Sometimes the best experiences in traveling are the unexpected finds and so it is with Bohol, that island province that is nestled in the heart of Central Visayas and is aptly called “God’s Little Paradise” by those who are caught off-guard by it’s mystery and charm.
Bohol is the 10th largest island in the country. It is located in central Philippines southeast of Cebu and southwest of Leyte and consisting of an oval-shaped island (411,726 hectares) with 73 islets around it. Consist of 47 municipalities and one city. Has 1,114 barangays. Tagbilaran City, the capital, is 630 kilometers from Manila and 72 kilometers from Cebu.
Upon hearing about Bohol, most people would surmise it to be a typical uncolorful province with only the world-famous Chocolate Hills as it’s attraction. But the marvelous 1,001 nature-perfected conic hills aren’t all there is. Blessed with Mother Nature’s bouty, Bohol has numerous natural attractions that will captivate a person, hold him in breathless admiration and beckon him to keep coming back for more.
Come to Bohol and taste a different kind of experience as it’s surprises unfold to pleasure and thrill.
HOW TO GET THERE
The province can be conveniently reached by air and boat. If you come via Manila, you’ll probably want to Take a connecting flight to Tagbilaran, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It also possible to take a boat to Bohol, but will take 25 hours, and it is only advisable if you have plenty of time at hand and enjoy a trip on sea. Or have to travel on a rock-bottom budget or with a lot of luggage. Currently, there are numerous daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran.
5 PLACES YOU SHOULD VISIT
1. CHOCOLATE HILLS
There’s nothing else better to see in Bohol than Chocolate Hills. All other tourist spots pale in comparison to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 1,300 to 1,700 hills that paint the view scape of the province. During the rainy season, the hills are painted green and on dry seasons, they brown— thisis where it gets it’s name, the “Chocolate Hills”
2. PHILIPPINES TARSIER AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bohol is also known for the tiny, monkey-looking, wide-eyed creatures it has in it’s forest. Tarsiers are aplenty in this Visayan province. You can view and play with them at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. For a minimal fee, you can see, observe these comic-looking animals in their natural habitat.
3. PANGLAO ISLAND
Panglao Island is Bohol’s very own piece of Boracay. The white sand, blue waters and the nightlife make this one of the best Bohol tourist spots. Aside from the beach, the coral reefs and marine life make it a great snorkeling and diving spot as well.
4. LOBOC RIVER FLOATING RESTAURANT
Cruising through one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines while chowing down on some of the best Filipino dishes is an experience you won’t forget. At Bohol, you can have your cake and eat it too, as they say.
The Loboc River Floating Restaurants is one if the most popular Bohol tourist spots because it brings two of the best things in the province together— nature and good food. The Loboc Youth Ambassador Band also sets the mood as they serenade you throughout the cruise.
5. OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION IN BACLAYON
Known as the second oldest stone church in the Philippines, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon was completed in 1717. The iconic and historic church has been serving the people of Baclayon for over three centuries. Interestingly,the church was built using corals and egg whites.
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