Tourist Spots In Bohol

Tourists Spots in Bohol

Out of the 7,107 islands in the Philippines, there is one island that has earned the reputation as the complete travel destination—the island province of Bohol.. Considered as the 10th largest island in the archipelago, this oval shaped island province is located in the heart of the Visayas region. It lies between the provinces of Cebu and Leyte to the northwest and to the northeast respectively.

Recently, the island of Bohol, has been recognized as the number one tourist destination for a lot of local and foreign tourists in the past five years. This reputation has been gained through the ongoing successful development of varying tourist destination sites by the government; thus, boosting its tourism industry. But even in the previous decades, Bohol has already gained the attention of tourists through the world-famous Chocolate Hills and as well as its white-sand beaches.

What made Bohol become more interesting destination and a memorable experience are its hidden “treasures”. Those who already have savoured the beauty of the island not only once but for several addictive times, would consider Bohol as “God’s Little Paradise,” because of its natural wonders. This website will present categorically a wide variety of choices of tourist spots that tourists can experience: Unique landmarks of history (e.g. Birthmarks of Christianity), amazing landscapes, man-made attractions, cool waterscapes, and interesting tour activities. Also, this site can provide information on what activities tourists can engage if they make Bohol a priority in their list of travel destinations in the Philippines anytime of the year. Other than that, there are valuable links that can also aid in your safety when travelling.

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The Loboc River

Around 11.30am, we were already on our way to our next stop, the Loboc River Cruise to have our first meal and lunch in Bohol.  As we arrived there were booths (see above picture) where you can check out menus and decide which floating restaurant to dine in.

As we got in the floating restaurant, buffet table was ready and people started to get food. Below is a shot of the buffet table located in the middle part of the boat.  Few minutes later, the cruise started and we were enjoying our meal at the same time the scenic view of Loboc River.

Just on the other end of the boat, the musical band was situated and played Tagalog and English love songs while we were on cruise the Loboc River. On our way back, the boat stopped on one point so we can watch the Loboc Pink Dancers as they entertained us with a lively song and dance number. Which was actually good and a lot have donated money for this dance group as part of the Loboc community livelihood program. (See 3rd picture below)

The duration of the Loboc River Cruise took almost 1.5 hours. For me, the food served was just fine but I was expecting more from it, more exotic cuisines, more seafoods and more appetizing foods. It is a good thing that the calm scenery and relaxing feeling of the river cruise made the tour much favourable. I must say that this is a great spot to be with your special someone and simply enjoy the moment together with the breeze and green surroundings.

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The Tarsiers

Bohol Tarsier

After almost an hour of reminiscing  Bohol’s history, it was time to meet Bohol’s popular attraction, the Tarsiers. Our van suddenly parked on one side street  and our driver told us that we were already in the Bohol Tarsier spot. Being a tourist, I didn’t imagined that this would just be the spot for these Bohol Tarsiers, I was then imagining that we would be meeting these Tarsiers in a somewhat forest like and would need to do some trekking to get to the place.

We went inside, passed through a few stalls that sell Tarsier souvenirs like key chains, purses, mini-dolls, packed peanut kisses and a lot more. There were bunch of trees in one part of the area where we saw these Tarsiers clinging on the branches. They were so small with big eyes and long tail.  They look cute but personally I was a bit scared to go near it… hehe. Taking pictures is okay but without flash and they are not allowed to be touched. Which now I know why, because my friend tried touching one Tarsier’s back and it quickly jumped and I was a bit shocked that I think added to my uneasiness with these Tarsiers. lol.

Quick facts:

Bohol Tarsier measures about 3.35 to 6.30 inches in height and considered as one of the smallest primates. Their big eyes are fixed in its skull; they can’t turn in their sockets but their neck allows its head to be rotated 180 degrees. As for their fur, they are thick and silky which is colored gray to dark brown. They have thin tail which is used for balance and about twice the body length.

The name Tarsier came from its elongated “tarsus” or ankle bone which allows it to jump at least three meters from tree to tree without having to touch the ground.

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The Butterflies

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

Early this year, I had a chance to visit a butterfly sanctuary in the own home of Prof. Jumalon, a notable butterfly enthusiast in Cebu. Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is the extended sanctuary of it in Bohol.  The place can be considered as more established tourist spot because of its well maintained place and facilities compared with  Jumalon butterfly sanctuary which is just a simple home of the Jumalons converted to a museum-like but with very informative tour guides.

