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Friday, August 22, 2008

♥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.




















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.
























Tarsier

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The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is very peculiar small animal. In fact it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than a adult men's hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes has it that tarsiers eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. It can be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines.

If no action is taken, the tarsier might not survive. Although it is a protected species, and the practice of catching them and then selling them as stuffed tarsiers to tourists has stopped, the species is still threatened by the destruction of his natural forest habitat. Many years of both legal and illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture have greatly reduced these forests, and reduced the tarsier population to a dangerously small size. If no action is taken now, the Philippine tarsier can soon be added to the list of extinct species.

















Hinagdanan Cave

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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.


















Loboc River

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Loboc is known for its floating restaurants along the scenic and winding Loboc River. Tourists also come to see the tarsier, a small nocturnal animal with large eyes. It is one of the world's smallest primates. Unfortunately, the tarsiers here are kept in an inadequate cage, and better be observed in the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.




















Man made forest


-Is the 1960's, a nationwide reforestation program was launched by the government under, then president, 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. For many years now, the lush green forest has been enjoyed by everyone who passes through it.Thousands of Mahogany trees can be seen along the road as you travel to Chocolate Hills. A side-trip to the forest is refreshing as the ambience is cool and peaceful.


















Dolphin watching in Balicasag Island

-Balicasag Island has a total land area of 25 has., 1.5 has., of which has been developed into a resort. This "Special Interest Resort" has been operational since October, 1989. Philippine Tourism Authority together with the Philippine Navy promote underwater sports and protects a marine life sanctuary showcasing a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism.

















Blood Compact Site

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More than forty years after Magellan's death, in 1564, Spain sent out four expeditions to establish colonies in the Far East, and to pick up a share of the lucrative spice trade under control of the Portuguese. These expeditions failed, but in the next year, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi was more successful. Sailing westwards from Mexico with four ships and almost four hundred men, he reached the Philippines in the beginning of 1565, and established a Spanish settlement. This wasn't an easy achievement. Just like Magellan before him, Legazpi met with hostile native warriors, who didn't like the idea of foreigers invading their islands. His attempt to land on the island of Cebu was twarted, and he decided to look for a friendlier place. He lifted his anchor and headed south in the direction of Mindanao. A change of wind, however, forced his fleet back to north in the direction of Bohol. With the help of a Mohammedan Malay pilot from a captured trading ship from Borneo, he learned that the Filipinos were involved in trade with the Moluccas, Borneo, Java, Malacca, and even far away places such as India and China.
















Baclayon Church & Museum

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The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is one of the best presevered 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.

Historical Sites

Blood Compact Site (Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City)
A marker that identifies the spot where Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races.

Anibogan Massacre Site (Catigbian; 73 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A historical place for valor, glory, and heroism, which symbolizes the lives of the Filipino massacre victims during the Japanese regime.

Behind the Clouds (Catigbian; 38 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The cradle of the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation, when a group of courageous men composed of disbanded and surrendered soldiers and even civilians started the organization of the guerilla to liberate the people from oppression.

Camp Verde (Duero; 73 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A distinct historical spot of the last bastion of Boholano insurgents of the World War II.

Dagohoy Marker (Danao; 92 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The Dagohoy marker in Magtangtang, Danao town was installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy who led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards, which lasted for 84 years. Magtangtang was Dagohoy’s headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site.

Mt. Carmel Hill (Balilihan; 24 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Atop Mt. Carmel Hill right in the heart of Balilihan town is a historical tower of adobe and limestone. These materials were hauled from the town of Baclayon. The tower was built at the foot of a hill to serve as the belfry of the church. The church was, however, burned down during the Philippine revolution. Like a sentinel, the tower stands as guard of the whole town. Concrete stairways lead to the hill.

Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park (Tagbilaran City)
Erected as a joint undertaking of Boholanos from all over the country and abroad in loving memory of the greatest Boholano, Carlos Polistico Garcia, the fourth President of the Republic of the Philippines. It sits on a rolling site with an area of 11 hectares, chosen by the late president himself in 1939 when he was governor of Bohol. Here, one can see the exquisite monument of marble base and a life-size bronze statue of Garcia, also the first President of the 1971 Constitutional Convention, by Bohol’s famous sculptor, National Artist Napoleon Abueva. In the background is the provincial capitol.

