It was my birthday treat last September 2011 when we visited
the province of Bohol coming from Cebu City. It was a 4 days 3 nights trip
where we spend an overnight stay in Cebu City and 2 nights in Panglao Bohol. We
stayed at Paragayo resort 3 minutes walking distance from Alona Beach. Aside
from their budget friendly room rate, we also availed from them a Countryside
tour which includes Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Tarsier, Manmade forest,
Hanging Bridge, Butterfly sanctuary and Loboc River. It cost us 2500php for the
whole day trip (van service) and an additional 400php for buffet lunch while on
board a floating restaurant cruising the Loboc River. It was definitely a
worthy trip as we got to see the historical and interesting destinations in
Bohol.
Some points of destination in the lovely province of Bohol
which is known to be Countryside tour are as follows:
1. Blood
Compact
Our
Countryside tour started as early as 7 in the morning since we have a
jam-packed schedule for the whole day. Our
first stop was the historical Blood Compact Shrine also known as
"Sanduguan" that means “Isang Dugo” or “One Blood.” It depicts the
first treaty of friendship between the Spanish and the Filipinos happened among
Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna on March 16, 1565. Just behind the silver monument of
Blood Compact Site is a majestic view of the sea.
2.
Chocolate Hills
Our
second stop was the famous Chocolate Hills. According to locals these hills’
total count is 1, 268 and it was described as Chocolate just like the Hershey
Kisses because during dry season the grass covering the hills turns brown.
Furthermore, you need to climb hundreds of steps to see the 360 view of the
hills and once on the viewing deck, you will get awed by its magnificent
beauty.
 |
| Kisses - like Chocolate Hills |
 |
| Beautiful Chocolate Hills |
 |
| Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills |
 |
| Chocolate Hills, Bohol province |
 |
| Beautiful Sky - Chocolate Hills |
3.
Simply
Butterflies Conservation Center
The
third stop on our Countryside tour was the Simply Butterflies Conservatory
Center. It is the first butterfly livelihood breeding center in Bohol. We were
welcomed by a tarsier mascot that I thought was not moving and surprised me
hahaha. We really enjoyed the tour because of our very informative and funny
tour guide, Jomar. He discussed the life cycle of a butterfly and assisted us
on taking a butterfly picture effects. Photo enthusiast will surely enjoy this
place as butterflies are everywhere and you will also get a chance to hold a
butterfly.
 |
| Cutesy Butterfly on rest Simply Butterflies Conservation Center |
 |
| Trick Shot - Simply Butterflies Conservatory Center |
4. Manmade Forest
Our 4th
“quick” stop was the Bohol Man-made forest. Since it’s along the way, our tour
guide/driver pulled over for a moment to this stunning place full of tall
mangroves. The forest really stands out as it was arranged beautifully of the
same height since they were planted and grew at the same time reaching up the
sky. You will also notice shifting of temperature once you enter the manmade
forest feeling the refreshing cool breeze made by the canopy of overhanging
trees. It’s really beautiful in here especially when you go closer with the
trees where it feels like you’re living in Forks with Bella & Edward.
 |
| Bohol's manmade forest |
 |
| high trees - manmade forest Bohol |
 |
| Enchanting Manmade Forest Bohol |
 |
| Manmade forest Bohol province |
5. Tarsier Conservation Center
The 5th
stop we made was in Tarsier Conservation Area where we’ve got the chance to
have a close encounter with the Philippines pride as one of the smallest
primate in the world, the Tarsier. Arriving here, we were greeted by a local
tour guide that discussed to us some friendly reminders. Tarsier is a nocturnal
animal which is highly sensitive to light that’s why flash photography is not
allowed. You must also observe silence while touring since all of them were
sleeping at daytime. It’s an unforgettable experience for us since we only see
tarsiers on books and internet. They are all adorable most especially Tarsier
moms bringing their little ones. We can’t take our eyes staring at them while
grasping the branches of small trees and winking their large eyes.
 |
| Hide n Seek Tarsier |
 |
| tight grip on a tree - Bohol's tarsier |
 |
| So small yet so cute - Tarsier |
6.
Hanging
Bridge
Our 6th destination was the Sipatan Hanging
Bridge made up of bamboo. Honey teased me while crossing the bridge since it’s
swaying while I’m grasping my balance on every step I make and I’m so afraid
with the thought that the bridge may fall down hahaha. At the end of the bridge there are several
souvenir stalls where you can find cheaper goodies (pasalubong) that you can
bring home to your family and friends.
 |
| Bohol's Hanging Bridge |
 |
| Bohol's Hanging bridge |
7.
Loboc River
During lunch time, our driver dropped us
off to a selection of restaurants where you will be cruising along the Loboc
river. An eat-all-you-can buffet costs us 400 pesos per head with a jetty
stopover in a raft-like stage where locals entertained us by folk dance and
serenaded us by local songs. It was really a great experience eating sumptuous
lunch while cruising along Loboc River with beautiful view of lush greeneries
coordinated with acoustic singers.
 |
| sumptuous meal Loboc River |
 |
| Loboc River Cruisin' |
 |
| Beautiful view while cruising aboard a floating restaurant Loboc River |
 |
| Loboc River |
 |
| Loboc River |
 |
| Loboc River Bohol |
 |
| Stop over Loboc River cruise Bohol |
8.
Bohol Python & Wildlife Park
T This fun place is more of a mini zoo where
you will get a chance to hold and have a close encounter with photo op to different
animals, birds, reptiles and the largest snake in captivity.
 |
| Python... so scary! |
9. Baclayon Church
Our last stop to complete our Countryside
tour was the famous Baclayon church, one of the oldest stone churches in the
Philippines. Adjacent to the church was a museum where you can find some old
artifacts.
 |
| Baclayon Church |
 |
| Baclayon Church Altar |
In General, our trip to Bohol was
really a great and wonderful experience. You will definitely fall in love with
this province as it offers not only historical places but beautiful mountain
views, stunning white beaches, cute creatures like Tarsier and the reflection
on how locals give importance to their ecosystem.
We will surely go back to Bohol! =)
