Located in the central region of Visayas, Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. The island province is a famous tourist destination in the Philippines thanks to its many sandy beaches and resorts. It is referred to as God’s small paradise by locals and visitors. Although the island is laid back in many aspects, you can expect a holiday vacation filled with exciting nature adventures; explore amazing hills formation, meet the smallest primates in the world, lounge on dazzling sandy beaches, discover the lively underwater wildlife, and much more.
A Brief History
Being one of the major provinces of Philippines, the island features a rich historical and cultural heritage. The place is believed to have first been settled by the Australoid people, just like the rest of the country. They came from northeast Mindanao and settled in the Anda peninsula. These people still inhabit the island today and are called the Eskaya tribe. Boholanos who are the people of Bohol are said to have descended from a group of inhabitants that settled in the Philippines known as the Pintados. These people are described as valiant and at the same time deeply religious and peaceful.
Bohol as a Tourist Destination
The beauty of Bohol lies in its white sand shorelines, waterfalls, natural parks, exotic wildlife, and many historical landmarks. Here you will find the epicenter of adventures and fun activities like waterfall trekking, river cruising, and cave exploring. Heading towards the south into Tagbilaran, you will find modern restaurants, shopping malls, bars, and hotels & resorts. When you need some cultural exchange, you can venture towards the north and get to mingle with the local communities there.
Chocolate Hills is one of the most popular tourist attractions here and once you see them you will understand why. You can also visit the Hanging Bamboo Bridge in Sevilla where each step will give you a little prickle up your spine. Or rent a motorbike to fully experience the beauty of Cadapdapan Rice Terraces, and the Bilar Man-Made Forest. If you are one who likes heights and adrenaline, you will love Danao Adventure Park. Here, you will be sure to experience an extreme adventure as you have never done.
Famous Islands Surrounding Bohol
Under the jurisdiction of the Bohol Provincial Government, 75 outlying islands are neighboring the mainland Bohol. This is the reason why island hopping is one of the best activities a visitor can enjoy here. When you visit Bohol, wandering to other islands using a pump boat is a great way to see more of its magnificence. Below are some of the famous islands for island hopping.
1. Pamilacan Island – The best place to watch dolphins and whales in addition to swimming, snorkeling, and strolling. A choice to relax on the white sand beaches or tour an old watchtower built during the Spanish era is also available.
2. Balicasag Island – Off the coast of Panglao Island, Balicasag is one of Bohol’s top dive spots. It is a marine haven for snorkelers and divers. It has beautiful coral gardens in both shallow and deep water. Beach bums will also love this island as they can lazy around the beach on one side of the island where it has fine white sand.
3. Virgin Island – A long curve of a white sandbar, named at the top 10 beaches of Bohol, and is only 20 minutes boat ride from Alona Beach. Virgin Island is best enjoyed during low tide when the whole sandbar is exposed. On high tide, however, most of it is underwater, but it is still beautiful and would make a perfect sandy runway.
4. Cabilao Island – Located on the northwestern side of Tagbilaran, this is another excellent destination for scuba diving in Bohol. Visitors can also engage in snorkeling around the island’s spectacular underwater.
Towns in Bohol
Bohol consists of only one city known as Tagbilaran and a total of 47 towns. 31 of these municipalities are located along the coast, including the Capital City, while 17 are found in the mainland. Apart from being the only city, Tagbilaran is also the main point of entry into the Island. The Anda town is a small town on the east coast and consists of a long white sand beach that is amazingly refreshing. Another major town is Loboc, a river town full of idyllic falls and home to the famous Loboc Children’s Choir. This town is also known for its River Cruise. Dimiao village which snorkeling on the southern side of Bohol has a variety of tourist activities including perfect sunrise and sunset views, waterfall hike, river trekking, snorkeling, and romantic outlooks from karst rocks. Other major towns in Bohol include Carmen, Corella, Dauis, Bilar and the municipalities of Tubigon and Baclayon.
Bohol Festivals
Photo: robpinzon on flickr.com
Festivals are one of the things that have had a massive influence on the Filipino culture. Bohol hosts several festivals to celebrate. These festivals are not only held annually as a part of people’s way of giving thanks but to as well boost the tourism sector in the province through showcasing their unique culture. Here is a guide to some of the different types of festivals that the Boholanos celebrate.
1. Agbunan Festival – This festival is held every 28th day of June in the town of San Isidro. Before the image of its patron saint, San Isidore was brought to the town, the municipality was called Agbunan. Its people, together with guests from all around the world, gather around for a street dancing competition and celebration. This festival was created to showcase the agricultural abundance of San Isidro.
2. Ubi Festival – Consist of contests, exhibitions, and seminars that are meant to educate visitors on the potential and benefits of the Ubi plant. This plant is popularly used as one of the ingredients of Halo Halo, a famous dessert in the Philippines.
3. Sandugo Festival – The festival honors the blood pact event between the ruler of Bohol Island and a Spanish explorer in 1565. During the festival; sporting actions, street fairs, and many more activities are available for everyone. The festival is used to display how life in Bohol was during the 16th Century.
4. Bolibong Kingking Festival – This festival illustrates the history and traditions of the Loboc people. It is celebrated through dance and music. The main highlight of the festival is the supplication dance ritual which occurs with the rhythm of drums and songs in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe statue.
5. Town and Barangay fiestas – This is probably the most exciting festivity in Bohol especially during May. All barangays and towns of Bohol have their patron saint, which on their day, the people celebrate to give thanks for protecting them from any harm or for giving them bounty harvest. The month of May is when almost every day, a barangay or a town is celebrating their Patron Saint’s day.
