Bohol, Philippines

Scenic Bohol has always been a dream destination of most Filipinos and tourists around the globe. From the Chocolate Hills to famous Tarsier and plentiful things to do, every moment here is worth spending for.

Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. This province is situated in the heart of the Visayas. The west of Bohol is Cebu and in the east is Leyte.

It has numerous captivating isles along its coastline. This isles are the world-famous Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin.

This isles are also the home of the world class dive spots. The dive spots in Bohol are very popular for tourist because of its has splendid walls, superb variety of marine creatures and boundless beautiful underwater scenery.

Bohol is also the home of the hundreds chocolate hills that is best view in the summer because it really looks lie an oversized chocolate drops.The province is also well known as the home of the world's smallest monkey, Tarsier, which they can be found in the hills of Corella.

HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila,take a connecting flight to Tagbilaran, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is also possible to take a boat to Bohol, but will take 25 hours, and is only advisable if you have plenty of time and enjoy a trip on sea, or have to travel on a rock-bottom budget. If you come from Manila, you can also go to Cebu by air, and then continue by boat. There are numerous daily flights from Manila to Cebu. The flying time is about 50 minutes. The transfer by taxi from the airport to the pier takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic conditions, and should cost 165 pesos. The following airlines fly on the from Manila to Cebu: PAL, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Astro Air, and Grand Air.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
CHOCOLATE HILLS  - Located in the town of Carmen, 55 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Chocolate Hills are popular for its unique appearance - the hills lie together side by side w/ almost same size. They are nearly identical cone-shaped mounds, hundreds of hills stretching out in all directions. The dry summer months turn the cogon grass that covers each hills from green to dark brown, hence it's called "Chocolate" hills.

TARSIER - the island is also home to the Tarsier, dubbed as the world's smallest primate.

BEACHES - Bohol beaches have various interesting features. Tourists have a lot of options to choose from. Bathers may think of a certain beach feature they want and one of the Bohol beaches is likely to have it. The following are a some of Bohol's most notable beaches.

ALONA BEACH Alona Beach is on the southwestern portion of Panglao Island. This is most likely the most visited and most beautiful of the beaches in the area.The beach has a nice line of resorts for visitors to choose from. Diving is perfect here, diving shops are abundant.

BIKINI BEACH This is a popular destination for those who would want to go for a picnic or just hang out under tropical skies. Bikini Beach is only eight kilometers from Tagbilaran, which is convenient for those who want to relax after a day of work

DUMALUAN BEACH This is also another great beach in Bohol located east of Alona Beach. If you're looking for exclusive resorts for your own private time then the ones here are good choices. The Bohol Beach Club is but one the many exclusive resorts you might like to check.

MOMO AND DOLJO BEACHES If you're looking for shallow beaches then Momo Beach or Doljo Beach are great destinations. Momo beach is situated on the northern end of Panglao Island while Doljo is at the northwest.

ANDA BEACH The town of Anda is among picturesque Bohol beaches, with the Anda mountain range at the back and lines of tall coconut trees in front. The best part of the beach is near the town church and municipal building. Some tourists stop at the nearby Guindulman Town market for fresh seafood catches and take these to Anda Beach to grill.

Other must visit beaches are found in Clarin, Lintuan Beach - famous for gentle waves ideal for kids, Imelda, Kaingit, and Laya.

RELIGIOUS SITES

BACLAYON CHURCH
This is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines is Baclayon Church, located in the town of Baclayon, six kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have now been placed at the Baclayon Museum. Baclayon is the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Sikatuna.

DAUIS CHURCH
Bohol boasts of one of the oldest churches in Philippines – the Dauis Church . Constructed in the latter part of the seventeenth century, the church is an admirable mix of the Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. The ceiling of the church is adorned with frescoes.

BLOOD COMPACT / SANDUGO
Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact that took place on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races. A marker of this historic event can be found in Barangay Bool at Tagbilaran City.

