Bohol Tourist Spots

Van Rental to tour different tourist spots in Bohol

2010-03-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post here. Had my hands full due to the number of guests availing our van rental service. There were even some that we had to turn down because we were booked most of the time. This made me realize that we need to expand our fleet of vans.

We will be buying more vans to accomodate tourists who want to tour Bohol in a day. Our tour package include visits to the following sites:

Sandugo Site
Baclayon Church (One of the oldest churches in the Philippines)
Loboc River
Tarsier Home
Man-made forest
Chocolate Hills
Floating Bridge

We will announce as soon as our new vans arrive plus we will be adding more destinations as our list of loyal clients continue to expand.

You can contact us at 09308260580. Drop us a text message first before calling us. Thanks

Car / Van Rentals for Bohol Tour

2009-02-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, the past months I've been receiving inquiries from readers of this blog who want to visit Bohol. They all are asking for the rate of the car / van rental for the day tour that will bring them to the top tourist destinations in Bohol.

Our rate is P3,500 for van and P2,500 for car (max of 4 persons). You don't need to pay for the gas or the driver. Tipping is even optional since our drivers receive handsome monthly salaries. But well, you have to pay for your entrance fees (for destinations that require fees) and for the boat ride at the Loboc River (around P300 per person inclusive of meals). You have to pay the fees yourself, we don't collect it.

What do you get? Aside from the cozy ride courtesy of our clean and well-maintained tourist vehicles and courteous drivers, the day tour will bring you to the following spots: Sandugo Marker in Tagbilaran, Baclayon Church (the oldest church in the country) in Baclayon, Loboc River, Tarsier Home, Loboc Church (with the Loboc Children's Choir if you are lucky), man-made forest, and the Chocolate Hills. If you still have time, you can do a detour to Bohol's hanging bridge.

If you are interested, send me SMS at 09308260580.

Adventure Activities to Experience in Bohol

2008-04-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

Bohol offers numerous ways to fill every thrill-seeker's passion for adventure: diversions that take the daring under and above water, below and on high ground, or both.

Pedal 'round our purply yam-shaped island on your trusty mountain bike. Plunge deep into the waters of Panglao Island and the nearby islands which are home to some of the world's most diverse marine life, as surveyed by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.

Balicasag, a small island southwest of Panglao, and Cabilao Island of Loon town offer the avid diver and underwater photographer stunning otherwordly vistas of amazing coral canyons, ridges, and overhangs, crevices, and a myriad of sea creatures.. The forests and mountains of Bohol are likewise fit for the most exciting adventure forays. Scale the mountains of Anda, the seat of Bohol's early civilization.

Explore the caves of Sierra Bullones, whose cavernous vaults are bejeweled with the most dazzling stalagmite and stalactite formations shaped by nature's masterful hand. Rappel down a waterfall in Antequera. Paddle through a vast nipa grove in the Abatan River. Immerse in Danao's eco-adventure tourism attractions that include white-water tubing, trail hiking, river trekking, kayaking, rapelling, and tyrolean traversing.

Bohol's great outdoors burst with adventure that will surely delight.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES TO EXPERIENCE

Diving in Balicasag
Descend into the rich waters surrounding the tiny island of Balicasag, southwest off Panglao town in Panglao Island, and explore one of the country's most popular dive sites.

How to get there: Balicasag island can be reached via a 35-minute boat ride from Poblacion, Panglao.

Eco-Adventure in Danao
Experience eco-adventure tourism in the interior town of Danao where thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike can go caving, rappelling, trekking, biking, swimming, and kayaking.

How to get there: About 98kms from the city, Danao is accessible via public utility jeepneys, taxi, motorcycle, or rented vans

Extreme sports in Antequera
Feel the rush of extreme sports in the rivers, caves, and peaks of Antequera organized by the Bohol Extreme, a local group of extreme sports enthusiasts

How to get there: About 18.5 kms from the city, Antequera is accessible via public utility jeepneys, taxi, motorcycle, or rented van

Nature Destinations to Visit in Bohol

2008-04-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

Bohol is a treasure island of natural wonders.

The stunning Chocolate Hills at the heart of the province never fail to amaze. From the viewing deck at the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen or from the vantage point at Sagbayan Peak, one can indulge in the breathtaking panorama of 1,268 nature-sculpted hills.

Pristine freshwater rivers, waterfalls, and ice-cold springs sprinkled all over the island still sparkle with unspoiled splendor.

