Bohol: See It to Believe It!

 

The adventures of my “itchy feet” continue to the home of the tarsiers, Bohol! Bohol is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. It is the 10th largest island in the country, located in the heart of the Visayas. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. The Philippine Tarsier, considered by some to be the smallest primate, is indigenous to the island.

Getting There

From Cebu City, we rode a ferry to reach the Tagbilaran Port. There were a lot of tourists with us in the ferry, both locals and foreign. I was quite delighted because it’s a sign that the tourism in the Philippines is booming. The SuperCat ferry is nice and comfy. It has clean restrooms and the whole ferry is air-conditioned. I prefer window seat to see the view. If you want a window seat, I’ll share a tip: you must arrive early at the port, (atleast an hour before the departure) and you can request where you want to sit. Anyway, I also noticed that the ferry is Korean-friendly; all the signs are translated to Hangul. It implies that the bulk of tourists coming to the Philippines are Koreans. Anyway, the trip lasted for two hours.

The SuperCat Ferry

At last… I’m in Bohol!

Getting Around

When we got out of the port, we were greeted by a lot of drivers (both taxi and tricycle drivers) offering rides going to the town. They even gathered around us, and for a while we got confuse and afraid because some of them were grabbing our bags. Just ignore them and firmly say no! Just go to the tricycle terminal, and ride there. Our main destination in Bohol is Panglao Island. The tricycle fare is 200 Php (5 USD). Like I always say, the tricycle is the best and cheapest way to travel in short distances. You can always request the driver to drop by the city first (if you want to buy something or withdraw money from the ATM), with no additional charges. The island is about 30-45 minutes from Tagbilaran City.

 

PANGLAO ISLAND

In early history, Panglao was known to Chinese, Malay, Siamese and Indonesian traders. In 1803, Spanish explorers came to the shores of Panglao in search of fresh water. At the time a couple of natives on the seashore were making fishing devices called “panggaw”. One of the Spaniards asked what the name of the island was. The natives–who thought the visitors were asking what they were making–then replied “panggaw”. Hence, from that term, was derived the name Panglao. Currently Panglao is the one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Accommodation

We’re really clueless on where to stay in Panglao Island. Though couple of days before our trip I called many resorts to make a reservation, but they were all fully book.  It was holy week when we went there, so virtually, tourists occupied all the resorts! So the moral lesson: make an early reservation, a couple of weeks or a month is better. We’re still optimistic that we will be able to find a room. So we asked the driver to take us to resorts that he knew. We went to several resorts but we failed. Luckily, one resort has a vacant room, the Bohol Diver’s Resort. At 1000 Php/ night (25 USD), we had our room, and the bonus: it’s beach front! It has all the basics: a queen size bed, private bathroom and a fan. The resort was a great find! It has it’s own restaurant, beach bar, private pool, diving school, souvenir shop and of course the amazing white sand beach! The best activity to do here are scuba diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching and island hopping. We opted snorkelling and island hopping, since we don’t know how to scuba dive. But I promised to myself that I should learn how to scuba dive soon!

 

This resort is heaven sent!

The lobby/waiting area..

The view from our room!

Walking around… we’re so glad to be here!

@ the resort’s restaurant..

Sizzling seafoods…. yummmm!

Snorkelling and Island Hopping

We rented an outrigger boat to take us to the snorkelling site near Balicasag Island and see the Virgin Island. The whole boat costs 1200 Php (30 USD). You can always use your bargaining skill to lower the price (we’re quite good in it ha ha ha). Two boat men accompanied us throughout, and they were nice and trustworthy.

 

Ready to go! Behind me is our boat..

Balicasag Island

After almost 30 minutes of boat ride, we reached the snorkelling site near the island. The water was so clear, that I can see the corals underneath. It pays to bring your own snorkelling gear, but If you don’t have, you can rent one from the boat men at 150 Php (4 USD). If you’re not a good swimmer, you can also rent a life vest from them at 100 Php (less than 3 USD). In my case, I don’t need a life vest, I’m pretty confident in my swimming skills he he he. A man in a small boat will approach you, and will offer himself as a snorkel guide. Fee is at 200 Php/person (5 USD), and you can also rent fins at 100 Php/pair. Nothing is free here ha ha ha. But if you think you won’t need a snorkel guide, you can always say no.

 

I was swept-away!

Truly an unforgettable experience!

We had a great time snorkelling! The corals were amazing, just like work of arts, coming in variety of shapes and colors! It has a diverse species of fishes, which most of them were unfamiliar to me (except for kinds of nemo and dory he he he). The snorkelling site is a protected area, so it means fishermen are off-limits. That is why the area has retained its rich biodiversity. We had the chance to touch live starfishes, they looked unreal like plastics.  Snorkelling was so enhoyable that we didn’t want to get out of the water at all ha ha ha!

