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Chocolate Hills
Philippine Tarsier
The Chocolate Hills.
A magical formation of consecutive hills covered with lush green terrain
giving way to coral stone churches and beautifully laid out examples of
Spanish architecture in the towns.
Philippine Tarsier. Half bat, half mouse, all cute and indigenous
to the country
These are just two of the tourism treasures that Bohol has to
offer.
Fast becoming a favorite among tourists and divers alike, Bohol province
found in the Visayan region, is fast becoming one of the rising stars in
Philippine tourism next to Boracay and Palawan.
With Tagbilaran as the “gateway” to the rest of the province,
Bohol also plays host to many significant events in Philippine history.
The Sanduguan Festival (one blood) commemorates the blood compact
between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Boholano Chief
Rajah Sikatuna in March 1565. Symbolizing peace and friendship between
their camps, the two leaders each downed a cup of the other’s blood in
one of the first symbolic gestures of Eastern-Western Accord. Every
year, this event is celebrated with street dancing and a showcase of
historical story telling and traditional dance performances.
It was also in this province that the longest rebellion against the
Spanish regime, the Dagohoy rebellion, took place from 1744 to 1829.
The Churches in Bohol are very notable for their Spanish architecture
and special features of the structures. The Baclayon Church, for
example is built entirely out of coral stones while the Dauis Church
in Panglao island hosts a well at the altar the water of which is
believed to cure many illnesses.
Tourists may also go on river cruises taking in the local scenery,
having a filling lunch on a floating restaurant or swimming with the
friendly native children playing along the river banks.
Another popular activity in Bohol is diving. A concentration of dive
camps and snorkeling spots may be found on Alona Beach. Panglao
Island on the other hand offers beach upon beach of pristine white sand
and aquamarine water filled with huge concentrations of colorful marine
life.
The community generally makes its living from the sea working as
fishermen, ferry men and tour guides. Visitors may contact the
Pamilican Island Dolphin and Whale Watching Organization for tours
and interaction with these gentle marine denizens.
Whale watching tours
Photographers may shoot their fill of hard and soft corals, sea whips,
feather stars, tunicates, sponges and anemones along the Balicasag shore
line.
Balicasag marine
life
Alternately, tourists may visit the Philippine Tarsier sanctuary and get
a chance to cuddle and photograph these saucer-eyed prosimians.
Fresh seafood and other food choices are offered to satisfy any dining
taste. From local food to fusion choices, visitors are assured that each
meal will definitely be a dining pleasure.
Getting there:
By Air
Philippine Airlines offer daily flights from Manila to Tagbilaran.
Airport-hotel transfers may be arranged with your resort destination.
By Boat:
Tagbilaran is Bohol’s main port. Tourists may choose to use this port as
a connecting area for ferries to Leyte, Siquijor and Negros.
What you’ll need for your visit:
Ready cash, credit cards (just in case,) a good bathing suit, sunscreen,
insect repellent lotion, camera, comfortable shoes and flip flops,
sunglasses, change of clothes, and you’re all set. Dive and snorkeling
gear may be rented from the many resorts on Panglao, Alona, and
Balicasag.
Where to Stay:
There are plenty of lodging houses and resorts in Bohol particularly
along the more popular dive spots. The leading accommodations however
are: Panglao Island Resort (www.panglaoisland.com) the Tourism
Department owned Balicasag Island Dive Resort (ptabdidr@bohol-online.com)
and the Metro Centre Hotel and Convention Centre in Tagbilaran
City (www.metrocentrehotel.com)
Safety tips:
Get the necessary
inoculations for malaria, dengue fever, and all other mosquito-borne
diseases. Being a tropical island, mosquitoes can be numerous and
irritating.
Visit the Beautiful Philippine Islands today! A great vacation for the entire
family... |
