Bohol is an island province located in the Central Visayas area of the Philippines. Known for the Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers, at least that's what comes to my mind whenever I hear the name of the place. I went there on an unplanned two day visit with my siblings and cousin. Two hours away by fast craft which costs around Php. 600. per person and if you don't like to sleep, bring a book to read or you can watch whatever they play on the television inside the boat to Tagbilaran, the capital city.
Tagbilaran Port.
The usual sound that greets you in any Philippine port is the screaming taxi drivers waiting for tourists at the arrival area which is quite convenient if you don't know anybody and have no one to take you around. We took our chance on the first guy we met. He charged three thousand pesos for a day trip, after a few haggling, he lowered it to two thousand pesos.So after stopping for snacks and we were on our way around Bohol.
Taxi/Van
Inside the car, before driving off.
After getting snacks and refuelling, our first stop was Hinagdanan Cave. Hinagdanan means "laddered" in local tongue, which is used to get into the cave's interior. It has a small lagoon inside and the ceiling dripping with water, which feels damp and cold.
Hinagdanan Cave entrance.
Down you go throught the small slippery opening on the ground.
Stalactites dripping with water.
Even the walls are wet.
At the end of the small cavern.
The small lagoon and shaky hands.
Aside from the hole in the ceiling, the cave had other sources of light.It helped a lot due to the fact that the floor was slippery.
We gave the guide/photographer a thank you tip and our next stop was the Sandugo Shrine. Sandugo is a Visayan word which means "one blood". A blood compact between the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol on March 16, 1565, to seal their friendship as part of the tribal tradition. Our driver mentioned it wasn't the actual site of the pact but only a monument to commemorate the event.
The shrine overlooking the sea.
Getting up close and personal.
Next on our list was Baclayon Church. Considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines with the current building completed in 1727. The church obtained a large
bell in 1835. Inside the church is a dungeon, which was used to
punish natives who violated the rules of the Roman Catholic Church.On the side of the church is what locals say is an image of a Priest named Padre Pio.
Can you see the face?
Inside the church.
Stairs leading to the old pipe organ. Off limits. haha
Women are asked to cover their legs inside the church. Cloth is provided by the church for free to be returned when you go outside.
Moss covered walls. It was a dungeon after all.
A room filled with statues. Wassat! thought i heard something.
More statues.
We were on our way to the Loboc River and the driver stopped by some animal farm with pythons, ostriches and other smaller animals. Highlight of that place is lying on a live python.
Feels like a moving leather couch.
A cement python attacking.
Loboc River Cruise was on the list. I've heard so much about that cruise and was hoping it would be as what people described it to be, relaxing.
When we got back it was drizzling and the small boat pushing us had engine trouble so we had to wait for the management to tie the whole hut to another small boat to reach the ramp. That was a funny experience. Chocolate Hills was next on the list.
Click here for several legends on how the Chocolate Hills came to be.
The Hills are made of Limestone, which also mysteriously contains marine fossils, indicating that it might have been underwater a very long time ago.
Everybody must have that broom shot.
We just passed by the man-made forest at high speed.
My brother had to catch the boat to Cebu later in the afternoon so we had to cut this day short. Zipping through the forrest at high speed, our driver really knew how to drive! He could've been an F1 racer in a previous life. Back at the pier after dropping my brother off, our driver suggested some places for us to stay in. A 5 star hotel wasn't really our priority as we were on a budget.Not surpisingly, as Bohol was a well known tourist destination there were Backpackers and affordable hotels readily available. We decided on a really nice place with cable and toilets for each room. I think it was just around 600 pesos per night for a twin bedroom, approx 20. dollars. Best deal! And it was in the heart of Tagbilaran.
Early morning breakfast at McD and pick up from the same driver for our Day 2 trip. Off to see Tarsiers. He told us that Tarsiers have been a protected species in Bohol and that to view them properly was at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Without proper care, sensitive to light and very unusual habits, he mentioned that some Tarsiers often committed suicide in captivity. That's why for us to help in restoring their population it was best to view them in this place where people actually invested time and research in taking care of them.
A big sample of Sandugo Sandals.
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
On the wall, a photo of Prince Charles holding a Tarsier.
Yoda is a Tarsier?
A film showing about Tarsier research.
Searching for the creatures in an area surrounded with nets.
After a few mins of searching, finally found them.
We would rather not disturb them.
Next stop, Dauis Church, Here's a link for what it's about.
Still need to wear the cloth which the church provide for free.
For guys, it's ok to be as sexy as you can be...
The roof from another angle.
If you look above from where you are standing in the picture below...
Found at the center of the altar. Believed to have 'healing qualities'.
To bring home.
So our next stop would be Panglao, famous for its beach life. We passed the Bee Farm along the way but decided not to go in, If you like to visit, here's a link for info on what they offer.
Bee farm entrance.
Alona Kew. Just a few meters from the beach. A link for the resort.
So we got to Panglao, and just walking from the main road to the beach, you can tell that this spot IS the party capital with souvenir shops and restaurants side by side.
Over-sized flip flips with cool shapes. now is that a squid or...
You might have a dirty mind.
Henna.
Not a branch of Hayahay Treehouse and View Deck from Dumaguete City.
I was hoping i could go.
Spend the day relaxing here with massage therapists on stand-by.
More dive shops.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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