Understanding Bohol’s Climate (Before You Pack)
Bohol has a warm tropical climate all year with temperatures averaging 27–33°C. Humidity is moderate to high, and short showers are common even during the dry season.
Dry Season (November to May)
• Sunny, warm, beach-perfect days
• Ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and waterfalls
• Light, breathable clothing recommended
• Ideal for island hopping, snorkeling, and waterfalls
• Light, breathable clothing recommended
Rainy Season (June to October)
• Occasional rain showers
• Hot and humid
• Still very travel-friendly with fewer crowds
• Hot and humid
• Still very travel-friendly with fewer crowds
What This Means for Packing
• Prioritize breathable fabrics
• Always pack sun protection
• Add a light rain jacket or poncho
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen
• Always pack sun protection
• Add a light rain jacket or poncho
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Essential Packing Checklist for Bohol
This list works whether you're staying 3 days or 2 weeks.
Clothing Essentials
• Light cotton or linen shirts
• Comfortable shorts
• Swimwear (bring at least two sets)
• Lightweight dresses or resort wear
• Breathable sleepwear
• Light long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
• Sarong or beach cover-up
• Comfortable shorts
• Swimwear (bring at least two sets)
• Lightweight dresses or resort wear
• Breathable sleepwear
• Light long-sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
• Sarong or beach cover-up
Footwear
• Comfortable sandals
• Flip-flops
• Light sneakers for activities
• Reef shoes (optional but great for island hopping)
• Flip-flops
• Light sneakers for activities
• Reef shoes (optional but great for island hopping)
Hot Weather Tips
Choose light colors and fast-drying fabrics. Moisture-wicking tops help during the hottest months.
Beach & Water Essentials
Must-Haves
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses (polarized preferred)
• Hat or cap
• Beach towel (your villa provides, but bring if island hopping)
• Dry bag for boat trips
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Sunglasses (polarized preferred)
• Hat or cap
• Beach towel (your villa provides, but bring if island hopping)
• Dry bag for boat trips
• Waterproof phone pouch
Optional Items
• Snorkel mask (most tours provide but having your own is cleaner)
• GoPro or waterproof camera
• UV rashguard for long snorkeling days
• GoPro or waterproof camera
• UV rashguard for long snorkeling days
Toiletries & Personal Items
Most essentials are available in Panglao, but quality brands may vary.
Bring These
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Razor
• Moisturizer (sun + saltwater cause dryness)
• After-sun aloe gel
I• nsect repellent (tropical strength)
• Deodorant
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Razor
• Moisturizer (sun + saltwater cause dryness)
• After-sun aloe gel
I• nsect repellent (tropical strength)
Medications
• Personal medication supply
• Motion sickness tablets (for boat trips)
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• Small first-aid kit
• Motion sickness tablets (for boat trips)
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• Small first-aid kit
Toiletries & Personal Items
Important Documents
• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Printed and digital confirmations (flights, villa, tours)
• Travel insurance policy
• Driver’s license (if renting a motorbike or car)
• Printed and digital confirmations (flights, villa, tours)
• Travel insurance policy
• Driver’s license (if renting a motorbike or car)
Important Documents
• ATMs are available, but may charge ₱250–₱350 per withdrawal
• Cash is preferred in smaller shopsCredit cards widely accepted in Panglao
Bring a water-resistant envelope for cash during island tours.
• Cash is preferred in smaller shopsCredit cards widely accepted in Panglao
Bring a water-resistant envelope for cash during island tours.
Electronics & Travel Gear
Essentials
• Phone + charger
• Power bank
• Universal power adapter (Philippines uses Type A/B/C)
• Lightweight laptop or tablet (optional)
• Camera + SD card
• Travel extension cord (helpful in villas)
• Power bank
• Universal power adapter (Philippines uses Type A/B/C)
• Lightweight laptop or tablet (optional)
• Camera + SD card
• Travel extension cord (helpful in villas)
Connectivity Tips
• Buy a local SIM (Globe or Smart) for better coverage
• Villas typically offer high-speed WiFi
• Villas typically offer high-speed WiFi
Packing for Adventures in Bohol
Island Hopping & Snorkeling
• Dry bag
• Swimwear + rashguard
• Snorkel gear (optional)
• Quick-dry towel
• Coral-friendly sunscreen
• Swimwear + rashguard
• Snorkel gear (optional)
• Quick-dry towel
• Coral-friendly sunscreen
Waterfalls, Chocolate Hills, ATV, or countryside tours
• Sporty clothing
• Sneakers
• Small backpack
• Lightweight rain jacket
• GoPro or action cam
• Sneakers
• Small backpack
• Lightweight rain jacket
• GoPro or action cam
Nightlife or Dining Out
• Smart-casual outfit
• Light perfume or cologne
• Dress sandals or clean sneakers
• Light perfume or cologne
• Dress sandals or clean sneakers
Example Packing List (Summary)
Clothing
• 5–7 shirts
• 2–3 shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 1 light long-sleeve
• 1 casual evening outfit
• 2–3 shorts
• 2 swimsuits
• 1 light long-sleeve
• 1 casual evening outfit
Toiletries
• Toothbrush set
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
Gear
• Dry bag
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Snorkel gear (optional)
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Snorkel gear (optional)
Documents
• Passport
• Travel insurance
• Driver’s license
• Cash + cards
• Travel insurance
• Driver’s license
• Cash + cards
Final Tips for Packing Smart
Keep a separate pouch for boat-trip essentialsPack light — Bohol is a casual island
Always carry a water bottle (hydration is key)
Bring a small waterproof bag for valuables when swimmingPrepare for both sun and sudden short rain showers
Always carry a water bottle (hydration is key)
Bring a small waterproof bag for valuables when swimmingPrepare for both sun and sudden short rain showers