Shopping - What to Buy and Where

While sightseeing in Bohol is exciting, it would be even more so if one could bring home some souvenirs. When staying in Tagbilaran City you will also need to be sure that you are well supplied with the basic necessities. Fortunately there are an abundance of souvenir shops and malls in and around the capital, making the purchase of such goods and products easier than ever.

The Sunday Market

The Sunday Market in Antequera, not far from Tagbilaran City (18.5 km or 11.4 miles), is where you should go to buy the best in local basket wares in the province.

Antequera is known as the capital of basket weaving in Bohol, with over 10,000 basket makers and weavers making up the thriving industry. Most of these fine products end up in the Sunday Market. There are several types of baskets and they come in different sizes, shapes and material. There are baskets made of bamboo, sig-id, rattan, and other local fabrics and textures.

One of the advantages in buying directly at the Sunday Market is that it is cheaper. Because of the large number of people that go there, be sure to visit in the early morning to avoid the rush.

The Carmen Dry Market

If you are going to stay in Tagbilaran City Bohol for a while, its important that you know where you can purchase basic items. The dry market section in the Carmen Public Market is the best location. .

The dry goods section in the Carmen Public Market contains most of the essential items that the visitor / tourist will need. You can purchase various types of clothing, local and foreign, for men, women and children. In addition you can do some shopping there as well, as it has a most extensive selection of wares, from plastics to glassware. There are also a large number of paraphernalia for the kitchen and dining room.

The Bohol Quality Mall

For those that love shopping malls, Tagbilaran City will not disappoint, as it is the home of the best malls in the province. Bohol Quality Mall, right in the midst of Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, is one you should not fail to visit.

Upon entering Bohol Quality Mall from Gallares Street, you will see that it is a multi level structure, each floor filled with numerous shops and boutiques. There are several restaurants and eateries in the mall. There is also a supermarket where you can do your

shopping at affordable prices. One of the main attractions here are its bookshops, which have large volumes of imported works at very cheap prices.

Getting to Bohol Quality Mall is very easy; you only need to take a cab and ask to be taken to the Mall. You cannot miss it as it is situated near a large cathedral. Making shopping even more convenient are the presence of several banks in the area.

Plaza Marcela

Situated to the north western section of Tagbilaran City Bohol is Plaza Marcela, which has been operating since 1997.

Plaza Marcela, noted for its distinct pink color, is the place to be if you want to go buy food and other goods, as there is a huge supermarket section there, and there are also numerous restaurants in and around the edifice.

Shoppers Mart

Shopping in the big malls can be confusing and with a lot of people around, can be difficult to navigate. For those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, Shoppers Mart is the usual destination.

Shoppers Mart in Tagbilaran, while not as large as the other department stores, is nevertheless well supplied. Aside from boutiques and specialty shops there are also a lot of restaurants near the store, making it an ideal place to hang out during the weekends.

Island City Mall

The Island City Mall is the largest and newest mall in Tagbilaran City Bohol, and contains all the elements in the other malls in Metro Manila.

As can be expected the supermarket section is well stocked, with both the dry and wet goods section well supplied with meat, vegetables,s fruits etc. Located in the basement are several eateries, serving everything from hamburgers to pizzas and other fast food favorites. There is also a bookstore inside the mall, which sells, aside from books, school supplies, CDs, and other items.

Shopping in Tagbilaran Bohol can be as exciting as going to one of the prime tourist spots in the island province. With a vast selection to choose from, anything you want to buy, from souvenirs to food, is within easy reach.