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DESTINATIONS Bacolod INTERESTS Beaches
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BOHOL
With
its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the
province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral
homes and centuries-old churches. The country's tenth largest island,
Bohol is situated at the heart of Visayas. West of Bohol is Cebu,
and the East is Leyte. Along its coastline are the numerous isles
of Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay, and Lapinin, which
are excellent dive spots. However,
beneath the rustic charms of Bohol lies a thousand and one adventures
just waiting to unfold. The sit of the 1565 blood compact between
Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Bohol's historicity
is evident in the province's relaxed, laid-back pace. Excavations
in ancient burial grounds reveal artifacts dating back to China's
T'ang Dynasty. Indeed, the province already has strong trading ties
with the Chinese long before the Spanish set foot in the country.
Every year, the compact between the Muslim chief and the Spanish
conqueror is celebrated through the Sandugo Festival in June. All
year round, museums and churches attest to the the province's rich
heritage and culture. The
Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found
in Bohol. The province is the home of the world's smallest monkey,
the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills
of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other equally exotic
flora and fauna can be found amongst the forests of Bohol. Bohol's various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise the rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you. THINGS
TO DO HERITAGE
TOUR. An early Spanish settlement, the province of Bohol is filled
with old churches, treelined plazas and ancestral houses. Visit
the Bohol Museum in Tagbilaran, the Punta Cruz Watch Tower in Maribojoc
( a wooden cross supposedly bestowed with mysterious powers), the
Baclayon Church, and the marker in Barrio Bool commemorating Sikatuna
and Legaspi's blood compact to complete your trip down memory lane. RIVER
SAFARI. Go on an enchanting river tour. Bohol has four major rivers,
Inabanga and Ipil in the north and Loboc and Abatan down south.
From Busay Falls, cruise down Loboc River in a pumpboat. Travel
through the seaside Bilar. On board, partake of a hearty lunch of
fresh lapu-lapu, shrimp and squid to the tune of strumming guitars. HIKING
AND CYCLING. Bohol's numerous hills, valleys and plateaus are ideal
for hiking and cycling. In Bilar, a three kilometer man-made forest
is sanctuary to the province's endangered species including the
tarsier, the world's smallest monkey. The town of Carmen, Batuan
and Sierra Bullones possess a cool weather throughout the year-
just right for long winding walks. SWIMMING
AND DIVING. To top off this idyllic scenery, Bohol has also been
blessed with pristine white beaches and serene dive spots. Panglao
Island has a number of beach resorts for sun lovers where various
watersports are available.Near Panglao are the islands of Balicasag
and Pamilacan. Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots
in the country.The waters of Pamilacan are brimming with schools
of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins
and pilotwhales can also be viewed from a distance. ATTRACTIONS While
Bohol is more popularly known for the Chocolate Hills, the island
offers a delightful variety of sights and sounds for any lover of
history and nature. CHOCOLATE
HILLS. Consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from
40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hills is a wonder of nature. Rightly
so, the Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological
Monument. During the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered limestone
hills dry up and turn brown transforming the area into rows and
rows of chocolate "kisses". Indeed, a visit to Bohol is
incomplete without partaking of the province's Peanut Kisses, crisp
and crunchy delicacy made up of eggs and peanuts, in honor of the
wondrous Hills. OLD
CHURCHES AND OTHER RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. One of the earliest Spanish
settlements, Bohol is home to the country's oldest stone church,
the Baclayon Church. Built by the Jesuits, Baclayon features a rich
collection of religious articles from vestments woven in gold thread
to Latin librettos printed on sheepskin. The legendary Dauis Church,
which is just a few minutes from Tagbilaran, features a fresh water
well at the foot of the altar. The waters are said to be blessed
with healing powers. Still another religious must-see is the Panglao
Church with its marvelous ceiling murals and intricately- carved
antique confessionals. HINAGDANAN
CAVE. With its breathtaking symphony of stalactities and stalagmites
jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight
to behold. Bring a pair of swimsuits if you want to swim in its
cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights. Hinagdanan
is only two and a half kilometers from Dauis. BOHOL
MUSEUM. Once the residence of the country's fourth president Carlos
P. Garcia, the Bohol Provincial Museum in Tagbilaran is a showcase
of the province's exciting history, culture and natural resources.
The museum also houses the personal effects of the late president.
Just a few minutes away from the Museum is the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia
Memorial Park where a life-sized monument of the president stands.
The statue was done by Boholanon National Artist Napoleon Abueva
in marble and bronze. HOTELS Bohol
Beach Club
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