A trip through the quaint countryside treats one to a living palette of golden ricefields and verdant meadows. The shores of the country's tenth largest island are profuse with some of the most biologically diverse mangrove ecosystems, including a 400-hectare mangrove plantation found in Banacon Island in the town of Getafe, in the northeastern end of Bohol, which, incidentally, is the largest mangrove reforestation in Asia.

The bounty and the beauty of nature unsullied runs prime in the Boholano consciousness and efforts towards its preservation and sustainability are fervent and deeply rooted.

NATURE DESTINATIONS TO VISIT

Alona Beach
Enjoy beach life in this 1.5-km-shoreline of powdery white sand in Tawala, Panglao where a strong beach resort community keeps the place vibrant, and at the same time, relaxing.

How to get there. About 10 kms from the city, Alona Beach is accessible via public utility jeepney, taxi, motorcycle, or rented van

Loboc River
Cruise into relaxing emerald waters nestled in a lush tropical forest in the town of Loboc.

How to get there. About 21 kms from the city, Loboc town is accessible via public utility jeepney, taxi, motorcycle, or rented van

Candijay Mangrove
Walk into one of the richest, most diverse mangrove forests in the country and behold the sight and sounds of some of the rarest exotic birds that populate this community-based eco-tourism destination in Panadtaran, Candijay.

How to get there. About 92.2 kms from the city, Candijay is accessible via public utility jeepney, taxi, motorcycle, or rented van

Hinagdanan Cave in Panglao, Bohol

2008-03-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

If there's one tourist destination in Bohol that you should not dare miss, it would be the Hinagdanan Cave (Hinagdanan means laddered) on the island of Panglao.

Unlike other caves, where you have to climb mountains and walk through thick bushes, Hinagdanan cave is very accessible, making it a favorite among Bohol's tourists.

This cave has a large number of stalactites hanging from the sealing, and matching stalagmites sticking out of the earth below them. The cave leads to a large underground cavern, that contains a pond. Both ends of the cave are open but swimming in the pool is not advisable as the waters there are not clean.

It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites.
The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a popular swimming spot, but it has been known to test for high levels of various pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff.

Wanna visit Hinagdanan Cave? We offer van for hire for only P4,000/day good for 11 persons. The trip will bring you to Chocolate Hills, Loboc River, Blood Compact Site, Tarsiers, Baclayon Church, and we can arrange a trip to Hinagdanan Cave. Drop us a text message at +63 9196384069.

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Bohol's Chocolate Hills - A view to behold

2008-03-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons why millions of tourists continue to flock to Bohol every single day is these unusual geological formation composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size.

Sometimes considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World", the Chocolate Hills has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List This is the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills which abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into a resort. On top of the hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck.

The Chocolate Hills is a rolling terrain of haycock hills — mounds of general shape which are conical and almost symmetrical. Estimated to be at least 1,268 individual mounds to about 1,776, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually grass-covered limestone hills.

The large and numerous perfect domes vary in sizes from 30 meters to 50 meters high with the largest being 120 meters in height. Aesthetically extensive, they are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. Bohol's "main attraction", these unique mound-shaped hills are scattered by the thousands on the island's central plain, concentrated near the town of Carmen.

At dawn or at sunset, the Chocolate Hills are an alluring sight; the whole area picturesque amidst the rice fields and the clusters of houses made of the diamond patterned sawali or bamboo slats During the dry season, the precipitation is inadequate such that the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of chocolate "kisses"., hence the name in reference to a branded confection.

Geologists have actually long debated about the formation of the hills, resulting in various ways the origin of the Chocolate Hills are stated or explained. The one written on the bronze plaque at the viewing deck in Carmen, Bohol states that they are eroded formations of a type of marine limestone that sits on top of hardened clay. The plaque reads: "The unique land form known as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol was formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rain water and erosion."

Another statement says: "the grassy hills were once coral reefs that erupted from the sea in a massive geologic shift. Wind and water put on the finishing touches over hundreds of thousands of years." some info from wikipedia

Getting to the Chocolate Hills is fast and easy. Here are the most convenient ways to go to the Chocolate Hills.