Ubujan Marker (Tagbilaran City)
The marker was erected in memory of another historic event in the district of Ubuja, which was the battle fought by the brave guerilla Captain Francisco Salazar and his men against the superior forces of the Japanese on October 22, 1942.

The Historic Ermita Ruins (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Another Spanish structure in the town, located just across the street from the Catholic church. According to accounts of local residents, the structure was allegedly used as a military fortress, chapel, and final resting place of the members of the Spanish clergy at the time. Questions about its mysterious past, however, remained unanswered that even experts from the National Museum have recommended its immediate excavation.

Punta Cruz (Maribojoc; 14 km. from Tagbilaran City)
An ancient watchtower built of stones that served as a lookout point for incoming pirates. In the slightly indented place fronting the tower, a wooden cross was planted. Legend has it that its mysterious spell had saved many people from the ravages of the pirates as the cross extended its mysterious arms straight to the sea thus preventing marauders. Atop the tower are windows overlooking the Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao seas.

Cultural Heritage

Baclayon Museum (Baclayon; 7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The museum is located inside the convent, or Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. It contains a rich collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, librettos of church music printed in Latin on animal skins, and other priceless relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century.

Bohol Museum (Tagbilaran City)
Once the home of former President Carlos P. Garcia, the fourth President of the Philippine Republic and the greatest statesman Bohol has ever produced, and his family. The museum gives the visitors a feel of what Bohol was, is, and will be. On display are the late President and family’s memorabilia, old relics plus a collection of shells found on Bohol’s shores.

Clarin Ancestral House (Loay; 18 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Owned and maintained by descendants of the Clarin family, the ancestral house is located at the poblacion. Guests are in for a nostalgic trip as they enter the house replete with interesting antique jars, lamps, kitchenware, and furniture.

Natural Formations
Anda Beach (Anda; 101 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A beach along the poblacion covered with white sand. It is noted for its cleanliness. The townfolk enjoy the unpolluted sea.

Alona Beach (Panglao; 20 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Located in a cover of white sandy beach facing the Mindanao sea. The waters are deep, making the beach ideal for scuba diving.

Alejawan Beach (Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Though its sand and pebbles are brown, the water does not get murky. The sea bottom very gently slopes to the deep making it a child-friendly beach. The beach has a wide level ground which can hold expansion and development. The area is about two hundred meters from the highway. Thick coconut grooves line half of the beach and the other half is an open sandy portion.

Balbalan Beach (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Dimiao has a stretch of white sandy beaches facing the Mindanao Sea. Colorful coral reefs dot its shorelines, offering an alternative diving haven in the province. The most famous of these beaches is the Balbalan Beach Resort, which is a 5-minute drive from the poblacion, whose crystal-clear blue waters is ideal for swimming, sailing and diving.

Bay Watch (Panganagn Island, Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Famous for scuba diving, especially noted for the presence of famous white sharks.

Bikini Beach (Dauis; 8 km. from Tagbilaran City)
An ideal beach for all bathers. Calm waters, with palm trees around that shade the beach. It has huts and benches for picnickers. Fish of various kinds abound here.

Canuba Beach (Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City)
An ideal place for bathing. Clean water and white sand along the highway shaded by palm trees and a cliff in the eastern part of the beach.

Clarin Beach (Loay; 28 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A long stretch of white sand beach, it was developed during the time of late Senator Jose Clarin. It is complete with recreational facilities and a bath house. This beach is only one kilometer away from the poblacion to Loay.

Darak Beach (Pangangan Island, Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The most popular resort in Calape. Has cottages and an audio visual hall for conference and social gatherings.

Doljo Beach (Panglao; 20 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Ideal site for scuba diving. Noted for its beautiful and wonderful sea shells. The deep sea of Doljo has clear and clean water. It is not disturbed by strong waves. The beautiful and big coral rocks are the habitat of small and big colored fish. The beach has a long stretch of white sand.

Duero Beach (Duero; 73 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A beautiful beach located in the eastern part of Bohol. It is noted for its long and white sand, and shaded by palm and coconut trees.

