Chocolate Hills
(Carmen, 55 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 45-minutes ride by bus or jeepney). This is the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the thousands of perfectly cone-shaped hills which abound in Central Bohol, two of the hills have become developed into a resort. On top of the hill are two youth hostels with a conference room, cozy cottages with private rooms and accommodation, a swimming pool and a tennis court.
On top of the second hill is an observation deck with 213 concrete steps. Once on top, one can view the exquisite panorama of God's wondrous creations spread below as far as the eyes can see.
Food is served in the restaurant.
The site is connected by a cemented winding highway from the main road.
Himontagon Hill
( Loay, 20 kms. away from Tagbilaran city, or 1 hour ride by bus or jeepney). Located in sitio Candaon in Barangay Botoc Occidental, the Himontagon Hill is a very scenic place overlooking Mindanao Sea. Visible from atop the hill are the sparkling evening sceneries which portray a beautiful glittering city mid-sea, the lights being provided by lamps of fishermen. During clear weather, Hibok-hibok Volcano in Camiguin is visible. The place also provides fascinating scenes during sunrise and sunset. The Hill was the site of the area jamboree of the boy scouts.
Mt. Carmel Hill
(Balilihan-24 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, 1 hour ride by bus or jeepney). Atop the Mt. Carmel Hill right in the heart of Balilihan town, is a historical tower of adobe and limestone. These materials were hauled from the town of Baclayon. It was built at the foot of a hill to serve as belfry of the church. The church was, however, burned down during the Philippine revolution. Like a sentinel, the tower stands as guard of the whole town. Concrete stairway is built leading to the hill to be more accessible for people.
Behind The Clouds (Catigbian-38 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, 1hour and 10 minutes ride by bus). This is the cradle of the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation when a group of courageous men composed of disbanded and surrendered soldiers and even civilians started the organization of the guerilla to liberate the people from oppression.
The encampment nestles in deep ravines which is hardly accessible to the enemy.
When the headquarters was transfered to Carmen, the encampment remained as the site where prisoners were quartered.
Bikini Beach
(Dauis, 8 kms away from Tagbilaran City, or 15 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). An ideal beach for all bathers. Calm with palm trees around that shaded the beach.
It has huts and benches for picnickers. Fish of various kinds abound here. This is located in the southern part of Dauis.
Blood Compact Site
In the secluded barangay of Bool, three kilometers from Tagbilaran, is a marker that marks the spot where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi represeting the KIng of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries.
The Blood Compact on March 16,1565 is considered as the first treaty of friendship between the brown and white races.
Loon Church
(Loon, 25 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 15-minute by bus or jeepney). Loon Church is a long flight of 154 stone steps believed to be the longest stairway in the country reminiscent of Spanish forced labor. The stairway connects Napo, the former seat of the town, to the church.
Hinagdanan Cave
(Dauis, 6 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 10 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). It has clean, fresh water gushing from rocky sides. An eerie underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. Underneath is a bathing pool. This cave is about 2 1/2 kms. away from the poblacion of Dauis.
Tarsier
The Midget Monkey of the Philippines. The Philippine Archipelago that had been a part of mainland Asia is considered as one of the havens of rare Asian floras and faunas. Rare species of both, which could not be found anywhere else, are thriving in the more than seven thousand scattered Philippine islands.
One of the rare faunas that is usually the favorite subject of scientific researches is the "tarsier", is a monkey considered as the smallest monkey in the whole world.
This midget monkey with round big eyes, is found only in the province of Bohol in the Visayas region. Measuring from four to five inches, it has a tail which is longer than its body.
If you're really interested to see this famous tarsier, you're always welcomed by the Boholanos to see it in its natural abode - the hills of Corella, 10 kms. away from Tagbilaran.
Pamilacan Island
One of the Philippines' richest scuba diving sites. Noted for its big whales called "Sanga". It is between the deep sea of Bohol and Mindanao. Beautiful small and big colored fishes are seen and sea shells abound in its surrounding waters. Accessible in an hour ride by pumpboat from Baclagon.
Bohol Beach Club
A luxurious five-star resort-hotel found in Panglao Island. It offers cottages, picnic sheds and facilities for swimming , scuba-diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating.
Balicasag Island
Accessible in a 35-minute boat ride from the twon of Panglao Island. The island has been developed into a dive resort for people who have a keen sense of awareness for marine preservation.