From Manila:
Take a plane trip to Bohol
There is a daily flight to Tagbilaran City, Bohol's Capital
via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

From Cebu City:
Take a fast craft for Tagbilaran
Wessam Express is docked at Pier 4
Ocean Jet is docked at Pier 1
Fast crafts travel to Tagbilaran at least 4 times a day

From Tagbilaran:
At the airport or seaport, you will be greeted by van drivers
who offer commissioned trips to Carmen town, the site of the
Chocolate Hills. Van trips usually cost around P4,000 for round trips.

You can also take the bus to Carmen
But if you are a first time tourist, I suggest you take the van trips
for safety and convenience.

Do you need assistance from us?

We can arrange your trip to the Chocolate Hills
with side trips to other tourist destinations in Bohol
Drop us a text message at +63 9308260580

Lunch onboard Loboc's Floating Restaurant

2008-02-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

One of the best lunches I've had so far. That's how I describe my lunch onboard the world-renown floating restaurant that cruises the enigmatic Loboc River. The lunch is buffet - sea foods, the ever popular mix of pansit and bihon, local delicacies and kakanin, of course there's meat and chicken, and a variety of seasonal fruits.

And yes, it's only P280 per person. Unbelievable? Try it yourself.

For only P280, you will be onboard the floating restaurant where you can partake of the sumptous eat-all-you-can meal to fill your stomach and sceneries to fill your memories. Food is just part of the cruise. There's also live music and a rondalla presentation when you get near the source of the river.

Feel like jumping into the enticing river? Yes you can. Just tell the staff in advance so the floating restaurant will wait for you for a few minutes of swimming.

All these for only P280 per person. Wow. I'm even willing to shell out more for such a very wonderful experience.

Wanna Visit Bohol in a day?

2008-01-11T02:28:00.000-08:00

For sure you want to try and visit Bohol. With all the buzz about the world-renown Chocolate Hills, the enchanting Loboc River, the wonderful mand-made forest, the cute Tarsiers, the old Baclayon Church, the Hanging Bridge, and the Blood Compact Site, I know you are excited to set your foot in the province.

Do you know that you can actually visit the wonderful tourist destinations above in a day? Yes, as in in less than 10 hours. No, I'm not kidding. I've tried it myself to test travel time and it took me less than 10 hours.

If you are from Cebu, you can start in the morning and finish in the afternoon in time for the second to the last Supercat trip back home. Isn't that great?

If you are from Manila, well, you need to really stay overnight in Tagbilaran because the plane flight back to Manila is only once a day (please let me know if this has changed).

And how much would a day trip cost?

Going to those places i've mentioned above via a van (if you are a group of five or more) would cost only P4,500. No need to worry abot the van's gasoline and tipping the driver is optional.
The P4,500 will take you to as far as Chocolate Hills plus stops on the tourists destinations I've mentioned above.

Lunch will surely be at the Loboc River onboard the Floating Restaurant (P280 / pax inclusive of buffet lunch and a cruise to the source of the river). Chocolate Hills entrance fee is only P25 (subject to change) and you don't have to pay anything in the other tourist destinations I've mentioned.

I can arrange your day trip if you like. I have a van that will take you to the tourist destinations for only P4,500 and the driver is courteous :) and knows the place very well. Car trip (if you are a group of less than 5 persons) is only P3,500 for the entire day trip.

Please drop me a text message or call me at 09196384069. I won't bite. :)

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Cebu - Bohol Friendship Bridge

2008-01-11T02:01:00.000-08:00

I know a lot of Boholanos and Cebuanos too are getting very excited at the prospect of travelling to Bohol from Cebu and vice versa via land trip. Yes, this is true and this is getting near possible.

The Regional Development Council has already approved the feasibility study for this dream project of connection Cebu and Bohol through a friendship bridge. It might take several years before anyone of us can make the historical road trip but at least the possibility is very huge.

The friendship bridge will surely benefit both provinces. Cebu, with an international airport, will become a transient point for tourists who want to visit Bohol (as what is happening right now) and Bohol's tourism and economy will surely soar with the influx of visitors.

Here's just hoping that the friendship bridge will not result to much commercializatio in Bohol. Here's hoping that Bohol will remain quite, peaceful, enigmatic, and enchanting with its simple way of living.

Bohol in a Day

2007-08-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

When my Manila-based friends asked me if they can visit some of Bohol's world-class destinations in a day, I immediately nodded. Yes, in a day, and I mean in less than 8 hours, you can visit and have your photos taken at the Blood Compact Site, the Baclayon Church, the Loboc River, the Tarsiers, the Chocolate Hills, the Man-made forest, and the hanging bridge.

