What to Wear in Bohol: A Guide to Dressing Comfortably in the Philippines
When packing for a trip to Bohol, it’s important to consider the climate and activities you’ll be doing. As someone who has been to Bohol many times, I can tell you that the weather can be quite hot and humid, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s essential to pack light and comfortable clothing made of breathable materials, such as cotton. Avoid thick coats and long-sleeved tops, as they can be uncomfortable in the heat. I prefer to wear sleeveless shirts as much as possible when traveling Bohol.
One of the most popular activities in Bohol is island hopping, so it’s important to pack the right clothes for this excursion. I recommend bringing a swimsuit, comfortable sandals, and a waterproof bag to keep your belongings safe and dry. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, as well as a cover-up or light shirt for when you’re not in the water.
Overall, when packing for Bohol, keep it simple, comfortable, and practical. By considering the climate and activities you’ll be doing, you can ensure that you’re prepared for whatever adventure comes your way.
Understanding Bohol’s Climate
Bohol has a tropical climate, which means it only has 2 seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season typically runs from November to May, while the wet season is from June to October. During the dry season, the weather is generally sunny and warm, with occasional rain showers. The average temperature during this time is around 29°C(84.2°F), but the high could go up to 34°C(93.2°F), and the humidity is high.
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During the wet season, the weather is typically hot and humid, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. The average temperature during this time is around 27°C (80.6°F), with the high of 30°C(86°F).
Overall, the climate in Bohol is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. So consider this when packing for a vacation in the island of Bohol.
What to Wear in Bohol
In general, we would always bring the following when we go to Bohol. This means that these are what we typically wear when we’re walking around Panglao island doing some errands or going out to eat at a restaurant.
Lightweight Clothing
Because it’s mostly warm and humid so I like wearing clothes that let air pass through and through. Cotton is my choice of fabric. I find Uniqlo’s shirt a perfect match for this island’s climate. I don’t think it’s pure cotton though. And it’s really comfortable. I forget the name right now but basically any shirt with those little holes that let air through is perfect.
Hat and Sunglasses
My wife brings a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Not only will they shield your eyes and face from the sun’s harmful rays, but they’ll also add a stylish touch to your outfit. Opt for a colorful hat to add a pop of color to your look.
As for me, I already have prescription eyeglasses so I can’t really wear a sunglass. So I bought those tinted glasses that I can clip on my eyeglass. It’s not fashionable at all but it helps a lot as intense sunlight sometimes triggers my migraine.
Comfortable Footwear
Bohol is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring, and that’s a lot of walking. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes. We typically wear sneakers almost everywhere in Bohol. We just change to flip-flops or slippers when going to the beach.
Personally, because we don’t really do hiking that much, I prefer slip-on sneakers. Putting it on and taking it off is quicker since I don’t have to tie any lace. And I like the shoes with memory foam, my feet doesn’t hurt much even after hours of walking.
NOTE: Wearing of face mask is now optional in Bohol, you can read the article here.
Clothing for Tourist Attractions
We’ve covered the basics above. Now here are the things we usually bring when we want to go touring around the place.
Light Clothing
Although we’ve covered this already, I thought I’d repeat it because this is very important. Bring light weight clothing. Avoid thick coats or long-sleeved wear as they can make you feel hot and sticky. I’ve seen many tourists wear long-sleeved shirt, I think they use it either as sun protection or insect protection. They didn’t look comfortable fanning profusely while walking. Some even just rolled up their sleeves.
Sun Protection
Not a clothing but we wear this right? Use sun screen lotion instead of wearing long sleeves, this is much more comfortable. Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat. The best time to see the chocolate hills is early morning so it’s not yet that hot. Because of this, the sun’s rays can sometimes hit your eyes. So that sunglass and hat will really come in handy.
Swimwear
Some of the caves you’ll be visiting, like the Hinagdanan Cave, have lagoons in them. So just in case you get the urge to take a in the water, having a swimwear ready is to your advantage. And when you’re going island hopping, swimwear is a must. One of the islands you will be visiting is the Virgin Island, and during high tide it’s submerged in 1 to 2 feet of water.
