Thursday, July 31, 2014

Bohol

Bohol is a first income class island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas Region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City. With a land area of 4,117.26 square kilometres (1,589.68 sq mi) and a coastline 261 kilometres (162 mi) long, Bohol is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. To the west of Bohol is Cebu, to the northeast is the island of Leyte and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.

The Island of Bohol is oval-shaped and surrounded by 73 smaller islands. The main island has a gently rolling terrain. Bohol's mountainous interior is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna; at certain points, hills drop steeply to the coast from a maximum elevation of 870 meters above sea level. The interior uplands are fit for agro-forestry and high value agricultural production, while the central and northern lowlands also have fertile grounds and an abundant water supply. Over a hundred caves have been identified, the biggest of which is found in the eastern part of the island.


We came from Cebu City by plane and then crossed the sea via a ferry ride to go to Tagbilaran City.  Ferry fare Php500 one way.  When we get here the first time it is Php500 (roundtrip already!).  The fare doubled in 8 years huh!

Before going to Bohol, it will be most comfortable if you already have a contact person regarding your vehicle to be used in touring Bohol.  Price starts at Php1,800 for renting a car and Php2,300 for a van. A list of vans/cars for rent here and here

Our first stop... Loboc River.


Loboc River Cruise Restaurant is a great way to start your Bohol trip. It is a floating restaurant with live music played by the locals.  We really enjoyed this... while eating unlimited seafoods, we are on board the boat with soft music in the background.  It costs Php250 before, I'm sure it costs more now. The pick up point is at Laoay Bridge, around 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.

eat-all-you-can at Loboc River Cruise

with my super friends, Rowie, Pau, Buboy, Karl, Dad and Olive

the calm view of Loboc
A short trip to Butterfly Farm ...




Bohol Tarsiers (Tarsius Syrichta) measures 4 to 5 inches and is considered as the world’s smallest primate. Its size is no longer than an adult man’s hand and weigh only about 113 to 142 grams or four to five ounces. The primate belongs to the more primitive sub-order Prosimii or prosimian that dates back 45 million years. 

With its tail longer than its body, it has large brown eyes, hairless ears and long finger-like claws. It has gray fur and a nearly naked tail that is more often than not about 232 mm in length. The tails arc over their back when they hop on the ground apparently to balance themselves. The underside of the tail has dermal ridges such as those found on human hands and feet.

Baclayon Church
The Church of Immaculada Concepcion in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines. Construction began in 1717 where some 200 native forced laborers (obras pias) cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position. Millions of white eggs were said to have been used as cement. The current building was completed in 1727. 
http://www.bohol-philippines.com/baclayon-church.html

This two-century old church was heavily devastated by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol in 2013.
Blood Compact

The Blood Compact site is the same spot where the friendship between Datu Sikatuna of Bohol and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain was cemented. 
 
The ritual was made for two leaders to enter a pact of friendship and end their hostility against one another. 



The Chocolate Hills are considered one of Philippine's natural wonders and Bohol is often referred to as the Jewel of the Philippines. They are hills made of limestone leftover from coral reefs during the Ice age when the island was submerged. They turn brown during the summer, hence their name.

The Chocolate Hills are consistent in their cone shape and size and estimates show that the number of hills reaches at least 1,260 but may be as many as 1,776. The Chocolate Hills encompass a 20 square mile (50 sq km) area creating a sea or rolling terrain of these haycock hills.

The height of the hills varies from 98 to 160 feet (30 to 50 m) with the largest hill reaching a peak of 390 feet (120 m). The Chocolate Hills are actually grass covered limestone, but during the dry season the grass dries up turning brown which is where the name is derived from. The dried up brown hills look like a sea of "chocolate kisses."







at the Hanging Bridge
From Chocolate Hills, you will pass by Sipatan Hanging Bridge.  The hanging bridge is located in the upper area of Loboc River. At the other side of the bridge is the Sevilla town with lots of coconut water juice for sale and a lot of souvenirs.  This is the best place to buy your souvenirs.  You can still haggle the already lowered price.


On 15 October 2013, Bohol was devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The epicenter of the earthquake was 6 kilometers south of Sagbayan town. The earthquake, which also devastated neighboring Cebu City, claimed 156 lives and injured 374 people. It also destroyed or damaged a number of Bohol's heritage churches, including the churches of Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Loay, Dimiao, and Dauis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohol 

For accommodations in Tagbilaran, click here.

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