MikeLigalig.com

Now, here are 13 reasons why Bohol is a must-see. On top of the diving spots and the breathtaking beaches, the city of Tagbilaran alone is a treasure box filled with priceless gifts—from the Creator, nature, and man.

1. Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc. Just 15km north of town, we went to this pirate watchtower riding in a tricycle. It was a rough one, since roads are still being constructed. Nonetheless, we got there after a thirty-minute ride. And pardon me and the cliché if I’d say, it was worth the ride. Another Filipino heritage standing right before our eyes! The edifice was built during the 16th century, in 1796, which was said to be dedicated to San Vicente Ferrer. According to our driver, this was in honor of the first Jesuit missionaries who set foot on Bohol. The tower, which is a small fort, has three levels. It is overlooking Bohol Strait, and from here, you’d get a tiny glimpse of Cebu. Entrance fee: P3.00/ person

2. Magaso Falls, Antiquera. Located at the heart of Antiquera, the Mag-aso Falls is the place to go, when you’re starting to miss your regular cardio exercises back home. The cold waters of the falls though would be a relaxing reward once you’re down. With its117 slippery steps, the hike is indeed a calorie-burning program, especially on your way back up. The falls, by the way, is named after the Visayan word “magaso”, which means “smokey mist”. People say that mist rises from the falls, especially during cold weather. Entrance fee: P10/adult, P5/kid

3. Blood Compact The Blood Compact, or Sandugo, is a historical site in Bohol that commemorates the friendship made by Miguel Lopez de legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol. On site is a sculpture made by Napoleon Abueva, National Artist and a Boholano himself. At the back of the monument is a good view of the sea. At the entrance, locals are lined, selling souvenir items. No entrance fee.

4. Baclayon Church and Museum Built in the 16th century, the Baclayon Church is one of the ancient structures in Bohol and around the country. In fact, it is the second oldest church (San Agustin, first) and its bamboo organ, the third oldest, next to the ones in Las Piñas and Intramuros. Constructed by the Jesuit priests, the church boasts of interiors that are very Spanish—wall paintings that reached up to the ceilings, crystal chandeliers, grand altar with intricate carvings inlaid with gold and life-size statues. Beside the church is a convent that now serves as a museum, which houses antique church paraphernalia and ecclesiastical vestments. Sad to say, Baclayon Church is in the verge of decaying— rusted and leaking—thus, the need for extra money for maintenance. Entrance fee: P10

5. Panday sa Loay On the way to Loboc, we passed by Loay, the 5th class municipality in Bohol. In Loay, there are still “panday” (blacksmiths), who make “lagaraw” (farmer’s knife), “mano-mano” (manually). Regardless of the advent of technology, locals of Loay still depend on the old way of making knives.

6. Clarin Ancestral House Owned by Olegario B. Clarin, first governor of Bohol and then senator in 1946-1949, the old house in Loay is registered with the National Historical Institute, pursuant to NHI Board Resolution No. 8, s. 1998, as heritage house, as it was erected in 1840. Like any structure built during the Spanish era, the foundation of the Clarin ancestral home is made of coral stones, premium wood, and nipa roofing. Now open as a museum, the old house is home to a chess table that is a remembrance of the favorite pastime of Olegario and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, who also hailed from this province. Beside the house is Café Olegarion, which serves home-made cooking. Entrance fee: P10

7. Loboc River Cruise/ Busay FallsLoboc River is now made famous by the movie “Panaghoy sa Suba”, which starred award-winning actor Cesar Montano, a Boholano. For only P250/pax, you may get to enjoy a cruise along the river, a lunch buffet onboard a motorized boat, and get serenaded by local musicians. Not to forget that you get to see a magnificent view of the rich vegetation along the way. At the end, Busay falls, composed of seven mini falls, await the guests.

8. Tarsier /Flying lemur In the town of Corella, 10km from Tagbilaran City, lives the smallest primate in the world: the Tarsier. Smaller than the human’s palm, with big round eyes, a head that can turn 360 degrees, and a tail longer thaan its body, the tarsier is actually cute and charming. Now facing extinction, like the flying lemur, this nocturnal animal is best kept in the forest and it’s a major no-no for visitors to bring it home as pasalubong. Stuffed toys are available at the souvenir shops, by the way. No entrance fee, but donation box is placed strategically at the entrance.

9. Sipayan Bridge Under this hanging bridge, which is made of steel and woven bamboos, is the Loboc River. Welcoming you is the infamous Buko King (Guinness, remember?) who does his stuff by opening a buko using his teeth. Some find it amazing; a few, weird. Nonetheless, it remains to be an appetizing treat for those who want to cross the bridge. At the end of the bridge, on the other hand, is a tiangge of handicrafts. Basketry is one of the earliest industries in Bohol.

10. Chocolate Hills The signature tourist attraction of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills is best viewed at the observation deck (that’s 213 steps— one-way!) during summer, when the hills are really brown. Consisting of 1,268 mounds of the same general shape, that are scattered throughout towns of Carmen, Batuan, Sagbayan, the hills are scientifically believed to be formed ages ago by the uplift of coral deposits and the action of rainwater erosion. Thus, because of Chocolate Hills’ special characteristics, scientific importance, uniqueness, high scenic values, the National Geological Sciences declares the Chocolate Hills of Bohol a national geological monument. Local legends claim that the hills are tears of a heartbroken giant. Entrance fee: P10.

11. Hinagdanan Cave Discovered by a local tilling the land, the Hinagdanan Cave is an underworld of limestone foundations, of stalactites and stalagmites. The way down the waters seemed to be naturally “laddered”, thus the Visayan word “hinagdanan”. The cave’s cold and fresh water, which serves as the bathing pool, springs from the sides. On the ceiling, though, are plenty of birds (or maybe bats?), which explain the tiny bits of birds’ waste floating around. Entrance fee: P5/ Parking fee: P10

12. Panglao White Beach Wondering how the “old Boracay” looked like? Well, go to Panglao Island. Still rustic and truly breathtaking, the white beach in Panglao is paradise to beachbums. This site is located on the southwestern tip of Bohol, directly opposite Tagbilaran City. Water is crystal clear with visiblity of up to 30 meters. There are first-class resorts and hotels in the area. But if budgeted, you could rent a cottage for only P400-500/day, including the parking fee. Anyway, sunrises and sunsets are for free. Now, that’s a good deal.

13. Man-made Mahogany Forest Built in the 60’s, this man-made forest was a part of the nationwide reforestation program under the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal. In Bohol, spearheaded by then governor Lino Chatto, thousands of Mahogany seedlings were planted on a cleared area of 857.4 hectares in Bilar and Loboc towns. At present, the lush greenery offers a refreshing ambiance that is enjoyed by passers-by.

How to get to Bohol: Local airlines have regular flights from Manila, straight to Tagbilaran. Another option is via Cebu, and spend 20-minute travel time by car from Mactan Airport to the pier, and two hours by ferry to Tagbilaran. If going to Panglao Isalnd, it will take you a 30-minute land transfer.


source: yehey.com

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=7184.0