Sounds impossible? I've experienced it myself and it took me really less than 8 hours.

It was 8 a.m. in Tagbilaran City. I rented a van for the day trip. First stop was the Blood Compact Site, where Bohol's chieftain and some Spanish conquistadors sealed friendship by signing a document using their bloods. Took me around 5 minutes to read the marker, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.

A few minutes more and I was inside the oldest church in Bohol, the Baclayon Church, a witness to the province's transformation from a quite, laid-back province to what it is right now. Paintings from unknown artists are reflected on the ceiling and wall. Antique church relics are still present.

In less than an hour, I was already in Loboc, taking a cruise at the Loboc River onboard the floating restaurant. The 30-minute cruise of the scenic and serene Loboc River ends at the source of the water, a gushing line of waterfalls, and on the side are locals playing folk songs.

Then the floating restaurant brings you back to the place where you boarded it. Of course, there's unlimited food (it comes with the cruise fee of around P250 per person). After the cruise, you can go directly to the Tarsier garden where the famous E.T. look-alike are resting. For a mere donation (P20 will do), you can browse elbows with these creatures and have your photos taken.

The next stop was the hectares of man-made forest. Although the trees are not as big as that in the Amazon Jungle, the shade they give is so relaxing and the air is so fresh and cold it almost feels like you are in Baguio. You can park the vehicle on the shoulder and take some photos.

Final destination is the Chocolate Hills. Takes around 30-45 minutes but the road trip is not boring because along the way you can see the simple yet happy life of Boholanos who are either farming or tending to their fish ponds.

At the Chocolate Hills, you have to climb at least a hundred steps to reach the top and view the entire scenery filled with chocolated-coated hills, around a thousand of them, stretching to as far as the eye can see. Take some photos, or take a rest. The choice is yours.

On my way back to Tagbilaran City, the drive made a detour and brough me to the Hanging Bridge. A very exciting journey, however, short. Imagine crossing a bamboo bridge that moves with the wind. Hahahaha. I felt my legs shaking while crossing the bridge. What was embarrasing was that a local girl crossed the bridge running without a hint of fear.

See. The trip lasted for less than 8 hours and you can bring home souvenirs as many as your luggage can accomodate. But what's more fulfilling is the fact that, however short your trip is, you will be bringing home memories that will linger in your mind for a long time and the realization that real happiness and fulfillment comes in simple ways... like traveling to Bohol

Other travel suggestions: Blood Compact Site, Anibogan Massacre Site, Behind the Clouds, Camp Verde, Dagohoy Marker, Mt. Carmel Hill, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park, Ubujan Marker, The Historic Ermita Ruins, Punta Cruz, Baclayon Museum, Bohol Museum, Clarin Ancestral House, Anda Beach, Alona Beach, Alejawan Beach, Balbalan Beach, Bay Watch, Bikini Beach, Canuba Beach, Clarin Beach, Darak Beach, Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, Sandugo Festival, Bohol Fiestas

Bohol's Hanging Bridge

2007-05-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Across the upper part of the Loboc River in Bohol is a hanging bamboo bridge that is a major tourist attraction.

This bridge hangs approximately 20 meters above the Loboc River and sways back and forth as you walk across.

This bridge over the Loboc river connects the village on the other side to the world and it's quite fun doing the walk... This is seldom part of a tour program.

Cruising at the Loboc River

2007-05-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River, starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of the river, and along the palm-fringed banks inland.

The ride via motorized pump boat ends near the Tontonan water falls, where several falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session
A cruise along Loboc River starts either from Loay Bridge (20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City) or from Poblacion, Loboc which is about 25 kilometers from the city.

A motorized boat or a floating restaurant will take cruisers upstream passing by large vegetations of nipa (palm tree), coconuts and other tropical flora. The two main destinations are the Tontonan Falls and the Busay Falls. Two islets in the middle of the river are ideal picnic sites. A resort nearby accommodate tourists.

The town of Loboc, less than 30 minutes away from Albur, is known not only for its floating restaurant and captive tarsiers, but also for its beautifully preserved church established in 1602, the second oldest church in Bohol.

Loboc River is where several floating restaurants carry visitors to the awesome source of the river. The water is blue. Its bed is lined by smooth white rocks and fine light-colored sand.

