Bohol is a one-stop tourist destination because of its diverse ecosystem, notable culture, historical landmarks, and exquisite haven for relaxation, fun, and adventure. Even after a destructive earthquake hit the province, its people have shown resiliency by rehabilitating the ruins of catastrophe and reforming their livelihood. The place is not just a government investment but also a source of livelihood for the Boholanos. Income-generating activities have been initiated by most of the locals who reside near tourist attractions such as souvenirs made of indigenous materials, shirts, and even the savory-sweet delicacy called 'kalamay' which means 'sugar'.
There's just so much about Bohol that one cannot relay through words. Pictures may depict its unspeakable beauty but there's nothing better than experiencing its magnificence firsthand.
So here's a peek of Bohol's finest tourist destinations. I'm using my personal photos here (with me and my friends) so please just disregard the faces :-p
FIRST STOP: Sandugo Dambana (Tagbilaran City)
Get a doze of some history here. Sandugo or blood compact is a traditional rite that serves as treaty between two parties. Back in 1565, this rite was done by Bohol chieftain, Datu Sikatuna and a Spanish navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Both wounded their arms with a dagger and filled blood in the cup of wine which they drank as a sign of agreement. This monument stands nearby the road.
SECOND STOP: Sagbayan Peak (Sagbayan, Bohol)
Sagbayan Peak is perfect for relaxation. The mountain resort has an awesome picturesque overlooking view for just Php 20 entrance fee. It also has a water park, a butterfly sanctuary, and a restaurant. One of its unique features is the life-sized animal and cartoon characters perfect for those who like to take selfies! The smallest primates called the 'tarsiers' are also found here. They have this little sanctuary of tarsiers but phones/cams with flash are discouraged for it may be harmful to these little indigenous creatures.No bringing home of tarsiers please! LOL. You may take the replica souvenir.
Sagbayan Peak is perfect for relaxation. The mountain resort has an awesome picturesque overlooking view for just Php 20 entrance fee. It also has a water park, a butterfly sanctuary, and a restaurant. One of its unique features is the life-sized animal and cartoon characters perfect for those who like to take selfies! The smallest primates called the 'tarsiers' are also found here. They have this little sanctuary of tarsiers but phones/cams with flash are discouraged for it may be harmful to these little indigenous creatures.No bringing home of tarsiers please! LOL. You may take the replica souvenir.
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| Sagbayan Peak Butterfly Sanctuary |
THIRD STOP: Butterfly Sanctuary (Bilar, Bohol)
More than the varied species of butterflies, you will be amazed by the in-house tour guide or maybe that guy was the only usher who does that comic and animated introduction of the butterflies. Cebuano-Visayan visitors would probably appreciate his humor better.
FOURTH STOP: Rdj Mountain View Resort (Bilar, Bohol)
The place is better known as a restaurant rather than a resort. Its swimming pool is not as impressive as you expect a resort should have; however, the place has a spacious open-air restaurant that serves mouth-watering local dishes. Usually, tourists come here for a stop-over meal since its situated along the road.
FIFTH STOP: Chocolate Hills (Carmen, Bohol)
The world's famous Chocolate Hills are in Bohol! A tour package wouldn't be complete without visiting this distinct feature of the island. Before reaching the perfect spot you have to climb 214 steps. You would really get your sweat dripping off but it's all worthwhile. The scenic view of the hills are just awesome. There is a spot where tourists take photos or you can get and pay a 'pro' to work on your photos and give it some flying effect with a broom. Souvenir shirts, key holders, and bags are also sold there.
SIXTH STOP: ShipHaus (Batuan, Bohol)
Owned by a mariner, Capt. Dumapias, the unique house structure will surely ignite the curiosity of every tourist passing by the area. Since this is along the road going to Chocolate Hills, a lot of tourists visit the place which used to be residential but was opened for sightseers with a cheap entrance fee. The house resembles that of a real ship with all its remarkable interior design plus a navigation room which anyone can try.
SEVENTH STOP: Baclayon Church (Baclayon, Bohol)
Bohol is proud of its rich cultural heritage. One of which is the centuries-old Baclayon Church, a National Cultural Treasures and a National Historical Landmark of the Philippines. The most remarkable feature of the church is the mysterious pillar where an image of Padre Pio seems to appear. This historical church has been damaged by an earthquake last 2013 but restoration has been started.
