Philippines – Guide to Visit Bohol

Mabuhay ! (meaning “Welcome”  in Tagalog language) . I know I have reached the ever friendly country named Philippines. Often, Mabuhay is commonly used by Filipinos to welcome tourists. In actual fact, I heard it actually mean Long Live, that’s strange and confusing. But hey, who cares? I’m standing in a country that offers one of the best beaches in the world!

This time, I will travel to Bohol. It is located in the Central Visayas region of islands, about 700km south of Manila. I have choose to take domestic flight from Manila to Tagbilaran Airprot , the gateway into Bohol. Below an image of my flight with Zest Air (Feeling a little afraid as my Filipino colleagues warned me of this airline safety record, however I must say I was blown over by its service on board and I highly recommend people to try this airline! Try it and you will know, that’s my motto)

Another option is a 2 hours boat ride away from popular tourist destination Cebu. Bohol is well known for beautiful year round diving and snorkeling destination. It is a good place to chill, relax under the white beach. Its location mean is less crowded than Cebu island yet its water are fairly well sheltered from strong weather making it an ideal destination to travel year round.  However, July- September are the typhoon season with heavy rainfall during this period , so not highly recommend to travel during this time.

When mentioned Bohol, the first thing people come to mind would be Chocolate Hills!

Yep, that’s it. I was trying to see if I could eat these “chocolates”. The small symmetrical hills peak at about 30m and maybe decked in green and brown depending on the season. How it got this name was that during dry season (somewhere in March), with the sun shinning on these hills, it certainly look like chocolates thus it was named Chocolate Hills.

Bohol has much more to offer in terms of historical and cultural aspects. Visit to the site of Blood Compact Shrine where the Spanish first landed and signed treaty which began the Spanish colonial rule of the Philippines. It’s a stone tableau that recreates the 16th century ritual of friendship and agreement.

One can also tour the Loboc and take the river cruise. It is often package with a lunch on board the 1 hour river ride with the amazing Filippinos showing their amazing musical talent. You can also witnessed cultural dance performed by the locals.

Next up on tourist list is visit to Tarsier, one of the oldest land species in the country and certainly one of the smallest living primates in the world (10-13cm long only!). One will be walking through bushes of trees to spot the big round eyes with its tail longer than its body. The tarsier is cute and found at wildlife sanctuary in Corella.

Cute tarsier in Oba Ganama Style

And of course, one able to have beaches all to himself. This was taken on my island hopping tour.

There was not many souls and I would say of all the beaches I have been so far in Asia, this ranked one of the top! The island was laid back and I could interact with the friendly locals living on the island. On one instance, while I was alone snorkeling not far away from the shore line, I came across a giant sea turtle swimming beside me! Its gracefulness caught me as I tried my best to followed her underwater. Not long, I lost sight of her but I was like a happy 3 year old kid jumping around when I actually witnessed it without diving (used to dive in Malaysia Island when only then one can witness it). I was told by local that the sighting of such turtles are common in the area.

Beside Turtle, one can signed up for the Dolphin tour which depart early in the morning around 6am in order to catch the Doplhins in action. There were about 15 boats out in the sea and should any one of the them spotted the Dolphins, the whole gang of us would beon a chasing Dolphin chase.

In the night, what can be better than enjoying BBQ seafood under the stars with the sea wind blowing. Music as entertainment during the dinner would be the norm over beaches in Panglao area. Some of the many fresh seafood on offer.

This was followed by dances, sing along sessions and of course fire performance along the beach.

Lastly, I want to comment on the Philippines Tourism tagline which often state: ” It’s more fun in the Philippines! ”  And yes, I do certainly agree with that. With my seal and approval stamp, I would often tell people, go to the Philippines, explore and relax! Once again, I must say the people are mostly friendly, helpful and if you looking for a beach holiday, look no further than this country.

Join me as I will share on my later posts in exploring other destinations in Philippines such as to Palawan Island paradise resort (New 7 wonders of the world)  and Tagaytay which overlooks Taal Lake in Batangas and provides one of the iconic views of the Philippines.

Categories: Asia Region