Exploring Beyond Cebu: A New Way to Discover Bohol
Imagine arriving at an island destination without having to rely entirely on the usual tourist attractions listed in travel guides. Instead, you discover small local eateries, countryside experiences, coastal communities and interesting places recommended by people who actually live there.
This is the kind of travel experience that a homegrown digital platform called tana! aims to introduce to visitors arriving in Bohol. Through a partnership with Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), the application is making it easier for travelers to explore experiences beyond the province’s familiar tourist destinations.
For people planning a holiday from Cebu, the initiative offers another reason to consider exploring neighboring Bohol. While Cebu has its own collection of beaches, heritage attractions and mountain destinations, Bohol provides a different island experience centered on its countryside, local food, agriculture and community traditions.
According to an InsiderPH report published on November 1, 2026, BPIA is partnering with tana! to introduce digital travel guides, curated itineraries and recommendations from Bohol residents. The project is designed to help visitors discover more of the province while giving smaller local businesses greater exposure.
How the tana! App Helps Travelers Explore Local Destinations
Planning an island vacation can sometimes become overwhelming, especially when travelers are unfamiliar with the destination. Searching through different websites and social media pages does not always provide enough practical information about where to go and what to expect.
The Bohol-developed tana! application approaches travel planning through themed routes, selected destination collections and recommendations contributed by local residents.
Rather than functioning simply as a directory of tourist attractions, the platform organizes experiences around destinations and activities that have been reviewed by its curation team.
Travelers can find useful information associated with featured destinations, including:
- Operating hours: Information to help visitors plan when to explore a particular destination.
- Budget guidance: Details that can help travelers prepare their spending.
- Local recommendations: Suggestions and practical tips provided by residents.
- Curated routes: Organized travel experiences that make discovering different parts of Bohol easier.
- Local businesses: Opportunities to discover establishments and community-based experiences that might receive less attention in conventional travel guides.
According to its Apple App Store listing, tana! was developed by Paniel Nycole Dumdum and carries a five-star rating. Its approach emphasizes locally informed recommendations rather than selecting destinations simply because they are already widely known.
For Cebu residents considering a weekend getaway, this kind of resource can help make the planning process more interesting by introducing experiences they might otherwise overlook.
Five Curated Itineraries Introduce a Different Side of Bohol
One of the notable features of the partnership is a collection called Bohol Maxxing. It offers five curated itineraries designed to help visitors experience different aspects of the province.
These suggested experiences include a modified countryside tour, a half-day exploration of Tagbilaran City and a coastal and farm itinerary intended for returning visitors interested in quieter activities.
Discovering Bohol’s Countryside
The modified countryside itinerary introduces an alternative way to experience rural Bohol. One of its featured activities is firefly watching, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate the island’s natural surroundings beyond conventional sightseeing.
For travelers who enjoy nature-oriented experiences, this provides another perspective on what a countryside visit can offer.
Exploring Tagbilaran City
The half-day city itinerary focuses on Tagbilaran, Bohol’s provincial capital. It gives visitors an opportunity to explore the city without necessarily dedicating an entire day to the experience.
This can be useful for travelers with limited vacation time who want to include a city visit alongside other activities during their stay.
Experiencing Coastal and Agricultural Communities
Another itinerary focuses on coastal and farming experiences, particularly for repeat visitors who want something different from the usual sightseeing schedule.
Activities include permaculture farming and cacao roasting. These experiences introduce travelers to agricultural practices and local traditions while creating opportunities to connect with the communities behind Bohol’s products and food culture.
Instead of concentrating exclusively on sightseeing, the itinerary encourages visitors to appreciate how local communities contribute to the province’s identity.
Airport Travel Guides Make Arrivals More Convenient
Discovering a destination is only one part of a successful vacation. Travelers also need practical information immediately after landing, particularly when visiting an unfamiliar airport.
Under the partnership, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and tana! plan to introduce QR-code-based travel guides, mini-magazines and a dedicated application section featuring recommended routes and visitor experiences.
One particularly useful feature is called Airport Hacks Only Locals Know. It provides practical information intended to help passengers navigate airport services and make their arrival more convenient.
The information includes directions to 24-hour tourist SIM card kiosks, transportation options such as the Grab booking booth, last-minute shopping opportunities at Nomad Express and recommended viewing locations inside the terminal.
For visitors arriving from Cebu or other Philippine destinations, having these details available can make it easier to organize the next part of their journey.
The initiative also reflects a broader approach to airport development. Rather than serving only as a place where passengers arrive and depart, BPIA is positioning the terminal as an entry point for discovering local businesses, cultural experiences and destinations throughout the province.
Travel Tips for Cebu Residents Planning a Bohol Getaway
Cebu and Bohol offer different experiences, making them interesting destinations to combine in a longer Visayas vacation. Travelers who have already explored Cebu’s beaches, historical attractions and mountain scenery may find Bohol’s countryside and agricultural experiences worth adding to their itinerary.
Before arranging a trip, consider these practical preparations:
- Explore the app before traveling: Check tana! for available curated routes, featured destinations and recommendations.
- Plan your schedule: Review the operating hours listed for destinations and organize activities according to your available time.
- Prepare a travel budget: Use the available budget guidance when estimating your expenses.
- Consider community experiences: Include activities such as cacao roasting or permaculture farming if they match your interests.
- Check transportation arrangements: Review airport transportation information and confirm available services before departure.
- Allow flexibility: Leave room in your schedule for additional discoveries rather than filling every hour with activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tana! designed for tourists visiting Bohol?
Yes. The application is designed to help visitors discover destinations, local businesses and community-based experiences throughout Bohol using curated routes and recommendations.
What is Bohol Maxxing?
Bohol Maxxing is a collection of five curated itineraries featured through tana!, including countryside activities, a Tagbilaran City exploration and coastal and agricultural experiences.
Does the airport partnership include transportation information?
Yes. The planned airport guides include practical information about transportation services, 24-hour tourist SIM card kiosks and other passenger facilities at Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Travelers should check the application and airport information for the latest available features and service details before making arrangements.
For Cebu residents planning their next island adventure, Bohol offers an opportunity to experience another side of the Central Visayas region. With locally curated recommendations and digital travel guides becoming part of the arrival experience, visitors can plan beyond familiar attractions and discover more of the communities, traditions and everyday experiences that make the province distinctive.
Before booking your next trip, explore the available tana! itineraries, check transportation arrangements and identify the experiences you want to prioritize. A little preparation can help turn an ordinary island getaway into a more meaningful journey through Bohol.
Sources: InsiderPH – Bohol airport and tana! partnership · App Builders PH – tana! app information
