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Driving Around Bohol: A Guide for Travelers

Planning a road trip around Bohol to explore its main attractions, such as the Chocolate Hills, Loboc, Anda, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, can make for an exciting adventure. Traveling by car or motorbike offers the flexibility to visit these sites at your own pace without feeling rushed.

This guide is for:

  • Foreign tourists
  • Local travelers
  • Families with kids or older people

We will cover:

bohol travel and add a toyota vios on the road

Self-Drive vs. With Driver: Which Option Suits Your Trip?

A. Self-Drive (You Drive the Vehicle)

This option gives you the most freedom.

Ideal for:

  • Travelers who prefer flexible schedules. Individuals staying three days or more. Anyone comfortable driving in light provincial traffic.

Pros:

  • Travel wherever you like, whenever you want. Stop for photos, snacks, viewpoints, or hidden beaches whenever you like. Exploring over multiple days can be a more cost-effective approach. It’s ideal for reaching distant areas like Anda, Candijay, or less touristy beaches.

Cons:

  • You manage navigation, traffic, and parking. It can be tiring after long days out. You are responsible for the Vehicle, including any minor damage or flat tires.

Self-driving is a good choice if:

  • You are confident driving on two-lane roads and around tricycles/motorbikes
  • You’re used to driving abroad or in other Philippine provinces
  • You have a flexible, “let’s explore” style itinerary

B. With Driver (Chauffeured Service)

Here, you rent a car or van, along with a driver.

Best for:

  • First-time visitors who don’t want the stress of driving
  • Short trips (1–2 full days of touring)
  • Families with kids and seniors who wish to be convenient

Pros:

  • No need to worry about directions or parking
  • Drivers often know the best times to visit each spot
  • You can rest, enjoy the views, and focus on your family or friends
  • Safer if you’re not used to local driving conditions

Cons:

  • Usually more expensive than self-driving if used for many days in a row
  • Your schedule will follow the agreed-upon pickup and drop-off times
  • You may feel less independent, especially if you like to make many random stops

With a driver is a good option if:

  • You have limited time and want a relaxed, single-day countryside excursion
  • You’re unsure about driving in an unfamiliar area
  • You’d like a local person to manage the roads, parking, and scheduling.

C. A Combination of Both

Many travelers find that combining driver services with self-drive days offers flexibility and convenience, making their Bohol trip more enjoyable.

  1. Day 1: Airport pickup and countryside tour with a driver.
  2. Days 2–4: Self-drive to explore beaches and cafes.

This method allows you to enjoy a stress-free introduction to Bohol before enjoying complete freedom for the remainder of your trip.

Best Pickup Locations and Airport Transfers

Bohol is well-acquainted with tourists, making vehicle pickups and drop-offs flexible and straightforward.

A. Main Pickup and Drop-Off Spots

  • Bohol-Panglao International Airport (TAG): Ideal if you need a vehicle immediately after landing.
    • Options:
      • A self-drive car or SUV will be available for you when you arrive at the airport.
      • Vehicle with driver available for direct hotel transfers or day tours.
    • Perfect for tourists who have booked in advance and families seeking a seamless transfer from the airport to the hotel.
  • Tagbilaran City and Tagbilaran Port: Ideal if you arrive by ferry from Cebu, Dumaguete, or other islands. They are instrumental if you plan to stay in Tagbilaran or nearby towns before heading to Panglao.
  • Panglao Island (Alona, Dumaluan, etc.): All agencies deliver vehicles directly to your resort. Helpful if you want to rest after your arrival and start driving the next day, or if you only need a car on specific days of your stay.

B. Airport Transfer Options

If you don’t want to drive right away:

  • Private car or van with driver from the airport to Panglao resorts, Tagbilaran hotels, and other towns in Bohol: Ideal for late-night arrivals, families, and tired travelers.
  • Many mid-range and upscale resorts offer reliable shuttle services, including free and paid transfers, which are especially helpful for foreign tourists.

Check out Bohol airport transfer to learn more.

Tips for Smooth Pickups

Share with the rental company: Your flight or ferry number, Arrival time, Number of travelers, and luggage. Ask them: Contact number or messaging app of the assigned delivery driver.

Rates

SELF-DRIVE RATE:

  • Sedan/Hatchback (5-seats): ₱1,500-₱1,800
  • MPV (7 seats): ₱2,800
  • MPV (8 seats): ₱3,200
  • Crossover SUV (5-seats): ₱2,000
  • Crossover SUV (7-seats): ₱3,000
  • SUV (7-seats): ₱3,000-₱3,500
  • Pickup (5-seats): ₱3,500
  • Van (12-15 seats): ₱3,000-₱4,000

Additional fees:

  • Plus carwash fee: ₱250-₱350
  • Free delivery/pickup within the Tagbilaran City Area. Charges apply for deliveries outside the city, and rates may vary depending on the location.

WITH DRIVER RATE:

Service to any point of Bohol: The service includes 8 hours of driving. Please note that fuel costs are not included in this price.

REFUEL Vehicle After service.

  • ₱3,000 – Sedan/Hatchback
  • ₱3,500 – SUV/MPV
  • ₱4,000 – Hiace/NV350
  • ₱4500 – GL Grandia/Urvan Premium

Succeeding Per Hour:

  • ₱350 – Sedan/Hatchback
  • ₱400 – SUV/MPV
  • ₱450 – Van
panglao rent a car

Practical Tips for Foreign Tourists, Local Travelers, and Families

Book early during peak seasons, such as Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, long weekends, and summer, as these times can be very busy.

Select the right vehicle size based on your needs:

  • If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, consider renting a scooter or a compact car for added convenience.
  • For small families, a sedan, compact SUV, or multi-purpose Vehicle (MPV) is the most suitable option.
  • For larger families or groups, hiring a van with a driver is recommended.

To ensure efficient travel, plan your routes by downloading offline maps and checking driving times between key locations, such as Panglao, Loboc, Carmen, and Anda.

Drive safely: Be mindful of tricycles, motorcycles, children near schools, and animals on the road. Slow down during the night and in unfamiliar areas.

Keep a list of important contacts, including the rental company’s phone number or WhatsApp/Viber details, your hotel or resort’s contact information, and emergency contact numbers.

Quick Summary

  • Self-drive:
    • Great for those seeking maximum freedom and confident in driving. Typical daily car and van rental rate: approximately ₱1,500 to ₱4,000, depending on the Vehicle.
  • With driver:
    • Ideal for stress-free day tours and families seeking comfort and relaxation. Typical driver rates range from ₱3,000 to ₱4,000 for an 8-hour period.
  • Pickup points: Bohol-Panglao Airport, Tagbilaran Port, Tagbilaran City, and Panglao resorts
  • Insurance and fuel: Always ask what is included, the deductible amount, and the fuel policy for your coverage.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the average fuel costs during a typical road trip around Bohol?

A: When planning a road trip around Bohol, consider fuel costs. Prices in the Philippines currently range from ₱60 to ₱70 per liter, but this price range is subject to change.

A standard Bohol itinerary (Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Anda, and Panglao beaches) covers roughly 100–200 km over a few days. In a fuel-efficient sedan (10–15 km/L), you’d use about 7–20 liters, costing about ₱420–₱1,400.

In a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or van (8–10 km/L), you’d use about 10–25 liters, costing roughly ₱600–₱1,750.

To save fuel, plan routes to combine nearby stops, check local fuel prices, and fill up at reputable stations.