Bohol Philippines by Boholweb.com » Getting Around

Driving Around Tagbilaran City and Bohol

admin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:34:40 +0000

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

admin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:37:23 +0000

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 Php6.00 per person… but it is higher if you take the ride from the pier or airport. Be prepared to negotiate. Don’t haggle too much though… the people around can hear you and say ‘Paluma ug panuroy way kwarta.’ )

Get a motorbike and go around like the locals

admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:09:34 +0000

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 you get to go around like the locals.

Tourists who have been in Bohol several times find that they enjoy renting motorbikes and getting around by themselves. Of course, if you don’t know how to get around, you can always request for a driver who can double as your tour guide. Driver’s licenses from most countries are normally considered valid for the legal duration of your stay.

Arriving by ferry at the pier of Tagbilaran, Bohol

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:02:17 +0000

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 standing up off balance. If you think about it, the time between the first passenger out and the last passenger out is about 10 minutes. People really need to relax a bit and not always try to get out first. There’s no door prize or something if you are the first out.

Once off the boat you need to deal with the porters if you have heavy luggage. If you were traveling light, without checked-in luggage, you can go straight out of the gate. Checked-in luggage must be claimed from the ferry crew who will check your luggage number versus the number the piece of paper you were carrying. Porters may charge you anywhere from Php 50.00 to 200.00 for carrying your bags. Please note this is quite cheap considering these porters may have no other jobs and are assigned only once or twice a week at the pier.

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

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:40:09 +0000

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 ground crew at a waiting area and you have to literally fight your way through the crowd who also want to get their luggage as quickly as you do. Previously, I would watch out for my luggage when the ground crew are still unloading from the plane. That way I know where my luggage are before the little baggage train arrives at the waiting area. Now that the conveyor is operational, you just need to wait for your luggage to appear and pick it up. You might still have to assert your way near the conveyor but just be patient. The people who flew with you on the plane may have not seen their families for a long time and they are more than eager to get home.