Coming to Bohol on squeezed-tight
itinerary, whether for business or just an island skip-trip, here are some
quick guides to enjoy the most of the island:
1. Half-day Tagbilaran City Tour:
Explore Tagbilaran City for photo stops at the following landmarks:
1.
St. Joseph Cathedral - St. Joseph, the Worker, is
the city’s patron saint. Tagbilaran
City celebrated the annual fiesta every May 1 in his honor.
This cathedral
isn’t the original church. The original was built in 1595 by the Jesuits. Then
an earthquake in 1798 burned the church to the ground. It took almost 50 years
before the Recollects reconstructed the church between 1839 and 1855. The
Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker is located in the central part of
Tagbilaran City in Carlos P. Garcia Avenue.
2.
Plaza Rizal Park -
3. Bohol Provincial Capitol – One of the old government
buildings in Bohol and is part of the Philippine Heritage. It is the seat of government in Bohol and is
located in front Plaza Rizal Park.
4.
Bohol Museum – For a minimal entrance fee, it is
recommended to visit this museum and learn how the chocolate hills were formed
with illustrations. Different seashells,
butterflies and the origins of its island people with some skeletons and on
display. Some interesting facts about
the world’s smallest primates called the Philippine Tarsiers are readily
available therein. It may be worthwhile to visit the place to know some stories
behind them before taking closer encounters with these adorable
and cute little critters.
5.
K of C Drive – A scenic drive fronting the Tagbilaran
City Pier and the Tagbilaran causeway leading to Panglao Island.
6.
Tagbilaran City Hall – The seat of government of the
City of Tagbilaran. The new edifice was constructed in the new and expanded
commercial district of the city.
7.
Island City Mall – A shopping center for
complete shopping, dining, and entertainment experience while in
Bohol.
2. Two Days & 1 Night
Day 1:
Countryside Tour
1. Blood
Compact - Blood compact was an ancient ritual in the Philippines
intended to seal a friendship or treaty, or to validate an agreement. The
contracting parties would cut their wrists and pour their blood into a cup
filled with liquid, such as wine, and drink
the mixture.
A famous example of the blood
compact was the 1565 Sandugo between Spanish
explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna,
the chieftain of Bohol.
To commemorate this treaty of friendship, the Boholanos held annually the
Sandugo Festival thru its month-long celebration every July.
2. Baclayon Church
The Baclayon Church, just six kilometers away from
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines
(the oldest is San Agustin Church, in Real Street, Intramuros, Manila, built in
1571). Constructed in 1595 by the Jesuit priests, it is still intact and houses
important relics and images reminiscent of historic Roman Catholic religion in
the country. Among those displayed in the church museum are: crystal
chandelier, silver tabernacle, altar with carvings inlaid with gold, life-size
statues and more.
An earthquake of 7.2-magnitude heavily destroyed this
2-centuries old church although presently, restoration works is ongoing to
preserve its original stone structure which has been a significant part of
Philippine history and its religious heritage.
3. Loboc Wildlife
The
wildlife park is a fun place to visit and see some of their different animals,
birds, and reptiles in captivity.
Experience eye-to-eye encounter with the reticulated python, locally
called (Baksan). It is considered as the
longest snake in the world, and dubiously shares with the green anaconda,
Eunectes murinus. Reticulated pythons range 10-20 feet in average; the largest
one was recorded at about 23 ft and weighed in well over 300 lbs (136 kg).
Its
newly tamed reptile, weighing about 5 kls., could be cuddled, carried in one’s
shoulder and touched to feel its unique skin.
4.
Loboc River Cruise
The
Loboc River is one of the major tourist attractions of Bohol where tourist could
avail the Loboc River Cruise and experience the beauty and serenity of the
river. Cruises start near the historic Loboc Church at the town proper
where many boats are docked and different stores and restaurants line up the
riverside.
Loboc is about 30 minutes ride
from the Tagbilaran City. Cruising the
river includes buffet lunch and takes about one
hour. It starts with the view of the Loboc River from the docking
port. At the start of the cruise, passenger tourists are invited to take
their lunch buffet. Guests are also offered different tropical drinks including
fresh young coconut. Also on board the cruise are entertainers to provide
lively cultural songs during the entire cruise.
The
river cruise ends at the Busay waterfalls, a low waterfall which is one of the
contributory river sources. At mid-point of the cruise, some floating
rafts are located where men with guitars and other musical instruments offer
guests some music and folk dances amidst the sounds of gushing waters from the
waterfalls.
By special arrangement, it could be possible that the world-famous
Loboc Children’s and Church Choirs would perform to entertain the visitors
aboard the cruise.
3 5.
Sipatan Hangin Bridge
The Bamboo Hanging Bridge
crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a
fun tourist attraction. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope,
today the rope has made way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability.
The deck of the bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats.
The bridge spans around 40 meters and offers a great view
of the emerald Sipatan River below. On the far side of the bridge you will find
a small shop, selling souvenirs and a welcome cold drink and snacks. Additionally
you will find “The Buko King”. He can strip a coconut (buko) in something
like 10 seconds using just his teeth. He
had once shown this talent in a large Germany stadium and was awestruck by his
live performance.
6.
Tarsiers
The
Philippine tarsier is one of the most unique and peculiar animals on the
planet. Measuring only 85 to 160 millimeters (3.35 to 6.30 in) in height, the
Philippine tarsier is one of the smallest primates. It is about the size of a
human fist and will fit very comfortably in the human hand.
The female tarsier has multiple sets of breasts,
but the only functional set is at the pectoralis. The other breasts
are used as anchor points for the newborn tarsiers. The gestation period lasts
180 days, or 6 months, after which only one tarsier is born.
