Bohol is just one of the provinces of the Philippines located in Central Visayas. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. It is a known tourist destination to many. If you have not heard of Bohol before, let me give you 9 reasons why you should visit this wonderful place.

1. Chocolate Hills

Who doesn’t know the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol? It’s all written in history books of the Philippines. Chocolate Hills National Park is composed of 1776 hills without trees growing on it. This is because these hills are made up of lime and coral stones. They were made because of the waves about thousand of years ago and because of the air pressure. Grass grows on these hills. The grass dries and turns into a dark brown color during summer making them look like chocolate-colored hills.

2. Tarsier Conservation Area

Tarsiers are the smallest nocturnal primates living in the Philippines. They grow from a size of a thumb up to 5 inches. They are actually carnivorous and have a lifespan of 20-24 years. Their eyeballs are steady but they have the ability to turn their heads to 180 degrees. Tarsiers can only give birth to one per year after 6 months of pregnancy and do breastfeeding for 3 months after. They are kept in a noise free environment as they get stress out easily and may commit suicide. Tarsiers are also very territorial.

Entrance Fee – 60php

3. Xzootic Animal Park

Xzootic Animal Park has two divisions. The first one is the Butterfly Garden and the other one is the Exotic Animal Park. In the Butterfly Garden, everything you need to know about butterflies are there. From the stages of life of a butterfly up to the types up to the preserved butterflies and even the garden proper where you can take a photo of actual butteflies just flying freely inside. The Exotic Park on the other hand is like a mini zoo. What you can see inside are snakes and phytons, monkeys and crocodiles and even a Philippine eagle.

Entrance Fee Buttefly Garden – 30php

Entrance Fee Exotic Animal Park – 30php

4. Loboc River Adventure and Floating Restaurant

One of the most relaxing thing to do in Bohol is to avail the buffet lunch or dinner while enjoying the trip in Panglao River while in a floating restaurant. During the short cruise to the river and while enjoying your food, there will be singers in the floating restaurant who will entertain you from start to finish. A stop over will also be encountered to make you witness the performance of the locals playing local banduria instruments while singing and the other dances to a happy music.

Lunch Buffet in Floating Resto – 450php

5. Sipatan Hanging Bridge

Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridges are made up of bamboo that will give you a better view of the emerald gemstone-colored Sipatan River. There are also souvenir stores in the vicinity and photographers with camera ready in case you want to avail a great shot while experiencing the walk in these bridges.

Entrance fee – 20php

6. Bilar Man-Made Forest

This man-made forest has become a famous picture and instagram worthy spot for tourists going to Bohol. This is actually a national road but the trees that were planted on both sides of the road makes it look so cool and clean. Everything you see while crossing this road is green and that is something very relaxing to the eyes.

7. Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church is the 3rd oldest church in the  Philippines next to San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila and Paoay Church in Ilocos. It is also the oldest coral stone church in Asia that was built using egg whites. The construction of the church started in 1595 and ended 1727. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed in an earthquake and an ongoing renovation and reconstruction is being done.

8. Blood Compact Shrine

As a symbol of friendship, the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, historical leader of Bohol performed the blood compact termed as Sandugo in this shrine. Sandugo is a local Visayan word which means “one blood”. This has been considered as the first treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and Filipinos.

9. The Boholanos

The nice people of Bohol are very joyful from what I have observed during our short visit. Evidently shown by our tourist guide and driver Kuya Victor/ Koko, Boholanos are very fun to be with. They have a positive outlook in life. Boholanos are believed to be the last descendands of the tribe of inhabitants who settled in the Philippines from which they were known to be the “Pintados” as termed by Spaniards or the tattooed men.

All of the tourist attractions mentioned above can be visited in just one day. If in case you plan to visit this wonderful place, you may contact Kuya Koko at (0935) 1422221. I highly recommend this very talkative and funny man. I bet you won’t have any dull moments during the tour. The package is cheap especially if you will come to visit in group.

Would you mind sharing your experience with us during your Bohol trip? We are excited to hear from you.

– Echo (www.byahecho.com)