BOHOL : A Haven of Chocolate Hills
Probably, we are at the stage of the post-pandemic this year of 2022, and hopefully until this virus vanishes as if nothing happened and so tourism industry will have its bloom once again.
The 10th largest island – Bohol is considered a jam-packed as to tourism spots in the Philippines. Bohol Island is a source for various activities which include island hopping, river cruising, cliff diving, home of fish sanctuaries, beach bumming, sandbar, historical monuments, man-made forest and so on. Most tourists prefer to rent a single motorcycle just to circling around the island of Panglao in just a very fine day. For the mainland-Bohol, four-wheel is a must if you intend to drive from north to south. Biking is another way to go places nearby accommodation.
No wonder how Bohol is a go-to place where most foreign neighbors are conspicuous in the island, not only Bohol can be travelled for a couple of days seeing the natural beauty of each corner but also of how Bohol has so much to offer.
We have booked our accommodation in Panglao, a 15-minute walk towards Alona Beach. Thanks to Alona Bohol Backpacker! What you expect in Panglao Island is a selection of restaurants combined by Asian, Italian, and American cuisine in the long-stretched of Alona Beach and along Tawala Circumferential Road where we stayed for three nights. Fast-food and convenience stores are also an option to choose from, and souvenir stores are also available alongside.
You might be surprised that Panglao is where the International Airport located and not in the mainland in which Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol. All that matter when traveling to Bohol is that Panglao island can suffice your needs and wants from accommodation, night life bars, beach bum, stores and others.
If you are looking for serene vibes, you can explore up north including Anda beach, some nearby islands like Pitogo, the Danao Adventure Park if you want a nerve-wracking experience including The Plunge, South Farm where you can feed some animals, plant some seedlings, fishing, and others, a good choice for a family with kids.
- Come and see the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills is the Philippines’ third National Geological Monument and is UNESCO World Heritage site located in the municipality of Carmen. This iconic spot in Bohol is best to witness during the dry season or summer where wave of grass surfacing each hill look dried turning into brown like a gigantic hill of chocolate.
Location: Carmen, Bohol
Fee: P100.00 (entrance fee for common/public area)
Activity: Over-looking at the public area, ATV, and Zipline can be done here
2. Experience and swim like no other – Whale Shark encounter
Indeed, Bohol is also offering this one of a kind experience similar to Oslob in Cebu, Sorsogon and others. We are a group of four and took a cab from our accommodation in Panglao to Municipal of Lila for about an hour, the jump-off point and where the registration is taken care of. These species are well-known to be no harm and can be as huge as ordinary bus. Here are what you need to consider.
- Let the whale shark swim freely.
- Distant yourself for about 1 meter away from head and 2 meters from its tail.
- Keep calm.
- Bring your own gears like snorkel and goggles for personal hygiene.
- Refrain from turning on camera flash while under the water.
- Avoid exaggerated sound for them not to swim away.
- Don’t feed them.
- Ensure to book an authorized tour agency.
- Listen to the brief discussions prior getting into the boat.
Location: Lila, Bohol
Fee: P 700.00
Activity: Sail a boat and encounter up-close to Whale Sharks
3. Man-made forest
Mahogany trees are scattered between the borders of Loboc and Bilar Town at about 2 kilometers picturesque location surrounding the main road with its stunning heights and greenery scenes from this so-called man-made forest in Bohol. Get off your vehicle and start to turn on your cameras from a good spot, it could be at the center of the road where Mahogany trees as your background.
Location: Bilar, Bohol
Fee: Free (included in tour package)
Activity: Sight-seeing and photo ops
4. Blood compact
This statue remains as the symbol of friendship between the Philippines and Spain happened on March 16, 1565. The term Sandugo literally means as “one blood” in the Visayan region after the two tribes had successfully pour drops of blood from their hand into the glass of wine or drinks. In 2005, the National Historical Institute issued a Resolution No. 4 where the Blood Compact was happened in the town of Loay, Bohol.
Location: Tagbilaran, Bohol
Fee: Free (included in tour package)
Activity: Sight-seeing and photo ops
5. Be holy at the Baclayon Church
Baclayon town is the first municipal in Bohol established by the Spaniards way back in 1595. One of the oldest churches in the Philippine history and said to be the second oldest stone church. This is about six kilometers away from Tagbilaran City via public vehicle. The church is declared as the National Cultural Treasure in 2010 and was made with coral stones and million of white eggs.
Location: Baclayon, Bohol
Fee: Free (included in tour package)
Activity: Sight-seeing and photo ops
6. High tide as always at Virgin Island
Pungtud Island is commonly known as Virgin Island for its long-stretched sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters where jump-off point is located at Alona Beach Panglao through a boat. Way back, sumptuous food are being served here using wooden tables afloat in the middle of the island until the Local Government had finally disallowed them lately for some reasons.
Location: Pungtud Island, Bohol (in between Panglao Island and Balicasag Island)
Fee: P 30.00 (environmental fee)
Activity: Sight-seeing, snorkeling, beach-bum
7. Balicasag Island for Snorkeling and Turtle watching
This island is very well known for its scuba or freediving spot in Bohol. Get to see and encounter the majestic creations deep down from North, South, West and East side of Balicasag Island. If you intend to go on easy adventure, then the friendly resident turtles are waiting for you at least 7 meters below sea level close to shore and up to 35 meters ideal for freediving. Snorkeling gears are also available within the small island for rent. Local restaurants are also visible around but expect the difference in prices compared to mainland.
Location: Tangnan, Panglao, Bohol
Fee: included in tour package
Activity: snorkeling, freediving, cliff jump
Check out this video in less than a minute! https://fb.watch/gMnwLNDITx/
8. Sardines Run
Napaling Point, also referred to as Napaling Reef is where the Sardines run freely along with the vibrant marine life below the surface where colorful corals are amongst top-viewed here. You can also get a glimpse of a pod of dolphins even a quick glance of a whale shark by chance. This cliff diving spot in the mainland of Panglao is equipped with stairs at P 30.00 as entrance fee.
Location: Balicasag Island, Bohol
Fee: P 150.00 (environmental fee)
Activity: Sight-seeing, snorkeling, beach-bum, freediving
9. Sikatuna Mirror of the World
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Golden Gate Bridge of California, Merlion in Singapore, and others are standing in the farmland at 3.2-hectare converted into a picturesque park and botanical garden. This inspired all-in-one attraction is the newest when traveling to Bohol.
Location: Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol
Fee: P 50.00-150.00
Activity: sight-seeing, photo ops
10. Cruise along the river of Loboc
A palatable buffet of local dishes are served while cruising the long-stretched-jade-green Loboc river combined with a good music from a band. Catch the stop-over where the cultural activities playing ukulele and ethnic dance happen. Simply a floating restaurant starting from Loaoy Bridge or Loboc town proper that runs down the river at an approximate of one hour, back and forth.
Location: Loboc, Bohol
Fee: P 850.00
Activity: cruising, sight-seeing, photo ops
Check this list of expenses and itineraries that might help you plan your visit in Bohol for a group of four. Activities at Chocolate Hills such as ATV and Zipline were no longer push-through due to heavy rainfall.
Disclaimer: If you noticed, our arrival and departure took place in Cebu International Airport. The team has decided to choose Bohol for the entire tour since each had already visited Cebu two years ago. We highly recommend to purchase your pasalubong in Taboan Public Market for cheap prices of dried mangoes and dried fishes.
