Tourist Attractions in Bohol Towns
If you’re the type of traveler who likes a bit of adventure, a lot of nature and a trip off the beaten path, maybe it’s time for you to look up Bohol in the Philippines the next time you make your travel plans. A mere boat ride away from now urbanized Cebu City and a plane away from the Philippine capital of Manila, Bohol holds a wealth of natural wonders that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Bohol was recently voted as one of the top ten “best spots you’ve never heard of” on travel website IGoUGo. Here are some tourist attractions tucked safely away in Bohol’s towns.
The Chocolate Hills
Bohol’s Chocolate Hills is one of the major tourist attractions in the country, and for good reason. The wonder of a geological formation is made of over 1,200 hills shaped like cones that are scattered over more than 50 square kilometers.
The name given to the limestone formations comes from their brown color during the dry season, when the grass covering on the hills dry up. The hills, ranging in height from 30 to 120 meters, make for a breathtaking sight with their expanse and number. The Chocolate Hills are a definite must-see when going to Bohol. They are best viewed from the towns of Carmen or Sagbayan, where the distribution of the hills is most concentrated.
Panglao Island
If you’re looking for white sands and some fun in the sun (and on the beach), take the trip out to the town of Panglao. While it’s certainly not as flashy as the more commercialized beaches in the Philippines like Boracay or Palawan, it will certainly fulfill all your mental image of a tropical island getaway.
The waters surrounding Panglao are clear and pristine, which is why it’s also a diving hotspot. The diving spots around Panglao are some of the best known in the Philippines. There are several tourist resorts where you can find accommodations for your stay. Tours and diving trips can also be arranged locally. Watch out, though: there are no automated teller machines (ATM’s) on Panglao Island, so you’d better prepare money beforehand.
Some Cave Exploration
If you’re up for a little adventure and exercise, try exploring some of Bohol’s many caves. There are over 1,000 caves in the province, and you’re allowed to explore a lot of them. You could check out the Hinagdanan (from the Cebuano word for ‘ladder’) cave near Dauis, the only other town on Panglao Island. The numerous stalactites and stalagmites in Hinagdanan make for an amazing natural display.
Another cave, this time in the town of Danao, is historical aside from merely scenic. The Francisco Dagohoy Cave was once the headquarters of Francisco Dagohoy during his campaign from 1744 to 1829 against the Spanish occupation, the longest rebellion in Philippine history. Many of the cave’s winding passages are also studded with crystals, giving you a (literally) glittering display.
There are many other tourist attractions in Bohol, such as the Philippine tarsier and the regular dolphin migration route in the Bohol Sea. These and many more are waiting for you to discover them in scenic and un-crowded Bohol.
The Chocolate Hills are not the only reason to visit the province of Bohol in the Philippines. If you're into caving or cave exploring then Bohol is a great destination. The province has over 1,400 caves. The name Bohol seems to have come from the word "buho" which means a "hole". Locally, this means a hole where spring water would usually burst out; Bohol has lots of that along its coastal towns.
A lot of the caves of Bohol, Philippines have not yet been explored. It is not quite surprising that one might be following a stream during a cool day's trek only to find that it leads to a cave somewhere. The caves of Bohol are home to strange invertebrates, like the albino crabs for instance, who have adapted to life in the dark.
At least two caves in the province of Bohol have historic significance in the Philippines. The first one is the Francisco Dagohoy Cave. This cave is located in the town of Danao and is the most visited by local and foreign tourists.
In 1744, Francisco Dagohoy, a patriot, started a rebellion against the Spanish Regime. This movement lasted until 1829. This cave served as their headquarters during the uprising. One of the passages in Dagohoy's cave has an underwater route that leads to dry land within. It is said that this area was the movement's hiding place when Spanish forces would raid the cave.
The other historic cave is found in the town of Antequera known as Buhong Tiawan, which is just one and a half kilometers away from town. The entrance to the cave is in a wall of a limestone hill. The entrance is three to five meters wide and leads to a cavern 100 meters long.
The cave was used as a refuge in World War II when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. The Japanese raided the place eventually when the imperial army discovered the hide out. Today, the cave is home to different species of birds and bats.