We arrived late afternoon and this was our 3rd to the last stop for our day tour. Entrance fee is 20php per person.

As you can see in the first image above, this is the lobby where they had a mini souvenir shop and snack bar. And will definitely remember their yummy home-made ice candies we bought for only 20php; I had the buko pandan flavor, it was just like a delicious salad, frozen and in plastic. We had a tour guide the “Kuya” in flowery polo who briefed us with quick facts on the butterflies we saw and other displays in the area.

I’ll be honest, I did not really joined the group tour and did not listen that much to our “Kuya” tour guide because I was so impatient and eager to move around to take pictures of butterflies and the place. And thought that I already learned much about butterflies in my visit in Cebu from Ms. Jumalon’s very, very detailed and educational tour.

Though, I was struck by these mating butterflies, it was my first time to see something like this and we were also lucky that these butterflies were in real action. Haha.  According to “Kuya” tour guide, mating of butterflies can last for 24 hours or more and I have a proof that no one can disturb them because they were still intact even if they were placed on my arm or anywhere you want to put them. Interesting, ah?

Mating Butterflies

Yes, you can put the butterflies anywhere you want, just like this photo. Butterflies all over me… ;P 2 on my head and 2 on my arms, nice, ah!  It was fun, their feet were a bit tickling but manageable for a quick photo shoot. Also, I remembered a fact from Ms. Jumalon that butterflies will come and stay on you if they smell something pleasant but I guess this scenario is contradicting because I can assure you that I was 99% fragrant-less.

Our butterfly invasion was worthwhile. We had lots of fun in taking pictures and mingling with Bohol butterflies.

Butterflies in Action

Butterflies in Bohol

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Things You Should Know

1. Don’t drink the tap water – only drink purified or bottled water

2. This is the tropics, it will rain sometimes in Bohol no matter what time of year you come but when it does it will be short, heavy showers that may only last a few minutes

3. Mosquitoes, they will bite and they seem to love foreigners so use a repellent cream at night if you are not in an air conditioned room.

4. Keep away from stray animals – they may look cute but they may also have rabies.

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After I make my reservation, how long does it take to get a reservation confirmation?

After I make my reservation, how long does it take to get a reservation confirmation?
Within 1-2 working day (not including Sunday & Public Holidays). When you make a reservation with us, within hours, you will receive our Reservation Acknowledgement via e-mail, confirming that your reservation request is now being processed. If you do not receive any mail from us within 1 working day after placing your reservation, please kindly contact us immediately at villamortour@gmail.com.

At the same time we will contact and secure your reservation request with the hotel property. Assuming availability, a reservation is then made with your information confirming your reservation and we will advice you the payment procedures as a guarantee of reservation, total amount will be settled on or before the due date specified on your booking confirmation.

Usually within 1 working day, we will send you a confirmation with your reservation details via e-mail or fax. If your reservation is fully paid, a check-in voucher showing your reservation details, full name as in passport will be directly faxed from the local ground handling agent.

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Tips 1

Tips for your Bohol travel plan

1. At a regulated price,there are available 6-7 hr day-tour package offered by local travel/ tour agency that includes a van /cab with driver (driver acts as the group guide too) with stops at Sandugo shrine, Baclayon Church and Museum, photo ops at souvenir shops with Tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills in the town of Carmen. It will pass by the thick man-made mahogany forest in Loboc-Bilar boundary and on the way back, van/cab will stop near Loboc Church ( home of the world’s famous Loboc Children’s Choir- oh so heavenly!) for lunch on a Loboc river Cruise ( lunch is not included in the package). Another popular site is the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan otherwise called the Sagbayan Peak, for an additional fee you can negotiate with your guide/driver to add Sagbayan Peak in your package. The van/cab will pick and drop you at your Tagbilaran Hotel at no extra cost, additional charge will be collected for pickup/drop off elsewhere.

2.Tagbilaran City is a good base if time is a constraint otherwise stay in Panglao Island where you can either bask in the pristine beaches and snorkel its waters or explore the caves and sinkholes in Panglao’s karst environment.

3.Other Bohol tourist sites are scattered throughout the countryside, rent a cab or ride a bus that goes around the island and you’ll be amaze with what you’ll see and experience.

4.The best time to visit and enjoy Bohol is during the summer months (April and May) but over the years many came and never left.

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