Bohol is one of the Philippines’ tourist-friendly and most popular places. Because of its unique and spectacular features, including the Chocolate Hills which is located in the Central Visayas region attracts people from all over the globe.
Bohol is a historical island with a strong sense of culture and identity, which is reflected in the natural beauty and architecture that make up the island’s interior. The Chocolate Hills are likely the most popular sight, with the island’s rock formations and bizarre caves that are a close second. Whatever type of attractions you prefer, Bohol’s charm will keep you entertained. So, let’s find out more about the stunning Bohol Island in the Philippines.
THE BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE HILLS
This remarkable topographical structure is made up of 1,776 hills that cover more than 50 square kilometers. The covering grass turns brown during the dry season, just like the name suggests. The hills appear to be half-buried balls from distance. Each one stands between 30 and 50 meters tall, with the tallest reaching around 120 meters, making them enormous balls. These are the Philippines’ pleasure and pride, a sign of their ample and slightly eccentric natural beauty.
PHILIPPINE TARSIER FOUNDATION
The Philippine Tarsier Foundation is dedicated to preserving one of the tiniest primates in the Earth. Tarsier is about the size of an adult man’s hand. Unfortunately, due to deforestation of their natural environment, they are on the verge of extinction. Take benefit of the opportunity to see tarsiers in their natural habitat and study how they live.
If you are feeling particularly daring, the Foundation has created a 15-kilometer hiking trail that passes through the communities of Sikatuna, Loboc, and Corella. You will have the highest chance of seeing these charming creatures, as well as a variety of other unusual and uncommon animals and plants.
BACLAYON CHURCH
Baclayon Church, which dates from the 16th century, is one of the Philippines’ oldest churches. It has been rebuilt and renovated several times since then, eventually settling on its current form in 1717, when 200 indentured native laborers built it. The 2013 Bohol earthquake badly destroyed it, though it has since been repaired. It’s one of the region’s best-preserved Jesuit churches. It’s also known as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
PANGLAO ISLAND
Panglao Island is Bohol’s most popular beach destination. It’s southwest of Bohol’s mainland and Cebu’s East and South. The Gov. Borja Bridge and Suarez Bridge connect Panglao to Bohol’s main island. Because the Latest Bohol International Airport is located on the Island, it is very convenient to reserve a hotel in Panglao.
Panglao Island alone has a number of attractions. Panglao is 91.12 square kilometres in size that is 35.18 sq mi. Panglao and Dauis are the two municipalities that make up this municipality. In the municipality of Panglao, the well-known Dumaluan Beach and Alona Beach are also located. The Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis is another remarkable sight on the island. In addition, Panglao Island is adjacent to Pamalican and Balicasag Island, two popular island-hopping destinations.
SANDUGO BLOOD COMPACT SHRINE
On March 16, 1565, Spanish adventurer Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Bohol signed a peace deal that became known as the Sandugo Blood Compact Shrine. It was the first treaty to represent their international connections, and it symbolized the relationship between Spaniards and Filipinos. Sandugo is a Japanese word that signifies “one blood.”
This has become a symbol of peace for the province of Bohol and is depicted on the province’s official seal and flag. At the spot where the ship anchored and the treaty was signed, there is a statue commemorating the agreement.
WHAT TO EAT
Bohol is among the most popular tourist attractions in the Philippines. It is a perfect site for food lovers to find delicious, locally grown dishes. You won’t be disappointed if you are longing for seafood. As Bohol is an island, you can expect fresh seafood including a seafood buffet and oysters. Besides that, Bohol offers a variety of unique dining opportunities.
In Bohol, there are numerous restaurants that specialize in Visayan food. Aside from scrumptious treats, you will find a lot of restaurants that offer delicious food with unforgettable memories.
WHEN TO VISIT
If you are planning a trip to Bohol Island to enjoy water sports and tourism, you should consider the weather, climate, and temperature before purchasing plane tickets. Bohol’s dry season lasts from Dec to May, with the month of April having the lowest possibility of rain. These months are mostly full of work and busy. You can visit Bohol during these times for hot-weather activities like snorkeling, sightseeing, swimming, and plunging.
The best time to visit the Chocolate Hills in their beautiful brown color is in the summer. Most visitors to Bohol like to visit during these months. That means you will observe crowds at Bohol’s tourist sites and beaches.
HOW TO GET THERE
Bohol is a popular tourism destination for both visitors and locals from other countries. It’s reachable from Mindanao’s, Luzon’s, and Visayas’ major cities. The Philippine archipelago is divided into three main island groups that are Mindanao, Luzon, and Visayas. The Clark International Airport located in Pampanga and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport are two major departure points in Luzon.
Whereas the International Airport of Davao is Mindanao’s principal departure point. You also have the option of travelling by boat instead of flying. Fast boat services are available from Siquijor, Cebu, Dumaguete, and Camiguin to Bohol. The cost of a one-way flight from Ninoy International Airport to Island Bohol is around PHP 11,00.
WHERE TO STAY THERE
There are many best hotels and various types of lodgings in Bohol, depending on your savings and preferences. You won’t be disappointed if you want inexpensive hotels in Bohol, luxury accommodations, or trip rentals. The top Bohol resorts are mostly found on Anda Bohol or Panglao Island’s beachfront. To avoid additional charges, do follow the check-in process. The hotels typically range in price from PHP 500 to PHP 1500 per night.
