Renting a motorcycle in Bohol

Michael Zabate and Ethelyn Albano on the scooter

It was 3.30pm when we reached Tagbilaran port, the sun was still shining and we could really feel the summer heat already consuming our excitement.  Before the boat made a complete stop most of the passengers were already standing and ready to disembark.  I thought it was ridiculous because we all have to disembark anyway.  It seems that everyone was doing it, except for us and some few foreigners who were also wondering what people were doing.

We waited until most of the people left the boat and we didn’t have to get into a line to get out of the boat.  Once we were outside, there were many people with signage greeting us, representing their hotels/resorts.  We still didn’t know where to stay so we just completely ignored them and headed to the exit.  Along the way there were people who were asking us if we would like to hire a van, taxi or tricycle.  Our minds were already made up and we wanted to hire a motorcycle.

Some part of the port is under construction, so I wasn’t sure where we can find a motorcycle for hire.  There were a line of tricycle and drivers were also hanging around waiting for passengers and I asked some of them where we can hire motorcycles.  They pointed me to the security guard at the port, a little hut in the middle of the road before taking a turn to the port. 

Me and Joey Carey

The security guard was very polite, and when I asked about the motorcycle rented he immediately told us he will call someone.  When he did not get an answer he told us he will just go and pick up his friend that owns the motorcycle.  We waited about 5 minutes and he showed up with the motorcycle and the owner.  My partner negotiated the price and we got 2 scooters for 500 Pesos per day each.

It is easy to rent a motorcycle in Bohol, all you need is to sign a paper agreeing with the price per day and leave a valid ID and pay the total amount.  And we were off driving to Panglao.  I was a bit worried that the scooter did not come with helmets, but in Bohol you can drive around without it.

The route is also easy either you asked the locals how to get there, get a local map from the Port or activate your GPS.  Google map is a big help, but if your phone is running out of battery, you can opt to use an app called MAPS, it doesn’t consume as much battery compared to google maps.

The motorcycle that we rented had no gasoline included so we had to stop at the nearest gasoline station on our way to Panglao.  We had it full for 100 Pesos.  20 Minutes later we reached the beach area of Panglao, it is much cheaper to rent a motorcycle than to commute.  And you have all the freedom to go anywhere you want, anytime you want.  Our next task was to look for a hotel by the beach.  

Getting to Bohol from Cebu

Jeny Obregon, Joey Carey, Michael Zabate,
Ethelyn Albano and EJ

And summer is here again.  My friends and I were planning on were to get away for the weekend at the start of summer.  There were so many places in mind and plans that we were not really sure if it will materialize.  They said that if you make a lot of plans it most likely remain a plan.

So enough of the plans, we just pack our bags and head to Bohol.  It isn't so far away, we just had to take a fast craft for 2 hours and we are there.  There are a few choices the oceanjet, supercat and there were also boats that perhaps would take longer than just two hours.  We reached Cebu Pier 1 at around 1:00pm.  We did not made reservations nor purchased a ticket before heading there.  It was pretty easy.  Although the line to purchase the ferry ticket was long.  I guess most people were also heading there for the summer.

At the Supercat Ethelyn Albano, Jeny Obregon & Joey Carey

Another friend of mine who is from Bohol suggested we take Oceanjet fast ferry.  So, that was the first one we checked out when we got to the pier area, however the departure was for another hour, so we decided to take the Supercat.  The fare was the same, 500 Pesos for one-way per adult and 380 Pesos for kids 7 years and below.  They told us that the fare would be cheaper if the ticket was purchased a few days ahead.  How much? I have no idea.  500 Pesos is not bad.  I was told the fare was 800 Pesos but we were glad it was only 500 Pesos (Tourist Class).   And then there is a terminal fee of 25 Pesos per person and kids are exempted.

At the Supercat EJ and Michael Zabate

We took the Supercat at 1.45pm from Cebu. Due to our excitement, we forgot that we have not had lunch before going on board.  We also didnt have much choice coz the ferry was about to leave when we got the tickets.  My partner  Joey was too hungry and my friend Ethelyn Albano's child EJ too, luckily the cabin crew were selling some finger foods and packed lunch so we took 5 packs.  Each packed was 120 Pesos, it was really expensive for the food you get but we didn't have a choice.  We did took it to experience that next time, we will eat before or pack our own food before boarding.

We reached Tagbilaran Port at about 3.30pm, it was a smooth ride.  And we are ready for our summer get away.