The natives call it “God’s Little Paradise.” When you get off the plane (or boat), after those same natives yell “Maayong pag abot sa Bohol!” (“Welcome to Bohol!”), you just might agree. On this small island, part of the Visayas Island chain in the middle of the Philippines, you’ll see vast white-sand beaches, astounding coral reefs replete with tropical life, those big eyed but little cute tarsiers, historic churches, gloriously green mountain ranges (including the stunning Chocolate Hills), waterfalls, cliffs, tiny inlets with little villages For such a small island, Bohol is packed with dozens of must see tourist attractions.
If you arrive in Bohol by ferry just outside the tourist office at the pier is a sign board is the Tourist Transport Rates, it tells the rates you should be paying for transfer to the resorts in Panglao or Anda and prices for a tour of Bohol. As there is so much to see in Bohol, the tours may need to be negotiated to include the tourist spots you would like to do, but use the sign board for a guide to prices. A transfer from the pier to Panglao drivers usually give you a discount to the rates of the board. Expect to pay (one way) P500 for car/van, tricycle P250 and a motorbike around P200, the trip is around 30 – 40 mins. If your heading to Anda (other than the van/car or prearranged with the resort) you can head to the bus station in Tagbilaran where a bus will cost around P 100.00 but you will need then to transfer to a tricycle to take you to the resorts. V-Hire operate out of the bus station as well and costs around P 130.00 but they will drop you at the resort.
Resorts in Bohol
One of the top resorts in Bohol – The Bellevue Resort. Read more and get rates on this resort here
Henann Resort on Alona Beach Bohol
Bohol resorts are among the finest in the world. Head on to Panglao Island for the greatest concentration of resorts (and most popular) with some of Bohol’s best beaches. Here they maintain native bungalows, air-cooled by the glorious oceans, and maintained with every amenity you could wish for. For 5 star luxury resorts in Bohol, look at the clifftop Amorita Resort, Panglao Blue Water Beach Resort (sister hotel of Maribago Bluewater Resort on Mactan and the beautiful Sumilon Bluewater Resort in the south of Cebu) or you might venture to Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa with a beautiful infinity pool is one of the most luxurious hotels in the islands, with glorious luxury villas available. Just in case the villas of Eskaya Beach aren’t your cup of tea, Alona Beach has plenty of other options to keep any tourist happy. Mid priced resorts like The Oasis Resort, Alona Kew White Beach Resort or Hayahay are worth a look. Try the ever popular Bohol Beach Club, located right on some spectacular white powdery beach sand, where they have elegant dining overlooking the sea. Try one of their special cocktails at the bar, as you watch the colourful and vibrant sunset over the water.
South Palms Resort in Bohol
Resorts in Anda Bohol
Video guide to places to stay in Anda Bohol
Anda on the eastern side of Bohol is and area growing in popularity with tourists coming to Bohol. The beaches around Anda are some of the best in Bohol (see video) and it’s not surprising in recent times there have been a lot of new resorts popping up in the Anda area. Most of these resorts are pretty small and the whole area is a lot more quiet than the less”touristy” than the popular Alona Beach area on Panglao Island. I find the resorts a few kms away from Anda Town a higher standard than the ones in town. Although the resorts around Anda Town offer better value. The nicer resorts a few kilometers out of Anda Town Anda White Beach Resort, Vitamin Sea Resort and J&R Residence. Other resorts near here include La Petra Beach Resort, Casa Amihan, Flower Beach Resort, Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa, Blue Star Dive Resort. In Town there are a number of accommodation options, one of the most popular is Anda de Boracay in Bohol Hotel right on the beach. A number of more budget friendly options are available in the likes of Anda Global Beach Resort (cell 09077 951286), Little Miami Beach Resort, Anda Longbeach Resort (cell 09157409209, 09494878052), Anda Lodge (Cell 0999 480 8055) and R & S Seaside Accommodation (Cell 0939039228). Hayahay Resort Bohol