BOHOL

 


 Bohol is well known  for its enchanting and captivating scenic view like the famous chocolate hills.

 and plateau, world class beach resorts, beautiful and popular diving spots, enchanting crystal springs and waterfalls, astounding wildlife and a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. In this province lies fascinating natural wonders where tourist want to see it.

Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. 


Bohol is also the home of the hundreds chocolate hills that is best view in the summer because it really looks lie an oversized chocolate drops. Bohol is also well known as the home of the world's smallest monkey, Tarsier, which they can be found in the hills of Corell

.

BOHOL'S LANDMARKS & ATTRACTIONS

The Chocolate Hills are an unusual geological formation in the province of Bohol and is its signature attraction. It was formed centuries ago. It started with the piling up of layers of marine organisms which included corals and shells. After thousands of years the rising up of the land exposed the coral reefs above the sea which turned it into rock called limestone. The continuous action of the waves formed depressions on the risen land which were then carved by rainwater and streams which eventually formed the hills.
According to the latest accurate survey done, there are 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). The hills are of limestone covered in green grass and during the dry season, the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown, hence the name.
The Chocolate Hills are featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attractions,

This scenic natural attraction is a rolling terrain of haycock hills with mounds that are conical and almost symmetrical in shape. The hills vary in sizes from 30 to 50 metres (98 to 160 ft) high with the largest being 120 metres (390 ft) in height. These unique mound-shaped hills are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. 

Panglao Island

 

  

Panglao is an island located in the Central Visayas with an area of 80.5 sq. kilometers. Politically, it is divided into two municipalities: Dauis and Panglao, and part of Bohol Province. Panglao is located southwest of the island of Bohol and east of Cebu. Currently Panglao is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful dive spots and its coral reef, as well as many several islet ideal for beach bathing like the islets of Gak-ang and Pontod.

Panglao is the southernmost town of Bohol. It is 18 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The island has a terrain that range from plain, hilly to mountainous and is made of Maribojoc limestone, the youngest of the limestone units found in the western area of Bohol. One interesting geological feature found in the island is the Hinagdanan Cave which has an underground water source. The cave is an important water source as the island has no rivers or lakes.

The island is accessible by two bridges and from Tagbilaran it can be reached in about 20 minutes. Travel time to resorts may take longer depending on the barangays where they are located. Rides to the island are available at the Dao Integrated Terminal. Vans-for-hire usually hang around at the Tagbilaran airport and the pier. For a more unique yet bumpy ride, the local tricycle will take more or less an hour. At Panglao market one can also hire a “habal-habal” (a motorbike) to bring you to the resort of your choice.

A tourism spot that the island of Panglao boast is the Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa which is located at Bingag, Dauis.

The resort has airconditioned cottages, swimming pools, a restaurant & bar, function rooms, a beach, and a nearby man-made islet where you can order fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. It is the island's most luxurious resort which allows one to escape to a slice of paradise and experience Bohol’s celebrated sights and sounds. Here, one can indulge and relax in world-class amenities while being pampered with warmth that is classic Boholano.

Alona Palm Beach Resort and Restaurant has become the favorite haven of local and foreign tourists in Panglao Island. The serenity of the surroundings, the elegant comfort of its rooms, the exquisite taste of food, and the distinct hospitality of its staff, makes it the ideal destination for every tourist's dream vacation.

 Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol

Some 1,400 caves have been identified in the province of Bohol Philippines, and one of the more popular and easy to reach is the Hinagdanan Cave in the town of Dauis in Panglao Island. Located in Barangay Bingang, which is around two and a half kilometers from the town proper, the Hinagdanan Cave is named as such because a hagdan, or ladder in the local dialect, takes visitors in and out of the cave.

The Hinagdanan Cave, classified as a karst cave, is a large cavern with several holes in the ceiling. It boasts of a large number of stalatites and stalagmites inside. The cave leads to a large underground pond. Both ends of the cave are open, providing natural light inside. The more adventurous locals and tourists sometimes take a dip in its cool waters. Those who have sensitive skin must, however exercise precaution in taking a dip because although the pond is located far below the ground, karst water is sensitive to any kind of pollution from the outside and might cause skin irritations.
Getting There in Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis, Panglao Island
To get to the Hinagdanan Cave, one may take a tricycle ride from Tagbilaran City, which is approximately just five minutes away. Metered taxis are also available in the city.

BACLAYON CHURCH

 Baclayon Church today is officially known as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Presently, the original stone structure of the parish can still be seen in Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. It was built in 1595 by the Jesuits and the first Spanish missionaries, and is one of the best preserved churches in the region. In the 19th century Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. It was constructed in honor of Mother Mary, under the appellation “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.” The Church was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 1994.