Another famous tourist attraction is the Hinagdanan Cave in the island of Panglao. The cave features stalactites with matching stalagmites that converge towards each other. The cave brings you to a cavern that has a pond about ten feet in depth. It isn't advisable to swim in it since the water in the pond isn't clean.
The caves Bohol, Philippines is a haven for those who love to explore the subterranean world. Some of these caves have been etched into the history of the Philippines through the people who seek refuge and hope for freedom.
A fast advancing and popular tourist destination in the province of Bohol, Tagbilaran City plays home to numerous interesting hospitality service providers in the Philippines. To help travelers have a wonderful and remarkable vacation in the city, there are Tagbilaran hotel guides that they can use to look at the special features of hospitality service providers in the area. Most of the hotel guides offer basic information on the hotels such as their star ratings, facilities, as well as accommodation rates. In this way, tourists can easily decide, which of the hotels suit their budgets and needs.
Star Ratings in Tagbilaran Hotel Guides
For the sake of travelers and vacationers in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, who consider the performance and quality of service of hospitality service providers, they can always look at the star ratings in Tagbilaran hotel guides. For those who prefer to sleep in elegant guestrooms, they can always check in in any of the four-star and three-star hospitality service providers in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, which include Bohol Tropics Resort, The MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center, as well as Hotel La Roca. However, for those who do not have ample budget to stay in these hotels, they can always stay in two-star and one-star hotels that are commonly featured in Tagbilaran hotel guides like Winward Pension House, Villa Alzhun Tourist Inn, and El Portal Inn.
Facilities and Accommodation Rates of Hotels in Tagbilaran City, Philippines
To those who prioritize the facilities of hotels when choosing places to stay in Tagbilaran City, Philippines, they can refer to Tagbilaran hotel guides because these feature amenities available in Tagbilaran hospitality service providers. For people who want to stay in hotels that have dining and leisure amenities, they can reserve rooms at The Meridian Hotel, Wregent Plaza Hotel, and Gie Gardens Hotel. On the other hand, for those who are content with hotels that have standard amenities but affordable room rates, they can check out the rooms at any of these lodges and pension houses; Charisma Lodge, Villa Camilla Pension House, and Slim Pension House.
Tagbilaran travel guides are surely helpful to everyone who has plans of spending their vacations in the city. By using or referring to these guides, individuals can plan their trips to Tagbilaran City, Philippines well. Additionally, they can also manage their budgets well, since they can have a look at the estimated rates of hospitality service providers. Above all, they can easily locate the places where they want to stay because the guides also provide information on the exact location of these places.
Most kids would love to see a mountain made of chocolate. How about 1,268 hills made of chocolate as a substitute? That would be a treat, but that's not exactly what you'll get when you come to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines. One of the famous tourist attractions in the Philippines is Bohol's Chocolate Hills.
The Chocolate Hills is declared as a National Geological Monument in the Philippines. It is recommended and is part of the major tourist attractions in the country.
When you get to the Chocolate Hills you'll be immediately convinced that this is not man made. A lot of reactions go like the Chocolate Hills are man-made when they see a picture of this tourist attraction for the first time.
The name Chocolate Hills come from the grass on the hills that turn chocolate brown during the dry season in the Philippines. The hills are cone-shaped, about the same size, and cover an area of 50 square kilometers. It's a natural wonder once you get a chance to see them.
There isn't an exact count of the hills comprising the Chocolate Hills. Though the estimate of 1,268 hills isn't really off (there are those that claim that this is the exact number).
The Chocolate Hills baffle geologists. There is a debate among them regarding the origin of the Chocolate Hills. There is an explanation of the origin of the Chocolate Hills in a bronze plaque on the observation deck you'll find there. The plaque says that the Chocolate Hills were the result of erosion, but you can be sure that is not the only explanation geologists have given.
There are two famous legends that explain the origin of the Chocolate hills. The popular one is about two giants who hurled rocks and boulders during a fight between them. They got really exhausted after a few days of fighting. They soon forgot what started the conflict and left the place as friends. The funny part is that both giants forgot to clean up the mess they made, which became the chocolate hills.