DAGOHOY REVOLT
Francisco Dagohoy led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards, which lasted for 84 years. There now stands a marker in Magtangtang at the town of Danao, installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Dagohoy. Magtangtang was his headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site located in Danao, 92 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

BOHOL MUSEUM
Once the residence of the country's fourth president, Carlos P. Garcia, the Bohol Provincial Museum is Tagbilaran is a showcase of the province's exciting history, culture and natural resources.  The Museum also houses the personal memorabilia of the late president.  Just a few minutes away from the Museum is the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park where a life-sized monument of the president stands.  The statue was done by Boholanon National Artist Napoleon Abueva in marble and bronze.

PUNTA CRUZ WATCH TOWER
This ancient watch tower serve as a lookout for raiding and vicious incoming pirates. The wooden cross of the was planted by the Spaniards in 1767. The Tower offers awesome views of Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao and is a famous picnic spot in Bohol.

HINAGDANAN CAVE
With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold.  Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights.  Hinagdanan is only two and a-half kilometers from Dauis town.

LOBOC RIVER
A fascinating boat ride along the Loboc River has recently been discovered.  Starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of Loboc River, motorized pump boats start the exciting boat ride along palm-fringed banks inland. The water is serene. The boat ride ends near the Busay Falls where the cascading water provides a pleasant bathing spot.

MAG - ASO FALLS(Antequera)
About 25 feet tall with verdant green forest as a fitting background for the placid waters. A very beautiful bathing resort with its cool cascading water and a scenic surroundings.

BUSAY FALLS
Busay Falls is located inland of the Loboc River past Sevilla town. This beautiful falls provides an exciting scenery for the bathers. Bathers jam this bathing resort during weekends. Two little islets in the middle of the river make the place an ideal site for picnickers. The rushing waters are the favorite bathing pool of the children.

BADIANG SPRINGS
This wonderful spring is located in Valencia, about 44 km from Tagbilaran City, which is an underground freshwater spring gushes from twin pipes near the sea.  The large volume of water normally flows over a waterfall  but can be diverted to fill an adjacent swimming pool.  Swimmers can chose between the large pool, a small children's pool, or the sea.  Sheltered picnic tables are on a veranda overlooking a smooth-stone beach.

BALICASAG ISLAND
Is one of the popular diving spots in Bohol. The island can be reach by boat from Panglao island or from Bohol itself.

PANGLAO ISLAND
If you’re looking for white sands and some fun in the sun (and on the beach), take the trip out to the town of Panglao. While it’s certainly not as flashy as the more commercialized beaches in the Philippines like Boracay or Palawan, it will certainly fulfill all your mental image of a tropical island getaway.

The waters surrounding Panglao are clear and pristine, which is why it’s also a diving hotspot. The diving spots around Panglao are some of the best known in the Philippines. There are several tourist resorts where you can find accommodations for your stay. Tours and diving trips can also be arranged locally. Watch out, though: there are no automated teller machines (ATM’s) on Panglao Island, so you’d better prepare money beforehand.


Panglao Island

ACTIVITIES

TARSIER TRAIL The Philippine tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) is the oldest known mammal to walk the earth. The tarsiers are the rarest and one of the endangered wildlife on the earth. Tarsiers are known as the "midget monkey of the Philippines". A sanctuary for the Tarsiers where these tiny primates are at home with people. Visitors can actually touch and hold the Tarsiers. The Tarsiers are nocturnal, they hunt & eat insects at night.

WHALE WATCHING Go watch whales and dolphins in the Bohol Sea with the locals of Pamilacan. Ex-whale-hunting boats called canter have been refitted specifically for a safe and comfortable trip.  You will be accompanied by skilled spotters whose familiarity with the area also makes them excellent guides. The best season is the months from March to June, but resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions. The whale watching tour usually starts as early as 5 a.m. that includes transfers, lunch, swimming and snorkeling.