EIGHTH STOP: Man-Made Forest (Borders of Bilar and Loboc, Bohol)
Just awe-inspiring with its homogeneity and all!
NINTH STOP: Loboc River
The famous river in Bohol where there is an exquisite cruise for dining and entertainment. The buffet with less than an hour cruise costs around Php 450. Cultural presentations are simultaneously shown while diners enjoy the savory meal.
FINAL STOP: Albuquerque Zoo (Albuquerque, Bohol)
The home of the largest known python in the Philippines, Prony. Unfortunately, last August 2013, Prony died. **huhu** Aside from this major attraction, there are also other animals under the zoo's care. What's really unforgettable is the live lip sync performance of Marimar. Here's her video
We stayed, by the way, at Bohol Tropics Resort. The hotel accommodation was excellent and the place was spick-and-span. It has two wide pools for a cold evening dip. There was also a bar with live performers during weeknights.
Special thanks to Ms. Star Teo Balbuena for letting me use photos from your cam. I miss you, Chilats!
FOURTH STOP: Rdj Mountain View Resort (Bilar, Bohol)
The place is better known as a restaurant rather than a resort. Its swimming pool is not as impressive as you expect a resort should have; however, the place has a spacious open-air restaurant that serves mouth-watering local dishes. Usually, tourists come here for a stop-over meal since its situated along the road.
FIFTH STOP: Chocolate Hills (Carmen, Bohol)
The world's famous Chocolate Hills are in Bohol! A tour package wouldn't be complete without visiting this distinct feature of the island. Before reaching the perfect spot you have to climb 214 steps. You would really get your sweat dripping off but it's all worthwhile. The scenic view of the hills are just awesome. There is a spot where tourists take photos or you can get and pay a 'pro' to work on your photos and give it some flying effect with a broom. Souvenir shirts, key holders, and bags are also sold there.
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| 214 steps |
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| Souvenir Shirts |
SIXTH STOP: ShipHaus (Batuan, Bohol)
Owned by a mariner, Capt. Dumapias, the unique house structure will surely ignite the curiosity of every tourist passing by the area. Since this is along the road going to Chocolate Hills, a lot of tourists visit the place which used to be residential but was opened for sightseers with a cheap entrance fee. The house resembles that of a real ship with all its remarkable interior design plus a navigation room which anyone can try.
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| My girl friends err the wine bar :P |
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| Photo Booth |
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| Wine Bar |
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| The owner |
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| The Navigation Room |
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Captain's Cabin |
SEVENTH STOP: Baclayon Church (Baclayon, Bohol)
Bohol is proud of its rich cultural heritage. One of which is the centuries-old Baclayon Church, a National Cultural Treasures and a National Historical Landmark of the Philippines. The most remarkable feature of the church is the mysterious pillar where an image of Padre Pio seems to appear. This historical church has been damaged by an earthquake last 2013 but restoration has been started.
Here's a short video (taken by me) of the pillar reflecting Padre Pio's image.
EIGHTH STOP: Man-Made Forest (Borders of Bilar and Loboc, Bohol)
Just awe-inspiring with its homogeneity and all!
NINTH STOP: Loboc River
The famous river in Bohol where there is an exquisite cruise for dining and entertainment. The buffet with less than an hour cruise costs around Php 450. Cultural presentations are simultaneously shown while diners enjoy the savory meal.
FINAL STOP: Albuquerque Zoo (Albuquerque, Bohol)
The home of the largest known python in the Philippines, Prony. Unfortunately, last August 2013, Prony died. **huhu** Aside from this major attraction, there are also other animals under the zoo's care. What's really unforgettable is the live lip sync performance of Marimar. Here's her video
We stayed, by the way, at Bohol Tropics Resort. The hotel accommodation was excellent and the place was spick-and-span. It has two wide pools for a cold evening dip. There was also a bar with live performers during weeknights.
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| The receiving area |
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| where we stayed |
Till our next laag!
XOXO,
Travelsome Chic
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