In 1717, Baclayon became a parish and the architecture of the new structure had begun. The Jesuits were coerced to vacate the vicinity and transfer to the town of Loboc due to their great apprehension to be attacked by Moro bandits. The construction of the Baclayon Basilica employed some 200 native laborers to build the church using coral stones, which they hauled from the sea and then carefully cut into square blocks. They also used bamboo to lift and to move the stones into place. They then mounded them like bricks and cemented the stones together using egg whites. The historical church was completed in the year 1727 and had acquired a huge bell in 1835. In the church is a dungeon, which was used to punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic Church.

 TAGBILARAN'S RIZAL PARK

 Previously known as Plaza Principe, it was renamed after Jose Rizal and contains a life-sized statue of the national hero. It is located in front of the Capitol Building and St. Joseph's Cathedral. Flag poles for the Flags of Nations were installed by the Tagbilaran Lion's Club where flags of different countries are raised particularly during their national day. Some of the flags were donated by the foreign countries themselves.

The Rizal Park has wooden seats sporadically provided under trees where one can relax and commune with nature. Many pigeons inhabit the area which makes the place a favorite haunt for kids and adults alike. The pigeons are so used to the presence of humans that they just hop around when the kids run after them; sometimes flying off only to come back teasingly and land a few inches away. 

THE TARSIER

 The Tarsier is a tiny animal which makes it difficult to spot. It measures 4 to 5 inches in height and is considered as the world’s smallest primate. They weigh only about 113 to 142 grams or four to five ounces. The primate belongs to the more primitive sub-order Prosimii or prosimian that dates back 45 million years.

The tarsier known locally as the "Maumag" in Cebuano, is an endangered species. It is found in the southeastern part of the archipelago, particularly in the Philippine islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. It was only introduced to western biologists in the 18th century

The average adult is about the size of a human fist. Tarsiers have large mesmerizing eyes whose bony eye sockets are larger than that of its brain case as well as of its stomach. The eyes of a Tarsier are fixed in its skull and cannot turn in their sockets. Instead, a special adaptation in the neck allows its round head to be rotated 180 degrees. The eyes are disproportionately large, having the largest eye-to-body size ratio of all mammals. These huge eyes provide this nocturnal animal with excellent night vision. The large membranous ears are mobile, appearing to be almost constantly moving, allowing the tarsier to hear any movement.

THE LOBOC RIVER CRUISE

 

When visiting the province of Bohol in the Philippines one should not miss the Loboc River. Most one-day tours include a cruise along this river, but you can also go there on your own. Cruises along the Loboc river are done on a motorized banca (outrigger canoes). Most of these cruise includes a buffet lunch.

The Loboc River is now one of the major destinations of tourists, local and foreigners alike. Located in the Municipality of Loboc, a mere 24 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, the winding river plays host to cruisers on board small bancas or floating restaurants. Visitors are treated to a vista of lush tropical vegetation such as nipa palms, coconut trees, banana groves, and bushes.

A cruise along the river starts either from the Loay Bridge in the town of Loay or at the Poblacion of Loboc. Small motorized bancas can be chartered for a minimal fee. For those who want to eat while cruising, floating restaurants are available offering Filipino cuisine buffet and local delicacies. 

With the tourism fever, the floating restaurants were envisioned to provide tourists with a first class dining experience on board floating restaurants. The floating vessels are made up of a covered platform on top of two large outrigger boats which are joined together. The boats can accommodate usually up to 50 people. Most of the floating restaurants treat their guests with songs played by in-boat singers during the cruise.

The Mag-aso Falls is one of Bohol’s natural treasures. With a height of 25 feet, the twin falls is picturesque against a backdrop of tall trees, wild plants including giant ferns, and deep ravines. Once on the site, while bathing and surrounded by the natural landscape, one feels immersed in a middle of a jungle with the sound of the interminable chirping of the birds and the rush of flowing waters playing music to your ears.
Carved out under the cascading waters is a pool, naturally deep under the falls and shallower at the rim with a deep ravine at one side and the other side a bit developed with concrete steps and shelters.
Though the concrete steps may be disappointing to some nature seekers, it was deemed necessary for those who do not have the energy and capacity to traverse slippery trails. The shelters would have been more apt if they were made with thatched roofing and wood materials to go with the surroundings. Yet the cement seats and tables are convenient enough. 

Cruz Daku is a pilgrimage site with a big white cross placed on top of the hill in Loboc Bohol. The word Daku which means big, litterarily tells you that the cross is huge, around 80 feet. Cruz Daku is a perfect place to do pilgrimage hiking from the bottom of the hill all the way to the top. There are cross stations in the pilgrimage route where smaller cross is erected in each station. Many Boholanos visit this site to do a pilgrimage or make a walk of sacrifice and say a prayer. The local residents of Loboc usually have procession activity going up to the top of the hill to help observe the Holy Week.