TOUR AT BOHOL BEE FARM Bohol bee farm is discreetly located in Dao,Dauis in the island of Panglao. It is committed to promote organic farming, wherein a unique, eco-friendly line of food products that contributes to the health, integrity and dietary balance of the body are produced.

A visit to Bohol Bee Farm is more than just a close look of various bee species. Besides interesting farm activities and restaurants serving all organic food (such as Bougainvilla Salad), they also offer affordable tour packages, superb accommodation experience, and wide array of resort aminities. A day in Bohol Bee Farm is never boring and is truly treasured.

LOBOC RIVER CRUISE (day/night) For a touch of romance, take this tour with a love one. Day tour, comes with a sumptous buffet lunch, is where cruisers appreciate lush green scenery and crystal clear water of the river. Loboc river has been the cleanest river in the Philippines.  At night, you first take a dinner at a floating restaurant and then you transfer to a boat that sails oh-so slowly along the river between tall trees, on both banks adorned with lights that turn from red to orange to pink to violet to green to blue and then to light bue-green. Including the children's palace where the Loboc Youth Band caps the cruise with an hour of soothing music. But first, enjoy a homegrown group compose of children and adults waiting on a raft waiting at the far end of the Loboc River to serenade the cruisers during the brief stopover. Dont forget to donate a few bucks to the singing group, they need it. Cruise prices are very affordable.

DIVING Bohol offers some of the worlds best diving spots available for all enthusiasts to explore. Panglao Island in Bohol offers a wide variety of diving destination for both beginners and pros. Some of the widely visited and popular diving areas in Panglao Island, Bohol includes Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, Cabilao Island. These popular diving areas offer several unique and beautiful diving spots waiting for you to explore.

Panglao Bohol has several diving resorts that offer open water scuba diving packages in different diving spots in Bohol. Most of these resorts also offers scuba diving lessons, diving equipment rentals, room accomodations, and more.

FAMOUS BOHOL FESTIVALS

SANDUGO FESTIVAL
The festival celebrated from July 1 to 31 has been inspired by the blood compact, or Sandugo, a friendship treaty between the Philippines and Spain that took place in 1565. The annual spectacle of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

BOLIBONG KINGKING FESTIVAL
Celebrated from May 23 to 24, it is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs, and their rhythm, used to accompany the supplication dance ritual performed before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the second patron of Loboc.
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RESTAURANTS
JASZ Restaurant: Dine by the Sea. If you want a not so expensive but fresh seafoods in Alona Beach, this is the place to be. Food is deliscious and superb. Dining with a refreshing sea breeze is so cool.

The Pyramid- The Pyramid is located right along the waterfront giving you a good view of the blue waters and a whiff open sea breeze. Does a mixture of local and western dishes at reasonable prices. Good taste fresh seafood especially their grilled squid and Fresh prawns in a great sauce.

Payag Restaurant (Tagbilaran) - Your trip in Bohol would not be complete without dining at Payag (#18 CPG East Avenue). Diner's favorites are Chicken Barbeque served with achara and cold Buko (young coconut) juice.

Garden Café - Located along JS Torralba Street in Tagbilaran, Garden Café offers both Filipino and American dishes. Prices are affordable and atmosphere is pleasing. An interesting place to dine because all the staffs here are deaf, to order, you have to write it down in a small form. It's a good thing to know how this restaurant is helping these special people to make for a living despite of their disabilities.

Oops Bar and Restaurant is a best place to hang out at night located along Alona Beach. They serve an extensive menu of food and drinks so you'll surely find ones that suit your taste and your mood. Friday and Saturday nights come alive with live bands and a disco.

Trudi's Place - An affordable yet feisty dishes perfect for budget - conscious travelers.

JJ’s Seafood Village has been a local and tourists' favorite because of its famous seafood dishes that has captured the hearts and taste buds of its customers. The restaurant serves delectable dishes from the Filipino and international cuisine at affordable prices.

SHOPPING

Dont just bring beautiful memories, complete with album-fuls of pictures. Remember to drop by in shopping malls to buy souvenirs and local Bohol delicacies.