Elley Hill
Located 5 kms. away from Tagbilaran City. Its formation is similar to that of the exotic Chocolate Hills. Its elevation is 100 meters from sea level.
East of Cebu is an island-province that is naturally beautiful and historically rich. Unlike Cebu, however, Bohol has retained its rusticity and does not have the cosmopolitan air of its neighboring island. Bohol is known for the Chocolate Hills, a rolling terrain of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters spread throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
Bohol's major attraction are the Chocolate Hills, which form a magnificent landscape, especially at dawn and dusk. A quiet, mellow island, Bohol also offers good beaches, excellent scuba diving and snorkeling around the island, and extremely friendly people. Festivals occur almost daily during May.
This oval island (3,865 square km), along with its offshore islands, forms a province of 4,117 square km. Bohol is separated from Cebu by the Bohol Strait and from Leyte by the Canigao Channel, while the north coast is washed by the Camotes Sea, the south shores by the Mindanao Sea with Camiguin in view.
Bohol is home to the tiny tarsier, said to be the smallest monkey in the world. Its surrounding waters have yielded numerous rare shells.
Bohol Province has 46 towns and the city is Tagbilaran.
The harbor of Tagbilaran is safe because it is located in the vortex of a bay sheltered by the island of Panglao against the southwest wind.
Tagbiliran City of Bohol has a total land area of 3,370.1 hectares.
Around the island of Bohol are 72 other islets ranging from sandbars which increase in size, depending upon the rises of the part of province of Bohol, which is composed of the two towns of Panglao and Dauis.
Bohol has four major rivers that serve as drainage and irrigation system of the province. They are Inabanga River and Ipil River in the northern half portion of the province and the Loboc and Abatan Rivers in the southern portion.
Tagbilaran, the capital of Bohol, has an old-tree-lined plaza and old stone buildings, including a church built by Jesuits in the 18th century. Near the causeway bridge are tile-roofed mansions, among then a 300-year old house belonging to a former mayor. Six kilometers from the capital, Baclayon, the oldest stone church in the country may be found.
Brief History. The first treaty of friendship. Blood compacts were traditional rites held in the early days of Philippine history to seal the friendship between two native chiefs. Later, the native chiefs had such pacts even with foreigners.
So significant, indeed, was the Sikatuna-Legaspi Blood Compact that Juan Luna, thae great Filipino painter based in Spain, close it as his subject of a masterpiece. Then, too, during the term of the late President Elpidio Quirino, coincidentally also an Ilocano like Luna, the Order of Sikatuna was created. It is the highest decoration with varying ranks awarded by the Philippine government to foreign diplomatic representative in the Philippines. A marker now stands on the spot where the Sikatuna-Legaspi Blood Compact was held in Bohol, only three kilometers away from Tagbilaran City. There, the famous Blood Compact was held now regarded as the first treaty of friendship entered into between representatives of the Philippines and Spain, if not of the brown and white races.
Climate. The Bohol province is partially sheltered from the full effect of moist coming from the adjacent islands, thus the province recieve less precipitation. Maximum precipitation occurs during the months of June to October with the flow of usually warm and dry along the coast and cold and himid in the interior.
There are no extremes of hot and cold. The interior towns of Bilar, Carmen, Bautan, Sierra Dullones are on a plateau and are cool throughout the year especially during the months of December and January. Along the coasts, is usually warm and dry.
There is a fairly even distribution of rainfall in the province but April and May are usualluy the driest.
Language / Dialect. The dialect is Cebuano. English is widely understood and spoken.
Major Industry. Bohol is fast becoming a tourist destination.
Bohol is graciously endowed with tourism potentials which are natural and historical. Infrastructure projects have supplemented these potentials.
Topping Boho´s natural tourism assets are the wondrous Chocolate Hills which have drawn thousands of foreign and domestic tourists. These perfectly cone-shaped hills which abound more in Central Bohol are the only ones in the world.
Points of interest
Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park. Two kilometers away from the heart of Tagbilaran City is the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park which the Boholanos from all over the country and abroad have erected a park in loving memory of the greatest Boholano. It sits on a rolling site with an area of 11 hectares chosen by the Late President himself in 1939 when he was governor of Bohol. Here, one can see the exquisite monument of marble base and a life-size bronze statue of the fourth fPresident of the Philippines and the first President of 1971 Constitutional Convention by Bohol´s famous sculptor, National Artist Napoleon Abueya. In the background is the provincial capitol.
