Moving to Singapore from Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Panglao: Expat Guide
Moving to Singapore from Bohol – home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, elusive tarsiers, and pristine Panglao Beach – offers Boholanos a gateway to world-class opportunities while maintaining ties to their tropical paradise. This Homejourney expat guide provides actionable steps for a smooth transition, prioritizing user safety, trust, and verified information to help you settle confidently in Singapore.
From the lush hills of Bohol, Philippines, to Singapore's efficient urban landscape, this relocation blends natural beauty with career growth. Homejourney verifies every detail to ensure you make informed decisions in a safe environment.
Life in Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and Panglao Beach
Bohol captivates with its 1,200+ Chocolate Hills, turning emerald to brown in the dry season, tiny Philippine tarsiers in Corella's sanctuaries, and Panglao Beach's white sands ideal for diving. Expats in Bohol enjoy a relaxed pace, low living costs (around PHP 30,000-50,000 monthly for a family), and vibrant local culture. Yet, limited high-skill jobs push many Boholanos toward Singapore's dynamic economy.
Similarities include tropical climates and seafood-rich cuisines, but Singapore excels in infrastructure, safety, and salaries 5-10x higher. Read our Bohol Complete Guide: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & Panglao Beach for trip planning before your move.
Relocating to Singapore: Visa and Work Permits for Bohol Expats
As a Filipino from Bohol, start with Singapore's visa-free entry for up to 30 days, but secure a work pass for longer stays via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[7] The Employment Pass (EP) suits professionals earning at least SGD 5,600 monthly (rising with experience), ideal for Bohol IT, hospitality, or nursing talents.[1][7]
Key steps:
- Secure a job offer: Target sectors like finance, tech, or healthcare where Filipinos thrive.
- Employer applies via MOM: Submit passport, qualifications, and contract.[2][3]
- Processing: 3-8 weeks. Include criminal record check and proof of funds.[2]
- Family options: Dependants Pass for spouses/children under 21.[1][3]
For entrepreneurs, consider EntrePass with a solid business plan.[3] Permanent Residency (PR) via PTS scheme requires 2+ years on EP/S Pass.[5][8] Homejourney's verified resources ensure compliance.
Cost of Living: Bohol vs. Singapore
Bohol's monthly costs: PHP 40,000 (SGD 1,000) for a family; Singapore: SGD 5,000-8,000, but offset by salaries averaging SGD 6,000.[1] Housing dominates: Bohol rent PHP 15,000 vs. Singapore SGD 3,000 for a 2-bed condo. Groceries: 2x higher in Singapore, but superior quality. Use Homejourney's tools for precise budgeting.
| Category | Bohol (PHP) | Singapore (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2-bed) | 15,000-25,000 | 3,000-5,000 |
| Groceries | 10,000 | 800 |
| Transport | 2,000 | 150 (MRT) |
Communities like the Filipino Club Singapore ease integration.
Property for Expats from Bohol: What Foreigners Can Buy
Foreigners can't buy HDB flats but can purchase private condos or landed properties (with URA approval). Expect 60% Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) on first purchase, 65% on second.Straits Times Housing News Popular for Bohol expats: Tampines (family-friendly, MRT 5-min walk), near Filipino eateries; or Geylang (affordable, 10-min to CBD).
Rental market: 2-bed condo SGD 3,500-5,000/month. Search verified listings on Homejourney's property search for safe, transparent options. Check Homejourney bank rates for mortgages post-PR.
Insider tip: Expats love District 15 (Katong) for Peranakan-Filipino fusion food, 15-min drive to Changi Airport.
Practical Settling-In Guide for Bohol Expats
Banking and Finances
Open a DBS/POSB account with EP (bring passport, pass). Homejourney supports PHP-SGD conversions seamlessly.
Healthcare
World-class public system; get Integrated Shield Plan. Clinics like Raffles Medical accept Filipinos familiar from Bohol.
Education
International schools (e.g., United World College, Dover) for kids; MOE schools post-PR.
Transportation
MRT is king: From Changi to CBD in 30 mins. EZ-Link card SGD 12.
Post-move, book Homejourney aircon services for condo maintenance in humid weather.
Maintaining Connections to Bohol
Direct flights: Cebu Pacific from Tagbilaran to Singapore (3 hrs, SGD 150 return). Visit Chocolate Hills yearly. Join Bohol Association Singapore for events. Currency: Exchange PHP at Mustafa Centre (Little India).
Explore Homejourney's Bohol Family Guide for nostalgia trips.
Success Stories: Why Bohol Expats Thrive in Singapore
Bohol nurse Maria relocated via EP, now earns SGD 5,000, affording Panglao vacations. IT pro Juan from Panglao launched a startup on EntrePass. Singapore's safety (ranked #1 globally) and opportunities mirror Homejourney's trust-focused platform.
Link to our pillar: Moving to Singapore Expat Guides.
FAQ
Can Filipinos from Bohol buy property in Singapore?
Yes, private condos with 60% ABSD. Use Homejourney projects directory for verified insights.
What's the minimum salary for Employment Pass?
SGD 5,600 for most.[7]
How to bring family from Panglao?
Dependants Pass post-EP approval.[1]
Cost of flights from Bohol to Singapore?
SGD 150-250 return via Cebu Pacific.
Best neighborhoods for Bohol expats?
Tampines or Katong for community and accessibility.
Ready to move safely? Explore Homejourney property search today. Homejourney prioritizes your trust with verified data and exceptional service for Bohol to Singapore relocations.