No animals harmed in this photo

Virgin Island

On our way back to Panglao Island, we had a stop-over at this uninhabited island (that’s why they called it Virgin Island). Our boat stopped far from the island because the water was too shallow. We walked in the shallow water until we reached the sandbar going to the island. The island only has cats as its residents. We noticed this sign “no trespassing”, so the island is actually a private property. I really envy the owners of this island! I wish I could have my own island too (dream, dream, dream..). After that, we return to the resort. Our bodies were aching, so a whole body massage was a welcoming relief. At 250 Php (less than 7 USD), we had a whole body massage at the comfort of our own room. We had a good sleep that night!

 

Our island… the Virgin Island!

The sandbar going to the island… 

Jump for joy!

Going back to the resort..

Bohol Day Tour

The next day, we had our Bohol Day Tour. This time, I made a reservation for a car that will take us to the different tourist spots around Bohol. The day tour starts at 8AM, and will last until around 5PM. The car was new, and the aircon was quite cold, a soothing relief from the hot summer. Our driver, Dodong was very friendly and accommodating. Btw, the car costs 1,800 Php (45 USD), good for four persons. The driver will also serve as the tour guide (no extra charge). If you’re more than four, you can rent a van for 2,500 Php (63 USD). You can contact them in this mobile phone number: (63)917-690-5627. They will reply quickly and eagerly. Our day tour itinerary was as follow:

Tarsier Viewing

Our first activity for the day was tarsier viewing at the Dajon Loboc Tarsier. The tarsiers are the smallest primate in the world, and they are endemic in Bohol. They are nocturnal mammals, so during the day they are inactive, and their pupils are constricted. You are allowed to take pictures of the tarsiers, provided that the flash is off. They are so small that you can fit them in your hand. No entrance fee, but you can give your donations at the donation box.

 

Dajon Loboc Tarsier Sanctuary

So cute and adorable!

Tarsiers, look at the camera!

Chocolate Hills

Before, I can only see the Chocolate Hills on postcards or photos, now I was able to see them first hand! This site was declared as a National Geological Monument in 1988, now a nominee for the new Natural Seven Wonders of the World. The hills were formed about two million years ago. Originally, this part of Bohol was below sea level. Slowly corals and shell fragments were deposited. Since these deposits were made-up of calcium carbonate, rain water slowly dissolved them, gradually forming gullies, streams, rivers, valleys, and finally the hills. Truly a nature work of art! Please support the Chocoloate Hills and the other two natural wonders of our country (Tubbataha Reef and St. Paul Subterrainean River) for the new Natural Seven Wonders of the world at www.new7wonders.com.

 

I shed few calories going to the viewdeck..

Stop and marvel at the view!

Nature’s work of art! Magnifico!

I’m touching it!

The hills are named so, because during summer (technically speaking, during the dry season), plants on the hills gets dry, resulting to brown or chocolate color. But during our visit, the hills were green. For the panoramic view of the hills, you have to climbed several steps to the top of the viewing deck. The view was simply breath-taking, it was so unreal! We just stared and marvel at these wonders of natures. Of course, we didn’t forget to have a photo op! Btw, the entrance fee is 20 Php.

Man-Made Forest

You will pass the lush green forest before reaching the Chocolate Hills, but we decided to stop over on our way back. The forest is man-made because it was made by the joint effort of the locals and government in 1950’s, by planting thousands of seedlings. Today, it’s a lush green forest, and a tourist attraction. The trees are so tall and their leaves and branches prevents the hot sun in penetrating the road. So one can’t help but to stop and have a short walk. The view reminds of a place in Japan, but instead of trees, they have this bamboo forest.

 

Soothing..

I was dwarfed by the huge trees!

Butterfly Garden

In every place that I’ve been, I noticed that usually there’s a butterfly garden. It’s a good thing though, because they help in propagating butterflies, which are an important part of the ecosystem. A guide will great you, and eagerly explain things about butterflies. As a teacher, the visit to the sanctuary was very informative for me. I learned about the difference between a butterfly and a moth. Let me give an example: Butterflies have bright colors, while moths are dull; butterflies have slim larvae, while moths have fat ones; butterflies have simple pair of antennae while moths have feathered pairs, etc., etc.. Anyway, the entrance fee is 20 Php.

 

The life cycle of a butterfly..

The larva..

The adult..

Through the glass butterflies..

Sipatan Hanging Bridge

We continue our tour to the Sipatan Hanging Bridge. The long, narrow bridge is made of the flexible and tough bamboo. It is not only a tourist spot, but actually being utilized by the locals. The bridge crosses over a part of the emerald waters of the Loboc river. The bridge moves a lot, especially if there are a lot of people walking on it, but that’s where the thrill comes right? Just hold your things firmly, especially your digicam! At the other side of the bridge, you’ll find several souvenirs shops.