Dagohoy Marker (Danao-92 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, 2 hours ride by bus or jeepney). The Dagohoy marker in Magtangtang, Danao town was installed by the Philippine Historical Comission to honor the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy who led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards which lasted for 84 years. Magtangtang was Dagohoy´s headquarters or hide-out during the revolt. Hundred of Dagohoy´s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain.
Punta Cruz (Maribojoc 14 kms. away from Tagbilaran City or 15 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). This is an ancient watch tower built of stones many years back. In the slightly indented place fronting the tower is where a wooden cross planted. Legend has it that its mysterious spell had saved many people from the ravages of pirates as the cross extended its mysterious arms to the sea strait thus prevent marauders. Atop the tower are windows overlooking Cebu, Siquijor, and MIndanao seas. The tower is a look-out for any incoming pirates.
Filipinas Theater, Maharlika Theater, Melroso Theater, QualityTheater I and II, and Royal Cinema.
Kaingit Beach (Tagbilaran City). A popular beach resort in Tagbilaran which is jam-packed by bathers during week-ends. It is situated in a cove which leaves the bathers undisturbed even during stormy weather. It is located at the end of a side street from Graham Avenue. It is being developed and maintained by the city governemnt. Sea foods and drinks are sold.
La Roca Beach Resort (Tagbilaran City). Tourists and local bathers who desire privacy during week-ends take a dip at the La Roca Beach Resort along Graham Avenue. Hotel guests who prefer the sea that the hotel swimming pool enjoy the seawater anytime during the day. Food may be ordered from the hotel.
Banit-I Hill (Tagbilaran City). This hill commands a scenic view overlooking the vast sea of Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor province and the strait of Panglao Island. Elevation is 145 meters above sea level. It is a few minutes ride from Tagbilaran proper.
Elly Hill (Tagbilaran City). Its formation is similar to that of the famous Chocolate Hills. Elevation is 100 meters and it is situated in the northern part of this city about 5 kilometers away.
Sta. Fe Beach (Albuquerque 13 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, 10 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). One of the favorite beaches covered by white sand. Fronting the open sea of Mindanao. This beach is visited by big numbers of picnickers during holidays. It is located in about one and one half kilometers from the poblacion of Alburquerque.
Anda Beach (Anda - 101 kms. from Tagbilaran City, 2 hours ride by bus). A beach along the poblacion covered with white sand. It is noted for its cleanliness. Town folk enjoy the unpolluted sea.
Inambacan Falls (Antequera, 19 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 45 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). Commands a beautiful view cascading waterfalls. This could be a potential source of water supply for drinking and irrigation in Antiquera town and even Tagbilaran. The estimated output is about 8,000 gallons per minute all drained to the Abatan River. It is one kilometer from the poblacion of this town.
Laya Beach. (Baclayon 9 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 15 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). Picnickers from various places enjoy their week-end here. Wide area, Laya is shaded by tall coconut trees. A rest house is available.
Imelda Beach (Dimiao, 40 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 10-minute ride by bus or jeepney). Once chosen as the campsite for boys and girls scouts of Bohol. Just like other beaches, Imelda Beach is also covered by palm trees. This is located along the National Higway before reaching the town proper of Dimiao.
Omhon Resort (Dimiao, 40 kms. away from Tagbilaran, or 1 hour and 10 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). Omhon is located in one of the highest elevated portions of Bohol province. The climate is cool. It is planned to be the summer capital of Bohol.
Duero Beach (Duero, 77 kms. away from Tagbilaran City or 1 hour and 45 minutes ride by bus or jeepney). A beautiful beach located in the eastern part of Bohol. It is noted for its long and white sand shaded by palm trees.
Canuba Beach (Jagna, 58 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 30-minute ride by bus or jeepney). An ideal place for bathing. Clean water and white sand along the National Highway shaded by palm trees and a cliff in the eastern part of the beach.
Rosales Spring (Lila, 28 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 30-minute ride by bus or jeepney). The white sand beach is covered by palm trees and lined with benches, tables and dressing house for bathers.
Clarin Beach (Loay, 16 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 20-minute ride by bus or jeepney). A long stretch of white beach. It was developed during the time of late Senator Jose Claring. It is complete with recreational facilities and a bath house. This beach is only 1 km. away from the poblacion of Loay.