After a relaxing river trip, you may also visit the Loboc Church, first established in dedication to San Pedro Apostol. The church, however, was badly destroyed by fire sometime in 1660. But the parishioners did not lose hope. In 1670, the present church was built from the ruins of the old church, and it was completed in 1734.Inside the church, remarkable native paintings on the ceilings and walls tell fascinating stories of the past. The Spanish coat of arms can also be found in the stone wall near the entrance of the convent. Snugly nestled in the compound of the ancient building of God is Museo de Loboc where the well-preserved historical artifacts and a few old statues of saints are kept.

Also an interesting sight is the separate octagonal bell tower located a few meters away from the main church structure. According to parishioners, the bell tower was purposely detached from the church after the first church was razed by fire. The priests thought of building the tower away from the church so that the bell could be used to alarm parishioners in case another fire takes place.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila:
Take a plane trip to Bohol
There is a daily flight to Tagbilaran City, Bohol's Capital
via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

From Cebu City:
Take a fast craft for Tagbilaran
Wessam Express is docked at Pier 4
Ocean Jet is docked at Pier 1
Fast crafts travel to Tagbilaran at least 4 times a day

From Tagbilaran:
At the airport or seaport, you will be greeted by van drivers
who offer commissioned trips to Loboc town, the site of the
Loboc River.

Life's A Beach in Bohol

2006-12-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

Bohol continues to fascinate international and domestic tourists with its rich cultural, natural, and historical wealth. Its wonderful Chocolate Hills and amazing Tarsiers are among its best sellers. Add to that the centuries-old churches that line up its main roads and the extremely warm and hospitable Boholanos.

Another wealth that surrounds Bohol are the various beaches that boast of crystal clear turquoise waters, fine white sands that squeak when walked on, and resorts that offer world-class services.

So when I was looking for a good place to laze around and vegetate while the coconut trees sway in the sun, Bohol’s beaches immediately conjured in my mind.

Bohol remains to be an island that strives for further development but maintains its natural, classic setting trees line up its roads, hills are still green, less pollution, less trouble.

I’ve been to Bohol several times. But going to one of its world-class beach resorts was a new, exciting thing for me.

Even before coming close to the shores of Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital, a showcase of terrain that is a magnificent landscape of rolling hills, rice fields, elongated sugary-white coastlines, and crystal clear sea waters greeted me along with the early-morning sun.

Bohol is like a jade brooch set on a velvet-blue sea. Its fertile land has hills that roll gently around lush forests and grassy meadows. Marine life – from schools of tiny reef fish to bigger pods of dolphins and whales – teem in the surrounding waters.

"Maajong Pag-abot!" (Welcome!) A Boholano’s version of greeting visitors and frequents hang in streamers as our boat docked in the newly constructed port of Tagbilaran. The friendly gestures of locals selling Kalamay and peanut kisses were as warm as the early morning sun.

A short bus-ride brought me to the island of Panglao, home of Bohol Beach Club, the only first class resort in the Island, a seaside sanctuary for beach lovers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

WHITE SANDS, CLEAR BLUE SKY

A lovely stretch of white sand guarded by the swaying palm trees caught my attention the first time I sat foot in Bohol Beach Club. The place was quiet, the cool wind was rushing back and forth, and tourists took naps in hammock along the shoreline.

The place is a world-class resort and mini park combined. Going to the different guest rooms of the resort brings one to a gathering of beautiful tall trees and various floras lining up the sidewalk. Songs from different kinds of birds, that make Bohol Beach Club their home, can be heard – it was like walking in a mini forest just a few meters away from the enticing seawater.

The resort, part of the Tambuli group of resorts, offers world-class amenities and more than 60 guestrooms that surpass international standards. And just recently, Bohol Beach Club inaugurates its conference hall that is actually the biggest in Panglao Island.

AMENITIES

After taking a dip at the crystal clear, blue water of the resort, my curious feet brought me to the enticing swimming pool. I’m actually not a good swimmer but the water was so inviting that I ended up splashing into the pool.

Life on Bohol Beach Club is not confined to the beach. It also has facilities that include a pool bar, beach bar, restaurant, swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi, scuba diving, glass bottom boat, tennis court, billiards, darts, chess, table tennis and backgammon.

The restaurant overlooking the sea also serves sumptuous Filipino cuisine that will surely tickle your senses and fill your tummy. Seafood, straight from the sea, is heavenly to taste!

A day was not enough to enjoy nature at it’s fullest in Bohol but I have to go home and get back to the hassle of everyday work. While the bus rushes to the Tagbilaran port, my mind plays the images it gathered from my short stay at the Bohol Beach Club.