 

The bridge is quite long! Not for the faint hearted

Hold on tight!

Loboc River Cruise

The Loboc river cruise is the stop-over for any tour, especially for lunch! There are several stalls, where you can buy tickets for the cruise at 250 Php/person (less than 6 USD). That includes a buffet lunch and river cruise in the floating restaurants.  That means you’ll eat lunch while cruising the river! I was so excited during the cruise that I was not able to eat well ha ha ha! I was preoccupied viewing and taking photos of the amazing view. The live entertainment on board added extra ambiance to the cruise. On the way back to the dock, the floating restaurant made a stop-over near a small stage in the river, where locals gave an entertaining performance.

 

@ the loboc cruise port..

Our boat has arrived!

Eating lunch with this great view!

On board entertainment!

Love it here!

Clarin Ancestral House

This old colonial Spanish-styled house is one of the oldest houses in Bohol. It is owned by the Clarins, a famous political family in Bohol. The first governor of Bohol came from this family. Inside, you will find a lot of antique stuffs, I particularly like the four-post bed. According to the guide, that bed has a distinct style, and is only made for rich people during that time. We also had a peek on the private library, dining room and kitchen. The tour guide took us to a trap door on the wooden floor. According to her, the owners use the door to go down the basement to hide, whenever Japanese were near (during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines). Today, the basement is a cozy cafe, serving native food. Entrance fee is 20 Php.

 

Clarin Ancestral House

Emo moment ha ha ha!!

A huge antique mirror..

I want to see what’s below..

Oh it’s a cafe! Cool…

Python Sanctuary

The sanctuary houses the largest and biggest in Bohol! I thought I was brave enough to come near, but when I saw it, I was quite frightened. It was unbelievably huge! I was afraid that if I come near it will constrict me, and swallow me whole (I have a very vivid imagination ha ha ha!). I managed to overcome my fear, so I was able to come near, and have my photo taken. Aside from the python, the sanctuary also houses an eagle, ravens and a flying lemur. Entrance fee is only 10 Php.

 

OMG, it’s really huge!!

Baclayon Church

Though I’m not a catholic, I still want to see this church because of its historical value. This church is the oldest church in the Philippines, built by the Spanish in 1565. There was a funeral mass going on when we came, so I just took photos outside. Opposite the church is a bay walk, going to the wharf. There were several locals walking, or simply having a nice time viewing the sea.

 

The oldest church in the Philippines!

The baywalk infront of the church..

The wharf from the baywalk..

Going to the wharf!

Souvenir Shop

Of course, you should not leave the place without buying souvenirs and pasalubongs. The driver took us to this big souvenir shop, selling everything from key chains, bead necklaces, mugs, souvenir shirts, food, name it, probably they have it. I personally bought a shirt with a tarsier print on it, and of course their signature food: peanut kisses and pinasugbo (preserved banana slices coated with melted sugar). Sorry I was not able to take picture here because I was preoccupied looking for pasalubongs!

Blood Compact Shrine

Our last stop for our tour was the Blood Compact shrine. It is the memorial for the significant event, when locals embraced Catholism, concretized by a blood compact between  their leader Raja Sikatuna and the Spanish Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

 

@ the blood compact shrine..

 

Bohol was what I expected and more. The snorkelling, island hopping and the tour made it all unforgettable. My words are not enough to express how much I enjoy Bohol! That is why you have to see Bohol, to believe all what I’m blabbing about ha ha ha. I wish I could have stayed here for few extra days. Sadly, that was not possible (sobs, sobs, sobs..). The next day, we woke up early to catch the 8AM ferry back to Cebu. We managed to see Tagbilaran City before going to the port. We were able to see the Cathedral and the City Park.

 

Lost in Tagbilaran?

Rizal Monument in the plaza.. I think there’s something in his head!

Oh it’s a bird! Bad birdie! He’s our national hero!

So the inevitable part came, we rode a ferry back to Cebu. From Cebu, we’re in a plane homebound. Until now, I still have a hang-over on this trip ha ha ha! We were able to see all the places we want to see in Bohol, but not in Cebu. We still want to see more of it. So we promised to return to Cebu to visit Malaspascua Island, Moalboal, Bantayan Island and Kawasan Falls!

 

Waiting for the ferry back to Cebu..

Right now, I’m at work and contemplating on where my “itchy feet” will take me next for a new adventure! I’m thinking about Aurora province. I saw in a travel program its enticing beaches, excellent snorkelling sites, and nice waves for surfing. I want to go surfing! hhmmmm…

 

Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol

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Random Song of the Day:

I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS FOREVER by Donnah Lewis. I simply love this song. It’s refreshing and laid-back.