After the 1.5-hour flight via Zest Air from Manila, we landed in the 10th largest island in the Philippines: Bohol. This was the first time that we have traveled without me even bothering to know about the itinerary. I was really so occupied with work that I hardly had the time to get fine impressions on our travel plan. π
My only idea on Bohol was that it’s the home of chocolate hills and tarsiers. Haha. I can’t remember tackling about this province during social studies or history classes in elementary. Poor memory? Pardon me, please. π Now I bring more information about this “paradise” in the Philippines as we got to the tourist attractions Bohol offers up close and personal. Old churches, wonderful caves, native Filipino food and the wild? GAME ON!
Our 3D2N Bohol Itinerary
Day 1
We arrived at the Tagbilaran City Airport at 9AM and were welcomed by our tour guide who quickly drove us to the first destination: Blood Compact Shrine in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City (the city capital).
Having the Sandugo (translation: one blood) or Blood Compact Shrine monument on the background, we had our pictures taken and we viewed the magnificent Bohol Sea behind. This landmark was worth visiting because you don’t have to pay anything to enter! With only gas and time as investments, you can witness the masterpiece of the Boholano sculptor and National Artist for Sculpture, Napoleon Abueva: bronze statues of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Rajah Sikatuna and several other witnesses.
The Sandugo was the first treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and Filipinos. It was a blood compact between the Spanish explorer Miguel LΓ³pez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol, on March 16, 1565, to seal their friendship as part of the tribal tradition.
The second destination of our Bohol Countryside Tour was the Baclayon Church, the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. It was established in 1595 by the Jesuits and completed by the Augustinians and the Recollects when the Jesuits were expelled from the Philippines in 1768. Our driver/tourist guide mentioned that the cement of the walls inside were made from egg whites. It’s incredible how the walls are still extraordinarily strong!
Next, we had a close encounter with Prony, the Python Snake, the world’s largest living snake in captivity, in Bohol Python and Wildlife Park, a mini zoo – along with rare animals such as: the Malay civet cat, the Philippine mongoose, a flying lemur, Brahminy Kite, Green Heron, hornbill, crakes, rails and a few orioles.
Marimar, one of Prony’s caretakers, divulged that the python snake is fed with 60 kilograms of live pigs every day. It was brought to Bohol 17 years ago measuring five feet in length and five kilograms in weight. Now, it measures 28 feet, weighs over 300 kilograms. NEWS: The giant python died just last August 14, 2013 with cause still unknown.
Upon exit, we saw a snack bar selling unique flavors of ice cream. Black Forest Hut serves food with a European touch and without the help of artificial food colors and ingredients. Mom was tempted to try so we ordered one scoop each of Spicy Chocolate, Green Apple, Carrot and Malunggay (Moringa) ice cream on a crispy malunggay container. There remained a smile on my face as I recall the crunch of the malunggay crust. The flavors had an assortment of deliciousness, hence by law of deductive reasoning, the synergies all ended up good!
We also bought a homemade vegetarian pizza and a vegetarian burger which did not consist of gluten or veggie meat but authentic vegetable ingredients such as carrots, malunggay, onions, celery, tomatoes and potatoes. For vegetarians, these stuff are a no-brainer and always be a crowd-pleaser. π
With growling stomachs, we went to Loay River Cruise: Rio Verde Floating Resto for lunch, as recommended by our driver, instead of going to Loboc River Cruise and Luncheon. Price per head is PHp 392 (Regular Buffet) and PHp 500 (High-end Buffet).
This was inclusive of the unique experience to dine in a buffet setup while listening to a singer sing and play guitar live and having the cool breeze brush against your face as the boat cruises down the river surrounded by tall coconut trees and banana trees for an hour. The musician was really entertaining as he sang English, Filipino, Chinese and Korean songs! Whoa. Talk about talent. π
The lunch buffet consisted of crabs, shrimps, pork barbecue, sweet and sour fish fillet, fried chicken, vegetable dishes, pancit canton, clams soup, langka and rice with a choice of bottled water, Sprite and Coke for drinks. Desserts were fresh fruits and Filipino native sweet delicacies. Everything was good, but I heard the foreigners (Koreans and Chinese) who were in the same boat say that they were not much satisfied.
The boat stopped by an island where we took pictures with authentic Ati-Tribe who live along the Loay River. Hand-made bracelets and necklaces and mini bow and arrows were also sold.
After lunch, we visited the Tarsier Conservation Area where we learned more about the worldβs smallest primate, the tarsiers! Tourists are allowed to take pictures of the tarsiers but not with camera flash. Because tarsiers are nocturnal, we didn’t see most of them in action at stark daylight. Nonetheless, we saw how they turn their heads 180 degrees like owls. π―
En route to Chocolate Hills, we passed by the Man-made Forest in the municipalities of Bilar and Loboc. With mahogany trees planted in the 1960s by the Boholanos, this forest makes up to a beautiful scenery that appears like those in romantic Koreanovelas!
