Port Guide | Philippines | Dive Deep
Tagbilaran City
August C. W. | Editor
Published on 2025-12-06
Welcome to Tagbilaran City, dear floating adventurers-you've officially docked into Bohol's delightfully laid-back gateway, a surprisingly cheerful jumble of markets, motorbikes, and tricycles that hums with island life rather than glossy postcards. You'll quickly discover that Tagbilaran isn't a city that shouts about itself; instead, it whispers amusing stories-like how Spanish explorers in the 1500s mistook Bohol's perfectly rounded Chocolate Hills for giant, mysterious burial mounds built by some genius civilization (spoiler: they're actually just quirky limestone formations that turn cocoa-brown in the dry season). Shake off the sea legs, grab a cold San Miguel at a waterside cafe, and consider your next move: perhaps a leisurely day trip inland to gawk affectionately at the tarsier-a primate so adorably tiny and bug-eyed you'd swear nature had a Pixar phase-or jump straight onto a scooter tour, dodging friendly chaos en route to hidden waterfalls, local markets, and street food so good it makes cruise buffet offerings seem tragically bland. You've got just enough days here to embrace the joyfully casual pace of Filipino island life, so let curiosity, humor, and an appetite for surprise be your guide.
Philippines has 9 Travel Advisories
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Notes from the Editor
Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. Sightseeing tours can be arranged from the port into the interior of the island.
Where do cruise ships dock in Tagbilaran City?
Port Name Tagbilaran City
Country Philippines
Region Southeast Asia
Ship Terminal Tagbilaran Port
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility The port is approximately 2 kilometers from the city center, accessible by taxi or tricycle, which are readily available at the terminal.
What's the weather like in Tagbilaran City?
Best Season to Visit November to May (dry season)
Climate Tropical climate with a wet and dry season; generally warm and humid year-round.
Weather Notes November to May is the dry season, making it a favorable time for visits. Typhoon season typically occurs from June to October.
Temperature Range 75F - 88F (24C - 31C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 70F
Average Temp 80F
What do I need to know about Tagbilaran City?
Language Filipino (Tagalog) and English
Currency Philippine Peso (PHP)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 104,000
Timezone UTC+8
How do I get around Tagbilaran City?
Taxis, tricycles, and vans for hire are available for local transport. Motorbike rentals are also popular among tourists.
What are The Best Things to do in Tagbilaran City?
Discover what you should do while you're in Tagbilaran City.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Blood Compact Shrine
Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City
Historical landmark commemorating the blood compact between Spain and the Philippines in 1565.
Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles
National Museum Bohol Branch
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tagbilaran City
Museum showcasing the rich heritage, culture, art, and history of Bohol island.
Distance from Terminal: 1 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Abatan River Firefly Watching
Abatan River, Maribojoc, near Tagbilaran City
Enchanting night tour along the Abatan River to view swarms of luminous fireflies.
Distance from Terminal: 8.4 miles
Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck
Carmen, Bohol
Iconic geological formation of symmetrical hills commanding breathtaking panoramic views.
Distance from Terminal: 34 miles
Tagbilaran City Fiesta (May 1st)
Various locations, Tagbilaran City
Annual festive celebration honoring Saint Joseph the Worker, featuring parades, performances, and cuisine.
Distance from Terminal: 0 miles
Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridges
Loboc, Bohol
Bamboo footbridges offering panoramic jungle views over the scenic Sipatan River.
Distance from Terminal: 16 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Hinagdanan Cave
Bingag, Panglao, Bohol
Underground limestone cave featuring a lagoon, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Distance from Terminal: 7.5 miles
Loboc River Cruise
Loboc, Bohol
Leisurely river cruise with buffet lunch, live music, and scenic jungle landscapes.
Distance from Terminal: 14.5 miles
Virgin Island Sandbar
Near Panglao Island, Bohol
Stunning crescent-shaped white sandbar visible during low tide, framed by clear turquoise waters.
Distance from Terminal: 12.5 miles
Mangrove Paddleboarding Tour
Doljo, Panglao Island
Unique paddleboarding experience through serene mangrove forest ecosystems.
Distance from Terminal: 10 miles
Can-Umantad Falls Adventure
Candijay, Bohol
Scenic waterfall with natural swimming pools offering a refreshing adventure.
Distance from Terminal: 45 miles
Overnight Trips
Balicasag Island Diving
Balicasag, Bohol
Renowned diving spots with vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs.
Distance from Terminal: 15 miles
Pamilacan Island Dolphin Watching
Pamilacan Island, Baclayon, Bohol
Experience dolphin watching and interacting with local fishing communities.
Distance from Terminal: 13 miles
A Little Extra
Gerarda's Family Restaurant
30 JS Torralba St., Tagbilaran City
Authentic local Boholano cuisine served in a charming historic house.
Distance from Terminal: 0.8 miles
Taboan Public Market Visit
Tagbilaran City
Local experience exploring fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and markets offering exotic regional specialties.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Alona Beach Nightlife
Panglao Island
Vibrant nightlife scene along pristine coastal beaches bustling with restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.
Distance from Terminal: 11.2 miles
Philippines Regional Tip
Indirect Communication Instead of directly declining an invitation, one might say they'll try, indicating a polite refusal.