Indeed, life’s a beach in Bohol, and Bohol Beach Club offers an ideal escape from the hassle and dazzle of civilization.

The Churches of Bohol

2006-12-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

Another trip to Bohol was not even in my travel itinerary. Besides, a sojourn to Bohol a few years back had already made me a living witness to its breathtaking cone-shaped Chocolate Hills, its unpolluted waterfalls, beaches, natural and man-made forests, caves, caverns, seas, and calm rivers. Beyond these, we thought the province was more of the same.

But what brought me back to the Island of Bohol is not the known. It was the fact that many Filipinos and foreigners are still unaware of the berth of historical legacy the island of Bohol can boast of, especially in the realm of the Spanish brand of Catholicism. What is already known is interesting enough, but what has yet to be discovered remains my ultimate fascination.

The magic of my visit began with the journey itself. While still inaccessible by plane from Manila then, a one and a half-hour ride through fast crafts, with jump off points in Cebu City and a good conversation with fellow passengers, brought me to this tenth largest island in the country.

The sea trip was smooth and calm. Even before coming close to the shores of Tagbilaran City, Boholâ€™s capital, a showcase of terrain that is a magnificent landscape of rolling hills, rice fields, elongated sugary-white coastlines, and crystal clear sea waters greeted me along with the early-morning sun.Bohol is like a jade brooch set on a velvet-blue sea. Its fertile land has hills that roll gently around lush forests and grassy meadows. Marine life - from schools of tiny reef fish to bigger pods of dolphins and whales - teem in the surrounding waters.

"Maajong Pag-abot!" (Welcome!) A Boholano's version of greeting visitors and frequents hang in streamers as our boat docked in the newly-constructed port of Tagbilaran. The friendly gestures of locals selling Kalamay and peanut kisses were as warm as the early morning sun.
A friendly tricycle ride from the port area safely brought me to one of the lodging houses in the city which, although not exactly as luxurious as the lodging houses in Manila, look after their guests with a rare charm and comfortable hospitality.

Then my real adventure began.

Baclayon Church

From the developing city of Tagbilaran, a 20-minute-ride on a pedicab, and an occasional chuckle with the friendly cab driver, brought me to the serene and peaceful town of Baclayon where the oldest stone church in the Philippines is nestled - the famous Baclayon Church.
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is obviously very old, yet stays in original condition. It is one of the best persevered Jesuit-built churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern faÃ§ade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church.

Tracing Baclayon's well-preserved history would show that the church, then a very small chapel, was built sometime in the 16th century upon the orders of a Jewish priest. Subsequently, the religious priests and residents built a bigger church made of corals taken from the sea, which is located a few meters from the structure.

The Baclayon Church's ancient, massive edifice still retains its centuries-old architectural design. Church relics and artifacts from this early period can also be viewed at an adjacent museum where a rich collection of religious art wrought by Boholanos, ecclesiastical vestments embroidered in gold thread, and librettos of church music printed in Latin on animal skin are housed.

Also included in the collection is the ivory statue of the crucified Christ looking towards heaven; a statue of the Blessed Virgin, said to be presented by Queen Catherine of Aragon; relics of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the cuadro paintings made by the Filipino painter Liberato Gatchalian in 1859 also caught my attention.

The seashore just across the Baclayon Church was even more enchanting. With fresh air and sands untainted by commercialism, the picturesque Laya beach was so inviting that I settled down for a few minutes to enjoy the scenery and its crystal clear waters.

Albur Church

My next stop was the historical town of Alburquerque (also known as the town of Albur) where the centuries-old Sta. Monica Church is settled. A 10-minute drive is more than sufficient to reach this serene and unique place. I arrived on a hot noon-day glare but the people of Albur, who were welcoming new comers with the usual shy interest, made the rays unnoticeable.
From the old church walls to the wooden, Spanish-style convent, the impression was one of a 19th century Spanish-built church. But the Sta. Monica church was first built as a chapel to accommodate Alburanons who were attending church rites in neighboring towns.

Soon the parish priests sensed that the chapel was already too small for its numerous parishioners making them decide to build a church in place of the tiny chapel. Everyday, the place where the church was to be built was filled with people who were willing to work or donate something for its construction. What ensued was a very beautiful permanent edifice patterned after those churches in Spain and Mexico, replete with art and symbolic piety.

