In the Indian Ocean lies the island archipelago of the Philippines. Amazing and very special country. One of the most interesting islands here, in terms of tourism, is Bohol. This is one of the most amazing island resorts in Southeast Asia. Tourists leave a lot of positive feedback about Bohol in the Philippines. It and several dozen smaller islets surrounding it are combined into one province with the same name.
To better imagine this place and the people who inhabit it, you need to understand that the Filipinos are not one people, but more than a hundred ethnic groups. The inhabitants of the island of Bohol in the Philippines consider themselves descendants of warlike people with tattoos. Archaeologists claim that this people, back in the tenth century, had trade relations with China. They had their own script, which, unfortunately, has not survived to this day.
In 1565, the Spaniards concluded an agreement with the leader of Sikatuna, and the island fell under theirdominion. Over the next three hundred years, the local population raised two serious uprisings against the Spanish colonizers. One of these riots is considered the largest in the Philippines.
Transportation
Let's tell you how to get to Bohol in the Philippines. The island and its capital, Tagbilarana, are relatively close to major transportation hubs. It has an airport with regular flights from Manila. You can also take a ferry from Cebu. It should be noted that the ship looks quite decent and has all the minimal elements of modern comfort, such as comfortable chairs and air conditioning. From the airport or sea station to the city can be reached by taxi. Hotels, in case of booking, organize a transfer.
You can get around the island of Bohol in the Philippines and the city by bus, taxi or jeepney - an analogue of a Thai tuk-tuk or our minibus. Hotels and travel agencies offer car rentals and are willing to provide chauffeur-driven transportation for sightseeing.
Beaches
The main tourist island is not Bohol itself, but neighboring Panglao. From the city you can get there through the bridge. Wild beaches here are not suitable for swimming due to rocky shores and strong ocean waves. It is also not very convenient and pleasant to swim on the equipped beaches of Panglao. The best beaches in Bohol in the Philippines are listed below:
- Alona - a strip of white sand, with a pleasant entrance. But verycrowded. Continuous cafes, sellers of tours and pearls. There is a very dense movement of small vessels in the sea, which carry tourists to diving, snorkeling and other entertainments that are very popular in the Philippines associated with going to sea.
- Dolho. Despite the constant attempts of the attendants to clean the beach, it is almost always covered in mud.
- Bikini beach - covered with small sharp stones. You can swim and move along the beach only in shoes. It is also worth noting the inconvenience associated with low tide, marine flora and fauna. Not far from the coast, the sea is full of algae, sea urchins and other life, which is not safe to contact.
Hotels
The vast majority of Bohol hotels in the Philippines are located in Panglao. The largest and busiest is Alona Beach, next to which is the beach of the same name. In the Philippines, the coastline can be private property, and many hotels fence off the coast. The service is basically nothing special. The cuisine in restaurants is not replete with some dishes typical of these islands, but at the same time you will be offered a rich assortment of seafood dishes. All hotels offer a range of excursions, transfer services and car or motorbike rentals. In-room massages or relaxing treatments are available.
Sights of the times of Spanish rule
Bohol in the Philippines is replete with interesting sights. Many of them are associated with the era of Spanish rule in the Philippines. For example,the place of signing of the so-called blood treaty between the leader Datu and the conquistadors. The procedure for concluding an agreement was accompanied by a ritual drinking of wine, in which the head of the Spanish expedition and the leader mixed blood from cuts on their hands. Now there is a monument in honor of this event.
Also worth a visit is the Bohol Museum, which displays a rich collection of ancient finds, models of architectural monuments of the Philippines and stuffed animals living on the islands.
Worthy of attention is the church located in Baklayon. This is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was originally built in the 16th century and looks more like a fortress, since in those days it served not only as a temple, but also as a barrier from enemies.
Bohol in the Philippines: natural attractions
The most interesting thing on the Bohol islands was prepared for us by nature. The province is replete with natural objects worthy of the attention of tourists. The islands have a limestone-karst nature, and under the influence of water and winds, over the millions of years of their existence, the coasts have acquired very bizarre shapes. They abound in caves.
