Transportation
Our journey involved taking the fast ferry OceanJet, which we booked through Klook about a week in advance. The ticket price is around ₱ 1000 (~ 17.81 USD), and by booking through Klook, we were able to secure our tickets for ₱ 870 (~ 15.50 USD) each. One of the advantages of our booking was that we were able to bypass the ticket line at the ferry. However, we still had to go through security and obtain a paper ticket for our assigned seat.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, we were greeted by several taxi drivers shouting for our attention. The first driver boldly quoted a price of ₱ 800 (~ 14.25 USD), which we found quite amusing, so we simply walked past him. Another driver approached us and asked how much we were willing to pay. We countered with ₱ 400 (~ 7.12 USD), to which he responded that it was a "tuk-tuk price." He then offered a shared van ride with another couple for ₱ 500 (~ 8.91 USD). Given the scorching heat and my reluctance to engage in a prolonged negotiation over a mere 2 USD, I agreed to the 500-peso fare, which amounted to approximately 9 USD for the 25-minute journey.
On our return journey, we arranged for the hotel to call a tuk-tuk to transport us. Our small bags fit comfortably in the tuk-tuk, but had we brought more luggage, we would have needed to hire a taxi instead. The fare quoted for the tuk-tuk ride was ₱ 400 (~ 7.12 USD), which I personally found to be high, considering I have been living in Southeast Asia since 2017 and have a good understanding of local salaries and costs. However, sometimes you have to accept that certain expenses are part of the experience and pay a bit more to enjoy the convenience. After the hotel called for a tuk-tuk, we had to wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes for it to arrive.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, we were greeted by several taxi drivers shouting for our attention. The first driver boldly quoted a price of ₱ 800 (~ 14.25 USD), which we found quite amusing, so we simply walked past him. Another driver approached us and asked how much we were willing to pay. We countered with ₱ 400 (~ 7.12 USD), to which he responded that it was a "tuk-tuk price." He then offered a shared van ride with another couple for ₱ 500 (~ 8.91 USD). Given the scorching heat and my reluctance to engage in a prolonged negotiation over a mere 2 USD, I agreed to the 500-peso fare, which amounted to approximately 9 USD for the 25-minute journey.
On our return journey, we arranged for the hotel to call a tuk-tuk to transport us. Our small bags fit comfortably in the tuk-tuk, but had we brought more luggage, we would have needed to hire a taxi instead. The fare quoted for the tuk-tuk ride was ₱ 400 (~ 7.12 USD), which I personally found to be high, considering I have been living in Southeast Asia since 2017 and have a good understanding of local salaries and costs. However, sometimes you have to accept that certain expenses are part of the experience and pay a bit more to enjoy the convenience. After the hotel called for a tuk-tuk, we had to wait for approximately 10 to 15 minutes for it to arrive.
Bike Rental
In addition to arranging tuk-tuk rides, the hotel also offered to call for transportation into town. However, I opted to rent a bike instead. Despite initially being informed by both the hotel and another bike rental place that they were sold out, I decided to check Bohol Bikes' Facebook contact. Through this channel, I was able to reserve a bike for a reasonable price. It's always a good idea to proactively check multiple sources and reach out directly to secure the services or items you need, as availability can vary depending on the timing and circumstances.
The rental fee for the bike was ₱ 350 per day, equivalent to approximately 6.23 USD. Moreover, there was an additional 150-peso charge (~ 2.67 USD) for delivering the bike to the hotel. Originally, we had made a reservation for a 110cc bike, but unfortunately, it was sold out. However, the rental company kindly offered us an upgrade to a 125cc bike without any increase in price.
I recommend reserving a bike with Bohol Bikes at least one week in advance, but I did notice several bike rental signs along the road.
The rental fee for the bike was ₱ 350 per day, equivalent to approximately 6.23 USD. Moreover, there was an additional 150-peso charge (~ 2.67 USD) for delivering the bike to the hotel. Originally, we had made a reservation for a 110cc bike, but unfortunately, it was sold out. However, the rental company kindly offered us an upgrade to a 125cc bike without any increase in price.
I recommend reserving a bike with Bohol Bikes at least one week in advance, but I did notice several bike rental signs along the road.
Accommodation
We decided to stay at the newly built Sunville Hotel (Sunshine Village, Purok 4, Bolod, Panglao 6300 Bohol Philippines), which offered a unique Filipino design in its furniture. Despite its affordable price of only 29 USD per night, the hotel provided excellent value. One of the highlights was the stunning pool, which illuminated beautifully during the evening hours.
Dining Options
Although Sunville Hotel had an onsite restaurant, we found it to be quite expensive. In fact, we noticed that most food options in Bohol were overpriced compared to what we were accustomed to in Vietnam. We had become accustomed to a wide variety of affordable food delivery options in Vietnam, so the relatively higher prices in Bohol came as a bit of a surprise.
We stumbled upon two affordable dining options during our exploration: a local eatery - Valmores BBQ hauz Panglao and a vegan restaurant - Vedge Bohol.
We stumbled upon two affordable dining options during our exploration: a local eatery - Valmores BBQ hauz Panglao and a vegan restaurant - Vedge Bohol.
Nearby Attractions
In Panglao, we decided to visit two popular attractions: White Beach and Hinagdanan Cave. Our experience was memorable as we immersed ourselves in the beauty of these places.
White Beach captivated us with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. We spent time strolling along the shoreline, enjoying the gentle breeze and breathtaking views. The beach had a vibrant atmosphere.
After our time at White Beach, we made our way to Hinagdanan Cave. To enter Hinagdanan Cave, there was an entrance fee of ₱ 50 (~ 0.89 USD) per person. However, for those who wanted to take a dip in the cave's inviting waters, there was an additional fee of ₱ 75 (~ 1.33 USD).
Around the cave area, we discovered several shops selling souvenirs and affordable clothing. It was a great opportunity to pick up some mementos to remember our trip by. Additionally, we stumbled upon a smoothie stall that offered delicious and refreshing drinks at reasonable prices. It was the perfect way to quench our thirst after exploring the cave.
Overall, our visit to White Beach and Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao was a delightful adventure. From the stunning beach to the captivating cave, we were treated to incredible sights and experiences. The affordable souvenir shops and the refreshing smoothies added to the charm of the place.
White Beach captivated us with its pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. We spent time strolling along the shoreline, enjoying the gentle breeze and breathtaking views. The beach had a vibrant atmosphere.
After our time at White Beach, we made our way to Hinagdanan Cave. To enter Hinagdanan Cave, there was an entrance fee of ₱ 50 (~ 0.89 USD) per person. However, for those who wanted to take a dip in the cave's inviting waters, there was an additional fee of ₱ 75 (~ 1.33 USD).
Around the cave area, we discovered several shops selling souvenirs and affordable clothing. It was a great opportunity to pick up some mementos to remember our trip by. Additionally, we stumbled upon a smoothie stall that offered delicious and refreshing drinks at reasonable prices. It was the perfect way to quench our thirst after exploring the cave.
Overall, our visit to White Beach and Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao was a delightful adventure. From the stunning beach to the captivating cave, we were treated to incredible sights and experiences. The affordable souvenir shops and the refreshing smoothies added to the charm of the place.