Getting Around

Driving Around Tagbilaran City and Bohol

If you are from the west or in other developed nations, you might find driving around Tagbilaran as an adrenalin rush. Unfortunately traffic rules are not strictly enforced so the usual stop sign is not really followed by most drivers. Although driving in Tagbilaran is benign compared to driving in Manila, to stay safe, you need to be aware of the following:

1. If you see someone flash their headlights, that doesn’t mean he is letting you go ahead. That means he wants to go ahead.

2. Solid lines on the road isn’t followed so just be careful since someone might pass even on this areas.

3. Don’t “argue” with trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. If they will cross the street, even if you have the right of way, let them pass. Better safe than sorry in this case. And keep your cool. The police department in your country won’t help you here.

4. At every corner, look out for crossing vehicles. Stop signs are either inexistent or are not followed. So try to “feel” the other driver… is he going to cross now? If yes, just let him pass. There is just no point asserting your right of way and raising your blood pressure. Just keep cool and understand that it is the practice here.

5. Watch out for pedestrians! They will cross the street almost anywhere other than the pedestrian line.

Is this a gloomy picture? No, not really. Driving in Tagbilaran is not too bad. Seldom would you see drivers on their throats arguing and pointing fingers. You just need to be aware of rules in your countries that are not really observed here.

A Tricycle Ride in Tagbilaran

This is an interesting video shot from inside a tricycle as it travels through Gallares St. from the pier to JJ’s Seafood Village near K of C drive. If you haven’t tried a tricycle ride yet, it’s definitely something you’d want to do when you visit Bohol. As of today, the fare is [...]

Get a motorbike and go around like the locals

Perhaps the quickest way to get around Tagbilaran and nearby towns is to rent a motorbike and drive yourself around the city and nearby towns like Panglao, Dauis, Baclayon and Maribojoc.  You can avoid the traffic (yeah it happens sometimes in the congested parts of the city), it’s way cheaper than hiring a taxi and [...]

Arriving by ferry at the pier of Tagbilaran, Bohol

Arriving by ferry or boat is much more interesting than arriving by plane. When the ferry is about to dock, many passengers will stand up and position themselves near the doors. This is actually an unsafe practice as the ferry might bump a bit with the pier bump guards and can throw people [...]

What to expect when you arrive at the airport of Tagbilaran, Bohol

If you are arriving by plane, then most likely you will be able to get your checked-in luggage in a similar way as you do at bigger airports.  A recently installed conveyor really helped a lot in making Tagbilaran Airport feel like an airport when you arrive.  Previously, the luggage are brought in by the [...]