Before you go for a shopping spree you should change your money into the local currency at any of the moneychangers or banks. Remember to check the current exchange rates and compare rates of different moneychangers since some of them might charge and deduct a large fee while others don't. There are even moneychangers who change your money at unfavorable rates so asking around at different moneychangers isn't a bad idea. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops.

There are major malls in Tagbilaran,among biggest are Alturas, BQ for Bohol Quality, Plaza Marcella and Shopper's Mart. Island City Mall is a new mall located in Panglao Island.

Souvenirs, memorabilia, or handicrafts are wonderful pasalubongs for your family and friends. Great finds are printed t-shirts, keychains,purses, pearls, baskets, jewelry, decorations, and such local delicacies sell in most tourist spots and malls around Bohol Island. Peanut kisses is the most popular local deli made of peanut and egg white cookies and are very much resemble of the wonders of the world Chocolate Hills. Another must buys are Ube Jam, Calamay, and Torta. You can also find the freshes tropical fruits in the supermarket such as Mango, Guyabano, Durian, Banana, Watermelon, etc.
 

HOTELS AND RESORTS

Bohol has a large number of hotels, resorts, and other facilities for tourists. Most of these are concentrated in Tagbilaran and around Alona Beach, with a few more scattered around the island.
ANDA
Bituon Beach Resort
Contact Person: Markus Hohmann
Address: Basdio, 6310 Guindulman, Bohol, Philippines
Email: Bituon@wtal.de
Website: http://www.bituon.com/

Dapdap Beach Resort
Contact Person: Grace Tinio Lim
Address: Candabong, Anda, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 528 2011
Email: info@boholdapdapresort.com
Website: http://www.boholdapdapresort.com/

Cocowhite-Beach Resort
Address:
Basdio, 6310 Guindulman, Bohol
Email: coco@freesurf.ch
Website: http://www.cocowhite-beach.com/cms/index.php

Flower-Beach Resort
Contact Person: Werner Moeller
Address:
Virgen, Anda, Bohol
Phone: +49 6126 990806
Phone: +63 918 579 6166
Fax: +49 (0) 61 26 225 937 9
Email: requests@flower-beach.com
Website: http://www.flower-beach.com/

BALICASAG ISLAND
Balicasag Island Dive Resort
Address:
Balicasag Island, Panglao, Bohol
Phone: +63 32 211 440
Phone: +63 2 812 1984
Fax: +63 2 812 1164
Email: inquiries@divephil.com
Website: http://www.divephil.com/bohol/balicasa/

CABILAO ISLAND
Polaris Beach and Dive Resort
Contact Person: Franz and Maria Baumann
Address: Pantudlan, Cabilao Island, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines

La Estrella Beach Resort
Contact Person: Estrella Zagorski
Address: Cabilao Island, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 505 4114
Phone: +63 38 505 4151
Fax: SMS +63 918 904 4859
Email: info@laestrella.ph
Website: http://www.laestrella.ph/Phone: +63 38 505 4118
Phone: +63 918 903 7187
Email: info@polaris-dive.com
Website: http://www.polaris-dive.com/

Cabilao Beach Club
Contact Person: Henry Firlay
Address: Cambaquiz, 6327 Loon, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 917 4545 897
Phone: +49 341 21 24 341
Email: cabilao@skyinet.net
Website: http://www.cabilao.com/

PANGLAO ISLAND
Alona Kew
Address: Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 502 9042
Phone: +63 38 502 9027
Fax: +63 38 502 9029
Email: info@alonakew.com
Website: http://www.alonakew.com/

Alona Palm Beach Resort
Contact Person: Angie & Marcel Brunner
Address: Alona Beach, Tawala, 6340 Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 502 91 41
Fax: +63 38 502 91 42
Email: info@alonapalmbeach.com
Website: http://www.alonapalmbeach.com/

Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
Contact Person: Phoebe B. Lim
Address: Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
Phone: +63 38 502 9516
Email: reservations@eskayabeach.com
Website: http://www.eskayabeach.com/

