Tagbilaran is the capital city of the island province of Bohol in the Philippines. With about 105,000 residents as of 2020, it is the main point of entry to Bohol and serves as the province's political, social and economic center. Besides, it's known as the "City of Friendship".
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Despite being the capital of Bohol, and despite its relative size, Tagbilaran does not feel like a big city. In some respects the city feels more like a provincial town rather than the bustling capital city of one of the Philippines' best-known provinces, and rightfully so. Few establishments are open 24 hours, many stores are closed on Sunday, traffic is almost non-existent, and Tagbilaranons (as local residents are called) seem to be more relaxed than their counterparts in larger cities. However, this atmosphere does yield several positives: locals are very friendly, the city is very safe, and as the introduction of most tourists to Bohol, Tagbilaran gives a good picture of what one can e…
With over 3,000 of them throughout the city, tricycles are the main form of public transportation in Tagbilaran, and can be hailed from any part of the city. They can normally seat up to two people (three if the "seat" behind the driver is counted), with a small luggage space provided on the back. Fares vary according to distance (regular fare: ₱8/person), with drivers charging more to reach Island City Mall and Tagbilaran City Integrated Bus Terminal, the seaport, or destinations beyond city limits.
Tagbilaran is often perceived as a city with nothing to see, and tourists often skip the city in favor of better-known sites in other parts of Bohol. However, contrary to popular belief, the city does have a number of unique sites. 1 Carlos P. Garcia House, A. Hontanosas cor. F. Rocha Sts., Poblacion II. The residence of the former Philippine President and his family in Tagbilaran, it has been converted into a museum featuring presidential memorabilia. Much of the house's original furniture has also been preserved, including the former President's bed and work desk. While admission is free, a donation box is set up by the entrance. Free. 2 Casa Rocha-Suarez Heritage Center, 3 A.
Tagbilaran celebrates three major festivals. The Ubi Festival is celebrated every January in honor of Bohol's most famous agricultural export, ubi (purple yam). With most celebrations taking place in Plaza Rizal, there are exhibits featuring sustainable agriculture and the plant's uses, a contest for the best ubi specimen and upcoming products, as well as a motorcade through the city. The Tagbilaran City Fiesta is the city's official fiesta, celebrated every May in honor of the city's patron saint, Saint Joseph the Worker, whose feast day is on 1 May. This fiesta also opens Bohol's "Month of Fiestas", as every town in Bohol has a May fiesta.
Aside from the standard Philippine chain restaurants Tagbilaran also has a number of unique places to eat. Chicken Ati-Atihan, Ma. Clara Wharf Road, Cogon (up the street from the Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier), ☏ +63 38 507-9963. The main competitor to Jo's Chicken Inatô, this open-air restaurant serves Filipino dishes alongside its special grilled chicken. ₱80-250 on average. Garden Café, Juan S. Torralba Avenue, Poblacion II (beside the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral), ☏ +63 38 411-3701.
There are a number of nightlife spots in Tagbilaran, although they're not as plentiful as in neighboring Panglao. For example, while there is only one nightclub, there are music and karaoke bars scattered throughout the city. Club Sphere, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Poblacion II (on the ground floor of the Metrocentre Hotel and Convention Center). Daily 9PM-5AM. Run by the Metrocentre Hotel and Convention Centre, it is the only nightclub in Tagbilaran, specializing in dance hits. Visiting DJs play here when they visit the city. The club is small though, with only a maximum capacity of 100 persons.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Tagbilaran typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 17 rainy days.
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