Like all tarsiers, the Philippine tarsier's eyes are fixed in its skull; they cannot
turn in their sockets. Instead, a special adaptation in the neck allows its
round head to be rotated 180 degrees. The eyes are disproportionately large,
having the largest eye-to-body size ratio of all mammals. These huge eyes
provide this nocturnal animal with excellent night vision. In bright light the
tarsier's eyes can constrict until the pupil appears to be only a thin line. In
darkness the pupil can dilate and fill up almost the entire eye. The large
membranous ears are mobile, appearing to be almost constantly moving, allowing
the tarsier to hear any movement.
7.
Bilar Man Made Forest
Bilar man-made forest is one of Bohol’s famous
tourist attraction. Located about 40 km.
from Tagbilaran City, tourists bound for the world-famous Chocolate Hills would
regularly pass this route. Tall mahogany
trees densely populated this beautiful forest, planted some 50 years ago, and
formed a natural canopy from both sides of the national highway. Stretching about 2-kilometers, tourist would
irresistibly pull over to take a look at these uniformly grown species of
trees, commune with nature and feel its cooler temperature even at hot summer
time!
8.
Butterfly Garden
In the town Bilar, some 40 kms. away from Tagbialran
City, there is a uniquely created environment called “Simply Butterfly” with a
waterfall and shade plants which has now become a butterfly sanctuary. Nature
lovers and environmentalist would appreciate the several species of local
butterflies fluttering inside the sanctuary and resting in colorful
flowers. Many butterflies feed, breed and
play here.
The open butterfly garden has been carefully created with specialized plants to complement the beauty of these colorful butterflies. It has been beautifully landscaped for tourist to relax, stroll around and become playful with colorful butterflies hovering around.
9.
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills is a geological
formation in Bohol
Province, Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be
as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres
(20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns
brown (like chocolate)
during the dry season, hence the name.
The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. They are featured
in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance
of natural attractions in the province. They are in the Philippine Tourism Authority's
list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; they have been declared the
country's third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Day 2 : Panglao
Tour/Beach Fun
Morning : Swinning
or Beach Fun at Panglao Beaches
Panglao is endowed with long
stretch of white, powdery sands and the clearest, turquoise waters in endless
horizons! Aside from swimming, it is
ideal for island hopping and snorkeling/diving.
Panglao is one of the world’s best dive sites with thousands of marine
creatures and species. It has also become a perfect getaway to celebrate beach
weddings and social gatherings to bask on its beautiful sunset and sceneries.
Afternoon: Panglao Tour
1. The Bohol Bee Farm is a very
homey and relaxing place in Panglao island. Meals served in the farm are
organically-grown vegetables from the farm itself -- from squash muffins,
vegetable lasagna, to specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild
berries. The Bohol Bee Farm is an agricultural haven situated on top of a cliff
on Panglao dedicated to bee cultivation, organic farming, and healthy eating.
Aside from growing diverse agricultural produce, Bohol Bee Farm also houses a
resort and a restaurant where visitors can take time off from the city and find
relaxation while providing livelihood to the local residents.
Another beautiful church in Bohol
is the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis, Bohol, in the Island of
Panglao. The basilica-style church is built in a mixture of styles, influenced
by both Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Inside, the ceiling have some
impressive frescoes painted by Ray Francia in 1916. The ceiling over the
central nave and aisles are coffered woodwork and not tromp l'oeil. Lito Arraya
renovated the building in 1970. The church's patron saint, Our Lady of the
Assumption, is enshrined at the church apse, protected by a ciborium-like
canopy. She is said to possess miraculous powers. An old legend relates that
once the town was invaded by pirates, the people of Dauis locked themselves
into the church. However, they soon ran out of provisions and water. Then a
miracle occurred - a well appeared at the foot of the altar. This same well is
still the main source of water for the people living close to the church, and
although the well is only a few meters from the sea, the water is absolutely fresh.
The water is said to have healing powers.
3. Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is a cave in
Panglao Island. It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many
large stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is made of limestone and lit by
sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a
popular swimming spot, but it has been known to test for high levels of various
pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff. Hinagdanan Cave was accidentally
discovered when the owner of the area was clearing the decaying branches of the
land when he found the hole. The owner throw a stone into the hole, then he
heard a splash. Then he built a ladder to get into the cave. They named it
Hinagdanan, means "laddered" used to get into the cave's interior.
4. Café Lawis
Established in
the town of Dauis, Panglao Island and facing Tagbilaran City. Panglao Island
nestles closely to the main province of Bohol and is connected to the mainland
by two causeways. Located 3.1 kilometers southwest of Tagbilaran, the Dauis
Church is visible across the narrow channel from Tagbilaran and can be reached
by hiking through a pleasant path, or by riding a motor bike or car. A short
walk from the convent’s end leads to the shore where there are sheds that jut out
to the seafront, providing an ideal place for prayer and meditation, or for
pure relaxation, feasting one’s eyes on the beauty and glory of God’s creation:
the often placid sea, the beautiful scenery, the distant harbor lights of
Tagbilaran City, to mention a few.
AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION
Marcelina’s Guesthouse www.marcelinasguesthouse.com
offers clean and comfortable place to stay at very affordable prices. Room rates starts at Php600.00, good for 2, and
it is conveniently located near the Tagbilaran City airport, just a 2-3 min.
walk from the airport’s entrance.
Royal Fantasy Tours www.royalfantasytours.com is also offering very affordable Bohol
tour packages and optional tours to suit even tight schedules. Airline and fast ferry ticketing needs could
be issued by the agency to aptly arrange tight schedules.
Other relevant information are supplied at their websites
for the convenience of visiting tourists, especially for first timers.
BERNADETTE G. CABERTE
Gen. Manager, Royal Fantasy Tours