The most interesting of them is Dagohoy, which served as the headquarters for the Filipino revolutionaries during the revolt against the Spanish crown in the eighteenth century. You can get to their secret shelter only by swimming under the water of the lake through the tunnel. Or the cave of Antiguera, where the locals fled during the Second World War. Not far from it is a city with the same name and several other interesting caves.
The deepestHinakbanan Cave is located on Panglao Island. As well as the most mysterious - Binkak. Locals are still afraid to go down here because of the very inconspicuous entrance.
Chocolate Hills
Another amazing place to see is the Chocolate Hills. It is they who, as a rule, appear to our eyes in the numerous photos of Bohol in the Philippines. More than a thousand two hundred hills, on which only grass grows, which has a characteristic brown tint. The mystery of the appearance of the phenomenon has not yet been solved. One of the hypotheses that scientists put forward is the assumption that this strange relief was formed at the bottom of the ocean, even before the islands rose above sea level.
Locals believe that these are the stones left here after the battle of the terrible gods. Now a national park is located here and an observation deck has been built from which you can view this natural miracle. The hotel is located near the hills, offering picturesque views. You can get to the park by regular bus.
Tasiers
Further, as a rule, tourists are recommended to visit the center of the Philippine tarsiers. These little creatures live in a fenced garden. Entrance is free, but you can make a donation for animal feed. The impression of watching tarsiers is difficult to convey in words. This must be seen for yourself. Animals are very small in size, literally fit in the palm of your hand. At the same time, they are so shy that sometimes they fall from stress from a tree and break to death. Therefore, it is necessary to behave in the park extremely quietly and carefully.
Tour Loboc River
This is a popular low cost route in Bohol. You can get to the pier from which excursion boats depart by moped or book a transfer at the hotel's tour desk. You will be taken along the Loboc River on a catamaran past the city of the same name.
Treat local cuisine along the way. The buffet includes several types of meat, seafood, side dishes and desserts. Everything is delicious and plentiful. During the excursion on the ferry, folk artists perform songs and dances. There will be a stop where, in addition to drinks, colorful dances performed by local children are prepared.
The main advantage of this river walk is the beautiful river scenery. The emerald river, surrounded by forests, is crowned with Busai waterfalls at the final point of the route. The local population entertains tourists by jumping into the water from tall palm trees.
Whales and dolphins
If you find yourself on the island of Bohol in the Philippines from March to June, do not miss a trip to Pamiklan Island. The walk starts very early, as whale watching is best in the morning. During this period, you are almost guaranteed to meet whales and dolphins. Huge marine life will seem to you in all its glory. Watching them is a truly unique experience, incomparable to anything else.
Previously, the local population lived off whaling. Now the whales are protected by law and the natives take tourists to look at them. After meeting these amazingcreatures, you have to visit the island. They offer a simple village lunch, a chic white sand beach and clear water. Don't forget to bring your swimwear.
Diving
The islands of the Bohol province in the Philippines are a great place for lovers of the underwater world. Nature here is rich in marine attractions. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and teeming with life. As elsewhere in such places, demand creates supply. Diving tours for beginners and experienced amateurs can be purchased literally at every step, at a hotel or specialized clubs.
Prices depend on the season. On average, an excursion with a dive will cost you twenty-five dollars. It is worth visiting Cabilao Island, where you can find hammerhead fish in coral gardens. If you are interested in barracudas, try diving at the Tangnan wall. Great views can also be seen by diving in the Napalling area or near Balikasag Island, less than an hour from Bohol. Exotic lovers are invited to visit underwater caves, where they can meet with unique marine species.
Overall impression
Visiting Bohol and the Philippines is generally worth the time and money spent. There are so many things to see and experience here. This is confirmed by numerous reviews of tourists about the island of Bohol in the Philippines. Filipinos are characterized by travelers as very good-natured, hospitable people. The infrastructure is quite developed for this country.
Of coursethere are also disadvantages inherent in the Philippines, in the form of an amazing scale of corruption and arbitrariness of the authorities, but it is worth referring such things to the national color, which, by the way, is also presented here in all its bewitching glory. Bohol is full of Spanish-era attractions that were not mentioned in the article. In addition, fascinating tours are organized for tourists inland, where they are introduced to the unique ecosystem of the Philippine Islands.