Moving on, we climbed up 214 steps leading to the observation deck where a seemingly border-less landscape abound featuring over 1200 individuals mounds collectively known as the Chocolate Hills. They were truly an awesome sight. π
Another “outbound educational tour” was our trip to Simply Butterfly Conservation Center located in Bilar, Bohol, about 41 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This was where we’ve known about the different stages of the life of a butterfly (cocoon, pupa, caterpillar, butterfly) and different types of butterflies (female, male, half male, half female).
Our last stop before proceeding to the hotel to check in was the Sipatan Hanging Bridge. At about 5PM, I already felt sleepy because we woke up at 5AM that day to catch the early morning flight.
The two hanging bridges in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol made me feel super awake. How? I was the last in our group to step onto the bridge. In the middle of our crossing, a kid suddenly came rushing behind me. He was jumping all the way. As a result, the hanging bridge made of bamboos and ropes kept on bouncing up and down! π
Anxious and nervous, my adrenaline increased four fold. With jiggling knees, I concentrated to keep my balance while walking to the end almost sidewards like a crab. π If I were the confrontational type, I would have scolded the twisted kid and I could have told him to stop being mischievous for goodness’ sake β while his parents were just behind him also laughing. πΏ GRRRR.
We met Mang Peping, the Buko (Coconut) King of Bohol, upon reaching the end of the first bridge. He offered us to watch a performance of him peeling the coconut using his teeth fast in exchange of PHp 100. We declined because we knew we can already just watch a YouTube video of him doing that. Here’s a sample. I waited for the kid to finish crossing the second bridge back first before us, to make sure that we survive without being sweaty and too shaky.
Then, we were brought to Bohol Plaza Resort for dinner and hotel accommodation (also part of the packaged tour). It was top-notch, with terraces from the top floor overlooking like the whole of Bohol! The structure and layout of the hotel was quite unique, because all the bedrooms are in the 1st floor, including a bar and a swimming pool, while the functional rooms that can be reserved and used for any gathering are in the 2nd and 3rd floors and the main lobby and main dining areas are in the fourth floor.
β Bohol – Wrap Up of Day 1
Alright, it’s time to wrap Day 1 up. Here’s the list of places we came across on our first day:
- Blood Compact Shrine
- Baclayon Church
- Bohol Python and Wildlife Park
- Rio Verde Floating Resto
- Tarsier Conservation Area
- Man-made Forest
- Chocolate Hills
- Simply Butterfly Conservation Center
- Sipatan Hanging Bridge
- Bohol Plaza Resort
We’ve played a part of tourists yet again in our own country in another domestic destination. Traveling as a family is never the same as traveling with friends. This experience provided a great opportunity for us to spend quality time together away from hectic schedules that tie up our everyday lives.
What happened on Day 2 and Day 3?
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I also enjoyed Bohol from it’s numerous attractions and I kind of miss Bohol reading about your vacation here.
There’s so much we’ve accomplished in a day. I think you can explore the whole of Bohol when you stay there for a week – at least the best of the best. π
Yes, there’s even a place in Bohol for outdoor adventure. By the way, You look like just sisters with your mom.
Haha yup many people have the same comment. With the +1, I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear that later. π
You really look good in the hanging bridge photo. I wonder if you have a jump shot at the hanging bridge. =>
Hahaha I’m not adventurous. I can’t jump on that hanging bridge unless I want to risk my life on it. :)) Thanks for your comment, Franc!
I’m jealous. I have never been to Bohol and probably never will. haha I’m glad you had fun, my friend. =)
Why never will? Haha if you want to go there, just book a flight via budget airlines and go for cheap hotel accommodations. I’m sure you can have fun as much or even more than we did, as long as you’re with great company. π
My trip to Bohol was the first time that I rode a plane. Haha! Bohol is a good place to start traveling in the Philippines because there are lots of places to go there. π I’m a bit sad to know that the python already died. I remember that I got nervous when we went inside its cage ages ago.
I’m sure your first flight was a memorable one for you. Mine was when I went to Bacolod. π
Yeah there’s a lot of tourist spots in Bohol. I guess this is why there are also so many tourist guides and agencies offering packaged tours with almost the same itineraries haha.
this is the birthplace of my father and I am proud that Bohol is my province. Perfect vacation spot!
Wow. Naks naman, proud – hehe but yeah, you should be! π
Can you speak Visayan as well? People in Bohol has a dialect but they speak straight Filipino/Tagalog which is good, else I would have a hard time understanding. π
Waaah! Very large and long snake! Di ko kayang lumapit dyan. May phobia ako sa snake.
