Bohol
WELCOME TO BOHOL
For the traveler who wishes to get his money’s worth, Bohol is the place to be. The place offers historical, cultural and natural spots – from 16th century churches and watchtowers to dolphin watching and scuba diving. Not to mention, Bohol is the home of one of the world’s smallest primates, the tarsier. Its splendor can be seen above and under water with its world famous Chocolate Hills, underground caves, and spectacular coral reefs. This place is a must see for everybody!
OVERVIEW
Scenic Bohol is a tropical gem in the middle of Visayas, a large group of islands in the middle of the Philippines. Its historical significance extends way back to the blood compact between Boholana chieftain Sikatuna and the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, in 1565. The old churches and monuments that abound will give you a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
This oval-shaped island is a tropical haven of natural beauty, the coastline of the province is skimmed by gentle coves and white sand beaches. You can find some of the country’s great dive sights here. Balicasag in Bohol is one of the very best and most popular dives in the Visayas. A black coral forest is among its main attractions but virtually anywhere you drop in is sure to be rewarding. Another major attraction, Cabilao is renowned for the hammerhead sharks that shoal around the clear waters. Large pelagics are very common here, and if you are really lucky, you can find yourself swimming with a passing school of dolphins.
Bohol also has sufficient hotel accommodations for all businessmen and travelers. All around the province is a collection of 7 big hotels, 34 lodging houses or pension houses and most interestingly, 29 beach resorts. Not only that, Bohol is also equipped with diving center facilities ranging from the expensive ones to the simple instruction programs found in almost all beach resorts. There are also shopping and recreational areas -- for antique lovers, Bohol is an ideal place to do some treasure hunting for rare one of a kind pieces. It is dotted by many antique shops whose locations are always known by van drivers and the locals. In the finance and banking sector, 45 notable institutions have their doors opened for investments and finance.
GEOGRAPHY
The island of Bohol which lies in the middle of Visayas, is about 700 kilometers directly south of Manila and is about 70 kilometers southeast of Mactan Island and is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. It is surrounded by other islands on all sides, and is thus shielded from the typhoons that occur in the region, as well as from heavy rains.
Bohol is separated from Mindanao by the Bohol Sea in the South and the island of Leyte by the Canigao Chanel in the East. The Comotes Sea in the North separates Bohol from the Comotes Islands, and the Bohol Strait separates it from Cebu.
CLIMATE
The province falls under the climate type IV characterized by no very pronounced maximum rain period and no dry season. It is usually warm and dry along the coast while cold and humid in the interior. Unlike Luzon and the northern part of Visayas, Bohol is mostly unaffected by the numerous typhoons that hit the country. The weather is mostly mild all year round. When typhoons do hit the island, they usually cross quickly and are no longer powerful, their energy dissipated by the mountains in Leyte and Samar. Maximum precipitation occurs in June to October. Average annual temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air:
The following Philippine carriers all have Bohol on their flight networks:
CEBU PACIFIC
Reservation Hotline: (02) 702 0888
Website: www.cebupacificair.com
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES
Reservation Hotline: (02) 855 8888
Website: www.philippineairlines.com
AIR PHILIPPINES
Reservation Hotline: (02) 857 5258
Website: www.airphils.com
By Boat:
The Tagbilaran City Tourist Pier handles more than 4,000 travelers on a daily basis. Nine daily ship calls from Cebu are processed efficiently, with other ships from Manila, Cagayan de Oro City, Dumaguete, Dipolog, Iligan City, Larena, Plaridel and Ozamiz City also welcomed on a regular basis. Another four port terminals cater specifically to Cebu and northern Mindanao routes. Additional berthing space for fastcraft ferries is currently under construction.
GETTING AROUND
Bohol Island is a easily accessible by bus, private cars, taxi and rental cars. Many of the towns in Bohol have a bus terminal where one can get a ride to other towns. Tagbilaran City, the capital city of Bohol has an integrated bus terminal located in Dao, where you can get a bus ride to get in most towns in Bohol. Most bus lines operate follows daily schedules. To go the the Chocolate Hills, one had to take the interior-route like Carmen-Sierra Bullones.