Imelda Beach (Dimiao; 40 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Once chosen as the campsite for Boys and Girls Scouts of Bohol. Just like other beaches, Imelda Beach is also covered with palm trees. This is located along the National Highway before reaching the town proper of Dimiao.

Kaingit Beach (Tagbilaran City)
A popular beach resort in Tagbilaran which is jam-packed by bathers during weekends. It is situated in a cove, which leaves the bathers undisturbed even during stormy weather. It is located at the end of a side street fro Graham Avenue. It is being developed and maintained by the city government. Seafood and drinks are also sold.

Laya Beach (Baclayon; 9 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Picnickers from various places enjoy their weekends here. Laya has a wide area shaded by tall coconut trees. A rest house is available at a very minimal cost.

Lintuan Beach (Loon; 25 km. from Tagbilaran City)
It is the favorite bathing resort in this part of the province. It has white sand beaches and a sandy sea bed. Ideal bathing area for children.

Sta. Fe Beach (Alburquerque; 13 km. from Tagbilaran City)
One of the favorite beaches covered by white sand. Fronting the open sea of Mindanao. This beach is visited by big numbers of picnickers during holidays. It is located in about one and one half kilometers from the poblacion of Alburquerque.

Chocolate Hills (Carmen; 55 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills which abound in Central Bohol, two have been developed into a resort. On top of the hills is a complex that offers accommodation, conference rooms, restaurants, and a view deck.

Banat-i Hill (Tagbilaran City)
This hill commands a scenic view overlooking the vast sea of Mindanao, Negros, and Siquijor provinces, and the strait of Panglao Island. Elevation is 145 meters above sea level.

Elly Hill (Tagbilaran City)
Its formation is similar to that of the famous Chocolate Hills. Elevation is 100 meters and it is situated in the northern part of the city about 5 kilometers away. On top of the second hill is an observation deck with 213 concrete steps. Once on top, one can view the exquisite panorama of wondrous creations spread below as far as the eyes can see.

Himontagon Hill (Loay; 20 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Located in Sitio Candaon in Barangay Botoc Occidental, the Himontagon Hill is a very scenic place overlooking the Mindanao sea. Visible from atop the hill are the sparkling evening sceneries which portray a beautiful glittering city mid-sea, the lights being provided by lamps of fishermen. During clear weather, Mt. Hibok-hibok volcano in Camiguin Island is visible. The place also provides fascinating scenes during sunrise and sunset. The hill was the site of the area jamboree of the Boy Scouts.

Sampoangon Hill (Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Located in Sampoangan, a distance of about 12 km. from the town proper. The hill has a breathtaking scenic view and is overlooking Cebu.

Hinagdanan Cave (Dauis; 6 km. from Tagbilaran City)
It has clean, fresh water gushing from rocky sides. An eerie underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. Underneath is a bathing pool. This cave is about 2 ½ kilometers away from the poblacion of Dauis.

Eva Cave (Odiong – Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Wild orchids and tree ferns of the tropics grow abundantly near the cave. Countless birds abound and these birds build edible nests which are gathered in large quantities for sale. A stone wall covers the area with several compartments.

Kokok & Nueva Vida Sur Caves (Carmen; 59 km. from Tagbilaran City)
These caves lace the underground of the town’s upland areas with giant chambers, springs, fascinating rock formation, and stalactites, where one can experience the thrill in conquering mother nature by exploring.

Busay Falls (Loboc; 26 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Busay Falls is 12 meters wide and four meters deep. It caters to swimmers and sightseers who would be enthralled to commune with nature. The Floating Restaurants had been anchored there as venue for meetings and conferences.

Busay Falls (Sevilla; 34 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Busay Falls is located inland of the Loboc River past Sevilla town. This beautiful falls provides an exciting scenery for the bathers. Bathers jam this bathing resort during weekends. Two little islets in the middle of the river make the place an ideal site for picnickers. The rushing waters are the favorite bathing pool of the children.

Camugao Falls (Balilihan; 22 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Located in Barangay San Isidro, the falls is a delight for climbers and campers. The cascading falls, accented by its adjacent lush forestall vegetation, is a come on for bathers as it drops into a pool.

Dimiao Twin Falls (Dimiao; 38 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The beautiful cascading twin falls is found 14 kilometers away from the highway. It is very ideal for picnics and trekking.