Insect Repellent
When visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary or Bilar Man-made Forest, it’s best to bring insect repellent handy to protect yourself from mosquito bites. To be honest though, the last time we visited, I didn’t have any insect repellent on me and I was wearing a sleeveless shirt, I didn’t get a single bite at all. But anyway, better safe than sorry.
Rain Gear
Only when you’re going during the rainy season. Which is in June-January. Bohol is prone to thunderstorms. A small umbrella would suffice.
Modest Clothing
I added this last because I think it’s optional. If you plan to visit religious sites like Baclayon Church or the Blood Compact Shrine, try dressing modestly. Don’t short shorts, tank top, mini skirt or too anything revealing.
Beachwear for Bohol
When packing for a beach vacation in Bohol, it’s important to keep in mind the tropical climate and the various activities you’ll be doing. Here are some tips on what to wear for a comfortable and stylish beach getaway.
Swimwear
Bohol is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, and you’ll want to spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Bring at least two swimsuits so you can alternate and let them dry out in between uses. You can also use one for swimming in the beach, and the other for swimming in lagoons, whichever you prefer.
Cover-ups
Lightweight cover-ups like kaftans, sarongs, or maxi dresses are perfect for throwing over your swimsuit and keeping you cool. My wife seem to love them. I think it’s more for the accent it gives than the protection. She frequently used them when running errands or just going from the beach to the bar, which is just a few meters away when you’re in a resort.
Footwear
Slippers, flip-flops or sandals are a must for beach vacations, but make sure they’re comfortable enough for long walks on the sand. I tend to lean towards the traditional slippers, I don’t feel comfortable using those sandals with holes in them.
If you plan on doing some water activities like snorkeling or diving, bring water shoes or reef shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks or corals, but it’s optional. There are many diving shops that will let you rent these, most big resorts in Bohol have these too. Renting these instead of bringing them will also save space in your luggage.
Overall, dressing for the beach in Bohol is all about staying cool, comfortable, and protected from the sun. Whether you’re lounging on the white-sand beaches of Alona Beach or exploring the hidden gems like Dumaluan Beach, Doljo Beach, or Momo Beach, these beachwear essentials will ensure you have a fun and memorable vacation.
Outfit Ideas for Adventure Activities
When it comes to adventure activities in Bohol, you want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Here are some outfit ideas to keep you comfortable and safe while you explore the island.
Comfortable Heavy Clothing
If you’re planning to visit the Danao Adventure Park, make sure you wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement and sturdy. Also wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty. I made a mistake of wearing my white polo shirt one time because I thought we were only going to see the chocolate hills. Turned out we were doing some ATV riding, zipline and all that. I think my shirt turned light brown at the end of the day.
Heavy Rubber Shoes
There will be occasions when you will have to climb a steep ladder or a hill to get to the starting point of the activity, especially if you’re planning to tackle the treetop rope course. Sometimes it’s muddy or a bit wet. So wearing a sturdy rubber shoes that won’t slip is essential to avoid accident. Use the ones with laces too.
Jacket or Sweater
If you plan to go on a firefly watching tour. You’ll be cruising down the river at night, so this time a light jacket or sweater will be useful to keep you warm. It’s also a good way to protect your skin from insect bites.
Swimsuit or Wetsuit
Again, if you’re planning to do some diving, snorkeling, or swimming. A swimsuit would be very useful. Wetsuit is for when you’re diving but again, these are available for rent in most resorts and dive shops strategically placed all over the island.
As usual, we covered a lot here. Just to reiterate, it is important to keep in mind the climate and activities you will be doing throughout your stay. As I have mentioned earlier, Bohol has a tropical climate, so it is best to pack light and breathable clothing.
Overall, dressing appropriately for your trip will help you feel comfortable and enjoy your activities to the fullest. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.