Bohol: An Eco-Cultural Destination

The island province of Bohol, dubbed as the Heart of the Islands, is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines. Its rich history, colorful culture, and awe-inspiring natural attractions have drawn countless tourists over the years.

Bohol’s Beaches and Beyond

Bohol’s beaches boast of clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The coastlines in barangay Tawala, Bolod and Doljo in the island of Panglao, Bohol never fail to amaze and mesmerize guests with their pure white sand beaches.

It also has some of the finest diving spots in the country. Those in the islands of Balicasag, Cabilao, and Pamilacan never fail to enthrall both professional and neophyte divers.
Pamilacan is also great for dolphin and whale watching as it is frequented by these marvelous creatures all year round. At least seven species of these marine mammals have been sighted in the area. The best time to go is at the beginning of March until June or July.

Tarsier

Can you imagine a tiny animal having eyes larger than its brain, and weighing only four to five ounces? That’s the Philippine tarsier, a primate abundant in the island province of Bohol. This fascinating creature can also rotate its head 180 degrees, just like owls. Did you know that they can also leap almost 10 feet from tree to tree? To see them up close, you can go to the town of Corella where an approximately 134-hectare tarsier sanctuary is located.

Chocolate Hills

One thousand two hundred sixty eight (1,268) small and giant hills ranging from 30 to 150 meters high, covered with green grass during the rainy season and then turns brown during the summer like chocolate mounds, have continued to draw and captivate tourists from around the world. The Chocolate Hills in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan have even been considered as a nominee to be among the seven wonders of nature. Carmen and Sagbayan are the two areas where tourists can enjoy the view of the hills up close, with varied delightful activities at the top of the hill.

Bol-anon Heritage

Abounding with century-old churches, ancestral houses, and other historic sites, the early Spanish settlement in Bohol is clearly evident on these domains of the Bol-anons. Tourists passing through the countryside can immediately see these historic monuments as they travel along the province.

Centuries-old churches are definitely a must-visit as these historic edifices provide a glimpse of Bohol’s storied past. Some of these include St. Joseph’s Church in the capital city, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, San Vicente Ferrer in Calape, and the Nuestra Seňora de la Luz in Loon.

There are many other structures in Bohol which have been around since the 1800s. Among them are the watchtowers in Panglao and Punta Cruz, the Ermita Ruins, Casa Rocha-Suarez in Sitio Ubos, and the Clarin Ancestral House in the town of Loay.

No doubt Bohol makes for an interesting and enjoyable visit because of its many attractions: natural wonders, interesting fauna, historic sites, and most importantly, its wonderful people the Bol-anons.