Mag-aso Falls (Antequera; 20 km. from Tagbilaran City)
About 25 feet tall with verdant green forest as a fitting background for the placid waters. A very beautiful bathing resort with its cool cascading water and a scenic surroundings.

Kawasan Falls (Balilihan; 22 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Situated 5 km. from the poblacion, the cascading falls amidst the primeval accented mountain sides and greenery is a sight to behold.

Kinahugan Falls (Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Three waterfalls that are trigonomial in nature. The center fall is flanked by one on the northern side of the cliff and the other on the southern side, and all are covered with moss. Tall coconut groves around the deep basin and the river bed give shade, making the place invigorating. The mild temperature and the cool water lure the visitors to take a cool bath. Trees, ferns, and airplants on rocks are a delight to plant fanciers who appreciate the bounties of nature.

Inambacan Falls (Antequera; 19 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Commands a beautiful view of the cascading waterfalls. This could be a potential source of water supply for drinking and irrigation in Antequera town and even Tagbilaran. The estimated output is about 8,000 gallons per minute all drained to the Abatan River. It is one kilometer from the poblacion of this town.

Niluksoan Falls (Balilihan; 22 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The falls in Barangay Sal-ing is another countryside interest. Its cool and clear water flowing into a semi-spherical cone before dropping to a basin where one can have a refreshing swim in the pool to look back and view the landscape from behind the transparency of the curtain-like cascading water is a sight to behold.

Pahangog Twin Falls & Caverns (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Over 30 meters high and with the lush forest as a fitting background for its crystal-clear water, one can readily take a bath in its nature-made lagoon. In its vicinity are two caverns with bizarre interiors. One of them has a pool that catches fresh cool waters gushing from its sides.

Tontonan Falls (Loboc; 27 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The Tontonan Hydroelectric Plant is generated by these falls, which is the first of its kind in the Visayas. It is capable of supplying electric power to six municipalities. The plant machinery is dug deep into the bowels of the earth few meters from the Loboc River.

Badiang Spring (Valencia; 44 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The volume of the water that gushes from twin pipes makes the place fascinating. The waters flowing into the sea adjacent to the spring is a swimming pool that people from the towns enjoy during the weekends. This is a unique bathing place where the bathers choose the swimming pool, the waterfalls, and the place close to each other.

Cabasi Spring (Carmen; 54 km. from Tagbilaran City)
With caves abounding, it is no surprise to see water springs and pools inside these caves. Cabasi is one of them that attract swimmers and divers to explore the depth and mysteries that these cave waters hide from the less courageous and adventurous.

Loboc River (Loboc; 21 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River, starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of the river, and along the palm-fringed banks inland. The ride via motorized pump boat ends near the Tontonan water falls, where several falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session.

Logarita Spring (Bilar; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Springwater-fed swimming pool and a picnic ground at the Rajah Sikatuna National Park.

Roxas Park & Spring (Garcia-Hernandez; 53 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This springwater-fed swimming pool is a good site for picnics and camping.

Omhon Resort (Dimiao; 40 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Omhon is located in one of the highest elevated portions of the province. The climate is cool and the place is planned to be the summer capital of the province. It is approximately 20 km. from the town proper.

Other Popular Dive Sites
Arc Point, Puntod Point, Pamalican Island, Cervera Shoal, Duejo Point, Momo Point, Gak-ang Point, Napoling and Tangnan Point.

Balicasag Island
Accessible in a 35 minute boat ride from the town off Panglao Island. The island has been developed into a dive resort for people who have a keen sense of awareness for marine preservation. Whale watching expeditions can be organized from here.

Bungan & Mahaba Islets (Talibon; 109 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Swarmed by Chinese egrets yearly, usually during the summer, making it as their temporary resting place. Mahaba is a long white beach with little vegetation and Bungan is a small islet with white sand which is good for bathing.

Mantatao Island (Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The clean white beaches in the island are in their natural setting. It is one of the islands packaged for an island hopping adventure.

Pamilacan Island
One of the country's richest scuba diving sites. Noted for its big whales called Sanga. It is between the deep sea of Bohol and Mindanao. Beautiful small and big colored fish and the prized Gloria Maris sea shells abound in its surrounding waters. Accessible in an hour ride by pumpboat from Baclayon, a whale watching expedition can also be organized.

