Saturday, October 2, 2010

Bohol awaits your Discovery....







Picture taken from Sagbayan Peak
Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, the province boasts its white sand beaches and beautiful resorts which captivate both tourists and locals alike.  Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol and will take about a 1-hour plane ride from Manila and about a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu City.   
The most popular attraction of the province is The Chocolate Hills consisting of about 1,776 hills.  These hills are covered in green grass which turned chocolate brown during summer, hence the name.  Currently there are 2 resorts for you to view the chocolate hills.  The pioneer is the Chocolate Hills Complex where you can enjoy climbing up a hill on its small-spaced staircases.  On top there are numerous souvenir shops, a scenic cafe, a functional and maintained swimming pool and one may also enjoy photo opportunities from infamous photographers while you are at your wacky pose by the hillside.  The other resort is the Sagbayan Peak which is located in the nearby town.  This resort is newly developed and with mostly with the same amenities as that of the previous one.  The only difference is that the Sagbayan Peak is designed like a theme park.  A gigantic T-rex welcomes you by  the entrance.  They have a stretch of pine trees on top, and a cafeteria with a wide array of food to choose from.  A souvenir shop with prices same as that of the malls in the city.  And to top it off, they have a butterfly sanctuary where hundreds of butterflies with different colors are being nestled.  





Transportation  to Chocolate Hills are located, is not difficult.
-          Public Bus
·         From Tagbilaran City Bus terminal it may take about a 3-hour drive from the the city to the Carmen. Just ask the kind driver to drop you off at the Chocolate Hills Complex which is 4km before the town proper.  From their it will take about a 10-min walk along its winding road up to the complex.  Bus rides may be long and tiring but are relatively cheaper.   
-          Hired Van /Car
·         Most tourists prefer to visit the Chocolate Hills on a hired van or car.  You must be a haggle master  to get a really good deal.  Vans and Cars can be hired for a whole day.  They can also take you to Sagbayan Peak on the same day.
-          Habal-Habal (motor-bike taxi)
·         Habal-Habal is a local motorcycle which is slightly bigger than the normal one.  It can accommodate a lot of people in one ride.  This is recommended for the adventurous people.  A deal with the habal-habal driver has to be done to get a really good fare. 





Bohol is famous of this little babies - Tarsiers

A trip to Bohol won’t be complete without visiting its white sand beaches and amazing resorts.  One of which is the Bohol Beach Club.  Be amazed by its fantastic landscapes, a cozy beach-front and pool-side rooms and savory food.  The hotel also boasts of 3 swimming pools situated in different areas of the resort. 
Another marvelous resort is my personal favorite  - Panglao Island Nature Resort.  This too has a lush tropical landscape that takes your breath away.  Enjoy also their world-class amenities and experience tranquility with their MIT-HI SPA.  A perfect getaway from the hustle of the city.  My ideal place to get married. 
For those people who prefer a night of party and/or wide variety of activities 24/7, you might consider Alona Tropical Beach Resort.  This resort is located in the heart of Alona strip in Panglao Island.  It’s excellent and stylish rooms and cottages are designed for comfort and convenience. 

RRecommended Activites
·         Underwater Experience
o   Like any other island in the Philippines, Bohol is also rich with colorful and delightful coral reefs available for scuba divers and snorklers.  Recommended diving and snorkling spots are Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island.  Appreciate the wonders of nature down under. 
·         Whale and Dolphin Watching
o   Another must-experience while at the province.  A prior appointment must be done to avoid overpaying.  This may take about half of your day.  It starts as early as 6 am as dolphins only come out in the morning for food.  A small boat called banka will take you to the dolphin sanctuary and if you are lucky a whale might be tagging along.  A prior appointment must be made to avoid overpaying.   
·         Waterfalls
o   There are a number of waterfalls across the province.  Mag-aso Falls and Inambacan Falls both from Antequera.  Kawasan Falls found in Balilihan.  Dimiao Twin Falls of Dimiao.  Busai Falls which is located at the end of the Loboc River cruise. 
·         Caving
o   One of the famous caves of the province is the Hinagdanan Cave located on the island of Panglao.  A steep and narrow staircase will lead you to the cave.  The cave has 2 ceiling holes that are source of the light inside.  Stalactites and stalagmites are everywhere.  There is a pond inside the cave but it is not recommended to take a plunge as the water is not clean. 
·         Educational Adventure Tour
o   In short EAT.  The newest attraction of Bohol.  With numerous outdoor adventure for friends and families alike.  Among the activities that they offer are Sky Ride, Plunge, Suislide, River Trekking, River Tubing, Kayaking, Wall Climbing, Rappelling, Caving and many more.  Day tour packages are also offered.  Rates may not that cheap but the experience is always worth while.
For bookings, price quotations and inquiries email dmerlynda@yahoo.com or contact warlita @ 006392696975076


Miss M

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