Prony was asleep when we went inside the cage. There were the caretakers who assisted us in the shot so I wasn’t so afraid to get close to the giant python. π We even touched its skin!
How much of Bohol did you covered from Day 1 to the last? Bohol is the birthplace of my dad’s boyfriend and we’re planning to go there next summer. I’m so glad to read blogs like this, at least I know what would I expect in going there.
I’m just a bit disappointed because one of my itinerary going there is to see the python. :/ bummer!
Ohh maybe you can suggest your tour guide or agency to omit that one out and replace it with something else equally as fun/interesting. π There’s no point visiting a place when the main attraction (of the mini zoo) is already out.
We have visited only a small part of Bohol. From friends, I’ve heard that there’s a lot of great beaches with white sands in Bohol. We did not opt to go to those places because my mom preferred land areas for Dad’s easy transport and walking convenience. π
Seems like you accomplished much on just the first day. You are right, traveling with family is always special.
Yup, we did. π Good thing that our tour guide didn’t bore us with idle moments and waiting times but provided us with busy agendas to fill up the day. So sulit!
Must’ve been one great escapade in Bohol. Since you are spending quality time with your family. Happy travels! π
Yeah, just like my mom said, our greatest leisure and luxury is to travel altogether. More travel and eats to come in my next post. π
It looks like you and your family had a great time eating and sightseeing in Bohol.
Yes! It was also fortunate that weather was fine during the three days of our visit. The locals mentioned that it had been raining in consecutive days before we were there. We thank God for a safe trip! π
Wow, in just one day, you almost toured the whole of Bohol, can’t wait of your next post.
Not whole haha exaggerated naman medyo yan hihi π We just covered the best spots in Panglao and Dauis. Thanks for reading, Sky!
Bohol is really a great place to bond with family and friends because there are so many things to enjoy around.
Agree. However, Bohol lacks in offering special delicacies/native dishes of its own province (e.g. Bicol express of Bicol, nasing biringyi of Pampangga, Bacolod’s chicken inasal, etc.). What they have are peanut kisses and calamay which can be found in many souvenir shops.
I haven’t tried their calamay because I preferred this from Bulacan, but I really love their peanut kisses, banana chips and chocolate tablea.
Peanut kisses taste good as well. π They are so addicting – one pop and you can’t stop!
My last Bohol trip was like 3 or 4 yrs ago and it was a family affair too. My family had a grand time seeing everything that Bohol has to offer. ‘Tis one of my fave places in the country having visited thrice already.
Thrice? Whoa. That speaks a lot about your liking on this place. π
I can recommend Bohol to first-time foreigners who are planning to go to the Philippines for an introductory tour of what this country has to offer.
I feel you there sis I too really hate crossing hanging bridges. A little scary walking across as it really sways side to side quite that fast. Hahahahaha….I am sad to hear the news about the sudden death of the Python. Another lost aside from Lolong. π
On second thought, without that kid on the hanging bridge, I wouldn’t have a funny story to share and the experience would not have been quite spectacular and memorable because only when challenges are put forth then we begin to realize the effort we’ve put into to save ourselves. π
Yeah, agree with you. Challenges help us move to step forward and you did it! Funny indeed but quite more a memorable one.
These are what our experiences worthwhile.
Was in Panglao a few years back and it seems a day or so is not enough to see everything what Bohol is offering. There are just so many things to check out.
Correct. Just like any other place in the Philippines, 3 days and 2 nights wouldn’t be enough to see all but just enough to be mesmerized by the partial of the whole.
So true and then it will make you think or should I say plan your next visit again on the same place. It just something in there that would want you to come back some time in the future.
I read somewhere that visitors should not rush when they are going to foreign places. Planning ahead of time is a must. List down all the places and if possible, make an itinerary with time (duration) included so you would have an estimate start and end times for each destination. π
I have heard a lot of Bohol tourism attraction. Besides Bohol is very near to our place, Negros Occidental. My fellow school heads had already gone there several times, but sad to say, I have missed in going with them. I am hoping someday I could visit the place. I want to see eye-bulging tarsier, picturesque chocolate hills, Luboc resto with musician singing while the customers are eating and this resto is plying to and from in the Luboc river.
Aww. Next time be sure to come with them or with your family. Overall, Bohol is a quiet and nice place where you can enjoy and relax together. π
Sure, I will join with them next time. Are you not afraid getting closer to a huge python? How courageous you are!
It was sleeping anyway haha.
I was there last year and it was really an amazing place to visit. I actually love to go back someday.
Three years down the road sounds fine. π
I really enjoyed this post. I haven’t been to Bohol but I’m really looking forward to visit the place. i have a friend who told me that there’s nothing special but I kind of disagree after reading your post. I want that ice cream! O.O I wonder how it tastes like while reading your description. Can’t wait for your Day 2 and 3 π
Yay! Thanks for reading, Genzel, and I appreciate your change of mind to visit this great province.