Chocolate Hills Complex
Address:
Buenos Aires, 6319 Carmen, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 919 680 0492

Ananyana Beach Resort
Contact Person: Patrick Ritter
Address:
Lot 2-C, Doljo Beach, Panglao, Bohol
Phone: +63 38 502 8101
Fax: +63 38 502 8101
Email: info@ananyana.com
Website: http://www.ananyana.com/

Bohol Beach Club
Contact Person: Mr. Redentor Durano
Address:
Bolod, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 411 5222
Phone: Toll free 1800 1888 2227
Fax: +63 38 411 5226
Email: bbclub@mozcom.com
Website: http://www.tambuli.com/bohol.htm

Bohol Plaza Resort and Restaurant
Address:
Dayo Hill, Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 5000 882, 5001-019
Phone: +63 912 711 8442
Fax: +63 38 5000 970
Email: boholplaza@bohol-online.com.ph
Website: http://www.boholplazaresort.com/

Sun Apartelle Corporation
Contact Person: Irena and Boris Heberer
Address: Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 502 90 63
Fax: +63 38 502 90 64
Email: info@sunapartelle.com
Website: http://www.sunapartelle.com/

LOBOC
Nuts Huts
Contact Person: Walter Laureys, Rita Laureys, Chris Schaerlaecken
Address: Gotozon, 6316 Loboc
Phone: +63 920 846 1559 (cell)
Email: walterken@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.nutshuts.com/

PAMILACAN ISLAND
Pueblo de Pamilacan
Contact Person: William F. Soriano
Address: Pamilacan Island, Baclayon, Bohol
Phone: +63 2 714 3541
Phone: +63 927 796 7759
Email: william.soriano@goldenabc.com

TAGBILARAN
The Metro Centre
Contact Person: Frederick Ong (owner)
Address:
Pres. Carlos Garcia Avenue, 6300 Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Phone: +63 38 411 2599
Fax: +63 38 411 5866
Email: metroctr@mozcom.com
Website: http://www.metrocentrehotel.com/

Bohol Tropics Resort Club
Graham Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3510, Fax: +63 38 411 3019

Casa Juana Lodging House
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3331

Coralandia Resort
Graham Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3445

Chriscent Ville Pension House
Gallares Street, Tel. +63 38 411 4029, Fax: +63 38 411 4028

Gie Garden Hotel
M.H. del Pilar Street, Tel. +63 38 411 3182

Hotel La Roca
Graham Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3797, Fax. +63 38 411 3009

Island Leisure Inn
Ilaw International Center, Bool, Tel. +63 38 411 2482

LTS Lodge
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3310

Meridian Hotel
Martig-a Street, Tel. +63 38 411 3060, Fax: +63 38 235 5793

Nisa Travelers Inn
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3731

Taver's Pension
Remolador Street, Tel. +63 38 411 4896, Fax: +63 38 411 4790

The East Coast Tourist Inn
Miguel Parras Street, Cellphone +63 916 416 1793

Villa Camilla
Maria Clara Street, Tel. +63 38 411 4966

Villa Alzhun Tourist Inn
V.P. Inting Street, Tel. +63 38 411 3893, Fax: +63 38 411 4143

Wregent Plaza Hotel
Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Tel. +63 38 411 3144

QUICK TIPS

With Bohol's pristine beaches, it is wise to always bring with you your sunblock along with your snorkeling and diving gears. You’ll never know when you’re going to take that dip.

Arm yourself with a camera to document the breathtaking facades of old churches. If you’re into underwater photography, a disposable underwater camera comes handy.

Check the weather before traveling to Bohol or the small outlaying islands. Your vacation will be in ruin if you get stranded in one of those island resorts while rain and thunder just keeps on pouring in. That is not the best way to spend a relaxing holiday in Bohol.

Exchange your currency to peso and bring as much cash since some establishments, especially the small ones, might not accept credit cards.