycock hills, each standing at a height between 30m and 50m. At the end of the dry season, these grassy hills turn from vibrant green to chocolate brown — hence their name.

Location: Loay Interior Rd, Carmen, Bohol


Loboc River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise that includes a sumptuous buffet lunch and an entertaining cultural performance.


Man-made Forest

This 2km stretch of mahogany trees on the border of the towns of Loboc and Bilar is the result of a reforestation project.

Man-made Forest in Bohol


Saint Joseph the Worker Cathedral

The largest church in Tagbilaran City located along C P G Ave. in Poblacion. See mass schedule here.


Virgin Island

Take a day trip to this uninhabited island, where you can go snorkeling. Do note that the majority of the island is usually submerged during high tide.




ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN BOHOL

Klook.com

Where to Eat in Tagbilaran

Here are the famous restaurants to visit and dine in Bohol:

Al Fresco Bay Cafe & Restobar

An Italian restaurant with a rustic ambience. Try the traditional brick oven pizza.

Address: G Visarra St, Poblacion 2
Contact Number(s): +63 38 422 8610, +63 929 802 4227


Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant

Do your health a favor and nosh on organic fare like salads, tacos and even ice cream.

Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant

Address: Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island
Contact Number(s): +63 38 510 1822, +63 917 304 1491, +63 939 9046 796


Chicken Ati-atihan

Head here for barbecued chicken with free-flow rice.

Address: Maria Clara St.
Contact Number(s): +63 38 412 4339


Coral Cafe

Enjoy a dinner buffet that includes fresh seafood, hearty meats, and desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Address: Henann Resort, Alona Beach, Panglao Island


Garden Cafe

A cowboy-themed restaurant located near the City Cathedral and Plaza Rizal. This restaurant supports the Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled and hires deaf servers.

Address: J S Torralba St
Contact Number(s): +63 38 411 3701, +63 38 501 0268, +63 907 764 7029


Oceanica Seafood Restaurant

Oceanica Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh and value-for-money seafood dishes, such as baked prawns with lyonnaise potatoes, or steamed sea bass in ginger sauce.

Address: South Palms Resort, Brgy Bolod, Panglao Island


Payag Restaurant

Home to the legendary Jo’s Chicken Inato. There are also branches in Island City Mall, Bohol Quality Mall, Alturas Mall and in Alona, Panglao.

Address: 0023 S Matig-a St.
Contact Number(s): +63 38 412 2527, +63 38 501 9447




ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Tagbilaran Hotels & Accommodation

Here are top-rated resort accommodation near Tagbilaran, Bohol:
The Bellevue Resort



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.


TAGBILARAN CITY GUIDE: Gateway to Bohol Tourist Spots (Where to Go, Eat and Stay)


Welcome to the gateway of Bohol province!



Tagbilaran, capital of Bohol, is the center of business, education, and governance of the province. Bohol is renowned for its beautiful beaches, dazzling dive spots, and other impressive natural wonders, so it’s not surprising that Tagbilaran is often passed over by visitors who head straight for the more well-known tourist spots like the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella or the beaches in Panglao Island. But Tagbilaran has its own treasures that are worth checking out if one only takes the time.

Chocolate Hills

Loading...

WHAT TO BRING FOR BOHOL

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

About Tagbilaran

Tagbilaran has a few underrated spots that speak of the city’s rich history. Aside from monuments and shrines that were built to commemorate significant historical events, the city is also home to old stone churches, antiquated Spanish-era buildings, and vintage houses.


An easy walk through the city center can lead you to traditional mom-and-pop shops, an old school building that survived the last world war, and several heritage houses — the oldest one was built back in the 1830s. Touring the city further can bring you to notable places like the Ubujan Marker, the Blood Compact Shrine, the Bohol branch of the National Museum, Saint Joseph the Worker Cathedral, and the Carlos P Garcia Heritage House, once the residence of the former Philippine president and now a provincial museum holding old relics and memorabilia owned by the family.

Tagbilaran, Bohol

Tagbilaran is also known as the City of Friendship — a title well-deserved, given the amiable and laid-back locals who have no problems chatting with tourists. The people here are used to visitors coming and going and would gladly offer their travel tips to passengers arriving on flights to Bohol (Tagbilaran).



How to get to Tagbilaran, Bohol

There are many ways to travel to Tagbilaran, Bohol from any points in the Philippines (major cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao). Here are some of the best routes and transportation for Tagbilaran, Bohol:


Tagbilaran by Air

Since November 2018, Tagbilaran has been served by the Bohol–Panglao International Airport (TAG IATA), the only airport in Bohol with commercial service. The old Tagbilaran Airport in downtown Tagbilaran is closed.

Bohol–Panglao International Airport

Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines all have flights to Panglao Airport. While most flights to the city originate from Manila, since 2018, there has been a boom in air service to the city, and it is now possible to fly from Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Metro Cebu, Davao and Angeles. International service was also introduced, with Jeju Air flying from Seoul.

Ground Transportation

Buses connect the airport with the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal (Island City Mall) via Alona Beach and downtown Panglao, operated by Southern Star Transit, with service every 45 minutes from 5:45AM until 6PM. fare of ₱50.


Airline Promo Fares

If you are looking for cheap flights in the Philippines, see airlines listed below or view all promo fares:

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

Tagbilaran by Ferry

There are boats going to neighboring islands in the Visayas, as well as to Luzon and Mindanao. Two types of ships transport passengers to Tagbilaran: fast ferries (catamarans) and regular ferries. Fares on regular ferries are cheaper than with fast ferries, although the travel times are longer (for instance, the regular ferry to Cebu takes five hours versus two hours with a fast ferry).

