I’ve been wanting to write a piece about Bohol’s famous destinations for years now but it seems like the only organized, straight-forward itinerary I had was my recent visit to the Province in celebration of the annual Sandugo Festival. Bohol is one of the Provinces that got hit by the typhoon that causes too much damages especially in their residential and tourist spots. And did I mention lockdowns in the last two years? Thanks to AirAsia Philippines as they are finally bringing airasia Super App to the place to help boost its tourism efforts!
For starters, the airasia Super App is the ASEAN’s fastest-growing integrated digital travel and lifestyle platform. It is a one-stop shop travel, fintech and e-commerce app that allows users to book flights, hotels and travel packages, activities, car rides, parcel deliveries and even shop for food, clothes, and other products at lower prices. By booking thru the app, you will able to save a lot from flights and hotel accommodations.
As I have mentioned, this recent trip to Bohol gave me the complete experience from the itinerary I’ve been wating to do for years so I will share to you these adventures that you can do.
Sandugo Festival
First time to experience this annual spectacular Bohol 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. This month-long festival falls in July and even starts earlier and extends up to the month of August.
Blood Compact Site
I used to see this on some documentation and VTRs but now I get to actually see the site’s historical importance. The Blood Compact Site is considered the first “Treaty of Friendship” between Europe and Asia when Datu Sikatuna forged a blood compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi from Spain in 1565.
Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area
Your trip to Bohol will not be complete without visiting the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. According to primer.com, Bohol is one of the only few tarsier conservation areas certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take care of the rare Philippine Tarsiers since July 2016. I bet you challenge these tarsier in staring contest and let’s see who’ll win. 🙂
Chocolate Hills
Imagine getting closer to the eighth (8th) wonder of the world and pride yourself with a photo on top of the overlooking view of majestic Chocolate Hills of Bohol. That is a must-have on your itinerary. You can pose like this.
Baclayon Church & Panglao Church
As someone who grew up patronizing Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion, this Baclayon Church in Baclayon town is a good stop over. This is considered as one of the best preserved Jesuit-built churches in the region. Panglao Church on the other hand is known for its amazing ceiling murals depicting the sacraments. Sadly, it is one of the 10 churches that were damaged by the 7.2 magnitude quake that hit Bohol in 2013.
Bilar Man-Made Forest.
Fascinated by its nature, this two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees are somewhat interesting because for starters, this is just really a road yet composed of amazing tree structures and giant ferns lining the road. It is one of the most instagrammable spots in Bohol. So here I am.
Lobo River Cruise
If you want to be extra romantic during your Bohol stay, then you must book your lunch at the Loboc River Cruise. Prepare to get mesmerize by the nature’s beauty overlooking the beautiful lake while onboarding the floating restaurants. The trip starts at the Loay Bridge and ends near the Busay Falls, a bathing spot.
Danao Adventure Park
If there’s one thing I would love to visit again and again and again in Bohol is the newest tourism attraction called Danao Adventure Park. Aside from enjoying natural sights, the park is giving you the adventure of your life. From ziplining (Sui-slide) to giant swing to cable car riding in the air up to bungee jumping called the plunge, you will definitely learn to let go (awuw) and release yourself from that fear of heights. Here I am with fellow media friends from various stations and publications after that long zipline.
This is an understatement but you can watch this Instagram reels I did to summarize and still don’t give justice to the real experience. It is life changing!
Bohol Python Sanctuary and Butterfly Garden
If you love to see Phyton that big, this is a good place to visit and it’s only along the highway, it only cost you few php money for entrance but it will be worth it. Though I am concern about the living conditions of the phyton, the place is surely will get you to a different experience. Here are my friends cuddling the giant.
(L-R: Angela, Sylver, Lyca and Ytram. Credit to Angela Baltan of Village Pipol)
Antequerra Weaving Community
If you are into unique bags and hand-made items for yourself or even as souvenirs, then you must stop at Antequera. Antequera is famously known for its basket weaving industry. We were able to visit all the finished products and I can say that everything is of export quality! Even my friend bought a laptop bag made of weave materials! It is the community’s major
source of livelihood. Basket weaving skills have been passed down from older generations to younger generations in Antequera since the 1900s.
