5 Attractions You Must See in Bohol
Bohol, widely-known for the iconic Chocolate Hills, is an island province filled with rural charms and adventure. Situated amid a cluster of islands that make up Central Philippines and surrounded by turquoise seas, Bohol offers some of the finest beaches in the region. Equally attractive inland, it thrives with far-stretching fields, vast forests, and sparkling waterways. If Bohol is your next stop, make sure you swing by the attractions below to experience the very best of this province.
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Image via WikiMedia by P199
Fascinating and peculiar, the Chocolate Hills is the most celebrated geological attraction in Bohol. Composed of around 1,776 conical, limestone mounds spread across an area of about 20 square miles, this myriad of hills and their striking symmetry make for delightful sightseeing and picture taking. Tourists can view them from two look-outs, the more popular option is the Chocolate Hills Complex in the town of Carmen, and the other one is Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan.
Loboc River
Image via WikiMedia by Øyvind Holmstad
Popularized by small boat cruises and floating restaurants, the Loboc River has become a major attraction in Bohol. The river cuts through several towns including Bilar, Sevila, and Loboc and the best way to explore it is by joining a boat tour. Most tours depart from the ports of Loay and Poblacion town. They run for one hour and include a buffet-style lunch featuring delectable Philippine cuisine accompanied by entertainment by a traditional band. As the floating restaurants drift down the river, tourists can enjoy lush forest sceneries and even spot local wildlife.
Some riverside entertainment
Panglao Island
Alona Beach
For most tourists, their Bohol adventure begins and ends on Panglao Island. Idyllically situated on the south west coast of Bohol, Panglao is a top beach destination. Travelers can enjoy a range of activities here including, snorkeling, diving, island tours, and seaside dining. Immaculate, white-sand beaches line the edges of the island, and the most popular albeit most touristy one is Alona Beach. Panglao Island is about 20 kilometers or 30 minutes away by car from Tagbilaran Airport. Bridges and boats link Panglao to the main island.
Loay Coastal Town
The Clarin House
Image via WikiMedia by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
Founded on a plateau overlooking the Sea of Bohol, Loay is a quaint little town frequented for its beautiful coastlines and picturesque landscapes. The town thrives on farming and produces a variety of agricultural products for the region. It is also a center for artisanal crafts like bolo making, saguran weaving, and nipa thatch roof making. Some important landmarks of Loay are, the Clarin Ancestral House which dates back to 1840. This house was formerly owned by the Clarins, a prominent family at the time. Another one is the 16th-century Loay Church.
Historical Churches
Image via WikiMedia y by Nataniel Luperte
The Philippines was under Spanish rule from 1521 to 1898 and although the Spaniards are long gone, remnants of the period remain. Many of these are evocative, centuries-old churches built under the auspices of Augustinian and Jesuit friars. Catholicism is perhaps Spain’s most significant heritage to the Philippines and the numerous ancient churches which dot provinces like Bohol reflect the profound religiosity of the period.
In 2013, Bohol was devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and many of these churches were severely damaged. Restoration works have been completed since and, most affected churches have been reopened to the public. Some of the most-visited ones include, Baclayon Church, 1595, Loboc Church, 1638, Loon Church, 1753, and Maribojoc Church, 1798.
Bohol’s historical landmarks, awe-inspiring landscapes, and paradisal beaches attract travelers from far and wide, and if you’re heading here soon, include the sites above to your itinerary to have your fill of Bohol’s numerous splendors.
Check out these Travel Guides for more info on the coolest beaches to visit in the Philippines.
A view of the Chocolate Hills from Carmen Complex
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