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With its rolling
hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, Bohol is a
picturesque island-province replete with ancestral homes and
centuries old churches. Bohol is situated at the heart of
Visayas. West of Bohol is Cebu, and to the east if Leyto.
long its coastline are the numerous isles of Panglao, Pamilacan,
Cabilao, jao, Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots.
However,
beneath the rustic charms of Bohol lies a thousand and one
adventures just waiting to unfold. The site of the 1565 blood
compact between Boholano chieftain Rajah Sikatuna and Spanish
explorer Miguel Lopez de Leganzpi Bohol's historicity is evident in
the province's relaxed, laid-back pace. Excavation in ancient
burial grounds reveal artifacts dating back to China's Tang dynasy.
Indeed, the province already had strong trading ties with the
Chinese long before the Spaniards set foot in the country.
Every year, the compact between the Muslim chief and the Spanish
conqueror is celebrated through the Sandugo Festival in July.
All year-round, the museums and churches attest to the province's
rich heritage and culture. The Chocolate Hills is the most
famous natural attraction to be found in Bohol. The province
is home to the world's smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size
of a first, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten
kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other equally exotic flora and fauna
can be found amongst the forests of Bohol. Bohol's
various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural
playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise the
rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters or just stroll down
the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you.
Tourist
Attractions / Things to Do Bohol
Museum
Once the residence of the country's fourth
president, Carlos P. Garcia, the Bohol Provincial Museum is
Tagbilaran is a showcase of the province's exciting history, culture
and natural resources. The Museum also houses the personal
memorabilia of the late president. Just a few minutes away
from the Museum is the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park where a
life-sized monument of the president stands. The statue was
done by Boholanon National Artist Napoleon Abueva in marble and
bronze. Chocolate
Hills
Consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to
120 meters, the Chocolate Hils is a wonder of nature. RIghtly
so, the Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological
Monument. During the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered
limestone hills dry up and turn brown transforming the areas into
rows and rows of chocolate "kisses." Indeed, a visit
to Bohol is imcomplete without partaking of the province's Peanut
Kisses, crisp and crunchy delicacy made of eggs and peanuts in honor
of the wondrous hills. Heritage
Tour
An early Spanish settlement, the province of Bohol is filled with
old churches, tree-lined plazas and ancestral houses. Visit
the Bohol Museum in Tagbilaran, the Punta Cruz Watch Tower in
Maribojoc (a wooden cross supposedly bestowed with mysterious
powers), the Baclayon Church, and the marker in Barrior Bool
commemorating Sikatuna and Legaspi's blood compact to complete your
trip down memory lane. Hiking
and Cycling
Bohol's numerous hills, valleys and plateaus are ideal for
hiking and cycling. In Bilar, a three-kilometer man-made
forest is sanctuary to the province's endangered species including
the tarsier. The towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sierra Bullones
possess cool weather throughout the year just right for long and
winding walks. Hinagdanan
Cave
With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites
jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight
to behold. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool
springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights. Hinagdanan
is only two and a-half kilometers from Dauis town. Old
Churches and Other Religious Institution
One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to one of
the country's oldest stone churches, the Baclayon Church.
Built by the Jesuits, Baclayon features a rich collection of
religious articles from vestments woven in gold thread to Latin
librettos printed on sheepskin. The legendary Dauis Church,
which is just a few minutes from Tagbilaran features a fresh water
well at the foot of the altar. The waters are said to be
blessed with healing powers. Still another religious must-see
is the Panglao Church with its marvelous ceiling murals and
intricately-carved antique confessionals. River
Safari
Go on an enchanting river tour. Bohol has four major rivers,
INabanga and Ipil in the north and Loboc and Abatan down
south. From Busay Falls, cruise down Loboc River in a pumpboat.
Travel through the seaside towns of Loboc, Loay and Bilar. On
board partake of a hearty lunch of fresh lapu-lapu, shrimp, and
squid to the tune of strumming guitars. Swimming
and Diving
To top off this idyllic scenery, Bohol has also been blessed with
pristine white-sand beaches and serene dive spots. Panglao
Island has a number of beach resorts for sun lovers where various
watersports are available. Near Panglao are the island of
Balicasag and Pamilacan. Balicasag is considered as one of the
best dive spots in the country. The waters of Pamilacan are
brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and
surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from
a distance.
Travel Getting
There
From Manila, take a Philippine Airlines plane to Cebu, then
catch a connecting flight or a fast ferry to Tagliaran City, the
capital of Bohol. Getting
Around
Bohol's moderate weather allows for long walks under friendly
skies. As in most parts of the country, buses, jeepneys and
tricycles are the main source of transportation. It's
advisable to wear light clothing. And always, when you're
hopping about, wear a smile. Staying
In
Bohol has a number of moderately-sized hotels and resorts to
suit any tourist's needs. The Bohol Beach Club and the Alona
Kew White Sand beach Cottages at Panglao Island offer rooms
overlooking the island's white sand beaches. Overseas
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