Bohol - History and Natural Wonders Combined

Another gem in the Visayas region is the province of Bohol. Blessed with white sand beaches, breathtaking dive sites, fertile lands, and rich history and culture, Bohol surely has something for everyone.

Among its prominent tourist destinations are the Chocolate Hills, Blood Compact Site, Baclayon Church, Panglao beaches, and Tarsier sanctuary. These endangered species are indigenous to the province and has been well protected by the government and locals

Demographics

1.1. Population – 1,230,110 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4, 821 sq. km
3. Capital – Tagbilaran City
4. Language/Dialect – Boholano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (1)

• Tagbilaran City

Municipalities (47)

• Alburquerque
• Alicia
• Anda
• Antequera
• Baclayon
• Balilihan
• Batuan
• Bien Unido
• Bilar
• Buenavista
• Calape
• Candijay
• Carmen
• Catigbian
• Clarin
• Corella
• Cortes
• Dagohoy
• Danao
• Dauis
• Dimiao
• Duero
• Garcia Hernandez
• Getafe
• Guindulman
• Inabanga
• Jagna
• Lila
• Loay
• Loboc
• Loon
• Mabini
• Maribojoc
• Panglao
• Pilar
• Pres. Carlos P. Garcia
• Sagbayan
• San Isidro
• San Miguel
• Sevilla]
• Sierra Bullones
• Sikatuna
• Talibon
• Trinidad
• Tubigon
• Ubay
• Valencia

Chocolate Hills
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of the World Nominee is the pride of the province. The landscape of Bohol is dotted by an estimated 1,268 to 1,776 cone-shaped hills.

Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta)
This small haplorrhine (a specie related to apes and monkeys) measures 4 to 6 inches in height and with a tail twice its body length. These nocturnal creatures are now endangered but local and national government agencies have taken action to create a natural sanctuary for these species.

Sandugo and Sandugo Festival
The blood compact or sandugo was done on March 15, 1565 between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The event is considered as the first peace treaty between Spaniards and the native settlers of the Philippine Islands. Every year, the Boholanos celebrate this momentous event through the Sandugo Festival

Baclayon Church
It is one of the oldest church in the Philippines. This ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design. It features a a church bell dating back in 1835, convent, and a dungeon.

Delectable Food
Ubi (purple yam) has become one of the staple food for Boholanos and is the most famous root crop from Bohol. Thus, it is a must to try Ubi Kinampay, a special variety of purple yam. The “binignit”, a concoction of sweet potato (kamote), saba banana, landang (processed from the “boli” palm to serve as thickener), purple yam, and coconut milk is a favorite delicacy.

Cultural

Baclayon Museum
Location: Baclayon Church, Baclayon, Bohol
It is found inside the premises of Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It contains a rich collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, librettos of church music printed in Latin on animal skins, and other priceless relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century.

Bohol Museum (Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Ancestral House)
Location: F. Rocha cor. Hontanosa streets, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
The museum was once the residence of former President Carlos P. Garcia, a native of Bohol. Now, it contains the late President and family’s memorabilia, old relics, plus a collection of shells found on Bohol’s shore.

Clarin Ancestral House
Location: Loay, Bohol
Built in 1840, this ancestral house was the residence of Don Aniceto Velez (former governor of Bohol), and his son Jose Butalid Clarin (former president of the Senate). This heritage site, as declared by the National Historical Institute, contains several memorabilia of the family, antique jars and lamps, American era centavo coins, old Filipiniana dresses and Barong, and copy of Adolf Hitler's book, “Mein Kampf”.

Historical

Blood Compact Site
Location: Brgy. Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
The site is where Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi did the sandugo or blood compact that signified the formation of a friendly relation between Spain and the native settlers.

Behind the Clouds
Location: Catigbian, Bohol
The area became a camp for 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 during World War II.

Dagohoy Marker
Location: Brgy. Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol
It was installed by the National Historical Institute to commemorate the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy (real name Francisco Sendrijas) who led Boholanos to fight against the Spanish regime. The rebellion lasted roughly 85 years (1744-1829) and is considered as the longest in Philippine history.

Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park
Location: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Build in memory of the 'greatest Boholano', Carlos Polistico Garcia, the fourth President of the Republic of the Philippines. 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 Garcia made by Bohol’s famous sculptor, National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

Ubujan Marker
Location: Tagbilaran City, Bohol
The marker was erected in memory of another historic event in the district of Ubuja, which was the battle fought by the brave guerilla Captain Francisco Salazar and his men against the superior forces of the Japanese on October 22, 1942.

