We're down to our last few weeks of summer here in the Philippines (in fact, it's already been raining almost everyday these past few weeks now), but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Before the summer ends (and before the kids start heading back to school again for nine months), wouldn't it be just great to head out somewhere and enjoy these remaining weeks of pure summer bliss?
Fortunately, you do not really have to head out of the country to have the best vacation of your life--the Philippines has 7,107 islands which you can discover and explore.
Bohol, an island province in the Visayas, has in recent years already become one of the country's vacation hotspots attracting both local and foreign tourists. Aside from having beaches that are less crowded than Boracay (which is a big plus for those who just want a peaceful time at the beach), Bohol is also known for its attractions such as the Chocolate Hills, the cute Tarsiers, and the historical Baclayon Church. A trip to Bohol would not be complete without seeing these "icons".
However, that is not all that this province has to offer. I have a list of alternative places that you could go to (aside from the usual attractions and activities), which are also certainly worth checking out, that would certainly make your trip to Bohol a most unforgettable and memorable one.
1. See the Loboc River from a Bird's Eye View
Many guidebooks will tell you that you should go on a cruise along the Loboc River and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and trees while having lunch or dinner, while being serenaded by singers with their guitars. However, if you're more adventurous and would like to try something new, then you might just want to give ziplining a try.
Head on over to the Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park, where a zipline or a cable car ride will give you magnificent views of the Busay Falls at the end of the Loboc River. The zipline here, at 600 meters, is the longest one in the island, and takes you 100 meters above the ground. Don't worry, though--your safety here is guaranteed.
2. Go Trekking and Take a Swim at the Mag-Aso Falls
Located in the town of Antequera which is about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the Mag-Aso Falls is relatively unknown since it is located inland and is a bit too far from the usual tourists attractions. The name comes from the local term "aso", which means "smoke". This was named as such because of the smoke-like mist that covers the falls.
3. Go on a Food Adventure--Eat!
If touring the province has made you hungry, Bohol has a number of restaurants or cafes worth checking out. One such place is Cafe Lawis, located inside the Dauis Pilgrim Heritage Center, near the Senora de la Asuncion Shrine. It is at the town of Dauis, at the edge of Panglao Island closest to mainland Bohol. They offer a good selection of pastas, baked goodies and beverages. Worth trying are their souffles which are available in Kinampay, Ginger, and Tsokolate Eh flavors. These take a while to prepare but they are most definitely worth the wait.
Other must-visit places include Hayahay Pizza located at Alona Beach at Panglao Island (which claims to serve the best pizzas in the island), Saffron Restaurant and Bar at the Amorita Resort also at Panglao (where they have a wide selection of gourmet dishes which you can enjoy while enjoying the view of the beach or the sunset), and The Buzzz Cafe at Island City Mall at Tagbilaran (which basically serves the same delicious, organic treats from the Bohol Bee Farm such as the Malunggay Ice Cream or salad made out of flower petals).
4. Appreciate its History
Bohol has a number of old churches which date back to the Spanish colonial period. The most popular of these is the Baclayon Church, which is most often visited by tourists. There are, of course, other Churches that you may check out. The Church of Our Lady of Light at the town of Loon (25 kilometers from Tagbilaran City) is the biggest Church in Bohol. What was originally a chapel built in 1753 under the leadership of Fray Manuel de Elizalde has become an architectural marvel built by the Augustinians.
The Church of San Pedro at Loboc, meanwhile, is the second oldest Church in Bohol, built in 1602 (and rebuilt again in 1638 following a fire). The ceiling of this Church is adorned with paintings. Adjacent to it is the Museo de Loboc at the third floor of the convent which contains statues and other religious artifacts.
5. Enjoy Nature--Up Close
Philippe Tariser at Panglao Island is a mixed-use property owned by husband-and-wife tandem Nicolas and Patricia Moussempes. The place has a large botanical garden, a mini-zoo, a museum (that contains, among others, actual paintings from 16th century Europe and pottery, statues or carpets from India, China, or Indonesia which dates back to ancient times), restaurants, cafes, and an events place where you can hold wedding receptions, birthday parties or other similar events). A tour, which takes about 2-3 hours, takes you around the place to view the beautiful landscaping conceptualized and handled by the owners themselves, as well as an extensive collection of pottery and statues acquired by the owners from their numerous trips abroad. You may check out my review of Philippe Tarsier here.
You may also want to visit the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center at the town of Bilar, which houses over half of the 300 species of butterflies found in Bohol. The conservation center also houses several species of birds such as the Collared Kingfisher and the Spotted Dove. The night safari tour, meanwhile, allows you to check out several species of nocturnal animals such as owls and bats.
Bohol is a mere one hour flight from Manila. Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Tagbilaran three times a day; Cebu Pacific flies 2-3 times a day (depending on the day of the week); Zest Air and AirPhil Express fly twice daily each.
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