Other ways, to get to different places in Bohol is to rent a car. There are several different transportation companies in Tagbilaran City where you can make arrangements to rent a car or van or jeepney. Taxis are also available, but usually you have to pay in pre-negotiated fare called Pakyaw
Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills, located in the town of Carmen, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, are probably the most famous tourist attraction of the island. It consists of 1268 hills which are uniform in shape and are mostly about 30 to 50 meters high. And not one of these hills is man made! They are covered with grass, which at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown in color. It is from this that the hills derived its name. Two of the hills have been developed into a resort. On top of these hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck.
Tarsier Sanctuary
One of the rare faunas found in the Philippine archipelago that is usually the favorite subject of scientific research is the tarsier, considered as the smallest primate in the whole world. A nocturnal primate measuring from four to five inches, it has a tail which is longer than its body. However, if you're really interested to see this famous tarsier, you're always welcomed by the Boholanos to see it in its natural abode the hills in the town of Corella, 10 km. from Tagbilaran City.
Mag-Aso Falls
The falls are a walking distance from Antequera and are a fine destination after a visit to the handicrafts market on a Sunday morning. On the market square, a large sign directs you to the right road, which you follow until you see a small ticket stall where you will have to pay two pesos, and can enter the concrete stairs down to the falls.
Eva Cave
Wild orchids and tree ferns of the tropics grow abundantly near the Eva Cave. Countless birds abound and these birds build edible nests which are gathered in large quantities for sale. A stone wall covers the area with several compartments. The Eva Cave is a fascinating Bohol site for bird enthusiasts. It is located in Odiong, Jagna, one of the southwestern municipalities of the province.
Kokok & Nueva Vida Sur Caves
These caves lace the underground of the town’s upland areas with giant chambers, springs, fascinating rock formation, and stalactites, where one can experience the thrill in conquering Mother Nature by exploring. The caves are located in the municipality of Carmen.
Butterfly Sanctuary
Located along the main highway of Bilar comes this beautiful haven habituated by hundred of majestic butterflies indigenous in the area. To date, it has more than 110 different species of butterflies which also include the Triodes Magellanus, the biggest buttefly in the Philippines and is uniquely found in Bilar all year long. The butterfly sanctuary has tour guides to educate visitors about the creatures living in the habitat. It also has a restaurant and home-made products sold to tourists.
Balicasag Island
Balicasag is an island located off the south of Panglao with a total land area of 25 hectares, 1.5 hectares has been transformed into a beach dive resort. Balicasag Island is all you would imagine a tropical island to be: vast deserted white sand beaches, stately palm trees scattered all around, flowering bougainvilleas adding vivid colors to the never ending blue seas and skies. From scuba diving to deep sea diving, Balicasag is a haven for all divers and beach bums.
Some of the best diving sites are located around Balicasag Island. Its crystal clear waters provide a window to the bounty of corals and aquatic animals in the area. On the south portion of Balicasag is a protected marine reserve reaching up to 400 meters of ocean space. This sanctuary has a steep vertical wall of hard and soft corals and generally has strong underwater currents. During the months of December and January, some hammerhead sharks and great whale sharks can be spotted. In the dives, a school of jackfish may accompany you while groupers unhurriedly swim down below.
Pamilacan Island
One of the country's richest scuba diving sites. Noted for its big whales called Sanga. It is between the deep sea of Bohol and Mindanao. Beautiful small and big colored fish and the prized Gloria Maris sea shells abound in its surrounding waters. Accessible in an hour ride by pumpboat from Baclayon, a whale watching expedition can also be organized.
Churches
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Baclayon Church
Some 6 kms. east of Tagbilaran is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines -The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. This massive architectural edifice completed in 1727 with a large bell obtained in 1835 is one of the best preserved Jesuit-built churches. Next to the church is an old convent which houses a small museum with centuries-old religious relics, artifacts and antiquities dating back to the 16th century. Included in the collection are an ivory statue of the crucified Christ looking up to heaven, a statue of the Blessed Virgin, relics of St. Ignatius of Loyola, books with carabao skins and librettos of church music written in Latin on sheep skins.