Pantudlan-Cabilao Island
Accessible in an hour by pumpboat from mainland Loon. Also one of the best underwater sites. Pantudlan is frequented by foreign tourists. It is located at the tip and western part of Cabilao Island. The deep sea is only a few meters from its white sandy beach with a lighthouse and cottage. Beautiful colored fish, coral rocks and sea shells are abundant in the deep sea.

Tarsier (Corella; 10 km. from Tagbilaran City)
One of the rare faunas found in the Philippine archipelago that is usually the favorite subject of scientific research is the tarsier, considered as the smallest primate in the whole world. A nocturnal primate measuring from four to five inches, it has a tail which is longer than its body. However, if you're really interested to see this famous tarsier, you're always welcomed by the Boholanos to see it in its natural abode the hills in the town of Corella, 10 km. from Tagbilaran City.

Religious Structures
Alburquerque Church (Dimiao; 12 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Founded in 1869, this imposing structure is famous for its sturdy arches supporting a pathway that connects the church to the convent.

Baclayon Church (Baclayon; 6 km. from Tagbilaran City)
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have been placed at the Baclayon Museum. Baclayon is also the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan, and Sikatuna.

Calape Church (Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The church is known to be the most artistic in medieval design, making it one of a kind in the province.

Dauis Church (Dauis; 3 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches which has retained its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern façade. The church interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townfolk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.

Dimiao Church (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This centuries-old Roman Catholic church stands sturdy and in possession of relics of the friar days, being preserved for posterity, reflecting the culture and traditions of its people who are deeply religious.

Lord of Pardon Hill (Duero; 73 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A mass site during the Holy Week, where along the way are cemented structures of the 14 Stations of the Cross with a big black cross at the top of the hill.

Loboc Church (Loboc; 24 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Second oldest church in Bohol built in 1608. With a three storey convent, a coat of arms can be found in the stonewall at the entrance of the convent.

Loon Church (Loon; 25 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A long flight of 174 stone steps believed to be the longest step stairway in the country, reminiscent of Spanish era forced labor. The stairway connects Napo, the former seat of the town, to the church.

Maribojoc Church (Maribojoc; 14 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This parish was founded in 1768, built in 1798, and fully constructed after 18 years. It has pipe organ at the choir loft and a beautiful altar.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (Balilihan; 22 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The church surely would attract the artistic eye with its ceilings decorated with paintings that are replicas of famous ancient artworks.

Virgen sa Calo-oy (Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Discovered and patronized by Catholics for more than a century. The image of the Virgin is believed to be growing from an empty giant shell. From a mere obscure figure, the image now is very visible, showing the beautiful virgin with the giant shell in the background.

Cruz Daku (Loboc; 26.5 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A famous pilgrimage destination of the faithful during the Holy Week. A huge white cross 80 feet in height is on top of the highest hill, where one can view the neighboring towns, including Tagbilaran City.

Panglao Church (Panglao; 18 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The church which is located on the southwestern shore of Panglao Island is worth a visit for its twin antique confessionals carved with grape and dove patterns. Its ceiling murals depict the Seven Sacraments.

Ilihan Hill (Jagna; 54 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Ilihan Hill has become a religious site for pilgrimage. It is located about four kilometers from Jagna town passing through a winding road uphill. It overlooks Mindanao sea and the evening scenery is beautiful. Sunrise and early morning provide respite. On top of the hill is the image of the Barangay sang Birhin, where a chapel has been built in her honor.

Mt. Carmel Hill (Balilihan; 22 km. from Tagbilaran City)
On top of the hill towers the centuries-old Spanish belfry, the only historical landmark left to shed light on the past and the town’s history. Constructed in 1835-1844 from materials gathered by foot from Baclayon, its mother town, the belfry has withstood natural calamities and the test of time.

The Fatima Rosary Hill (Carmen; 55 km. from Tagbilaran City)
The hill in Barangay Buenavista is a pilgrim site for the devotees of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima. Spiritual recollection becomes more enhancing on top of this hill where one can look at the wide plains of Carmen below.

Man-Made Attractions

Jaycee Promenade (Tagbilaran City)
A joint project of the Bohol Jaycees and the city government is a promenade jutting out of the K of C reclamation area. It is a favorite spot for lovers who stroll in the afternoon to watch the sunset across Tagbilaran Bay.