The romantic one associated with this tourist attraction is about a giant named Arogo who fell in love with a mortal named Aloya. When Aloya died Arogo cried in anguish, his tear drops fell to the earth and dried up forming the Chocolate hills.
When visiting the Chocolate Hills you'll have a place to stay at the Chocolate Hills Complex, its a little hotel-restaurant with a swimming pool and an observation deck. You may also go to the Sagbayan Peak mountain resort. It also has its own observation deck, swimming pools, a children's park, a butterfly dome, a hotel, and a tarsier sanctuary. A golf course is also in the making.
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Philippines is a must see for kids and the child of heart. It's a wonder of nature and is one of the most recommended tourist attractions in the Philippines.
I grew and was oriented in a family that believed in the usual process of 'go to school, finished college and get a good job' in order to survive in this so-called life. We have more than the average family has in terms of financial and educational opportunity. Nonetheless, even in my younger years, I knew that surviving was not my type of game. Surviving would not do for me, I wanted something more. Fulfillment has something to do with challenge and that was my game.
Though we were not really that financially overflowing, but we were blessed that our parents gave us equal opportunity in terms of our needs. As the youngest amongst siblings, I witnessed how my elder brothers and sisters were being aided by my parents regarding their ventures until they decided to settle down and raise their own families. As the 'bunso' (youngest among siblings) I was in a way 'spoiled brat', but in a good way though. My siblings were very supportive of me as they 'vented' their frustrations on me. My brothers taught me how to play basketball and they were so proud of me since I was the only one in the family that had achieved the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in our school. My sisters help me appreciate music as they taught me how to play the piano. After my recital, I decided to learn the guitar and created a four-piece band that represented the schools in various 'battle of the bands' competition. I retained this 'rock star-all-star baller' until I finished my college degree. Honestly, after my formal schooling, I still not sure of what I really wanted. One of my best friends suggested why not put up a business. The idea had me almost jumping because I had not ventured in to 'money-making' deals my whole life. Of course, I would like it to be challenging.
When I was a young kid, I dreamt of being 'trapped' in an island and eventually surviving the harsh and unpredictable forces of nature and in the end emerged as the victor and developed the place into a state-of-art island. Then the island of Bohol just popped out of my mind as the best venue for my business endeavor. I was too young then to appreciate Bohol Island but my cousins never failed to give me a 'blow by blow' account how beautiful the island was. The next question was what would be my line of business. My girlfriend’s dad, for the longest time, had been a supervisor of a bus company that caters visitors going to Baguio. He asserted that car for rent business in Bohol would be in. The 'gig' may not be the first but, who does not need transportation anyway. Business was all about networking. It was a matter of knowing who your potential patrons or customers to keep the business alive.
After taking care of the business technicalities, I was now ready to start my business in Bohol. I was a hands-on guy who really loved to get involved of the situation. My first customers were actually distant relatives based outside the Philippines. Since they had been gone for quite sometime, I was able to practiced professionalism throughout their stay. My cute 'pamangkin' (niece) always asked questions like why the tarsiers were so little but they have bulging eyes, why the famous Chocolate Hills looked like inverted chocolate kisses, etc. One of the best question she threw was where is the place where chocolate kisses where made. I answered in a chocolate factory, she immediately quipped, 'No, they were made inside the Chocolate Hills!' This kid made us laugh as we drove around Bohol Island.
Doing business in Bohol was really a wonderful idea after all. Practically speaking living in the island is so simple. Locals are really great! Bohol Island is definitely one of the best tourist spots in the world because of its natural beauty. I do really hope that everything stays this way forever.
Found in Central Visayas and surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains, Bohol has been a favorite destination of tourists and locals alike. There are several Bohol hotels that can provide that once in a lifetime experience that will make sure we have the best vacation when we go there.