Tontonan Falls (Loboc, 21 kms. away from Tagbilaran City or 1 hour and 5-minute ride by bus or jeepney). The Tontonan Hydroelectric Plant is generated by these falls which is the first of its kind in the Visayas. It is capable of supplying electric power to six municipalities. The plant machiery is dug deep into the bowels of the earth few meters from the Loboc River.
Loboc River. A beautiful river that gently winds with sparkling waters between the towns of Loboc and Loay and Bilar town. A fascinating boat ride along the Loboc River has been recently descovered. Starting from Loay bridge which is the outlet of Loboc River, motorized pump boats start the exciting boat ride along palm-fringed banks inland. The water is serene. The boat ride ends near the Tontonan Water Falls where several smaller falls with cascading water provides a pleasant bathing session.
Lintuan Beach (Loon, 25 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 15-minute ride by bus or jeepney). It is the favorite bathing resort in this part of the province. It has white sand beaches and sandy sea bed. Ideal bathing area for children.
Alona Beach (Panglao, 19 kms. away from Tagbiliran City, or 25-minute ride by bus of jeepneyf). Alona Beach is located in a cover of white sandy beach facing Mindanao Sea. The waters are deep which is ideal for scuba diving.
Deljo Beach (Panglao, 20 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 45-minute ride by bus or jeepney). Ideal site for scuba diving. Noted for its beautiful and wonderful sea shells. The deep sea of Doljo has clear and clean water. It is not disturbed by strong waves. The beautiful and big corals rocks are the habitat of small and big colored fish. The beach has a long stretch of white sand.
Momo Beach (Panglao, 19 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 45-minute ride by bus or jeepney). A white sand beach found at the northern part of Panglao. It has a bath house.
Busay Falls (Sevilla, 34 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 1/2 hours ride by bus or jeepney). Busay Falls are located inland of the Loboc River past Sevilla town. This beautiful falls provide an exciting scenery for the bathers. Bathers jam this bathing resort during week-ends.
Two little islets in the middle of the river make the place an ideal site for picnikers. The rushing waters are the favorite bathing pool of children.
Badiang Spring (Valencia,44 kms. away from Tagbilaran city, or 1 hour and 30-minut ride by bus or jeepney). The volume of water that gushes from a twin pipes makes the place fascinating. The waters flowing into the sea adjacent to the spring is a swimming pool where people from the towns enjoy during week-ends. This spring is located about 3 kilometers away from the poblacion of Valencia town toward east.
This is a unique bathing place where the bathers choose the swimming pool, the waterfalls and the place close to each other.
Baclayan Church (Baclayan, 6 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 10-minute ride by bus or jeepney). Baclayon Church is known as the oldest stone-church in the Philippines built by the Jesuits. Built in 1595, this ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. Both in the external and internal portions of the church, it contains various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century. They are placed at Baclayon Museum, Baclayon is also the oldest town in Bohol and the mother town of Alburquerque, Balilihan and Sikatuna.
Dauis Church (Dauis, 3 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or
6-minute by jeepney or car). This is one of Bohol's beautiful churches which has retained
its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern facade. The church interior has
life-like murals painted on the ceiling.
Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the townsfolk locked themselves
inside the church until they ran out of provisions and water. Then suddenly a well
appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main
supply of water for people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly the water is
absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.
Jaycee promenade (Tagbilaran City). A joint project of Bohol Jaycees and the city government is a promenade jutting out of the K of C reclamation area. It is a favorite spot for the lovelorn who stroll in the afternoon to watch the sunset across Tagbilaran Bay.
Rizal Park (Tagbilaran City). Previously known as Plaza Principe, it is known as Rizal Park where a life-size statue of public gatherings located in front of the Capitol Building and the St. Joseph's Cathedral. Installed by the Tagbilaran Lions and Lionettes are flag poles for the Flag of Nations. During special occasions particularly during the national day of a particular country, its national flag is being raised. Some of the flags were donated by these countries.
Children's Playground and Mini Park (Tagbilaran City). Near the St. Joseph Cathedral is the Lions Children's Playground where the little kids enjoy the playground facilities. Across is the Lionettes Mini Park. A beautiful fountain with dancing waters has been installed. The park is being landscaped and improved by the provincial government of Bohol.
Magsiha Swimming Pool (Balilihan, 24 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour ride by bus or jeepney). This is a swimming pool supplied by water from a spring nearby. Barrio folks take time out to enjoy bathing in this artificial pool for a change.
