Tagbilaran City is a provincial center built over a bay at the southwestern tip of the Philippine island of Bohol. A narrow strait separates this port city from the small island of Panglao, where seaside resorts and beaches are located. A road bridge has been laid to it, accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
Check our guide for first-timers planning trip to Tagbilaran, Bohol: you’ll get more details about places to visit, festival, best season to go and more.
Things to Do in Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran in the Philippines is known as a regional center for “green tourism”, but within the provincial city there are no significant architectural structures that are worth travelers attention, there are few historical monuments in the city.
St. Joseph Cathedral
Visit this old provincial Catholic Cathedral. During mass, you can listen to the angelic singing of the nuns. Take a walk to the botanical garden, where there is a colony of exotic butterflies.
Plaza Rizal
Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran is a crowded and beautiful place with wooden benches, lush trees and hundreds of pigeons that fly here to feast on seeds and nuts from tourists. The birds are so accustomed to the presence of people that they are not afraid at all: you can feed them from your hands and even pet them.
That is why children love to frolic in Rizal Square. Previously, Rizal was called Principe Square. It is located between the Capitol building and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
The flags of all nations are posted on the square. And during the national day of a particular country, the corresponding flag is raised.
In honor of Carlos P. Garcia
There are also historical monuments in Tagbilaran. The memorial park of Carlos P. Garcia, who became the 4th President of the Republic of the Philippines, was erected here.
The park occupies the territory of 11 hectares iand is located in a hilly area. There is a monument on a marble base and a life-size bronze statue of Garcia, which was made by the famous Bohol sculptor, national artist Napoleon Abueva.
On Carlos Garcia Avenue there is a small “Bohol National Museum”. The modest exhibition is housed in the mansion where President Carlos Garcia once lived.
Enjoy Panoramic Views
To the north of the city of Tagbilaran is the Elly Hill which is 100 meters high. It offers a nice view of the green hills and the plains below. Elly’s Hill is located about 5 kilometers from the city itself. And on the other side of Tagbilaran – in the south – there is another peak.
It is Banat-i hill, 145 meters high, very popular hiking area. From the hill you can see the endless sea of Mindanao, the provinces of Negros and Siquijor, as well as the strait of the Panglao island.
There are several hotels in the city, from where tourists go on excursions to the sights of Bohol province – to the Chocolate Hills, to national parks, to caves and mountain waterfalls, to the famous reserve of funny tarsier lemurs, to the best diving spots in the Philippines.
Tagbilaran Beaches and Water Sports
There are also beaches in Tagbilaran, for example, Kainggit. Locals like to spend their weekends here. The beach is located in a bay and is well protected from storms, making it an ideal place for families with kids.
The authorities are supporting the development of infrastructure here. Snacks, drinks and fresh seafood are available on the beach.
You can join scuba diving day tour from Tagbilaran. Best diving spots are located on the following islands: Panglao, Balicasag Marine Sanctuary and Cabilao. Local diving clubs organize trips there.
Do Some Shopping in Tagbilaran
Large shopping centers of Tagbilaran are located in the seaport area, on the central Tagbilaran North Road. Here you will also find the best restaurants and hotels in the city.
How to get around Tagbilaran: Transport Options
Buses, jeepneys and taxis run along the streets of Tagbilaran. Inexpensively you can ride in a tricycle booth. An intercity bus station is located in the city market.
Another terminal is located in Dao area on the outskirts of the city, near the Island City Mall.
Passenger ferries depart from the city’s seaport several times a day to the nearby islands of the archipelago. It takes about two hours to get to the island of Cebu and its perfect beaches. Vessels are also depart to such destinations as Mindanao, Negros Island, Siquihor Island. The services are provided by the following companies: Ocean Jet, Weesam Express and SuperCat.
The small airport located within the Tagbilaran borders, could hardly cope with the transportation of the increased number of tourists. In 2013, its structures were damaged by an earthquake.
Now the main airport of the region is the new Bohol-Panglao airport. It was built on Panglao Island in 2018. The flight to Manila takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Less than an hour flight to the nearest international airport Mactan-Cebu, where international flights usually arrive.
Airport is located 15 km from the center of Tagbilaran city. You can go there by bus. The trip will take about 15 minutes, the ticket price is 50 pesos.
Best Time to Visit Tagbilaran
Like in many other tropical destinations, the best months to visit Tagbilaran are from March to May. At this time, the sweltering heat is not yet standing, there is no rain and the sun shines almost every day.
The island is far from most typhoon paths, so you can come to Tagbilaran at any time of the year. For example, in July, the colorful Sandugo festival is held in Tagbilaran. It is an annual historic holiday celebrating the Treaty of Friendship between Datu Sikatuna, the leader of Bohol, and the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
Tagbilaran festivals
There are many different festivals taking place in Tagbilaran, they are usually celebrated for weeks. The most popular of these are:
- Ubi plant festival. It takes place in mid-January. Farmers show off their harvest of purple sweet potatoes and various products made from it. This is jam, pies, cakes, marshmallows and more. Filipinos are looking forward to this festival, as they consider this vegetable as sacred. The older generation teaches young people to show such respect to this plant that every time it falls to the ground they kiss it.
- Blood Compact festival. It is celebrated annually on March 16 and is the day of the signing of a friendship treaty between blacks and Spaniards.
- Festival of St. Joseph the Worker. Celebrates annually on May 1st. At this time, masses are celebrated and processions are held. On May 1, you can watch the river parade. On the eve of this holiday, the annual Miss Tagbilaran contest is held.
Where to eat in Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran is famous for its cuisine and restaurants that offer dishes for every taste and budget. Even the most avid gourmets will find something delicious there.
For cheap but delicious local Phillipines food, go ahead to the famous Acacia de Bubu. The restaurant’s menu includes skewered and grilled meats ranging in price from 50 to 150 Philippine pesos. Here you can also try unusual dishes made from chicken skin and pork heads. Do not be intimidated by this composition, it is really delicious!
The floating restaurant on the Loboc River is another must-see. Here you will be offered a walk along the picturesque riverbed, national dishes and musical accompaniment from musicians.
Head to Habhaban sa Baluarte located in Baclayon for a traditional army style meal. This establishment serves meat and vegetable dishes, sets a large long table and does not bring cutlery – you only need to eat with your hands!
Tagbilaran can surprise vegans too. There are several Buzzz cafes in town serving healthy food and organic desserts.
