When my Manila-based friends asked me if they can visit some of Bohol's world-class destinations in a day, I immediately nodded. Yes, in a day, and I mean in less than 8 hours, you can visit and have your photos taken at the Blood Compact Site, the Baclayon Church, the Loboc River, the Tarsiers, the Chocolate Hills, the Man-made forest, and the hanging bridge.
Sounds impossible? I've experienced it myself and it took me really less than 8 hours.
It was 8 a.m. in Tagbilaran City. I rented a van for the day trip. First stop was the Blood Compact Site, where Bohol's chieftain and some Spanish conquistadors sealed friendship by signing a document using their bloods. Took me around 5 minutes to read the marker, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.
A few minutes more and I was inside the oldest church in Bohol, the Baclayon Church, a witness to the province's transformation from a quite, laid-back province to what it is right now. Paintings from unknown artists are reflected on the ceiling and wall. Antique church relics are still present.
In less than an hour, I was already in Loboc, taking a cruise at the Loboc River onboard the floating restaurant. The 30-minute cruise of the scenic and serene Loboc River ends at the source of the water, a gushing line of waterfalls, and on the side are locals playing folk songs.
Then the floating restaurant brings you back to the place where you boarded it. Of course, there's unlimited food (it comes with the cruise fee of around P250 per person). After the cruise, you can go directly to the Tarsier garden where the famous E.T. look-alike are resting. For a mere donation (P20 will do), you can browse elbows with these creatures and have your photos taken.
The next stop was the hectares of man-made forest. Although the trees are not as big as that in the Amazon Jungle, the shade they give is so relaxing and the air is so fresh and cold it almost feels like you are in Baguio. You can park the vehicle on the shoulder and take some photos.
Final destination is the Chocolate Hills. Takes around 30-45 minutes but the road trip is not boring because along the way you can see the simple yet happy life of Boholanos who are either farming or tending to their fish ponds.
At the Chocolate Hills, you have to climb at least a hundred steps to reach the top and view the entire scenery filled with chocolated-coated hills, around a thousand of them, stretching to as far as the eye can see. Take some photos, or take a rest. The choice is yours.
On my way back to Tagbilaran City, the drive made a detour and brough me to the Hanging Bridge. A very exciting journey, however, short. Imagine crossing a bamboo bridge that moves with the wind. Hahahaha. I felt my legs shaking while crossing the bridge. What was embarrasing was that a local girl crossed the bridge running without a hint of fear.
See. The trip lasted for less than 8 hours and you can bring home souvenirs as many as your luggage can accomodate. But what's more fulfilling is the fact that, however short your trip is, you will be bringing home memories that will linger in your mind for a long time and the realization that real happiness and fulfillment comes in simple ways... like traveling to Bohol
Other travel suggestions: Blood Compact Site, Anibogan Massacre Site, Behind the Clouds, Camp Verde, Dagohoy Marker, Mt. Carmel Hill, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park, Ubujan Marker, The Historic Ermita Ruins, Punta Cruz, Baclayon Museum, Bohol Museum, Clarin Ancestral House, Anda Beach, Alona Beach, Alejawan Beach, Balbalan Beach, Bay Watch, Bikini Beach, Canuba Beach, Clarin Beach, Darak Beach, Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, Sandugo Festival, Bohol Fiestas
1 comment:
hello!!! your write up is very informative. We plan to tour Bohol in a day, and it helps a lot. Just wanna ask, how much does the van tour cost you? could you give us some idea. Thank you.
mae
Post a Comment