Ermita Ruins
Location: Dimiao, Bohol
The structure was allegedly used as a military fortress, chapel, and final resting place of the members of the Spanish clergy at the time. Questions about its mysterious past, however, remained unanswered that even experts from the National Museum have recommended its immediate excavation.

Punta Cruz Watchtower
Location: Punta Cruz, Maribojoc, Bohol
The watchtower was erected in the year 1796 by the Spaniards and was dedicated to St. Vincent Ferrer, Maribojoc’s patron saint. It served as a lookout area againsts Muslim invaders.

Man-made

Magsaysay Camp
Location: Bilar, Bohol
This is a Boy Scout Camp where tall trees make the camp look cool and tranquil. It is located in the mountains a few kilometers from the Poblacion of the town. The campgrounds are one of the best in the area.

Bilarma Camp
Location: Bilar, Bohol
It is the provincial Girl Scout encampment. The area boast of a swimming pool fed by an inexhaustible source of fresh water even during summer.

Roxas Park (Pres. Manuel Roxas Campsite)
Location: Garcia Hernandez, Bohol
The park is filled with tall mahogany trees, lush vegetation, and rich fauna. An open cogon field is usually used as a camping area. On the spot is the life-size statue of the late President Manuel Roxas, whom the park was named after.

Macas Orchids and Farm
Location: Lindaville, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
The 6,000 sq. m. lot is stocked with various species of Dendrobium and Vanda orchids in varying sizes. In addition to the flowering orchids, a typical Filipino native house is placed in the center overlooking the Ubujan and Maribojoc Sea and is a favorite spot for picture taking.

Bohol Bee Farm
Location: Brgy. Dao, Dauis, Pangloa Island, Bohol
It offers charming accommodations,while at the same time promoting an alternative lifestyle supportive of agricultural development. Farm activities include, farm tour, raffia making, furniture making, sewing/craft, paddling, basket making, and organic farming

Natural

Chocolate Hills
Location: Carmen – Sagbayan – Batuan, Bohol
Estimated from 1,268 to 1,776, these cone-shaped hills are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the dry season, these grass-covered hills dry up and turn into chocolate brown, thus its name. Two of the hills have been converted to a commercial resort. One is located in Carmen known as Chocolate Hills Complex and the other in Sagbayan called the Sagbayan Peak.

Himontagon Hill
Location:Sitio Candaon, Brgy. Botoc Occidental, Loay, Bohol
It is a very scenic place overlooking the Mindanao sea. Visible from atop the12 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, Mt. Hibok-Hibok volcano in Camiguin Island 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.

Panglao Island Beaches
Location: Panglao – Dauis, Bohol
The shores of the towns of Panglao and Dauis are gifted with white sand beaches and world-class dive sites.
Panglao Beaches

1. Alona Beach (Brgy. Tawala) - famous for its coral white sand that stretches one and a half kilometers and ends in rocky cliffs at both sides. The waters off are rich in marine resources, thus making it an ideal dive site.
2. Bolod Beach (Brgy. Bolod) - The beach has a one and a half kilometer stretch of white sand, the largest shoreline in the area.
3. Doljo Beach (Brgy. Doljo) - The 3km beach is relatively unexplored and undeveloped. Its hash white sand that stretches so far out and the seabed slopping gently towards the deep. The place is noted for its beautiful and exquisite seashells. With calm, deep and clear waters and the seabed free of sea grasses plus myriads of colorful marine life.
4. Momo Beach (Brgy. Tangnan) – It boasts of its white sand beach and cool crystal blue waters. A wonderful wall and slope diving site can be found near the beach with a depth of 40m where nudibranches, leaf fishes, red-eyed goby, harlequin file fish, pajama cardinal fish and many kinds of juvenile wrasse are sighted.
5. Bagobo Beach (Brgy. Liabong) - It is a beach with very fine white sand and fringed by tall coconut palm trees and other tropical varieties. It is a snorkeler's paradise due to its rich marine life.
6. Danao Beach (Brgy. Danao) – The area has many colorful and gigantic corals. Divers encounter myriad fishes of all sizes and color especially small Barracuda, black and yellow Harlequin Ghost Pipefish, Comet, Banded Pipefish and the Blue-finned or Titan Triggerfish.

Dauis Beaches

1. Bikini Beach (Brgy. Biking) - It has calm waters, shady palm trees and the water is full of colorful coral fishes.
2. Bingag Beach (Brgy. Bingag) – There are several resorts line up on the beach offering various water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, rowing and more.
3. Dao Beach (Brgy. Dao) – The beach boasts of white sand, crystal blue water and rugged cliff-sides covered in verdant tropical foliage.

