Tagbilaran, Philippines: travel guide
Bohol's port capital and the gateway to Chocolate Hills and Panglao
Capital of Bohol province, Philippines, and the main gateway (via Bohol-Panglao International Airport, IATA TAG) for the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and Panglao Island beaches. Connected to Cebu by fast ferry.
About Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran is the capital of Bohol province, and the main port of entry to the island, with ferries arriving from Cebu and other cities across the Visayas. It is a small, practical city of markets, churches and waterfront, more a gateway than a destination.
Most visitors use the city as a starting point for Bohol's best-known sights. The Chocolate Hills, a landscape of grassy conical mounds, lie inland, while the tarsier sanctuary near Corella shelters one of the world's smallest primates. Panglao Island, connected by bridge, has beaches and dive sites, and the Loboc River offers floating lunch cruises.
Tagbilaran suits travellers planning a Bohol itinerary. The dry season from December to May is the easiest time to travel.
- Country
- Philippines
- Currency
- PHP
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
- Nearest airport
- TAG
Last updated
Top places to visit in Tagbilaran
Chocolate Hills
Viewpoint · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic formation of over 1,000 grass-covered limestone hills near Carmen, Bohol, that turn brown in the dry season.
Alona Beach
Beach · 4.2 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The main tourist beach strip on Panglao Island, Bohol, with white sand, dive shops, and beachfront restaurants.
Baclayon Church
Church · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built by Jesuit missionaries starting 1595-1727, near Tagbilaran.
Loboc River Cruise
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Floating-restaurant river cruise along the Loboc River with live acoustic music, passing forested riverbanks.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (Corella)
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Conservation sanctuary for the Philippine tarsier, one of the world's smallest primates, in Corella near Tagbilaran.
Blood Compact Shrine (Sandugo)
Heritage · 3.9 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Monument in Tagbilaran commemorating the 1565 Sandugo blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
Getting to Tagbilaran
Airport: Tagbilaran (TAG)
Getting around
- Minibus
- Tricycle
- Walking