What to do in Bohol

By Alberto Quintero

The Tarsier and the Chocolate Hills, the smallest primate in the world and the white sand beaches make Bohol a famous island paradise. Located in the Visayas island group in central Philippines, it is surrounded by coral reefs and stunning beaches, Bohol is a nature lover’s destination. The Chocolate Hills was named one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature.”

Spectacular underwater coral reefs have made Bohol renowned as an amazing diving spot. With the reefs surrounding the islands there is a never ending visual display of it. The most popular beaches are the Alona, Doljo, Momo, Bikini, and Dumaluan. The Department of Tourism and the local government teamed up to help developed the Balicasag Island for tourism, keeping careful consideration for the environment. With Bohol being surrounded by water, it goes without saying that water sports are especially popular. Like several other locations in the Philippines, Bohol has its fair share of caves. The Hinagdanan Cave on Pnglao Island is the most popular. This cave leads to an underground pool with stalagmites and stalactites surrounding it.

Along with the caves, beaches, and splendid Chocolate Hills that attracts visitors from both far and wide, Bohol possesses various monuments and brilliant churches that were built during the Spanish era. Each town has its very own church, with its own unique design and architecture. To see them all would take more than one trip to Bohol. For those on inadequate time, start with the Tagbilaran Cathedral in the capital and travel to the nearby towns of Loboc, Loay, Dauis, Maribojoc, Clarin, and Baclayon. Those with a craving for the full experience should travel around the island using the “habal-habal.” This is the local taxi for hire that is a motorcycle.