Dauis Church
Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling.
The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townfolk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.
Loboc Church
The Church of San Pedro in Loboc is the second oldest church in Bohol. Located 21 km. east of Tagbilaran and near a river, it has survived a number of floods. Inside the church are remarkable native paintings on the ceiling and a Spanish coat of arms can be found near the entrance. The bell tower of Loboc is about 100 meters from the church. There is also a three-storey convent which houses the Museo de Loboc on the third floor.
Punta Cruz Watchtower
Located in the town of Maribojoc, Bohol is the olden Punta Cruz Watchtower. Made by the Spaniards around 1796, it was used as a look-out point for Mulsim pirates who plagued the people of Bohol. The watchtower provides visitors a wide view of the sea overlooking the neighboring islands of Cebu, Siquijor and the Mindanao Sea.
Bohol Museum
Once the home of former President Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth President of the Philippine Republic and the greatest statesman Bohol has ever produced, and his family. This museum situated in Tagbilaran gives the visitors a feel of what Bohol was, is, and will be. On display are the late President and family’s memorabilia, old relics plus a collection of shells found on Bohol’s shores.
Mangrove Forests
Bohol is known for its very divers mangrove ecosystems. Here you can find acres of floras and faunas living in thick forestations that consist of many river systems, estuaries and off shore islands. There are two popular mangrove sights in the islands of Bohol. One is the Banacon Island Mangrove Forest located at the northeastern part of Bohol. The bigger mangrove destination is the Candijay Mangrove Forest which is 92 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.
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WHAT TO DO
Bird Watching
Bohol is a favorite bird-watcher’s destination in the Philippines. The Rajah Sikatuna National Park near the town of Bilar, is the largest remaining natural forest in Bohol. There are a number of trails you can follow and a birder’s logbook is available at the headquarters. Those with patience might even get a chance to see rare and endangered species of birds such as the Philippine Eagle Owl.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
You can make arrangements with local fishermen to bring you to Bohol Sea by banca. Thirty minutes away from Alona Beach, you will get to see groups of dolphins jumping and spinning. You can see as many as 500 dolphins at a time – spinner and bottle-nosed dolphins alike. The fishermen can then take you to Pamilican island where you can buy freshly caught produce at a much lower price and at the same time get to see an old Spanish watch tower.
Pamilacan Island Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours
Contact Person: Joselino "Jojo" S. Baritua
Address: Public Market, Poblacion, 6301 Baclayon, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: (+63) (38) 5409279
Phone: (+63) 919 7306108
Email:
[email protected]
Website: http://whales.bohol.ph/
Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Bohol is blessed with scenic waters overflowing with the abundance of nature – from magnificent coral reefs to a great variety of marine life. Below are some spots where you can simply lay under the sun, ride a banca to go island touring and for the more adventurous traveler, scuba diving lessons.
Anda Beach (Anda; 101 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A beach along the poblacion covered with white sand. It is noted for its cleanliness. The townfolk enjoy the unpolluted sea.
Alona Beach (Panglao; 20 km. from Tagbilaran City).
The beach is located in a cover of white sandy beach facing the Mindanao sea. The waters are deep, making the beach ideal for scuba diving. It is probably the most beautiful and definitely the most developed. The beach is about one and a half kilometers long, lined with nice resorts, a number of well equipped diving establishments, and pleasant places to eat out.
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Kalipayan is the house reef of Alona, also known as the “Happy Wall.” You can get there by banca but it is just as easy to swim from the shores of Alona beach. The waters are visibly calm without currents. The wall starts at 3 m. and drops to 20 m. with soft corals, groupers, and juvenile barracudas.
Napaling
A 45 minute- one hour banca ride from Alona Beach, this area has wonderful corals that underwater photographers and snorkellers would enjoy. A dive here starts at about 5 to 7 meters, and then drops to about 20 to 30 meters. The overhangs are spectacular and you will come across small caves with soldierfish and squirrelfish, large table corals and plenty of anemones.
