Things To Do
in Dauis
Dauis is a coastal municipality on Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines, known for its centuries-old church, quiet coastal villages, and proximity to some of the province's best beaches and dive sites. The town combines rural Filipino life with easy access to tourist hubs on Panglao and nearby islands like Balicasag and Virgin Island. Visitors come for snorkelling and diving, peaceful sunsets, and to explore nearby natural attractions on Bohol's mainland.
Dauis is a convenient base for exploring both laid-back local culture and the busier Alona Beach/Panglao tourist strip a short ride away.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Marvel at its beautiful architecture and rich history as you stroll through the museum adjacent to the church. Don't forget to capture photos of the intricate details and serene surroundings.
After lunch, make your way to the Dauis Church, known for its unique coral stone structure and beautiful altar. Take a moment to appreciate the church’s peaceful ambiance and perhaps light a candle as a gesture of gratitude. Explore the nearby local market where you can shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local seaside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. Savor dishes like grilled fish and shrimp while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. End your day with a quiet walk along the beach, watching the stars twinkle above.
Begin your day at the picturesque Dumaluan Beach, where soft white sands and crystal-clear waters await. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café while soaking in the stunning ocean views. Spend some time sunbathing or dipping your toes in the warm water.
In the afternoon, indulge in various water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, available at the beach. For a more relaxing experience, grab a beach chair and read a book under the shade of a palm tree. Don't forget to take breaks to enjoy refreshing tropical drinks from nearby vendors.
As evening approaches, gather for a beach bonfire where you can roast marshmallows and share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy the magical transition of colors in the sky as the sun sets over the horizon. Wind down your day with a beachside dinner featuring local cuisine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive local eatery | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short tricycle ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar/restaurant) | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to excellent snorkeling and diving sites (Balicasag, Virgin Island)
- Relaxed village atmosphere with easy access to Panglao tourist amenities
- Relatively affordable compared with major tourist hubs
- Photogenic coastal views, historic church and local markets
- Limited healthcare resources for serious emergencies (must travel to Cebu for major care)
- Public transportation is basic—tricycles and motorcycles; few direct public links to major cities
- During peak season beaches and tours can be crowded
- Wet/typhoon season can disrupt travel plans
- "Maayong buntag" - Good morning (Cebuano)
- "Maayong adlaw" - Good day
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please
- "Tagpila ni?" - How much is this?
- "Asa ang pantalan / pier?" - Where is the pier?
- "Pwede bayad og card?" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Dauis
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic stone church and old coastal cemetery offer atmospheric architecture, close-ups of religious icons, and coastal views at golden hour.
Classic palm-lined beach scenes, sunrise/sunset shots, and lively street-life photography near beachfront restaurants and markets.
Underwater photography with turtles and colorful reef, plus sandbar and shallow-water compositions at low tide around Virgin Island.
Stalactites, turquoise pool reflections, and moody cave interiors—best with a wide-angle lens and low ISO.
Early-morning fishermen, traditional outrigger boats (bangkas), and village scenes capture authentic local life.
Food in Dauis
Dauis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi, ginger and chili—local-style ceviche commonly found at seafood stalls and seaside restaurants.
Must-Try!
Crispy roasted or deep-fried pork often served at celebrations; try it at local eateries or market festivals for authentic flavor.
Hot tablea chocolate drink (sikwate) and sweet rice cake (kalamay) are common Boholano snacks—look for them at markets or small cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market selling fresh fish, vegetables, and snacks—great for seeing daily life and trying grilled seafood or fresh fruit juices.
Night and day stalls near Alona Beach offering BBQ skewers, fried snacks and halo-halo—perfect for casual beachside bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect to elders, remove hats inside churches, dress modestly for religious sites, and be mindful of Catholic customs—Bohol is predominantly Catholic.
A friendly greeting (smile, handshake when appropriate) goes a long way. Use local words like 'Salamat' (thank you) and 'Maayong buntag' (good morning) to connect with locals.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private or religious contexts. Avoid intrusive shots of mourners or private rituals.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets but remain polite; don’t haggle aggressively. Tipping small amounts to service workers is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Dauis
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave small change (10–50 PHP) for hotel staff and 5–10% at nicer restaurants when service is good. For guides and dive crews, 100–300 PHP per person is common depending on service.
Cash (Philippine peso) is king—carry enough for markets, tricycles and smaller restaurants. ATMs are available in Tagbilaran and Panglao town; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but many small vendors are cash-only. Mobile payments are growing but not universally accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit: warm, sunny days, calm seas for diving and island hopping, and lower rainfall. Peak tourist months are March to May, so expect higher prices and busier beaches.
More frequent rain showers and higher humidity; occasional rough seas and the risk of typhoons. Some boat trips are canceled and visibility for diving is reduced.
November and late May can offer a balance—fewer crowds and decent weather, though conditions can be variable; book flexible transport and tours.
Dauis at Night
Hiking in Dauis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Protected forest area on Bohol island offering short hikes, birdwatching and nature trails—great for a cooler, shaded walk and wildlife spotting.
Iconic Bohol landforms with viewing platforms and short walks; hiking options around lookout areas provide panoramic landscapes at sunrise or sunset.
Longer drives away but rewarding—the Anda area has coastal cliff walks, secluded beaches and caves with light hikes and dramatic seascapes.
Airports
How to reach Dauis by plane.
Main airport serving Panglao and Dauis with domestic flights and some international connections; short taxi or shuttle ride to Dauis and Panglao resort areas.
Major international hub; many travelers fly into Cebu then take a fast ferry to Tagbilaran or a domestic flight to Panglao. Useful as a backup or for more international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population—Filipino Visayans who speak Cebuano (Binisaya) and predominantly practice Roman Catholicism.
Many residents earn livelihoods from fishing, seaweed farming, tourism services, and small-scale agriculture.
Smaller community of foreign tourists, dive instructors and a few expatriates drawn by the islands' diving and relaxed lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular local sport—community courts are common and street basketball games are a big part of social life.
Beach and court volleyball are popular, especially among youth and during festivals.
Water sports are hugely popular with tourists and locals alike; diving is a regional highlight with many PADI shops and dive operators.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dauis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but available: vegetable stir-fries, grilled eggplant, rice, and salads at cafes or tourist restaurants. Communicate clearly (in English or Cebuano: "Wala koy karne"/"No meat") and ask for seafood-free versions.
Vegan choices require more effort—stick to rice, vegetables, and fruit. Bring snacks if you have strict needs and confirm use of fish sauce or shrimp paste (common in Filipino cooking).
Halal-certified restaurants are rare in Dauis; seafood and vegetable dishes are generally safe, but ask about pork and cooking methods if halal is required.