Magsaysay Camp (Bilar, 45 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 or1/2 hours ride by bus or jeepney). This Boy Scout Camp is cool and tranquil. The entire area is surrounded with tall trees that make the place pleasant to stay in. It is located in the mountain few kilometers from the poblacion of Bilar town. The camping site is one of the best hereabouts.
Bilarma Camp (Bilar, 45 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 1/2 hours ride by bus or jeepney). This is the girl scout encampment of Bohol province. A beautiful site for camping where the youth communes with nature. There is a swimming pool even during summer. Bathers from Tagbilaran take the long ride just to enjoy the beauty of the site and the abundant water supply in the swimming pool.
The Home (Carmen, 55 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 45-minute ride by bus or jeepney). This is a project of the Catholic Women's League diacesan chapter. It is both a tourist attraction as well as community project - a home for the orphaned, the abandoned, neglected and maltreated children of broken homes.
It is located in Barangay Katipunan, 1 1/2 kilometers from the town proper, consisting of 11 hectares.
Roxas Park (Garcia-Hernandez, 55 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 1/2 hours ride by bus or jeepney). It has a beautiful park and adjacent to it are two swimming pools with water coming from the rocks. This park is situated 3 kms. away from the poblacion. On the spot is the life-size statue of the late President Manuel Roxas.
Rice Terraces (Lila, 24 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 45-minute ride by bus or jeepney). In the eastern coast is the town of Lila where man-made rice terraces ladder down from the mountains to the beach. They are a wondrous token of Bololano industry.
Castillo Swimming Pools (Loon, 25 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 hour and 15-minute ride by bus or jeepney). From the Loon municipality building, bathers decend to the sea through the Castillo swimming pools, a pair of swimming pools both for the adults and a wading pool for children.
Philippine Sinter Corporation (Garcia-Hernandez). Located 58 kms. away from Tagbilaran City, or 1 1/2 hours ride by bus or jeepney. A 133 million Limestone Project of the Philippine Sinter Corporation is the biggest industrial complex established in Bohol. It has a limestone deposit which will last for more than 600 years. The limestones are transported to the multibillion Philippine Sentering Plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.
Pantudlan - Cabilao Island. Accessible in an hour by pumpboat from mainland Loon. Also one of the best underwater sites. Pantudlan is frequented by foreign tourists. It is located at the tip and western part of Cabilal Island. The deep sea is only a few meters from its white sandy beach with a lighthouse and cottage. Beautiful colored fishes, coral rocks and sea shells are abundant in the deep sea.
Ubay Stock Farm (Ubay). One of the largest government stock farms in the Philippines with an area of 4500 hectares. Imported breed of cattle are in the stock farm, vast rolling hills and plains.
Panglao Island. Accessible in a 35 minute ride by tricycle from Tagbilaran City. Declared as scuba diving area where tourists frequent. This is where most dive sites and resorts are located. Its warm waters and good visibility and colorful marine attracts diving enthusiasts. It has a lighthouse. Panglao Island is a coast guard reservation. It has beautiful a beach around the island bounded by colored coral flowers and rocks. The deep sea is very clear and clean. Scuba divers can see beautiful creatures and marine resources around. Panglao town is 19 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.
Talibon Town. The birthplace of one of the Philippines' most illustrious personalities, Carlos P. Garcia, fourth president of the Philippines.
Dagohoy Marker. (Danao, 92 kms. away from Tagbilaran). The marker was installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy, who led the longest revolt in the Philippines against the Spaniards which lasted for 84 years.
Cross and Watch Tower of Punta Cruz. (Maribojoc, 14 kms. away from Tagbilaran). The wooden cross stands beside the moss-covered watch tower built during the Spanish colonization era, used as lookout for Moro pirates.
Jagna. A town in Bohol where 406 die-hard revolutionists, led by Captain Goyo Casenas, died during the bloody encounter between the Filipinos and Americans; now a home of 406 martyrs.
Lintuan Beach. Located at Loon, or 25 kms. from Tagbilaran.
Caingit Beach. One of the beautiful beaches in Tagbilaran.
Cannuba Beach. Located at Jagna, or 58 kms. from Tagbilaran.
Other popular dive sites:
Arc Point, Puntod Point, Cervers Shoal, Duejo Point, Momo Point, Gak-Ang Point, Nagpoling and Tangnan Point.