Anda Beach
Location: Anda, Bohol
It boasts of a long stretch of powdery white sand beach fringe with coconut palm trees. It is gifted with a crystal clear blue waters, and a seabed of powdery white sand with no rock formations or marine flora whatsoever for miles on end.

Mag-aso Falls
Location: Antequera, Bohol
With a height of 25 feet, the twin falls is picturesque against a backdrop of tall trees, wild plants including giant ferns, and deep ravines.

Kinahugan Falls
Location: Jagna, Bohol
It is composed of three waterfalls that are trigonomial in nature. The center fall is flanked by one on the northern side of the cliff and the other on the southern side, and all are covered with moss. Tall coconut groves around the deep basin and the river bed give shade, making the place invigorating. The mild temperature and the cool water lure the visitors to take a cool bath.

Loboc River
Location: Loboc, Bohol
The river is embraced by lush vegetation. Due to its popularity, floating restaurants offering Filipino delicacies are found in the area.

Eva Cave
Location: Odiong – Janga, Bohol
Wild orchids and tree ferns of the tropics grow abundantly near the cave. Countless birds abound and these birds build edible nests, which are gathered in large quantities for sale. A stonewall covers the area with several compartments.

Pamilacan Island
Location: Baclayon, Bohol
It is one of the country's richest scuba diving sites. Beautiful small and big colored fish and the prized Gloria Maris seashells abound in its surrounding waters.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Location: Brgy. Canapnapan, Corella, Bohol
The 134-hectare forested sanctuary serves as the home of numerous tarsies in Bohol. The area is relatively isolated to allow tarsiers to grow and move naturally. Still under development, the sanctuary will feature specialized viewing decks for tourist who would like to see tarsiers in their natural habitat.

Relegious

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (Baclayon Church)
Location: Baclayon, Bohol
Jesuit priests between the 16th and 18th century constructed this stone church. It was constructed using coral stones and millions of white eggs as binders. The current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835. In the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Dauis Church)
Location: Dauis, Bohol
Built in 1863, this is one of Bohol’s beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture although it has a semi-modern façade. The church interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers.

Mt. Carmel Hill
Location: Balilihan, Bohol
On top of the hill towers the centuries-old Spanish belfry, the only historical landmark left to shed light on the past and the town’s history. Constructed in 1835-1844 from materials gathered by foot from Baclayon, its mother town, the belfry has withstood natural calamities and the test of time.

Most Holy Trinity Cathedral (Talibon Cathedral)
Location: Poblacion, Talibon, Bohol
Its most notable feature is the life-size Holy Trinity image found in the center of the altar. The ceiling is heavily decorated with paintings of heavenly beings. Its construction started in 1852 and completed in 1899

Church of San Pedro (Loboc Church)
Location: Laboc, Bohol
It is considered as the second oldest church in Bohol. It was first built in 1602 but wasdestroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt in 1638 to what it is now.

Sandugo Festival
Place: Bohol Province
Date: July 1 - 31
The annual spectacular festival featuring an agro-industrial fair, cultural and historical shows, sports events, pageants, balls and dances, entertainment shows and street-dancing which culminates in the re-enactment of the blood compact or Sandugo of Datu Sikatuna and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

Ubi Festival
Place: Bohol Province
Date: Last week of January
The festival is celebrated to give honor to the ube (purple yam) - a much revered root crop in Bohol. Various activities are lined up to highlight the affair including the display of different kinds of Ubi and their by-products. The festival features an exhibit, ubi contest, an agri-business investment opportunities seminar, and a cultural show

Suroy sa Musikero
Place: Loboc, Bohol
Date: December 25 - February 2
During the festival, town musicians cover daily the assigned areas to partake the food serve by the host and to play music to the tune of Kuradang, Dalaga sa Baybayon, etc. This is also the period that carollers render Christmas songs to the families of the host area.

Bolibongkingking Festival
Place: Loboc, Bohol
Date: May 23 - 24
This is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore and traditions of the Lobocanons. Bolibongkingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs and their rhythm used to accompany the supplication dance ritual in front of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the second Patron of Loboc.

Sambat Mascara Y Regatta Festival
Place: Loay, Bohol
Date: First Saturday of December
The festival is celebrated in honor of Loay town's second Patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier. Colorful activities are lined up, like agro-industrial fair, group masked street dancing, drum bugle competition, boat racing along the river and many more. The event is highlighted by a fluvial parade of the Image along the river.