Bohol is in the heart of Central Visayas, it
is the 10th largest Island in the Philippines. Some say that it is the
ECO-CULTURAL TOURIST destination but for me nothing describes Bohol perfectly
than this “GOD”S LITTLE PARADISE” because it sure is! You know when they say
that a mall or a commercial complex could be a one stop shop, well I can compare Bohol to a “one stop
vacation destination”, because it has A LOT to offer.
Here are the reasons why I love Bohol.
*If you love the beach, Bohol has Panglao Island. Four km out of the city proper of Tagbilaran
City connected with bridges. It can equal Boracay’s white powdery sand beaches, resorts
are plenty here with a scenic view of the Mindanao Sea, Negros and Siquijor
province. But many more islands can be found if
you are just willing to travel and explore Bohol and IT IS equally beautiful. Balicasag Island is famous for its marine sanctuary
and place for snorkeling and diving. Pamilacan Island is famous for dolphin
watching around its waters throughout the year and is a popular diving site for
experienced divers.
The Shoreline of Panglao Island
Picturesque shot
Pamilacan Island
Catch a Beautiful Sunrise while dolphin watching at Balicasag Island
Of course I'll have my "moment" ha ha
*If you like
the Country Side feel, a tour of Bohol's laidback country side will take you to
its famous Chocolate Hills. It is one breathtaking work of nature indeed, with
one thousand two hundred sixty eight (1,268) hills which turns green during rainy season
and brown during dry season, that looks like “chocolate” thus derived the name
“Chocolate" Hills.
At Sagbayan Peak....I'm on top of one of the chocolate hills :-)
*Lunch at Loboc River while being serenaded and a
relaxing scenery of green and rolling coconut trees on both side of the river. You
can view the relaxing panorama while cruising and being served buffet native
lunch while being serenaded of local songs. Now that is a sure relaxing way to enjoy your lunch!
Loboc River's floating "restaurant"
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*Then a quick stop to spot the smallest monkey known as the Tarsier. The smallest living
primate in the world, measuring 4-5
inches long with its tail longer than its body. I consider myself “lucky” to be
able to have a “close encounter” with these cute little tarsier. Back in the
days when you can still touch them and have a picture with them as close as
this.
Now sadly, gone are the days where you can stop
and spot the tarsier along the country side, since their population is
decreasing they have to be “protected” …..they are now in protected conservation
places like Loboc Conservation and Corella Bohol. It is a place where tarsiers can live in their much natural habitat
and not be “bothered” by humans. It is a fact these cute little primates are
“suicidal” when stressed and they are nocturnal animals which means they should
be sleeping by day, now with tourist “fascinated” by them come to see during
day time and take pictures of them with camera flashes, the poor little creature are greatly stressed, that might explain
why their population is decreasing. Nowadays tourist who like to see these "fist size" animal will have to “search” for them in the
forest, with a
help of a tour guide…now that is one “exciting” search.
*Walked the hanging bridge at the Sipatan Hanging Bridge. Experience the excitement of crossing a bridge that is made only with bamboo with the waters of Loboc River below.
With this ala "National Geographic" shot
*I must say that one of my favorite, is passing the Bilar Mahogany Man Made Forrest. It's a 800 hectares of land area covered by mahogany trees plantes by the locals. For me everything will stand still the moment you "enter" or passed by the road covered by the mahogany trees. The atmosphere suddenly become cooler as the sun being blocked by the mahogany tree branches that "kissed" and sway high above...it is like entering in a different and enchanting world!
Enchanting Forrest.
I'll have my moment....ha ha
*If you area “history buff”, Bohol is also famous
for its century old churches like Baclayon Church (known to be the second
oldest church in the Philippines) and Loboc Church. There are numerous caves around the province that will tell you alot of the place history. As with other places in the Philippines,Bohol yearly celebrates Sandugo Festival (a mardi gras parade) held in commemoration of the blood compact between Philippine's Rajah Sikatuna and Spain's Miguel Lopez De Legaspi.
Exterior of Baclayon Church
The century old Baclayon Church had become more "famous" with image of the Italian saint Padre Pio that started to form on one of the church pillars...spotted by a Japanese tourist while taking a picture of the church exterior walls, it had since then become a "must see" especially for religious devotee that says it is a "mystery" for such an imprint to appear on the church walls (just take a closer look at the walls of the church in my background).
*One of the reason why I love Bohol is that it
always come up with new things to offer to its visitors.
For an “Adrenaline Junkie”, Bohol now has a lot to
offer to satisfy one’s craving for “extreme” adventure. I tried it myself,
twice for the zip line Gotozon…zip line between two mountains over looking
Loboc River down below.
Now if you are more into “more extreme” so to speak,
you can try Danao Extreme Adventure, where you can try the following
activities: Sui-slide Zip line, the fear and excitement inducing known as The
Plunge , 15mm rappel, root climbing, kayaking and caving just to name a few.
For more information about the extreme adventure activities offered at
Danao, visit their website at: http://www.eatdanao.com/.
(photo courtesy of http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com)
*Bohol is also famous for its numerous falls. Mag-Aso Falls in Antiquera is one of Bohol's kept secret. It's almost two hours drive from the city but I can say that the long drive is worthy if this would be your destination.
And we will have our moment :-)
Truly the Philippines is a beautiful island country and Bohol is one of them.