Rizal Park (Tagbilaran City)
Previously known as Plaza Principe, it is located in front of the Capitol Building and the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Installed by the Tagbilaran Lions and Lionettes are flag poles for the Flag of Nations. On special occasions, particularly the national day of a particular country, its national flag is being raised. Some of the flags were donated by these countries.

Children’s Playground and Mini Park (Tagbilaran City)
Near the St. Joseph Cathedral is the Lions Children’s Playground. Across is the Lionettes Mini Park, where a beautiful fountain with dancing waters has been installed. The park is being improved by the provincial government.

Magsiha Swimming Pool (Balilihan; 24 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is a swimming pool supplied by water from a spring nearby. The barrio folk take time out to enjoy bathing in this man-made pool for a change.

Magsaysay Camp (Bilar; 45 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This Boy Scout Camp is cool and tranquil. The entire area is surrounded with tall trees that make the place pleasant to stay in. It is located in the mountain few kilometers from the poblacion of Bilar town. The camping site is one of the best hereabouts.

Bilarma Camp (Bilar; 45 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is the provincial Girl Scout encampment. A beautiful site for camping where the youth commune with nature. There is a swimming pool where abundant fresh water cascades from a source which seems inexhaustible even during summer. Bathers from Tagbilaran take the long ride just to enjoy the beauty of the site and the abundant water supply in the swimming pool.

Malinao Dam (Pilar; 72 km. from Tagbilaran City)
A PhP1.4 Billion irrigation project covering a land area of about 300 hectares serving 5,000 hectares of riceland. There is a man-made lake ideal for rowboating and fishing.

Wahig-Pamacsalan Dam (Bilar; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This dam is a refreshing accent to the green scenery and good for boating and sports fishing.

The Home (Carmen; 55 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is a project of the Catholic Women’s League, diocesan chapter. It is both a tourist attraction as well as community project – a home for the orphaned, abandoned, neglected, and maltreated children of broken homes. It is located in Barangay Katipunan, 1 ½ km. from the town proper, consisting of 11 hectares.

Roxas Park (Garcia-Hernandez; 55 km. from Tagbilaran City)
It has a beautiful park and adjacent to it are two swimming pools with water coming from the rocks. This park is situated 3 kilometers away from the poblacion. On the spot is the life-size statue of the late President Manuel Roxas. This park is also an ideal camping site.

Tigbao Hanging Bridge (Loboc; 29 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Backed by the influx of tourists, this link has become a stop. Many are entranced by the bridge itself, and the background – the clean Loboc River and the trees along the banks.

Corpus Antique Spanish House (Calape; 41 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Located at the poblacion, the house which is owned by the Corpus family boasts of various antiques ranging from jars to china wares and lamps.

Jagna
A town in Bohol where 406 die-hard revolutionists, led by Captain Goyo Casenas, died during the bloody encounter between the Filipinos and Americans, now home of 406 martyrs.

Lasang-Lasang Park (Carmen; 54 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This is an exotic mini-forest where wild plants and animals seek sanctuary and thrive naturally. Out of the rocks is clear water that unceasingly supplies irrigation water to the ricefields in the low land areas.

Macas Orchids and Farm (Lindaville, Tagbilaran City)
The 6,000 sq. m. lot is stocked with various species of Dendrobium and Vanda orchids in varying sizes. In addition to the flowering orchids, a typical Filipino native house is placed in the center overlooking the Ubujan and Maribojoc Sea and is a favorite spot for picture taking.

Ubay Stock Farm
One of the largest government stock farms in the country with an area of 4,500 hectares. Imported breeds of cattle are in the stock farm, a vast rolling hills and plains.

Festivals

Sandugo Festival (July 1-31)
The annual spectacular festival of the province features an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical showcase, sports events, a beauty pageant, balls and dances, entertainment shows, and streetdancing which culminates with the re-enactment of the blood compact or Sandugo between Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Tagbilaran City Fiesta (May 1)
The Tagbilaran City is one of the most exciting and fun filled occasions of the year. For nine days before the day itself, nightly entertaining activities are held, such as the beauty pageant, literary musical shows, concerts, dramas and stage plays, and many more.

