Bohol, Philippines Travel Guide
About Getting Around Attractions Hotels Eats Essentials & Practicals
Intro to Bohol
Bohol is one of those wonderful travel destinations that flies way under the western radar. When I say under the radar, I’m comparing Bohol’s popularity to a place like Bali’s. Despite the popularity of household names such as Bali, Bohol has quickly gained ground as a place to visit in the Philippines. Its natural scenery rivals Bali’s, especially the acres and acres of rice paddies, forests and beaches. Bohol has Bali’s beauty but not its costs.
I recall sitting in the back seat of a cab driving through Tagbilaran City, Loboc and Carmen during intermitten downpours. Along the drive, thatched wooden huts sat perched on top of long stilts in the middle of drenched rice paddies. Solitary farmers waded in knee-high water in the paddy fields against the thick grey skies. The scene of the overcast skies and the lone farmers was unreal. It was a like a dream – beautiful and mystic. The rain did not bother me. It added to the soulful charm of the Bohol scene.
The island of Cebu sits to the east of Bohol while Mindanao rests in the south. The Bohol Strait and Bohol Sea, respectively, separate Bohol from the other major islands in the Visayas. There are approximately 47 towns that make up Bohol and Tagbilaran City is Bohol’s capital. Tagbilaran is also the site of the historic Blood Compact Shrine, which the captured the friendly gesture of goodwill between Bohol’s local Chieftan Datu Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish explorer.
Speaking of Bohol’s history, it looks a lot like that of Cebu’s. The Spanish invaded and took control in the late 1500s until the late 19th century. Spanish influence is written all over Bohol, as evidenced in city names such as Alburquerque and Buena Vista. The Americans took over Bohol after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. Then the Japanese came in and took control until the Americans liberated Bohol during World War II. Phew!
There is more to Bohol than historic sights. Ecotourism is a term appropriately associated with Bohol. A huge part of Bohol’s ecotourism rests in the gently rolling home of the Philippines’ (probably) most famous sight: the Chocolate Hills. The miles of limestone cones – whether they look like chocolate scoops of ice cream or women’s breasts (that’s a common view – not mine!) – draw fans and the curious from all over the world.
Among the other natural highlights of Bohol are Bohol’s beaches and scuba diving opportunities, especially on Panglao Island. Panglao Island has several well-known beaches and world-class diving spots and dive schools.
Bohols’ rivers and scenic waterfalls are also a part of Bohol’s famous ecotourism. Loboc River is the most well-known river due to its daily river cruises and floating restaurants. When I visited the Loboc River for a river cruise and lunch, the rain hailed down as soon as we arrived. My driver quickly pulled my wheelchair out of the trunk of the car and in a split second, my wheelchair seat was soaked. As I sat in the squishy seat, we made our way to one of the barges. The route was difficult. There were many awkward stone steps to negotiate and a couple of small, makeshift bridges to traverse just to reach one of the barges. The rain was still pouring down. The rims of my wheelchair were slippery and I was soaked…I was uncomfortable and a little irritated. My friend and the staff helped me up to one of the larger boats. Finally, cover! I wheeled around on the flat, wooden platform of the barge and explored. My irritation wore off quickly. The Loboc River was as green and muddy as could be and the barge was quaint and novel. The rain subsided and the experience turned into my favorite part of the Bohol experience.
Take some time out to visit a little something called Tarsiers. Tarsiers are only found in Southeast Asia. Reactions to these furry little guys range from the absurdly weird-looking to “awe, how cute!”
For an exotic and tropical place to visit, you can’t beat Bohol’s plethora of natural sights and attractions.