This 4 star Bohol hotel has a magnificent view since it has been built on top of a cliff overlooking Tagbilaran, Alona Beach and the Bohol Sea. The facilities of Amorita Resort are world class and their infinity pool is just spectacular. The other facilities of this infamous Bohol hotel are KTV room, leisure area, spa and a boutique. It’s hard to find a hotel that can offer both a beach side location and the tranquility of gardens but Amorita Resort is one of the exceptions to the rule. The paved pathways that lead to the different areas of this Bohol hotel are lined with trees and bushes are that constantly maintained.
The Amorita Resort has an excellent restaurant that has a view of the infinity pool. The Saffron Restaurant of this Bohol hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and is very cozy, with tables and chairs made out of local materials. Saffron Restaurant serves International and Filipino dishes and the added benefit provided by Amorita Resort is the free WIFI access. The rooms at this Bohol hotel are also elegantly furnished. The best room though is the Ocean View Villa which is spacious and provides a great view of the islands and the sea. The Ocean View Villa at Amorita Resort has a king sized bed, LCD cable television, mini-bar, in-room safe, air conditioning and a large bathroom containing necessities such as a blow dryer.
Another Bohol hotel that comes highly recommended is the Amarela Resort. This Bohol hotel is also nestled on top of a cliff and commands an excellent view of the beach. Amarela Resort places importance in culture and arts, and management made sure that the common areas of this Bohol hotel are lined with artwork and the furnishings are all made from native materials. The facilities of the Amarela Resort are restaurant and bar, business center, infinity pool and a health spa. Massage services are offered at the guest’s room for that total pampering during one’s vacation. The rooms at Amarela Resort exude warmth, each one is fully air conditioned with cable television, mini bar, IDD telephone and hot and cold shower. There is even a small receiving area for guests and there is more than enough space to accommodate two people. The rooms at Amarela Resort have a balcony that looks out to the splendor of Bohol.
The Philippines consists of various islands that yield something special and one of these islands is definitely Bohol. Bohol is one of the largest islands in the Central Visayan Region and if you are planning to take a trip to Bohol, then you definitely need the Bohol Sightseeing Guide for assistance in finding the special and hidden sites of Bohol. Let us take you on a tour around Bohol with the Bohol Sightseeing Guide right now.
Explore the first spot of the Bohol Sightseeing Guide that is located at Corella, Bohol and is called the Philippine Tarsier Foundation. The Philippines Tarsier Foundation is the only sanctuary in the entire Philippines to house the smallest mammal in the Philippines; the Philippine Tarsier. The Tarsier is often mistaken as an ape, but it belongs to the family of tarsiers and is known for its huge eyes and long tail. The Foundation created a natural habitat for the Tarsiers so that you actually have to look for one before you can touch them.
The next spot in the Bohol Sightseeing Guide is the most popular sightseeing spot not only in Bohol, but also in the entire Philippines and we are talking about the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. The Chocolate Hills are located 55 km away from the capital city of Tagbilaran and these hills are called such because of their brown colored grass. Every one of the 1,268 hills is cone shaped and looks just like one another. The grass coloring happens because the grass runs dry during the summer time, but in the raining season the grass turns back into a luscious green.
Another spot that has to be a part of the Bohol Sightseeing Guide is Alona Beach. This beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Philippines because of its white sand and perfect dive conditions. Aside from tanning and sunbathing, you have a perfect view towards the Mindanao Islands. Another great Bohol Sightseeing Guide spot is the Balicasag Island from which you can join expeditions that set off to watch whales.
The last site in the Bohol Sightseeing Guide is going to be the Macas Orchids and Farm which is a place that houses different orchid species and native houses of the Philippines that are all man-made. This little park is perfect for panorama pictures as it overlooks a sea. Get to know the different orchid species in the Philippines and rediscover your love for flowers here.
This concludes the Bohol Sightseeing Guide for the island of Bohol, Philippines. Now you know what to look for once you are in Bohol and you will see the variation of Filipino life, nature and culture in this wonderful island.
If you are looking for a perfect island getaway, then Bohol is just a perfect paradise for you. Situated east of Cebu and southwest of Leyte, it is an island set out as a mound of brown and green in the velvet blue sea. This mound of brown and green is composed of fertile lands with chocolaty brown hills in the midst of lush forests and grassy meadows.