Badiang Spring is an underground freshwater spring that gushes forth over a cliff only a few meters high forming an attractive waterfall. The water is icy cold and flows directly to the sea which is only a few steps away.
The area where the spring is located is scenic. The top of the cliff is full of trees and from there you look towards the mesmerizing blue expanse of the sea. Under and on the sides are rugged cliffs with intermittent tall coconut palm trees, old talisay trees, and other tropical foliage.
The area is a favorite haunt of the locals, who either bathe under the falls or go swimming in the crystal clear water of the sea beyond. It is also a source of drinking water of the surrounding neighborhood. Likewise, the water that flows to the sea is where the locals wash their soiled clothes.
The beach is not of fine sand. It is a beach of round and smooth stones – a joy for pebble collectors. The crystal clear blue sea beyond is ok for swimming and for snorkeling. The water is icy cool near the spring’s outlet and warmer further off.

Sagbayan Peak is a mountain resort and recreation center located in the town of Sagbayan, about 45 miles northwest of Tagbilaran City. Offering a 360-degree perspective view of the famed Chocolate Hills plus the distant blue sea separating Bohol from the island of Cebu, the place has captured the interest of the nature loving tourists.





Bikini Beach 

is one of the favorite “nook” of the locals because of its calm waters, shady palm trees and the water is full of colorful coral fishes. The beach is found in the barangay of Biking, Dauis, Bohol.
Weekends finds the place full of people, especially small family gatherings in huts provided with benches by the local government of Dauis town for a minimal fee. Located eight kilometers away from Tagbilaran City, the beach is easily accessible.

THE HANGING BAMBOO BRIDGE

The Sipatan Bamboo Hanging Bridge is located in Sipatan, Sevilla, Bohol which is about 36 kilometers from the City of Tagbilaran. The bridge is about 4o meters long which crosses the Sipatan River. It was originally constructed using bamboo and rope. There are quite a few like it around Bohol. It's main purpose is really for the local residents and livestock in crossing the river but it has also become a fun attraction for tourists.

Today the rope has made way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability. The deck of the bridge is still formed out of woven bamboo slats that creek and sinks depending on which part you step on and, of course, your body weight. In places some of these appear broken but its still sturdy enough to take the weight of crossing pedestrians. This type of bridge is considered the most efficient and sustainable design in developing countries, especially for river crossings that lie in non-flood plain topography like gorges.

Walking onto the bridge is a little daunting at first as the bamboo deck flexes under your feet. Although the support cables are made of steel, you still experience some side to side sway and up and down bounce. For safety purposes, there’s a limit to the number of people allowed on the hanging bridge. But locals and tour guides say that the bridge can hold up to 100 people at a time. At the other end of the bridge is a small store where you can buy fresh young coconuts and some souvenir items. This one of a kind footbridge has attracted several foreign tourists who savor the thrill and experience in crossing the footbridge.

This attraction is often overlooked by visitors and tourists since it falls a little way off the normal day tour route. If you’re taking a package tour, ask the driver if its possible to visit is hanging bridge. You can also book a tour that includes this already. A small toll is charged to cross the bridge, the funds raised are put back in to the maintenance of the bridge. There are in fact two Bridges now and you cross on one and back on the other.

  

The Bohol Blood Compact Site is located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in Philippine history, the blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna, a native chieftain and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the Spanish explorer and colonizer which took place on March 16, 1565. It was on this date that this Spanish explorer arrived in Bohol to look for spices and gold. The Bo-ol natives were first observed to be hostile to Legaspi and his men. It was so because of the sad experience of the natives with the Portuguese who had earlier visited Bohol from Moluccas on large praus and committed outrageous acts against them posing as Castilians.

After convincing the native chieftains that they were not Portuguese, Legaspi made a peace pact with Datu Sikatuna. As is the native custom of that time, the two sealed their friendship through a blood compact wherein both draw two or three drops of blood from their arms, mixed the blood with the wine and equally drank from the cup. Other historians say that the blood-wine mixture was divided equally between the two and then drank up to the last drop. This event, called the Sandugo ("one blood"), is celebrated in Bohol every year during the Sandugo Festival. The Sandugo or blood compact is also depicted on Bohol's provincial flag and the Bohol provincial seal.

The Bohol Bee Farm is a very cozy and relaxing place on Panglao island. Owner and Chef Vicky Wallace prepares delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm--from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. She rents her chalet-styled home to guests who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of having the entire farm to themselves...

This is certainly a place apart: not only is it a wonderful relaxing place for visitors, it also tries to contribute to the local community and the environment.

Divers Resort

Powder white sands beach, crystal clear seas, long strech beach fronts, are some of the attributes of Alona Beach where the bohol Divers resort is strategically situated.

Divers and snorklers can enjoy the rich ecosystem of the seas. Diving can be a unique experience in Panglao and the neighboring island of Balicasag, a world Renown diving spot.
Dolphin watching is just a few minutes away during the early morning or the late afternoon the whole year round, while the whale watching on a seasonal bases, mostly march or summer time.

Air Plane going Bohol