But what really caught my attention were the marvelous paintings on the church's ceilings and walls, which remained intact in spite of age or of the war years. I knew from my heart that behind those church walls and paintings was a facet of history that still awaits discovery.
A short distance from the church is a yet undiscovered paradise - the Sta. Fe beach. Blue water laps at the edges of the Sta. Fe beach for as far as the eye can see. The tranquility of the shore was only disturbed by the occasional laughter of children swimming and the occasional return of fishing boats.

The beach was perfect for a short nap, but I had to move on to my next destination - the Loboc Church.

The town of Loboc, less than 30 minutes away from Albur, is known not only for its floating restaurant and captive tarsiers, but also for its beautifully preserved church established in 1602, the second oldest church in Bohol.

Just before reaching the church, I had to stop at the invitation of the calm yet exciting Loboc River where several floating restaurants carried visitors to the awesome source of the river. The water was blue. Its bed is lined by smooth white rocks and fine light-colored sand. The enchantment, however, vanished when I realized that I went there to see the church.
Loboc Church

The Loboc Church was first established in dedication to San Pedro Apostol. The church, however, was badly destroyed by fire sometime in 1660. But the parishioners did not lose hope. In 1670, the present church was built from the ruins of the old church, and it was completed in 1734.

Inside the church, remarkable native paintings on the ceilings and walls tell fascinating stories of the past. The Spanish coat of arms can also be found in the stone wall near the entrance of the convent. Snugly nestled in the compound of the ancient building of God is Museo de Loboc where the well-preserved historical artifacts and a few old statues of saints are kept. Also an interesting sight is the separate octagonal bell tower located a few meters away from the main church structure.

According to parishioners, the bell tower was purposely detached from the church after the first church was razed by fire. The priests thought of building the tower away from the church so that the bell could be used to alarm parishioners in case another fire takes place.

In Loboc, you can also admire a shameful witness of wasteful planning. Exactly next to the church is a partly finished bridge across the river. Hopefully, this bridge will never be completed since the Church will have to be destroyed to do so.

Dauis Church

Another beautiful church in Bohol is the Church of the Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis,on the Island of Panglao. It is located not far from the bridge that connects Panglao with Bohol.The church is a magnificent replica of mixed styles influenced by both Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Although no date is carved up on its walls, the look of the church, founded by the Jesuits Fr. Diego de Ayala and Joseph Gregorio, explains why it should be considered as one of the oldest churches in the country. Impressive frescoes painted by Ray Francia in 1916 also decorate the ceiling of the church.

The history of the church is a mixture of mystery and miracle. According to local folks, the church patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is said to possess miraculous powers. When the town was invaded by pirates, the people of Dauis locked themselves inside the church. But they soon ran out of provisions and water.

Then a miracle occurred - a well appeared at the foot of the altar. This same well is still the main source of water for the people living close to the church, and, although the well is only a few meters from the sea, the water is absolutely fresh. The water is said to have healing powers, so, I had to fetch a bottle and took some home.

My trip back to Tagbilaran City after visiting the churches had given us a lot of new discoveries and enchantments. Indeed, scenic Bohol casts an enigmatic charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the oval-shaped island -from unique rock formations to a 45-million-year-old mammal species, from massive stone watchtowers built in the 18th century to the historical and mysterious churches that witnessed the rise of Christianity in the country.
Safely, before sunset, I arrived at my rented room in Tagbilaran City where I took a shower and packed up for our journey back home.

Just before leaving Bohol on my way to Cebu City, thoughts of what to bring occupied my mind. Intricately printed souvenir shirts, along with the famous sweet delicacies of special Kalamay and peanut kisses, renowned throughout the country, conjures in my mind.
But perhaps the best image I saw on my departing was the lazy sunset along the newly-renovated port area - a reminder that real adventure and spiritual rediscovery could come together in little places of serenity. Like Bohol. *

How to get there:
From Manila, the capital of the Philippines, Bohol is an hour away by plane. Philippine Airlines flies direct from Manila to Bohol daily.

Welcome to Bohol

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Bohol is the traveller's paradise. Here you can find the best beaches, natural spots, man-made forest that rolls to hectares of beauty, Chocolate Hills, the famous tarsiers, and of course churches built several centuries ago.

With this blog, I aim to provide you with a glimpse of the treasure that Bohol offers. If you haven't been here but is planning to, let this be your guide for your trip of a life time.

Check out this blog regularly as I will update this on a regular basis with the latest about Bohol's tourist destinations.