Hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, and rich culture – there are countless reasons as to why the Philippines is attracting more and more travelers. However, just like in other destinations in Southeast Asia, mass tourism has taken its toll on some of the Philippines’ prime tourist destinations. As a result, the government and tourism department of the Philippines are now making conscious efforts to promote eco-tourism and Bohol is an excellent example. In this article, we will talk about things that present Bohol as a model of eco-tourism in the Philippines.
Bohol: Tourism Done Right
Bohol is an oval-shaped province situated in Central Visayas, flanked by the Camotes Sea on the north, the Bohol Sea on the south, and Cebu Strait on the west. It is considered as a key tourist destination in the country which comprises 7000+ islands. The pristine white beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and amazing diving spots support the island’s reputation as an eco-tourism destination. While the nearby islands are more popular among tourists and locals for their white sand beaches and numerous five-star resorts, Bohol has earned the admiration of many visitors for developing tourism in a responsible and sustainable way.
Tourists enjoy a view of the famous Chocolate Hills from a safe distance. Image: mb.com.ph
Despite having so many beautiful natural and cultural attractions, Bohol was actually once among the poorest provinces in the Philippines. In an effort to promote economic and provincial development, the local government took advantage of Bohol’s rich biodiversity and turned the province into a prime tourist destination. While it was not unlikely for Bohol to follow the footsteps of the neighboring island of Boracay, the local government chose the more sustainable route, not compromising Bohol’s environment for the sake of economic progress.
Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the Philippines’ First Eco-Airport
Inaugurated in 2018, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport is set to boost the economy of the region. Image: goodnewspilipinas.com
Sustainability is immediately promoted once you enter the province through Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the country’s first eco-airport. Dubbed as “the green gateway to the world,” the airport uses solar panels to partly supply power to its passenger terminals. Natural light and ventilation is also utilized in several areas of the airport, only having limited areas wherein energy-saving air-conditioners and LED lights are present. The eco-airport also has its own waste disposal system and sewage treatment plant.
Eco-Tourism Attractions to See in Bohol
With an abundance of natural and cultural attractions, Bohol is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Here are some of the things to do and see in Bohol:
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The Man-Made Forest in Bilar
The man-made Bohol Forest stretches for nearly two-kilometers and comprises of Mahogany trees carefully planted between the borders of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before the verdant eco-forest, you can see a dense growth of green foliage and various other trees and ferns dotting the road. As you enter the forest area in summer, you are welcomed by a cool breeze even if it is scorching hot outside.
Learn more about the Man-made Mahogany Forest of Bilar, Bohol.
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Butterfly Conservation Centers
The island is home many butterfly breeding and conservation centers. Their goal is to strengthen and protect the butterflies through research, breeding and releasing. By increasing the population of butterflies in Bohol, these conservation centers hope to contribute to the local economy by using the butterflies and their byproducts. Facilities at conservation centers usually include a butterfly garden, a butterfly enclosure, pagoda, nature trail, and so on.
Learn more about the Butterfly Sanctuary in Bohol.
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The Chocolate Hills
The iconic Chocolate Hills are perhaps the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Bohol. They are a collection of 1,268 hills that feature a distinctive geographical formation. The green grass that covers these hills turn into a brown, chocolate color during the dry season, hence the name.
Discover one of the Philippines most iconic natural landmarks, The Chocolate Hills.
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Diving Spots
The underwater beauty of Bohol. Image: dive-bohol.com
Eco-tourism in Bohol is not just limited to the land, but also extends to its waters. The island has some of the best sites for diving, scuba, and snorkeling that give you the opportunity to explore the rich marine biodiversity of Bohol and its surrounding islets. It has locations where divers can spot reef sharks, black corals, marine turtles, cuttlefish, frogfish, sea horses, and more. Some of Bohol’s popular diving spots include Panglao and Balicasag islands.
Check out our article about the Bohol’s Top Diving Spots Deserving to be on your Bucket List!
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Danao Eco-Adventure Tour
Fun and excitement for the family at Danao Adventure Park. Image: Dabao Adventure Park facebook page.
If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, take the Danao Eco-Adventure tour that features fun and thrilling activities like river tubing, zip-lining, cave tours, rappelling, sky rides, trekking, kayaking, and visiting an organic farm. You can also go camping or visit other neighboring islands such as Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, and Balicasag. Adding a cultural element to your Bohol tour, these locations still have remnants of the Spanish rule which you can explore.
Learn more about Danao Adventure Park.
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The Tarsier Sanctuary
The tarsier sanctuaries of Bohol are definitely one of its must-visit places. It is home to the endangered tarsier species which are usually considered as the smallest primates in the world. These nocturnal primates are also often identified by their large and soulful eyes. These sanctuaries and centers for eco-tourism hope to educate people about tarsiers and save them from extinction.
Learn more about the Tarsier, the most beloved animal of Bohol.
Bohol’s wide selection of eco-friendly activities and attractions truly makes it a great model for eco-tourism in the Philippines. Its success as a tourist destination is a good example of how to promote tourism without having to sacrifice the natural environment and resources. As travelers, visiting Bohol is also an exciting and extraordinary way of spending your holiday vacations as you get to enjoy and explore this tropical island through responsible and sustainable means.
Featured image courtesy of boholbeachclub.com
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