Bohol is indeed a paradise which does not only boast of rich agricultural lands but also of rich marine life in the form of schools of tiny reef fish to pods of dolphins and whales amidst colorful corals. Aside from its rich historic and cultural heritage and its warm and friendly people, Bohol is also known for its handicrafts such as mats, baskets, raffia woven cloth, fashion accessories, wood craft, processed foods and pottery.
If you want to explore Bohol’s beauty, there are a number of Bohol hotels and resorts situated along Panglao Island.
Situated in Panglao Island, Alona Kew white beach resort is a stretch of fine white sand with coconut trees, surrounded with the cool, blue waters of Bohol. This Bohol resort has a variety of air-conditioned suites, bungalows and deluxe cottages to suit your needs. Alona Palm Beach Bohol hotel is a 4-star hotel located on the stretch of fine white sand, and boasts of 12 elegant villas. Alona Tropical Beach Bohol resort is composed of 27 elegantly furbished double rooms, either in a longhouse or bungalows. If you want to be close to nature, Alona Vida Beach Bohol resort is a perfect choice, because of its shady coconut trees and tropical plants.
Not far away from Alona is Alumbung Bohol Resort, a place which offers two secluded Balinese rice barns, or lumbungs. If you want an airy view, you would surely love Amorita beach Bohol resort, which is nestled on top of a beachside cliff surrounded by verdant gardens.
Scuba divers would surely love Anayana Beach Bohol resort, a scuba diving Bohol hotel resort with a 150 meter beachfront of white sand and crystal blue waters. A partner resort of Alona Palm beach and sun apartelle, Philippine Island Divers Bohol Resort also offers first class accommodations.
If you want a native touch, try Bee Farm Bohol Hotel. It is a boutique hotel amidst landscaped gardens made of native materials such as bamboo and wood. They also offer a wide range of native souvenirs to take home, such as bags, mats, hats and wall decors.
Bohol Beach club is a famous spot of white sand amidst the blue waters. It boasts of 67 guest rooms, 40 standard rooms, 20 superior rooms, 6 executive suites and 1 family suite.
Another Bohol hotel which offers a hillside spectacular view is Bohol Plaza resort. It faces the city of Tagbilaran and offers a sight to behold during night time amidst twinkling stars and city lights.
A 5-star beachfront Bohol resort in Panglao Island is Eskaya Beach Bohol resort. It faces a 5-kilometer coral white sand stretch you would surely admire.
For sports lovers, Flushing Meadows Bohol Resort boasts of an international standard tennis court and a kid’s fishing center which boys, young and old alike, would surely love.
Be surrounded by the mystique of flowers in the Flower Garden Bohol Resort. It is a 4-star hotel which has well-landscaped gardens full of blooming flowers and tropical plants.
Far from the island’s hustle and bustle is Flower Beach Diving resort, a place with a relaxing atmosphere perfect for meditation.
Indeed Bohol is the place to be, with these Bohol hotels and resorts. So fly now!
"Fresh" is the operative word here. Fresh seafood. As in just plucked out of the sea a moment ago and cooked before your very eyes. Freshly slaughtered suckling pig roasting in a pit of hot coals. Fresh vegetables. Harvested just a few steps away. Some garnish the seafood; some are processed for salads and side dishes. Fresh fruit. A local picks them off the bushes, shrubs or trees and ably adds these to the growing menu.
We are going to have a fiesta. In these parts, fiesta is a vital component of celebrating life. What seems like a growing cacophony of food preparation activity is actually an orderly exercise in merrymaking. It is the lifeblood and the tradition of these islands.
These are the Philippine islands. Home to a warm and hospitable Filipino people. And if there is anything Filipinos love to do, it is to eat well. Compared to many other nationalities worldwide, Filipinos share the peculiar reputation of celebrating the small and big events of their lives with food. To them, food is indispensable as a means of merrymaking. It seems well entrenched in the national psyche that good food; processed and handled and served well, is every homemakers status symbol. It is a widely held belief that a self-respecting Filipino will go to great lengths to transform the humblest of food into something special at the dinner table.