Alejawan Beach (Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City).
Though its sand and pebbles are brown, the water does not get murky. The sea bottom very gently slopes to the deep making it a child-friendly beach. The beach has a wide level ground which can hold expansion and development. The area is about two hundred meters from the highway. Thick coconut grooves line half of the beach and the other half is an open sandy portion.
Arco Point
Known as the “Hole in the Wall” because of the funnel like vertical entrance, the wall is located near the exclusive Bohol Beach Club. Along the short wall, you may find small groupers, butterfly fish, moray eels and sea snakes. The waters are calm with little or no currents with a visibility of up to 30 m.
Balbalan Beach (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City).
Dimiao has a stretch of white sandy beaches facing the Mindanao Sea. Colorful coral reefs dot its shorelines, offering an alternative diving haven in the province. The most famous of these beaches is the Balbalan Beach Resort, which is a 5-minute drive from the poblacion, whose crystal-clear blue waters is ideal for swimming, sailing and diving.
Bay Watch (Panganagn Island, Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City).
Famous for scuba diving, especially noted for the presence of famous white sharks.
Bikini Beach (Dauis; 8 km. from Tagbilaran City).
An ideal beach for all bathers. Calm waters, with palm trees around that shade the beach. It has huts and benches for picnickers. Fish of various kinds abound here.
Dumaluan Beach
South of the island, about two and a half kilometers east of Alona Beach, you will find the more exclusive beach resorts of Bohol such as the Bohol Beach Club.
Cave Exploration and Spelunking
Bohol is known as the island of caves and rightly so. The caves vary in depth, width, and even length. Stalactites and stalagmites come in different shapes and sizes. Some are inhabited by rare albino crabs and fishes. You can even take a dip in some of the springs or simply take pictures of the amazing rock formations.
Two kilometers out of town lies Hagakgak cave. Again, you will have follow a trail through dense vegetation. Located about two kilometers from the town center, the cave is still quite undisturbed. The entrance is a 15 meters wide passage at the base of a sinkhole. This cave is a bit more difficult, and it can be quite wet and muddy inside. To get enter, you'll at times have to wriggle yourself through some narrow passages, but once inside, you'll be rewarded with some nice stalactites and
stalagmites.
If you’re really into caving, you’d probably want to be challenged by Inambacan cave. Inside the cave is flowing water which often fills most of the cave – often the water is over 1.20 meters deep, and often a mere 30 centimeters of air between the current and the ceiling.
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Wherever you go, great foods always seem to complete anyone’s travel experience. There are great local restaurants in Bohol that offer everyone a savory and tasteful dining experience. Wide variety of choices, some with specialty in seafood, some in meat barbeques, etc. Some restaurants also accommodate bigger groups in formal dining settings, banquet, etc. Browse below for food dining, restaurant listings in different parts of Bohol.
TAGBILARAN CITY
Caingit Fish Grill Restaurant
10 Caingit Drive, Caingit Beach,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 411 4949
Joving Seafoods
Wharf Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 411 3684
Miravilla Seafood Restaurant
F.C. Harisson Extension,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 411 3867
Mr. Seafood Restaurant
Tagbilaran Wharf Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 411 2197
JJ's Seaside Retaurant
K of C Drive, Gallares Street,
Tagbilaran City Bohol
(63 38) 411 3756
JJ’s Dimsum Restaurant
CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City,
(63 38) 411 2197
Kusina Nativo Ihaw-Ihaw and Restaurant
CPG North Avenue, beside Tagbilaran Cockpit Arena,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 235 6346
Odysseus Steak Haus & Restaurant
Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 235 6364
Shanghai Bay Dimsum
Lou Square, J.C. Borja Street, corner M. Parras Street,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 501 7423
Cion-Virge Café
City Airport Area, Tagbilrana City
(63 38) 411 23 28
Singaporean Claypot Restaurant
44 Gallares Street, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(63 38) 235 6645
LOBOC AREA
Loboc Riverview Restaurant
Villadolid, Loboc, Bohol Philippines
(63 38) 537 9223
Loboc Tour Park Carabao Riding & Restaurant
National Highway, Candabong, Loboc, Bohol
(63 38) 411 2197
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There are over 30 hotels and resorts to choose from that cater to couples seeking romantic or adventurous getaways and to big families seeking fun, rest and tons of relaxation.
