6 Interesting Facts About Tagbilaran City
Before you set sail to Bohol, discover a couple of facts about Tagbilaran City, so that you can appreciate this lively coastal hub and what makes it so special for Boholanos. It is a prime location for travel and serves as a gateway to most of Bohol’s tourist spots. It also carries a huge heritage, being the site of many ancestral homes and historical events.
Explore the capital of Bohol through these fascinating facts about Tagbilaran City, plus a few tips on how to travel by ferry from CDO and Cebu.
6 Facts About Tagbilaran City You Need to Know Before You Visit
1. Boholano is Tagbilaran’s main language.
It is locally known as Bulanon or Binul-anon. This is a dialect or variant of the Cebuano language, and they differ when it comes to the use of words. For instance, words with y in Cebuano are pronounced with j in Boholano. Occasionally, k is replaced with the much softer h (ex. “Iya” to “Ija” or “Akoa” to “Ahoa”). You don’t have to worry about a language barrier because residents understand Cebuano, English, and Tagalog.
2. Tagbilaran City is where the first treaty in the Philippines was signed.
In 1565, the very start of the Spanish colonial period, Capt. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi formed a blood compact treaty or sandugo with Datu Sikatuna, local chieftain of what was then Bohol. This agreement is done by drawing blood from the arms, mixing it into wine, and drinking together. It is one of the best-known facts about Tagbilaran City and a historic event that marked their unity and diplomacy.
3.You can travel easily by ferry to Tagbilaran City from Cagayan de Oro and Cebu.
Visitors coming from Cagayan de Oro and Cebu can take a ferry to Tagbilaran via Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. Regular trips are scheduled as followed:
- CDO to Tagbilaran: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, 7:00 PM
- Cebu to Tagbilaran: Monday, 12:00 PM
Regular rates start at PHP 1,612 for CDO to Tagbilaran and vice versa, while rates for Cebu to Tagbilaran start at PHP 520. Discount applies for senior citizens/PWDs, students, infants, and minors. You can book your tickets in advance at any accredited ticket outlet or online via Chelsea Travel.To book online, simply visit the Chelsea Travel site (www.chelseatravel.ph) or download the app, make your booking, pay using your e-wallet (GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, GrabPay), and get your e-ticket voucher.
4.Tagbilaran is the gateway to Panglao, Baclayon, and other key Bohol tourist spots.
If you plan to visit Bohol tourist spots like the Baclayon Church, Panglao Island, Chocolate Hills, Loboc RIver, or Bilar Man-Made Forest, Tagbilaran City is a great place to stay. You have many transport options like traditional and modern jeepneys and buses. If you are traveling in a large group, or simply want a direct and convenient trip, you can hire a private van or car. Do research legitimate and trusted services.
5.The best Bohol chocolate tableya can be bought here.
Looking for rich, chocolatey souvenirs? Some of the must-try local brands are Dalareich House, Chocolate Chamber, and the Bohol Chocolate Farm. You can do all your tableya and pasalubong shopping in Tagbilaran City, particularly for chocolates and other local sweets. Don’t hesitate to try delicacies like kalamay, tinapay crisp, or peanut kisses.
6.This is where you can find some of Bohol’s historical treasures.
The National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol, St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine, and the heritage home of Carlos P. Garcia are all within walking distance of each other. A short ride will take you to Oasis Balili House, an ancestral home-turned-boutique hotel, which takes you back in time.
These facts about Tagbilaran City show how important the city is in shaping and showcasing the culture, history, and tourism of Bohol province. Be sure to dedicate a day or a few hours to Tagbilaran on your next visit.
ALSO READ: 12 Tagbilaran Tourist Spots and Attractions for Different Age Groups
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines delivers comfortable, safe, and reliable ferry services in the Philippines. Our newest passenger ferry route, Cagayan de Oro to Tagbilaran, lets you enjoy direct travel for a great deal. We offer second class, tourist class, cabin, and private room accommodations on board our vessel for this route. View our updated schedule here and book a trip today!
