Bohol Philippines and its Wonders

One of the most popular destinations in the Philippines is the island of Bohol. For year 2009,   Bohol had a 13.08 percent growth rate with 238,745 tourist arrivals, making it as one of the most visited places in Central Visayas Region of the Philippines.  The accessibility of Bohol from Cebu (Philippines’ major point of destination after Manila) through hourly trips of various sea vessels make Bohol as a major side trip of travelling visitors in Central Visayas. Also, the existence of an airport in its capital, Tagbilaran City, makes Bohol as easy access for vacation trips from travelers across the globe.

Bohol is located at the center of the Philippines as one of the provinces of the Central Visayas Region (the tourist capital of the country). Aside from Bohol, the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor complete the entire Central Visayas Region. Its land area of 4117.3 square kilometers makes this island province as the tenth largest island of the Philippines. Tagbilaran City is the capital of Bohol where almost all commercial establishments and business centers are found in this city.

Meanwhile, Bohol takes pride of its abundant natural resources, rich culture and history, and warmth of its people, the Boholanos.  With this, it is no wonder that Bohol is now one of Philippines’ major tourist destinations.

Places to Visit in Bohol

Chocolate Hills. Considered as one of the natural wonders of the world, Chocolate Hills is an spot in Carmen, Bohol characterized by dome-land formations (hills) which turn color brown during summer season. On rainy season, the hills are covered with green color as vegetation replaces the dry land of summer. The view of more than a thousand chocolate hills, which look like chocolate kisses, in one setting is considered by many tourists and even locals as simply breathtaking.   It takes an hour drive from Tagbilaran City to reach Chocolate Hills through vans-for-hire.

Loboc River Cruise. Another popular tourist destination in Bohol is its Loboc River Cruise where floating restaurants offer buffet lunch and dinner with musical entertainment during the 45-minute trip. Motor bancas, with a capacity of 100 persons, are used in the river cruise. In this trip, people can experience the tranquil and clean Loboc River with its rich vegetations around it.  During the trip, the cruise makes some stopovers in river banks where awaiting group of children sing and dance to entertain the guests.  During night time cruise, the ambience is romantic where subdued lights in the surroundings give a reflection of the river.

Tarsier Watching.  Another highlight during a Bohol tour is a visit to Bohol’s tarsiers. These endangered small creatures can be seen live as tourists can also take pictures of it. As most of the sayings in Bohol go – a trip to Bohol will not be completed without an encounter with the tarsiers.

Island and Balicasag Adventure. The white sand beaches in Panglao speak of Bohol’s rich marine resources and water adventures. Tourists always frequent the various beach resorts in Panglao because of the “uncorrupted” natural resources and waters in the area. Also, whale watching in nearby Balicasag Island is another famous tourist spot in Bohol where people can enjoy not just the sparkling Bohol bluewaters but also the site of whales frolicking in the ocean. Whale watching is made possible through motorized boats for hire.

Danao Adventure Park. Located 72-km away from Tagbilaran City, the Danao Adventure Park is the newest tourism spot in Bohol. The place takes pride on the various eco-adventures that do not only showcase the rich forests of Danao, but also the world-class equipment and skills of the adventure park that can compete internationally when it comes to extreme sports.  The Danao Adventure Park includes zip line adventure (the tallest and longest in the Philippines), cliff plunge, river trekking, sky riding, kayaking, and many more.

Going To Bohol

Bohol can be reached through a two-hour fast craft ride from Cebu City. Roll-on and Roll-off boats are also available for those who prefer the slow trip in waters. Local flights are also available from Manila to Tagbilaran City.

The abovementioned tourist destinations are just few of the many spots in Bohol where people can appreciate the natural wonders of Mother Earth. The Chocolate Hills is enough proof how blessed this province when it comes to natural wonders.  Meanwhile, what truly make Bohol now as one of Philippines’ tourist havens is the Boholanos themselves whose cooperation with their local government unit is exemplary.  The involvement of its people in making their province a world-class destination is very evident. Also, as a former insurgency stricken province, Bohol now is an insurgency free province which further makes it as a preferred tourist destination. With its peaceful environment as well as its “uncorrupted” natural resources and a  touch of rural rawness in its urban centers, Bohol is indeed worth travelling.

Traveling Boracay Philippines

Boracay in Aklan Philippines has now been considered one of the World’s popular beaches and favorite tourist destination. It has also been a popular spot for some important and big events. Like the Asian Windsurfing Tour and with the week-long Boracay International Funboard Cup competition generally being held on Bulabog Beach every month of January. The two popular Boracay beaches are White Beach (main tourism Beach) and the Bulabog Beach (windsurfing and kite boarding area).

Area: 10.32 square kilometers (400 hectares is for preserved forest land;; 628.96 hectares is for agricultural land)

Location: Aklan Philippines, region 6. 315 kilometers south of Manila; 2 kilometers off the northwest tip of Panay Island in Western Visayas

Barangays (Villages, Districs or Wards): Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay)

Boracay Beach Resorts:

There are more than 300 beach resorts, restaurants, hotels and bars to choose from in Boracay Island as it has been known as a perfect getaway place. It already has everything you need on a perfect spot for relaxation, enjoying, partying and having a perfect vacation. There are also choices to choose from in terms of the accommodation; from luxurious to budget type.

Boracay Airlines Going to Caticlan Airport (Godofredo P. Ramos Airport)
Recommended Airport/route because it is only 2-5 minutes land transfer from Airport going to the Boat Jetty

1. SOUTH EAST ASIAN AIRLINES (SEAIR), 35 Minutes Flight to Boracay, newest airplanes with one of the lowest prices for Boracay flights.
2. ASIAN SPIRIT AIRLINES, 1 hour flights to Boracay, flights going to Caticlan daily.
3. INTERISLAND AIRLINES, 1 hour flight to Caticlan Boracay, Only jet aircraft to Boracay

Boracay Airlines Going to Kalibo Airport

2 hour land transfer from Airport to Boat Jetty by bus

1. CEBU PACIFIC AIRLINES, 1 hour flights to Kalibo Airport, 150 passenger jet aircraft
2. Philippines Airlines, 1 hour flights to Kalibo Airport, 150 passenger jet aircraft
3. AIR PHILIPPINES AIRLINES, 1 hour flights to Kalibo Airport, 150 passenger jet aircraft

Boat Transportation

Manila to Caticlan – 12 to 16 hours of travel time.

1. MBRS Lines
2. Negros Navigation
3. Super Ferry

Land Transportation

Philtranco and Bachelor Express which is from Cubao or Pasay of Manila. 2 hours travel; south of Manila.

*When you arrive at Caticlan Airport, motorized boats (banca) will be there to be of service. Cagban Jetty Port is the disembarking point.