Bohol: A Tourist Getaway

Philippines is definitely a country that struggles to be at par with highly developed countries all over the world. One of the main aces of the growth of this small but wonderful country is to make its tourist spots to be recognized as international tourist gems. One of them is situated at the very heart of Visayas region and this tourist destination is the island of Bohol.

Bohol is considered to be a haven of natural beauty. The place’s shoreline is surrounded by coves of white sand beaches. Boracay is Bohol’s core reason why this small island is internationally recognized. Dolphin watching is also considered as another tourist attraction of this island the year around but the best season for dolphin enthusiasts would be from March to June. Bohol is also the talk of the town for having one of the unique terrain formations which is the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier-world’s smallest primate and heritage or historical sites and old stone churches.

Cities of the Bohol

Tagbilaran City is the Capital of Bohol and the islands main entry point. Loboc City is known for idyllic falls and rivertown with historic church. Tourist may found themselves being serenaded as they take lunch at River Cruise also situated at the city of Loboc. Carmen City is the tourists’ launching point of the famous Chocolate Hills. Collera City is the place to be to spot a tarsier in the wild. The city of Baclayon is noted for the old Baclayon Church (which was established in 1727). Baclayon’s main road is lined up with attractive heritages houses. Bilar City is the entryway to Bilar and Rajah Sikatuna National Park. Lastly, the city of Dauis is known for its historic church with lovely seaside setting. Dauis City is also a pilgrimage site, a place of heritage-themed dinners, tours, café, local jewelry and exhibits.

Tourists can reach the Island of Bohol via plane or by sea travel. Visitors of this island can roam around by buses, private vehicles, public utility vehicles (such as taxis and jeeps) and rent-a-car service. Bus terminals are organized in all cities to accommodate tourists getting from one town to another.

Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills

Tourists’ visit to Bohol can never be considered complete without being enthralled by the seeing the famous Chocolate Hills and fascinated by the smallest in the world the Tarsier. These smallest primates were considered to be Stephen Spielberg’s inspiration for his phenomenal movie back in the 80’s, E.T. (Extra Terrestrial). Tarsiers are considered to be endangered species. According to studies, tarsiers have inhabited rainforest around the world for the past forty-five (45) million years. In modern times, they only exist on a few islands in Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines. In their efforts to revive these endangered species, the local government of Bohol, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, runs a Tarsier Research and Development Center that serves as a sanctuary for tarsiers to breed and where visitors and tourists alike would see these unique creatures.

Chocolate Hills are perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction in the island of Bohol. Consisting of 1,268 individual mounds, these exceptional terrain formations are scattered throughout the municipalities of Sagbayan, Batuan and Carmen. The hills look like chocolates mounds during dry season. Up to this date, geologists have not fully explained or come up to a conclusion on how these wonderful mounds were formed. Only local legends throughout the times had been the refuge of explanations regarding this mounds unsolved mysteries.

For adventurous visitors, it is a must for them to visit Dana Adventure Park. This park offers extreme activities such as sky-ride, zip-line and caving and trekking activities that would make Bohol a memorable destination. Bohol’s shoreline provides best diving sites in the world as well.

Accommodation

The island’s brisk progress as a tourist destination has resulted to its improved facilities. Hotels and pension houses provide shelter for visitors and tourists alike. This houses or places for rent are scattered all over the cities of Bohol making this beautiful island a haven of wonder, adventure and relaxation.

Bohol is unquestionably one of the best tourist gems of the Philippines. This island is an epitome of a complete package as tourist destination for travelers around the globe seeking memorable vacation and getaway.

Bohol is one of the best tourist destinations of the Philippines. Tarsiers and Chocolate Hills are considered to be the key attractions why tourists around the world visit this wonderful island. This island is a complete package for visitors and tourists alike.