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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

The Visayas, Philippines

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Bohol's tropical climate calls for light, breathable clothing. High humidity means garments dry slowly, so quick-drying fabrics are a good choice.

Seasonal & General Attire

  • Dry Season (Nov/Dec - May): Lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics.
  • Wet Season (Jun - Oct/Nov): Similar clothing, add a Lightweight rain jacket or a Compact umbrella.
  • General: Pack light, quick-drying clothes. Sun protection is essential.

Cultural & Activity Attire

The Philippines generally maintains a relaxed dress code, though modesty finds appreciation, especially when visiting religious sites like churches. For these locations, ensure shoulders and knees are covered.

Smart Choices for Any Setting

Footwear Recommendations

Casual Comfort

Pack Flip-flops or sandals for beach wear, around your resort, and for casual outings.

Ideal for easy movement

Water Activities

Bring Water shoes for rocky beaches, snorkeling, exploring tide pools, and near waterfalls. They shield your feet.

Protection on varied surfaces

City & Light Trails

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers serve well for exploring towns, light hiking, and for travel days.

Urban and light trail exploration

Helpful Documents

Secure Your Papers

Hold both physical and digital copies of your important papers.

  • Original passport and any visa documentation.
  • Travel insurance policy information and emergency contacts.
  • International driving permit (if applicable) and national driver's license.
  • Vaccination records and health documentation (for personal history).
  • Printed and digital copies of flight, hotel, and tour reservations.
  • Emergency contact information for family, embassy, and local services.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for potential (though rare) discounts.
  • Store digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage for backup.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up matters for travel. Plan your electronics and accessories before departure. The standard voltage in the Philippines is 220V, with a frequency of 60Hz.

Electrical Essentials

Cameras & Chargers

Capture your memories effectively. Consider camera equipment that suits your planned activities, especially water-based ones.

Photography & Power

Apps & Data Security

Navigation & Communication

Google Maps for navigation (download offline maps). WhatsApp widely used for communication. Grab for ride-sharing in main cities.

Translation Tools

Google Translate with offline Filipino/Cebuano language packs proves helpful for language barriers.

Data Backup

Use cloud storage for photos and important documents. Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure connections.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A small Personal first aid kit and necessary health items can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Essential Kit Contents

Insect & Sun Protection

Protect yourself from tropical elements. Strong Insect repellent and reliable Sun protection are vital in Bohol's climate.

Outdoor Protection

Special Health Concerns

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness medication proves helpful for ferry rides.
  • Beneficial for bumpy road travel within the island.
  • Over-the-counter cold/flu remedies and throat lozenges.

Water Purification & Hygiene

  • A Personal water filter or Purification tablets for sustainability and emergencies.
  • Specific brands of toiletries might be hard to find locally.
  • Clean minor cuts thoroughly; humid climate fosters infection.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving Gear

While gear is rentable, personal equipment often ensures better fit and hygiene for water activities.

Hiking & Outdoor Attire

Lightweight and breathable gear provides comfort for exploring Bohol's trails and natural landscapes.

  • Lightweight, breathable hiking clothing.
  • Sturdy Hiking sandals or closed-toe shoes.
  • Long pants for sun and insect defense.
  • Quick-dry travel towel.

Waterproof Essentials

Safeguard your valuables during island hopping and river tours. Unexpected splashes or submersion can happen.

  • A Waterproof dry bag.
  • Protects electronics and documents.
  • Ideal for island hopping excursions.
  • Beneficial for Loboc River tours.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Items to Rent

  • Scuba diving BCDs and regulators are available from dive shops.
  • Fins are readily available for rent.
  • Rental usually covers basic dive gear for convenience.
  • Consider renting unless you have particular fit preferences or own specialized equipment.

Items to Bring

  • Masks and snorkels for personal hygiene and comfortable fit.
  • Rash guards for sun protection and avoiding rental wear.
  • Water shoes to navigate rocky or slippery terrain.
  • Action cameras (GoPro) for capturing underwater memories.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items can significantly improve comfort and convenience during your journeys and stay.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Reusable & Hard-to-Find Items

Embrace sustainability and pack items that may prove difficult or expensive to obtain upon arrival.

Smart Packing Choices

Sustainable Travel Items

Water Bottle

Reduces plastic use

Reusable Bag

For shopping

Travel Cutlery

For street food

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine life

Destination-Specific Focus

Water Adventures

  • Snorkel mask for personal comfort and hygiene.
  • Waterproof bag for protecting electronics on boat trips.
  • Action camera (GoPro) for underwater photography.

Inland Exploration

  • Comfortable walking shoes for Chocolate Hills.
  • Insect repellent for forested areas and evening.
  • Portable charger for devices during day trips.

Packing Smart

Packing light makes transit easier. Focus on versatile, quick-drying items. Utilize packing cubes for organization.

Remember that local pharmacies are available for common needs, but specialty items might need bringing from home.