Alona Palm Beach Resort and Restaurant
This is a luxurious beach resort on the island of Panglao is located on a slightly elevated area in the middle of a tropical garden, spacious and quiet. A 60 meter wide coconut palm grove divides the 12 luxury villas from the white beach. Almost all villas offer pool; coconut palm grove - and sea view. The open restaurant, overlooking the pool and sea, offers excellent Filipino and international cuisine, prepared by an experienced German chef. The resort has a big fresh water swimming pool, badminton court, a 9-hole miniature golf lawn, IDD and NDD phone lines and WIFI access. They offer activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and local tours. Massage services are also available.
Amarela Resort
Owned by a Boholano, Amarela is a showcase of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship with a distinctly Bohol flavor. The resort makes use of art... Owned by a Boholano, Amarela is a showcase of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship with a distinctly Bohol flavor. The resort makes use of art, antiques and old wood blending them seamlessly with modern conveniences such as satellite television and wireless internet access. Other amenities include a library and a pool near the path down to the beach. The beachfront is part of Libaong beach, the longest stretch of white sand in Panglao.
Blue Sky Sea Resort
This resort is in Barrio Bolod, Panglao Island and is nestled on a cliff amidst lush greenery, affording a commanding sea view. A 20-room resort with snorkelling and dive sites within easy reach.
Bohol Tropics
Bohol Tropics, in Tagbilaran City, caters to travelers who come in different forms, shapes, and sizes. It has six private videoke rooms, two dance floors, three pools, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, and kiddie playgrounds. They also offer jet skiing and scuba diving and even arrange an island tour of Balicasag, one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. You can work out in the fitness center, play billiards or video games in their game room. The Tropics is big enough to hold conventions, weddings, and other big events.
Bohol Beach Club
The resort boasts of an exclusive one and half kilometer stretch of white sand, the largest shoreline in that area. Guest can also enjoy a relaxing swim in the kidney shaped pool set in lush greenery or simply laze at the outdoor jacuzzi. The club has aqua sports that include snorkeling, fun island dives, sailing, kayaking, and whale and dolphine watching.
Flushing Meadows Resort & Playground
This is one of Bohol's most exclusive deluxe resort. Guests at this lovely Bohol resort may expect a truly pleasurable tropical paradise experience. Fishing and diving facilities, a private beach, a spectacular children's playground, and an international-standard tennis court are among the many attractions at this resort in Bohol. Accommodations here combine island décor with modern amenities; private balconies provide stunning seaviews
Flower Beach & Dive Resort Bohol
Poised on the edge of an aqua oasis and embraced by the spectacular seascapes, the Flower Beach and Dive Resort is a popular destination for water sports and diving vacations at Bohol.
Vest Pension House
Built in a European-Chalet Design, designed in beautiful wood. Located in a quiet residential section of Tagbilaran City Well Stocked full liquor... Built in a European-Chalet Design, designed in beautiful wood. Located in a quiet residential section of Tagbilaran City Well Stocked full liquor Bar, Fine Dining Restaurant which offers the best in local and international cuisine, and comfortable Lounge Area. FREE shuttle pick up and drop off by arrangement. Airport transfers for guests arriving via Tagbilaran City Airport or from the seaport. Along with free internet access and (Wifi-Hotspot) for guests.
Metro Centre Hotel
At the heart of the financial and commercial district stands the imposing 8-storey Metro Centre Hotel and Convention Center. The property is equipped with the finest amenities for business travel and leisure. The health club features exercise facilities that include sauna, jacuzzi and massage.
Hotels
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