If only these flavors of ice cream are available in Magnolia, Selecta and other major brands of ice cream sold here in Manila (and they are also made with natural ingredients), I would buy one after finishing the other. It would be my ultimate go-to dessert, especially when pressed for time. π
Bohol is one place i would like to visit one day. I would love to see the lovable tarsier upclose + personal + see the Hills with my own two eyes!
Hopefully, I can go there with my little man soon! π
Hehe when we were little, we believed we have already gone to Bohol and have seen the Chocolate Hills. My sister was even boastful and proud to report it to class. She brought a picture of chocolate hills with us sitting on one of the hills and showed it to her classmates and her teachers. We just knew it wasn’t the real Chocolate Hills we’ve landed our backs on but Nayong Pilipino’s. Haha. π
I’m sure your little man will enjoy this trip as he’d get to see the sites not in man-made form but in reality brought by nature. π
Wow Bohol is marvelous, indeed! I’ve never been to Bohol but friends keep on sharing stories about this beautiful province! =)
I love active vacations, the kind in which youβre jaunting all over a place as much time in order to squeeze as much action and eating into a day as possible. Bohol had been in our travel list for the longest time. Finally I get to also share stories about it and inspire others to take their trips there. π
Oh yes, that feeling of having to squeeze the short time with tons of activities! Haha! Now I miss traveling! Hope to be in Bohol one day! =)
Yeah, so it really helps if you wear comfortable and light clothing during this type of traveling. π
PROMISE, mararating ko rin ang Bohol. It is my father’s homeland.. Sis, how much ba ang gastos dyan sa 1 day tour mo?
I don’t have a breakdown of the expenses kasi packaged na for our 3D2N stay. Total was PHp 6,500 per person and that included roundtrip airfare (Manila-Bohol), hotel accommodation (two nights) with free breakfast at Bohol Plaza Resort, all entrance fees of the spots we visited, lunch in Loay river cruise and the rental of the van we used for transportation (plus the driver, of course). π
Thanks for the expenses breakdown, Seems reasonable naman. Choco Hills , soon I willset put on your geen soil.
You’re welcome, Papa Leng. π Feel free to share your experience here when you do so, or maybe share the link of your blog post.
wow, seems like you had been to every corner of bohol… hehehe… never been to the place, so i’ll be considering the places in your list. thanks. Yahweh bless.
Not every corner haha that would be too much just for one day! π Thanks for reading, Ralph.
That snake looks so scary have to scroll down fast till I can no longer see it, but I love all the activities posted π Can’t wait for the Day 2 and Day 3. Soon Bohol and I will meet too! π
Haha it’s not so scary in the picture. It’s scarier if you’re there with it inside the cage and it’s awake! π
Namiss ko bigla ang Bohol -One full packed destination! Oi photo op with prony π
Photo op pag may time. Haha.
I’ve been to Bohol three times already. First. my family spent our xmas holiday there. 2nd, I surprised my dad to visit her mom’s province during his birthday and 3rd, spent one summer with all my wife’s family. everything is unique even if i’ve been to most of the tourist spots 3x as well.
Wow. Glad to hear that. π Bohol must have secured a lot of happy memories with your family.
I also visited Bohol last summer. Seeing your photos reminds me of working on my travel blog post soon. Yung trip ko sa Bohol, di ko pa na-bablog! My favorite thing to do is lunch at the floating resto π
Haha I still have one “back log” to do — continuation of this travel post. π Stay inspired!
Bohol, my Bohol… This is one province I so wanted to visit for so long! Naunahan mo ko jan ma’am ah… Antapang nio po lumapit sa ahas… Kung ako yan, cguro mga 30 meters away ako… π
Haha thinking about it now, oo nga nakakatakot pala! π But the atmosphere there was friendly so we were not that scared.
Di bale, naunahan mo naman ako sa iba, at wala namang premyo kung sino ang nauna : ))
I’ve never been here. And it’s good to know kung gaano kaganda ang Bohol through this post. Thank you for sharing, now I have to include this on my travel bucket list. π
Thanks for your kind words, Ed. π You’re very welcome indeed!
This is definitely a feel-good post to read!!! From that huge snake (which is btw much much bigger than the ones i saw at Residence Inn Tagaytay) to the hanging bridge and Ati-tribe who poses like Hercules on the photo. Haha! FUN FUN FUN!
Of course it’s bigger because it was the longest python snake in the PH. π
Haha yes, super fun!
Bohol is such a great place. I wish I could go back there for the 2nd time since they have lots of improvements after the very first time we visit.
When was your last visit? I think Philippine’s department of tourism is working its ways to improve and develop the tourist spots of every province and it’s doing its job well.
You should go to the beautiful island in bohol, that is great one