Breathtaking Bohol
Bohol has been famous for its chocolate hills and the cute little Tarsiers and the experience is just a little bit over an hour away from Manila by plane. It’s my second visit here in Bohol but with so many attractions, I may see a different side of Bohol this time around. So here we go, squeeze all you can 3 days and two nights around the large island of Bohol. Touchdown Bohol at past 10 am after our flight got delayed by an hour so we started with a tour of the city and some famous structures.
Blood Compact Site (Old and New)
In the past friendship treaties were sealed in blood and so was built the blood compact site structure in Bool, Tagbilaran to honor the blood compact between Spanish Explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna in Bohol in 1565 to seal their friendship. The original site was later on discovered to be in Hinawanan, Loay, Bohol in 2006 as there was a reference in the past that the blood compact site was made in a town between two rivers.
Baclayon Church
Bohol is the home of one of the oldest churches in the Country which is Baclayon Church and the oldest one in Bohol. It also houses a museum of old religious artifact and has a convent just beside it. The second oldest church in Bohol which is Loboc Church. Loboc Church was actually the first one to constructed but since Baclayon Church was nearer the construction resources, Baclayon Church was the first one to be completed.
Loboc River
Definitely a must try experience in Bohol is having a buffet lunch or dinner while cruising the rivers of Bohol at a floating restaurant. It comes with good music and a great range of meals. The cruise along Loboc RIver was a visual delight with the view, the singing and dancing kids at the stopovers and the Busay Falls.
Tarsier
Here comes those cute little Tarseirs. It’s now an endangered specie and is very shy and easily stressed by people around them so even if they are so cute to touch, it’s better not to do so. Tarsiers are nocturnal animal so they are mostly asleep during the day and they hunt at night. They have now been centralized in a single area and have individual guides to ensure their safety.
Chocolate Hills
Talk about eating hills. Here’s several hills that sounds more like a food than an attraction. With over a 1,ooo hills that look like chocolate kisses on dry months, chocolate hills is one of the main attraction in Bohol. As this was not my first time to visit chocolate hills, we also tried exploring the hills via ATV vehicle. Using an ATV, I didn’t avoid any mud or watery areas which made it a lot more fun and it was nice seeing the hills from a different vantage point.
Hanging Bridge
Another city attraction is the hanging bridge. On the other end of the bridge are souvernir shops and the famous Buko King, who was made famous for peeling a buko using his teeth. It’s always a thrill crossing this bridge as you can really feel the bridge shaking at the slightest movement. Wouldn’t it be exciting if they added the hanging bridge in the Bohol Marathon.
And there goes day 1
And with a packed itinerary like this (compliments to Ruth for her travel skills), I couldn’t believe that this is just a day spent in Bohol. We now proceed to the second half of the itinerary which is enjoying the beach side of Panglao and just to add a tinge of suspense, I’ll make that post at another time. Watch out for it!!!
Breathtaking Bohol Part 2 of 2 (click here)
I’ve been to Bohol once thanks to Philippine Daily Inquirer. I would love to go back again and dive at Balicasag Island.
Balicasag is such a rich marine habitat.
I miss Bohol! I’ve been there once to celebrate my birthday with my mom, maybe 3-4 years ago. We went to see the tarsiers, Chocolate Hills, and some old churches, then had lunch in Loboc river. But most of all, we were there to enjoy the beach. I also enjoyed the food! The place where we ate had huge servings and affordable price. It was awesome! I would love to go back and try other things like the ATV ride. I don’t think I’d do the hanging bridge though, I’m scared of heights. x.x
I was about to suggest that you take your jump shot in the hanging bridge. =>
Cool shots!
I have been to Bohol once and it was a wonderful experience. But I didn’t get to try that ATV. Will try that next time
You should try it. It’s a different experience.
It’s been a while since I’ve been to Bohol. Your post brings back really happy memories of my trip there, and also why it’s also just more fun in the Philippines.
Thanks Adele!
Indeed there’s still so many places to see in Bohol can’t wait to go back there =)
Same here.
Wow! I wasn’t able to do hanging bridge and the ATV ride by Chocolate Hills.. those two activities looked really fun. I would’ve tried both if I knew those were offered.
Now, there’s a reason for you to visit Bohol again.
Wonderful photos, Franc! And I love your cap, haha!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo recently posted..Wordless Wednesday #10 | Chasing Butterflies.
Thanks Czjal!
It’s fun to ride an ATV.
seeing your pictures make me reminisce my honeymoon. hehe..
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Wow, I’m sure it was real fun.
I haven’t been to Bohol but I would love to visit the place soon. I’ve heard that there are other beautiful places to go there aside from the usual Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary.
Yeah, there’s also the beaches.