Native cuisine is often an eclectic mix of Chinese, Spanish, American, and local food reflecting influences from their neighbors, colonizers, and trading partners. The staple food is rice, fish, and vegetables, but pork and chicken is also popular. Each region of the Philippines is justifiably proud of its local specialties which take advantage of the dazzling range of fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats available. But let us focus on Bohol's restaurants and its unique seafood festival.
Scenic and historical Bohol Island is a popular tourist destination located among the cluster of Visayan Islands in south-central Philippines. It is home to some spectacular dive sites that attract international divers who very often take up long-term residence here. Add to this the seasonal tourist, the resident mix-blood whose ancestors traded with or colonized the islanders, the local migrants, and the islanders themselves, and you get a picture of a Bohol island which is peopled by a merry mix of nationalities, all of whom have their own food tastes and preferences. This gives rise to a clientele for a wide variety of restaurants in Bohol which cater to every need, want and budget.
Yet most Bohol restaurants are no different from that which is typical to the Philippines or from similarly situated tourist destinations throughout the world. Even the mildly unique restaurant structures that are set partly on land and partly on the shallows of the beach are typical in many coastal tourist destinations. Fresh catch may be the operative word here, but that is true in most all quality restaurants throughout the world.
But what is unique to Bohol restaurants is the sheer variety of fresh catch and the price for which they can be had. A recent World Bank publication and the United Nations Development Program have cited a good number of marine resources scientists who claim that the Philippines is at the center of the world's marine fish biodiversity. That study rings most true in Bohol which is situated at the center of the Philippine islands. The sheer variety of fresh catch at near bargain prices. This allows for a seafood festival unique to Bohol restaurants.
Bohol (an island situated in the Visayas in the Philippines, is a place of lush history and is a wonderful tourist destination. It is the home of the Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills. What not many people know is that Bohol also has one of the most beautiful and awesome beaches in the Philippines or maybe even in the world. Some beaches there are not only a nice place for swimming and picnicking but also an excellent place for diving. Here, below are some of the beautiful and breathtaking beaches of Bohol.
Alona Beach – it is the most developed and probably the most beautiful beach on Panglao Island. It is located in the southwest side of the island with nice resorts and a numerous well equipped diving establishments. One must only be very careful in wading in the water because 20-30 meters away from the coast are some sea urchins.
Dumaluan Beach– is located 2 ½ kilometers from Alona Beach. It is here where Bohol Beach Club and some other more exclusive beach resorts of Bohol are located.
Bikini Beach – located about 8 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City. This beach is an ideal place for people who are fond of picnics.
Momo Beach –this one is situated on the north side of Panglao Island with shallow water and also with white powdery sand.
Doljo Beach – not far from Momo Beach and on the northwest side of the island is where this beach is located. It has clean blue water which is an ideal spot for scuba diving where divers can find undisturbed coral reefs abundant with many colorful fishes and many beautiful sea shells. It has also a long white sand shoreline.
Kaingit Beach – this beach is also in Tagbilaran City and is situated in a cove. It was developed by the city government of Tagbilaran and also maintained by them. One can observe here a sea which remains calm even on stormy weather.
Santa Fe Beach – this beach is located near the Poblacion of Albuquerque which is also 13 km from Tagbilaran City. It has white sand also and is fronting the open sea of Mindanao.
Laya Beach – located in Baclayon and is about 9 km from Tagbilaran City, is shaded by tall coconut trees. It is ideal for picnics and the rest houses are available at a minimum cost.
Duero Beach – this beach is situated 77 km from Tagbilaran City and is in the eastern part of Bohol. It is also a white sand beach which is shaded by palm and coconut trees.
Imelda Beach - it is located in Damiao and about 40 km from Tagbilaran City. It was once used as a campsite for boy and girl scouts of Bohol.
Canuba Beach – located in Jagna, is also blessed with white sand beach and clean blue waters shaded by palm trees.
So, if you’re planning to spend your vacation on a beach, why not try spending it in one of the beautiful beaches of Bohol in the Philippines. You can enjoy nature in a most relaxing atmosphere with the advantage of modern facilities at a more reasonable cost.