For the longest time, Chocolate Hills has been the synonym of Bohol to me and I know most of you can relate. :) Until I had the chance to explore the City. I was really amazed when I found out that Bohol has a lot to offer more than I expected. There was a wide range of attractions from nature tripping to white sand beaches and heritage sites. And we chose to see as many as we can, maximizing our 3-day trip.
L O C A T I O N
We were four in the group and believe me when I say that it's always good to travel with groups. The more, the merrier and at the same time it is one of the best ways to minimize the travel expenses. We came in the morning from Manila to Tagbilaran Airport. We had our hotel booking at Panglao Island which was 30-40 minutes ride from the airport using the Dauis Road. A van rental offered to bring us to Panglao at P1200. Most of the van rentals outside the airport used to do a whole day tour but since we came almost lunch time, it was not possible anymore. At first we were hesitant as we thought we can find cheaper transportation outside the airport. But the offer came with a little tour on which was actually a good deal since it will only cost us P300 each. And considering that we have luggage's and the van was comfortable for us, we grabbed it.
HALFDAY PANGLAO TOUR
D A U I S C H U R C H
Dauis Church or The Assumption of Our Lady Parish is located in Dauis, Bohol, which is part of the Island of Panglao. The beautiful church has a good location as it was near the bridge that connect Panglao to Bohol. You can have a view of the Panglao sea just at the back of the church.
H I N A G D A N A N C A V E
Honestly, I'm not a fan of caves. In every trips where if I have a chance to pick on where to go, I will always make the caves last on the list. It was not because of having a fear or anything but because I didn't find it picturesque. But if it's part of the tour, then why not.
There was a P20 entrance fee. The stairs going down to the cave was a little narrow and dark. So be careful.
The cave came with a lake. And they said visitors are allowed to swim. But although there were lighted parts, the water area was dark. So I'm not sure if anyone attempted to try it. We didn't stayed for long as we were all hungry.
B O H O L B E E F A R M
CITY TOUR
Out itinerary for the 2nd day was an island hopping early in the morning and city Tour at around 9AM. Unfortunately, Island tour was not possible due to the high tides and wind so we proceeded with the City tour immediately.
B L O O D C O M P A C T S H R I N E
The Blood Compact Shrine which is also known as the Sandugo is the monument made to symbolize the international treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and the Filipinos made thru blood compact that happened on that particular site in Tagbilaran City. It was really just a small area dedicated for the monument. Can be easily get crowded in the morning since it is always the 1st stop on the tour for all those coming from Panglao.
The view of the Bohol sea can be seen behind the monument.
B A C L A Y O N C H U R C H
Baclayon Church or the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion is located at Tagbilaran City which is one of the oldest Churches in the Philippines.
If you notice, this particular column on the side has made Baclayon Church more known to tourists. It was because the face of Padre Pio appeared on the facade. Even from the different angle and from afar, the face was really visible. Based on the history, Padre Pio is an Italian priest who had been the 1st priest to experienced stigmata. All the wounds of Jesus appeared on his body and he even felt the pain of the crown of thorns. Later on, he became a Saint of the Catholic Church and considered as one of the most popular Saints in the world. With the appearance of the face of Padre Pio at the Baclayon Church, it became more popular and the town became more special.
X Z O O T I C A N I M A L P A R K
Xzootic Park was a small zoo in Loay, Bohol with an entrance fee of P20. There was really nothing to see here. The place was small and the animal cages were a little rusted but I hope all the animals were well taken cared of. I just thought that maybe they can find a way to transfer the animals on the bigger place.
B U T T E R F L Y G A R D E N B O H O L
Located at Poblacion, Bilar sits a large area of butterfly haven. An entrance fee will be collected and a guide will be assigned to you or to your group who will give you a tour in the place. They were actually really helpful in feeding us with all the facts about butterflies and for taking all the photos of our group.
I became a big butterfly for a minute. :)
Photo on the left: mating butterflies. | In the middle: That was a real butterfly in my hair. Hmnn, they can be a nice hair design. :)
One more group photo before we left the place.
