i heart BOHOL

" I have been in love with Bohol from the very first time I saw it years ago... And I guess, I will forever be in love with this town." - Coisey

Finally, my feet were out from standing too long, scrubbing for surgery cases. My restless feet became spoiled like babies during this trip.

My Mum and I in Tagbilaran Port

How to get to Bohol: There are several ways to get to this beautiful town. You can take a plane from Manila (or from other domestic Cities) to the City of Cebu. There is also a direct flight from Manila to Tagbilaran City (the center of Bohol). From Cebu, you can take a ferry from any of the piers. Just make sure that you have search for the time of departure since the ferry companies have different time schedule for departure to Bohol. From cities nearby like Leyte, Bacolod, Negros and etc, there is a direct ferry trip going to Bohol. The earliest ferry from Cebu to Bohol sails at 7:00 am.I suggest, from Cebu you take the Ocean Jet ferry. Their service is excellent. Clean boat, comfortable seats, free wifi on board, free movie on board, good air condition and nice ambiance (They usually start the trip with a prayer.)

Going around: Upon arrival in Tagbilaran Port, you will be greeted with many private drivers and tour companies, offering different tour packages for Bohol. They will offer different prices so you have to make sure you have scout the best price. Tour companies will charge P2, 500 for each car or van. But you can always find a cheaper one. For us, one gentleman approached us and offered a whole day tour for P 1, 800, which I guess is very reasonable already. If you are into adventure, you can also hire a tricycle and they usually charge you P 1, 200 for the whole day tour. And if you are more into extreme adventure, you can just take a jeepney going to your destination, which will cost you much more cheaper. But if you are travelling in a group, it is best to take the tour package since jeepney fare going to Carmen (where the famous chocolate hills are located) will cost you P60- P80 each then another fare for the other destinations and it's always minus the hassle. 

What to see: The list will go on and on I have to say but I will just mention a few. 

- LOBOC RIVER -
If you take the 9:25 am ferry from Cebu, it is best to start your trip by visiting the famous Loboc River where buffet cruise lunch are serve daily. Upon arriving in Loboc complex, you will see different restaurant receptions. 

The river cruise boat at Loboc

Each boat restaurant have different set menus so walking around and checking each is a good idea.  Lunch buffet, which lasted for 1 hour cost P 350 and you need to pay additional P 100 for the river entrance. Food rating is average. They usually serve Filipino dishes. When you are on board, you will enjoy the good food, great Filipino music and nice view of the river and its surroundings.  The boat usually have stops. One stop is where you can see a group of locals singing and dancing local music. Foreigner usually loves this since they get to experience how to dance like one. At the end of the river before the boat will do a u-turn, you will see the short and not so impressive Busay falls.  After an hour, you are again back in the river complex.

- CHOCOLATE HILLS - 

The pride of Bohol. In the town of Carmen, you will find a thousand little mountains around which the locals called Chocolate Hills. There is a story behind those hills as locals would narrate. There ancestors would always tell them that once upon a time there were two giants fighting and throwing rocks and soil to each other and these rocks and soil formed hills. Some would also tell you a story about God and His tears falling down from heaven and forming small mountains. Whatever story you would hear from local, one fact remains that the chocolate hills brought tourism to Bohol. Why they called it Chocolate Hills is because during summer these small hills turns brown in color with kisses chocolates.


- LOBOC MAN MADE FOREST -

In between the man made forest

This forest is just amazing. Tree around the forest were planted by boy scouts centuries ago and it remained beautiful until now. What fascinated me with this forest are the straight long trees that reminds me of the movie Twilight. The Loboc man made forest is easily accessible since it is just in the high way if you are going from  Lobooc river to chocolate hills.






- LOBOC CHURCH -

Loboc Church

Loboc is one of the oldest town in Bohol where you can find old churches and culture rich attractions such as the Loboc museum. Loboc is the home of the famous and Philippine pride The Loboc Children's choir.

at Brgy. Sevilla's hanging bridge

- THE HANGING BRIDGE -
For locals, for sure it is just nothing. It is just two simple bridges hanging. But for foreigners and visitors, it's something to see and must step on. At the end of the first bridge, you will see souvenir shops and some small stores selling local snacks.



- BACLAYON CHURCH -
The famous old church in Tagbilaran City which was dedicated to the lady of Immaculate Concepcion. The structure of the church was inspired by the Spaniards, even the materials used were classic. 

Baclayon Church

- BELAR CHURCH -

Belar Church

The church looks scary. A church you see in those scary movies. It looks abandoned yet locals still go here for mass and worship. 

- TARSIER SANCTUARY -
Bohol is the home of the famous little monkey in the Philippines - the Tarsier. In Bohol, on the way to Carmen there is a santuary made for the tarsier. It is a forest like area where the little monkies can freely do their thing but mostly you will see them hanging on the tree, sleeping. Holding the little one is a NO NO in this place. 

The Philippine Tarsier

There are local in the forest who will offer to take your photos with the tarsier and sell them at P100. Your photo will look like you are holding the tarsier for real. On the exit area, there are many souvenir shops around, cheaper compare to the other tourist places in Bohol.

- THE SANDUGUAN - 
The site of the historical blood compact of Datu Sikatuan and the Spaniard, Miguel de Legaspi. A small historical monument to remind people about the history of the freedom of the town from the Spaniards.

The Sanduguan

- HINAGDANAN CAVE -

May not be the most amazing cave in the whole Philippines but Hinagdanan cave is the most visited one in Bohol.

- DAUIS CHURCH -

Dauis Church

Dauis church is famous not only among locals but also among visitors because of the blessed water from the underground well. This water is believed to heal many sickness. 

- PANGLAO BEACH -

Bohol is not only full of history and culture. When it comes to relaxation, it has something to offer. Best place to feel the sun and walk on the sand is the famous Panglao Beach. Book a hotel along Alona Beach and you will for sure spoil yourself with great beach, good relaxation and best grilled food along the sea. Don't miss having henna tattoo for P100! And my favorite part in Panglao? - aside from the different vendors selling different snacks during late afternoon, are the friendly locals around. Being in Alona beach reminds me of Boracay minus the tourists, the noisy bars and the pricey foods and activities. And if you want to dine with a budget, there is only one famous place to go - Alona hidden dream where they serve combo grilled meals for lunch and dinner and 'silogs' for breakfast.

There are many other things to see and visit in Bohol. If you are planning for a trip to this city, make sure not to forget visiting Danao for an extreme adventure. You can try zipline, motor cross and other extreme activities that friends and family will absolutely enjoy.

Where to stay: For family and groups travelling, I would suggest you to try booking Esta Villa along Mansasa Seaside (around 10 minutes drive from Baclayon church). The staff are very friendly, rooms are big and clean with comfortable beds. There is a restaurant just beside the hotel where they serve crabs and other Filipino dishes. Food prices are average. One interesting thing about the restaurant is its decorations. Owner of the restaurant was said to be a collector of antiques so he decided to place all his collections inside the restaurant for viewing and beautification. The hotel is located just near Borja bridge, the bridge that connects Tagbilaran to Panglao. 

If you are staying in Panglao Island, there are countless of resorts to choose from. If you want a hotel near the shore, you can try Bohol divers for reasonable price, Alona Kew for comfort and leisure and many others. For us, we stayed in Paragayo resort, walking distance from the main beach. The rooms are clean and nice. Wi fi is good. Staffs are friendly and entertaining. And away from the busy and noisy area of the beach.

There are countless of things you will for sure love about Bohol. Coming here is worth the 2 hours ferry ride. And for sure, like me you will keep on coming back again.