I spent two years of College in Bohol, but I never had the chance to explore the whole island. That's the reason why I didn't think twice when my officemates invited me to join them in a two-night escapade.
Since they did all the planning, what I did is just pack up my things and withdrew all the money I have. Good thing we had a bonus released a few days then.
So we took Oceanjet fastcraft the next morning and was picked up by the resort's van. We checked in at Grand Luis Lodge - Bed & Breakfast and SPA located in Baliw Hill, Mariveles, Dauis, Bohol of Panglao Island. Unlike the typical resorts in Panglao, this isn't a beach resort. I got disappointed at first, but when we got to the place, I realized that this place is something very unique. It's secluded and there's not much people around, perfect for those who want to do soul-searching and for those who are looking for some privacy.
Bay View room costs only P2,250, which already includes free breakfast for two and access to resort’s amenities. For reservations, click here.
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| a view from the veranda |
We started the island tour the next morning as part of the resort's package tour. First stop was the Blood Compact Site, situated in Bool, Bohol. The sculpture was made by the National Artist, Napoleon Abueva, a lumad Bol-anon and the site was made in honor of the first Treaty of Friendship between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and a chieftain Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol on March 16, 1565. This is commemorated by a month-long annual celebration every July in Tagbilaran City, which is popularly known as "Sandugo Festival".
Next stop was the Loboc River. On our way there, we passed by the famous Man-made forest, a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located along the borders of Loboc and Bilar municipalities about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. This was part of the nationwide reforestation program launched in the 1960s during the reign of the late Pres. Diosdado Macapagal. The 857.4 hectares of bare land was gradually planted with young Mahogany trees by the locals and some volunteers; and after a couple of decades, the growth of these trees turned out to be breathtaking and remarkable, making it one of the most notable stopover for all tourists.
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We then dropped by to one of Bohol's Tarsier's veiwing area, which is just a few hundred meters from the Loboc River. Considered as one of the world’s smallest primates, Tarsiers grow to only 8 – 16 cm (3.5 – 6.5 in) and are known for their enormous and strangely cute bug-eyes. They have the largest eye-to-body ratio of all mammals, which is 150 times larger than a human’s in relation to their body. They can move their ears to better hear sounds, leap 5m. in the air, and rotate their heads nearly 360 degrees.
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| This creature bears an uncanny resemblance to Yoda. |
After the 30-minute Tarsier stop, we headed to Loboc River for our lunch. Various floating restaurants offer buffet lunch ala "All-You-Can-Eat" while cruising one of the cleanest rivers in the country. The whole river cruise, including the buffet and the boat trip costs about 300php.
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| Bon appetit! Seafood buffet lunch at riverboat restaurant cruise in Loboc. |
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| This one-hour tour also features certain stop points for a culture show performed by the locals. |
Right after lunch, we headed to Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol. The most famous tourist attraction in the province has about 1,268 cone-shaped hills, which are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers or more and vary in size from 30 meters to 120 meters in height.
This very strange geological formation has baffled a lot of geologists. Others claimed that the hills were formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits. Some even say that they erupted from the sea in a massive geologic shift. However, the most commonly accepted geological theory is that the hills were the result of the weathering of marine limestone which happened thousands of years back.
Ever wonder why it's name "Chocolate Hills?" During my childhood days, I thought the hills have lush vegetation of chocolate plants. Well, anyway, it's actually named Chocolate Hills because during summer times, when precipitation is inadequate; the vegetation of these hills dry up and turn them all burnt or dark brown in colour, which look like Hershey's kisses.
Another interesting fact about this majestic natural wonder is that it was some time considered as the “Eight Wonder of the World”. On June 18, 1988, the Chocolate Hills has been declared as the country’s 3rd National Geological Monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences. On May 16, 2006, the DENR proposed for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage.
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| 214 steps going to the top of the observation hill |
The Chocolate Hills appear to be seemingly endless when viewed atop the hill in Carmen town. The viewing deck gives you a 360° view of the hills “as far as the eyes can see”. It is more majestic when viewed from a plane – as they all appear to be thousands of mole hills dotting out from verdant surroundings.
It was past 2 PM when we had our side trip to the Bamboo Hanging Bridge. The bridge is about 40 meters and offers a great view of the emerald Sipatan river in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol.
Originally, the bridge was humbly made of bamboo and rope, and was used by the locals from a nearby village to traverse the river. Though most of the deck of the bridge is still formed out of woven bamboo slats, the rope was now replaced with steel railings for added safety and stability.
There's not much you can do here, but this is great for picture taking.
This footbridge limits to only 10 persons to pass at a time. Tourists have to pay 10.00 php to pass. At the end of the bridge, you will find refreshment stores and souvenir shops offering ukulele, hats, fans, bags, shirts and many others. During our visit, we had the chance to see “The Buko King”, who was able to strip a coconut (buko) in less than 10 seconds using just his teeth.
On the way back to Tagbilaran City, we hit our next stop - the municipality of Alburquerque, (also known as "Albur"). This place is home to one of the longest and heaviest (about 23 feet or 7 meters and weighs 300 kg or 660 lbs as of 2005) python in captivity.
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| Meet Prony! |
Since Bohol is popular for very old churches, we dropped by at The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon - one of the oldest churches in the country. It is one of the best preserved Jesuit build churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church.
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| The altar |
On our second night, we went to Garden Café Restaurant to dine. This is a two-storey building situated beside St. Joseph Cathedral. Operated by the Bohol Foundation for the Deaf and Disabled, this resto is running for over two decades already and has become one of Bohol’s landmarks. Inspired from an American Old West Restaurant/Museum, you’ll find various antique displays inside the resto from its creator, George Dennis Drake. It's famous not only for its sumptuous dishes and peaceful & cozy ambiance, but also for having deaf-mute employees.
After dinner, we roamed around the city to look for a bar. However, since I forgot that most disco bars do not operate on Sundays, we ended up in a videoke bar instead located somewhere in the city.
The following day, we went to Balicasag Island where my colleagues had snorkeling for the first time, while Sam and I stayed at the boat to watch over our things. Island hopping is 300php each.
There’s still so much to explore in this peaceful province. I tell you; three days are really not enough and we’re all hoping to get back there one of these days. :)