L O B O C R I V E R C R U I S E
At last, after one productive morning, it was time for lunch. There were a bunch of cruise you can choose. Your option will be base on they offered buffet meals since the cost were all the same. Eating while cruising along the Loboc, quite a dream. The cruise last for almost an hour.
This was how most of the boats look.
I didn't enjoy the food much. I don't know, I think the cost of the cruise was overrated if the food will be the basis. But considering that you were moving with a view, well, okay, I got it. It was the view you were paying.
There will be a 10 minutes stop over for the entertainment. The Loboc performers provides song with dance and the guests can go down at the boat and join them. Performers were a combination of age from the young to the old. They played instruments too. Amazing talents! It was their way to welcome and entertain the tourists and earn a little by the donation that the tourists give.
The docked area where the cruise starts and ends.
Across the street is the Loboc Church (left) and Old Loboc Museum (right) where you can visit if you're not in a hurry.
T A R S I E R C O N S E R V A T I O N A R E A
Besides Chocolate Hills, Bohol is known for Tarsiers, the smallest primates on earth. Although Tarsiers can also be found on some other cities in the country, their larger habitat is at Bohol. Seeing them in person changed the way I look at them as I thought they were scary since most of the photos on line were zoomed, emphasizing their big eyes. But in person, they are too small, shy and seems helpless creatures. And I found them cute, not scary. And in reality, they are the one who are scared in people.
It's a must. Never put a flash on your phone. Those little creatures are sensitive and delicate.
Tarsiers are nocturnal. So imagine the struggle they have to endure having a noisy surroundings while they are sleeping. I hope everyone who will visit their home can be responsible. Safe distances should be observe when taking photos, although a little far, cameras nowadays have lenses and zoom abilities. And it would be nice if we spent just that specific time to calm our voices and movements.
Did we copy it right?! :D
The Tarsiers survival really depends on the people and their environment. They said it was not healthy anymore having the Sanctuary open in public as the life of the Tarsiers were in misery having a lot of visitors daily. I'm not sure of how true it was but base on what I saw, those little creatures were fragile and helpless. I know that the entrance fee help to funds the Sanctuary's necessities, but I hope the government can provide a program regarding this. Maybe limit the number of people who can visit in a day. It will be unfortunate if one day, Tarsiers will be no longer part of Bohol's pride.
M A N - M A D E F O R E S T
I was stunned realizing that what I was seeing was a product of different human hands. That amazing long stretch of mahogany trees along the road of Bilar was man-made! Really?!! The 'Bayanihan' built such a marvelous scenery and proves that anything is possible if you will do it together. Amazing!
We only stopped for a while for the photos like everyone did.
C H O C O L A T E H I L L S
Located at Carmen, Bohol, the mose premier tourist spot in the City. Don't keep wondering why, see it yourself. :) The tour's highlight. So never missed it.
Going up to the view deck which composed of a lot of steps was a struggle for me. The stairs was steep and the wind was so strong as if it pushing me back from where I started. My knees were trembling, good thing the wind made way and stopped blowing.
Those majestic thousands of hills are truly one of Bohol's best! Nature at it's finest.
During peak hours, there will be a lot of people in the view deck. You just need to find your spot or wait for your turn for that perfect Chocolate Hills shot.
T H E H A N G I N G B R I D G E
When we thought we have seen it all, we were wrong. Our 8th and last stop was not part of the tour since it was out of way. But our driver has been kind enough and brought us to Sevilla, Bohol without any additional charge. The two hanging bridges were made of bamboo that made it more prone to the vibration and movement. Below the bridges was the Sipatan River and crossing it will bring you to the other side where some of the shops and stores were located. You can buy some souvenirs or fresh buko juice and other stuff from Bohol.
That concludes our Bohol exploration. Eight tourist spots in a day, oh wow, definitely a record to beat! A mixed of nature and culture in a simple province.
I fell in love in Bohol. Their simple way of living was impressive. They have enriched the beauty of nature and properly preserved their heritage sites. We were there on June 2013 and unfortunately, just a day after we left, an earthquake hit the City. It was heartbreaking. The impact was wide. Baclayon Bell tower was broken including the view deck of chocolate hills.
To check where we stay at Pangalo, click here.
For other things to see and do at Bohol, check these blogs:
x o x o
Faith