SuperCat by 2go Travel

Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier

Handles more than 5,000 travellers on a daily basis. When leaving Tagbilaran, departing passengers have to pay a "terminal fee" of ₱20. Some boat tickets however already include the fee into the cost of the ticket, so check first before paying.

Fast ferries

Three companies provide fast ferry service. Fares are normally around ₱400-500 one-way, with all three companies offering promotions for buying tickets early.

Check out my complete ferry guide to Tagbilaran with routes, fares and schedule.


Tagbilaran by Bus

Most buses serving Tagbilaran from other towns in Bohol, as well as all buses from other cities in the Philippines, terminate at the Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT), Alfonso L. Uy St, Dao (in the northern outskirts of the city, beside the Island City Mall).

Southern Star Transit

The relatively structure also houses the terminal for vans serving the rest of Bohol: vans are to the left of the entrance, while buses are to the right. Southern Star Transit has a bus to/from the Integrated bus terminal to Alona beach every 45 min from 5:45AM till 6PM for ₱50.


How To Book a Trip / Reserve a Ticket

Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can get a ticket or check available trips online:
  • Go to this link and INPUT the origin and destination in the search box (eg. Manila - Boracay)
  • Input the dates of your desired arrival.
  • Choose if it is One-way or Return trip.
  • Choose the number of seats you wish to book or reserve
  • Then click Find Tickets to search for the available trips



Best Time to Visit Tagbilaran, Bohol 

Tagbilaran is the site of several festivals every year. The best reasons to jump on a flight to Bohol (Tagbilaran) are for the Ubi Festival (January), Sandugo Festival (July), and the Saulog Festival (May). See all festivals celebrated in Bohol.

Sandugo Festival in Bohol




Best Things to do in Bohol

Philippine Tarsier
  • Pay a visit to one of the world's smallest primates - the Philippine Tarsier - at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • For extreme adventures, head to Danao Adventure Park for thrilling activities like ziplining or river kayaking
  • Heed the siren of Bohol's pristine beaches and relax in any of the popular beach strips like Panglao Beach, Dumaluan Beach, Doljo Beach, and Alona Beach


Bohol Tourist Spots

Here are top tourist spots to visit from Tagbilaran in Bohol:

Anda Beach

This little town east of Tagbilaran City is home to quiet fishing villages, a laid-back resort community, and the dreamiest beach in Bohol.

Anda Beach

Balicasag Island

Balicasag Island is one of the top diving spots in the Philippines for scuba diving tours for certified divers because of its sea turtles and shouldn't be missed when planning your diving tours in the country. Go snorkeling and marvel at giant clams, sea turtles, colorful schools of fish and beautiful coral reefs.


Bohol Bee Farm

Learn more about honey production and watch locals weave handicrafts at this farm. Then, round off your visit with a scoop of delicious malunggay ice cream.

Location: Purok 1, Brgy Dao, Dauis, Bohol
Tel. No.: +63 38 510 1822


Chocolate Hills

Marvel at the sight of more than 1,200 conical, symmetrical haycock hills, each standing at a height between 30m and 50m. At the end of the dry season, these grassy hills turn from vibrant green to chocolate brown — hence their name.

Location: Loay Interior Rd, Carmen, Bohol


Loboc River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise that includes a sumptuous buffet lunch and an entertaining cultural performance.


Man-made Forest

This 2km stretch of mahogany trees on the border of the towns of Loboc and Bilar is the result of a reforestation project.

Man-made Forest in Bohol


Saint Joseph the Worker Cathedral

The largest church in Tagbilaran City located along C P G Ave. in Poblacion. See mass schedule here.


Virgin Island

Take a day trip to this uninhabited island, where you can go snorkeling. Do note that the majority of the island is usually submerged during high tide.




ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN BOHOL

Klook.com

Where to Eat in Tagbilaran

Here are the famous restaurants to visit and dine in Bohol:

Al Fresco Bay Cafe & Restobar

An Italian restaurant with a rustic ambience. Try the traditional brick oven pizza.

Address: G Visarra St, Poblacion 2
Contact Number(s): +63 38 422 8610, +63 929 802 4227


Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant

Do your health a favor and nosh on organic fare like salads, tacos and even ice cream.

Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant

Address: Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island
Contact Number(s): +63 38 510 1822, +63 917 304 1491, +63 939 9046 796


Chicken Ati-atihan

Head here for barbecued chicken with free-flow rice.

Address: Maria Clara St.
Contact Number(s): +63 38 412 4339


Coral Cafe

Enjoy a dinner buffet that includes fresh seafood, hearty meats, and desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Address: Henann Resort, Alona Beach, Panglao Island


Garden Cafe

A cowboy-themed restaurant located near the City Cathedral and Plaza Rizal. This restaurant supports the Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled and hires deaf servers.

Address: J S Torralba St
Contact Number(s): +63 38 411 3701, +63 38 501 0268, +63 907 764 7029


Oceanica Seafood Restaurant

Oceanica Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh and value-for-money seafood dishes, such as baked prawns with lyonnaise potatoes, or steamed sea bass in ginger sauce.

Address: South Palms Resort, Brgy Bolod, Panglao Island


Payag Restaurant

Home to the legendary Jo’s Chicken Inato. There are also branches in Island City Mall, Bohol Quality Mall, Alturas Mall and in Alona, Panglao.

Address: 0023 S Matig-a St.
Contact Number(s): +63 38 412 2527, +63 38 501 9447




ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


Tagbilaran Hotels & Accommodation

Here are top-rated resort accommodation near Tagbilaran, Bohol:
The Bellevue Resort



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.


Bohol Central Visayas City Guide Philippines Tagbilaran Travel Travel Guide Visayas

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