Bolibong Kingking Festival (May 23-24)
A music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs and their rhythm used to accompany the supplication dance ritual in front of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the 2nd Patron of Loboc.

Pana-ad sa Loboc (Holy Thursday & Good Friday)
In observance of the Holy Week, the Lobocanons read the "Pasyon" and do a penitential procession through the way of the cross that culminates at the place called "Cruz Daku," a huge cross 80 feet in height which is on top of the highest hill where one can view the neighboring towns including the city.

Sambat Mascaray Regatta Festival (1st Saturday of December)
The festival is celebrated in honor of Loay town's second patron, St. Francis Xavier. Colorful activities are lined up, like the agro-industrial fair, group masked street dancing, drum and bugle competition, boat racing along the river, and many more. The event is highlighted by a tluvial parade of the image along the river.

Suroy sa Musikero (December 25 - February 2)
This is a revelry where the Loboc town musicians cover daily the assigned areas to partake of the food served by the host and to play music to the tune of Kuradang, Dalagang sa Baybayon, and others. This is also the period where carolers render Christmas songs to the families of the host area.

Bohol Fiestas (month of May)
If you want to experience fiesta in the real sense of the word, come to Bohol on the merry month of May when each day a town or a barrio fiesta is celebrated with so much grandeur and revelry. This is also the time for family reunions. Kinfolk from places far and near gather to keep in touch with loved ones.

Ubi Festival (January)
For almost half a millennium, the ubi tuber has been venerated by the Boholanos. To this day, the respect for the plant is still stronger than ever. The festival will institutionalize the ubi crop as the agro-historical geographical-religious symbol of Bohol and give the ubi the recognition it rightfully deserves in the market. Tthe festival features an exhibit, ubi contest, an agri-business investment opportunities seminar, and a cultural show.

Special Interests

Lila Rice Terraces (Lila; 35 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Bohol’s answer to Banaue’s rice terraces. Although modest in size, they nevertheless form a wondrous sight as they cascade down from the mountain.

Lunar Rice Terraces (Boctol) (Jagna; 58 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Beautiful panoramic scenery of two high mountains that have carved a ravine wherein nest the rice terraces. It occupies a total area of 50 hectares.

Rice Terraces (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Dimiao has its own version of Mt. Banawe’s rice terraces. Although modest in size, they nevertheless form a wondrous sight as they cascade down the valley, giving a scenario of a breathtaking countryside setting.

McArthur’s Cap (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
Nature has carved a lonely rock and transformed it into an extraordinary emblem that marks the entry to Dimiao. People call it McArthur’s Cap, a rock formation resembling an officer’s cap. It is an ideal place to unwind after a busy day. Its serenity can be savored when one watches the sunset where, with the changing of the southeastern skies, he feels the quiet tenor of the soft eastern breeze.

Badiang Peak (Dimiao; 36.7 km. from Tagbilaran City)
This rugged mountain provides a panoramic view from atop. It gives a picturesque sight of the lowlands of Dimiao. Standing high and mighty, it poses a challenge to trekkers.


Bohol Bee Farm

natural picNatural bees

bullet An extraordinary find! A sanctuary hidden from the world. Discreetly located and nestled in lush greens and quiet paths, guests can commune with nature and relax from stresses and strains of daily life, the Bohol Bee Farm is truly a gem.

organic picOrganic bees

bullet This gem of a farm offers an alternative lifestyle, an experience of interesting smorgasbord of organic delights. The freshest of ingredients are combined to produce a sumptuous food never seen in the market. A healthy option, indeed!

sustainable picSustainable bees

bullet This healthy option comes from the principle of agricultural development that leads to a better environment, hence organic farming is practiced. Encouraging the staff at Bohol Bee Farm to do livelihood activities is likewise an act of giving back to the communities.

hospitable picHospitable bees

bullet Relax in the casual Boholano hospitality and charm where guests are pampered and accomodation superb. Where a day is never boring and is truly treasured. Visitors are immersed in various activities the farm offers.

refreshing picRefreshing bees

bullet Healthy living, overall balance and inner peace are part of the services and lessons offered in the Bohol Bee Farm to give you a rejuvenated mind, body and spirit.


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

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