Bohol, located in the Central Visayas region, may not be as party-savvy as Boracay, but it continues to steadily attract tourists for its delicious cuisine, traditional crafts, historical and religious landmarks, and but of course, it beaches and other natural sites. There’s more to Bohol than just swimming on its blue waters and lazing around its white-sand beach resorts throughout your stay—though not a bad idea, actually.
Need a change of pace from hurried urban life? Have to think some things over? Or even looking for a romantic getaway? Then pack your bags and take your next holiday vacation to Bohol.
Visitors can either rough it up by riding its public vehicles or rent a van complete with your very own tour guide to hop from one destination to the other.
Taste Bohol
What’s a holiday without enjoying a foodie trip? There aren’t any gigantic malls serving as go-to dining options but Bohol offers a range of restaurants scattered all over the island offering local and international cuisines. Seafood dining establishments are popular here while some Asian and European expats who have fallen in love with the place have also set up restaurants serving their authentic cuisines.
But, of course, when in Bohol, don’t leave the place without ever trying out a lunch buffet at the famous Loboc River Cruise Restaurant. True, it’s a touristy thing to do, but taking river cruise along Loboc River with a view of the mountains, getting serenaded by local singers, while enjoying an eat-all-you can Filipino buffet is quite a novel experience.
During the cruise, the boat makes a stop at a floating souvenir shop where local crafts are sold and locals perform traditional Filipino dances.
Centuries-old churches
Away from the beach and back in town, marvel at the centuries-old churches of Bohol. Catholic churches built from stone during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines feature beautiful architecture as well as antique religious icons.
One of the popular churches here is Baclayon Catholic Church, which has been declared as a National Historic Treasure in 1995. The original structure was built in 1595, although the present building is from 1724. Visitors can also check the museum of religious clothes and relics inside the museum. Free guided tours are available.
Some ancestral homes are also available for touring by scheduled arrangement.
Beautiful nature
Of course, one will easily fall in love with the natural attractions in Bohol as well. The waters around Balicasag island, for example, has been declared as a marine sanctuary. It’s home to whales and dolphins that one can see jumping joyously during early morning. Various marine life are also waiting to be discovered by divers and snorkelers.
On land, Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a formation of hills that are green and vibrant during the rainy season but become brown as its grass and plants dry up by summer (thus, the name Chocolate Hills).
When in souvenir shops, get a t-shirt, a keychain, or mug. Most likely, it features Chocolate Hills to represent the province.
Another famous icon in many Bohol souvenirs is the tarsier. The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the smallest known primates in the world. Usually as tall as 3 to 6 inches, one can practically hold it on one’s hand.
Tarsiers look cuddly because of their size and enormous eyes but be warned that they are very shy animals. A nocturnal creature, the tarsier eats insects. Visitors are encouraged to view them at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation where they are protected and allowed to live in their natural habitat.
Luxurious stay
The starting point to all these enjoyable experiences happen in one’s temporary home in Bohol. Go all out and spoil yourself in the province’s many luxurious resorts.
Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, for instance, has 46 deluxe rooms, four lofts, three honeymoon villas, and a family villa. Designed according to the Modern Filpino style by Benji Reyes, the hotel takes pride in its use of recycled wood for its cantilevered beds.
A freshwater pool has also been impressively designed with touches of wood.
Finally, a holiday vacation in this tropical destination isn’t complete without checking out Amuma Spa where its well-trained staff promises to keep visitors spoiled and feeling totally relaxed with is signature Hilot massage or its various massage therapies and body treatments.
source: interaksyon.com