Paradise Philippines - Bohol Island

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Bohol is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formation, is the most popular attraction. The island of Panglao, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is home to some of the finest beaches in the country. The Philippine Tarsier, considered by some to be the smallest primate, is indigenous to the island.

Boholanos refer to their island homeland as the 'Republic of Bohol' with both conviction and pride. A narrow strait separates the island of Cebu and Bohol and both share a common language, but the Boholanos retain a conscious distinction from the Cebuanos.

Hills dominate the island of Bohol. Two ranges run roughly parallel on the northwest and the southeast. An interior plateau is dominated by limestone hills. In Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan, these hills form near perfect cones in great numbers and are collectively referred to as the Chocolate Hills.

Bohol's climate is generally dry, with maximum rainfall between the months of June and October. The interior is cooler than the coast.

Bohol is the home province of Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines (1957-1960) who was born in Talibon, Bohol.



Bohol Tourist Attractions

Bohol Museum
Once the residence of the country's fourth president, Carlos P. Garcia, the Bohol Provincial Museum is Tagbilaran is a showcase of the province's exciting history, culture and natural resources. The Museum also houses the personal memorabilia 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.

Chocolate Hills
Consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hils 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 areas into rows and rows of chocolate "kisses." Indeed, a visit to Bohol is imcomplete without partaking of the province's Peanut Kisses, crisp and crunchy delicacy made of eggs and peanuts in honor of the wondrous hills.

Heritage Tour
An early Spanish settlement, the province of Bohol is filled with old churches, tree-lined 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 Barrior Bool commemorating Sikatuna and Legaspi's blood compact to complete your trip down memory lane.

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 towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sierra Bullones possess cool weather throughout the year just right for long and winding walks.



Hinagdanan Cave
With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights. Hinagdanan is only two and a-half kilometers from Dauis town.



Old Churches and Other Religious Institution
One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to one of the country's oldest stone churches, 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.


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 towns of Loboc, Loay and Bilar. On board partake of a hearty lunch of fresh lapu-lapu, shrimp, and squid to the tune of strumming guitars.



Swimming and Diving
To top off this idyllic scenery, Bohol has also been blessed with pristine white-sand 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 island 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 pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.