#TheHappyFeetBackpacker: Behold Bohol

Traveling is a passage, a way to find the lost soul, rediscovering oneself and learning more about life – thehappyfeetbackpacker

Though we only had a day to explore this beautiful province, I already fell in love with her beauty and wonders.

When I was a kid, I only get to see how perfect the Chocolate Hills are in postcards. Now that I had the chance to visit and had a closer look with the Chocolate Hills, I’m totally in awe with not only how perfect it is but how majestic this nature’s wonder can be!

From Cebu City, we woke up early to be on time on our booked fast raft to ferry us to Bohol, a 2-hour boat ride (P800/pax) back and forth.

Upon arriving at the Bohol Seaport, we already contacted a van for rent that will tour us for a day, since we are 7 we paid P1,000 each for the tour.

Thanks to our tour guide/driver Kuya Joseph he made all things possible just for a day. His tour package includes van rental, entrance fees and free lunch at the floating restaurant.

With just 1 day, we decided to experience the COUNTRYSIDE TOUR which includes:

Chocolate Hills

According to our tour guide, the name of this creation was then Carmen Hills but when a person visited the area during summer, he said that it was like a chocolate dome, so by then it called Chocolate Hills. Located at Carmen, Bohol, this dome-shaped was made of grass-covered limestone.

To reach the viewing deck of the hill, you need to climb the stairs – tiring but worth the climb.

Most people think that you cannot go closer to the hills but you can do it by using an ATV to tour around and have a closer look. There are many operators offering an ATV tour for an hour and a whole day, since we only have limited time we choose the 30-minute ride with three stop at the hill, that cost us P500/ATV.

During our orientation, I saw some pictures posted on the gallery of our operator. I noticed that all riders were wearing a plastic bag on their shoes. So i wondered but when we started the tour, plastic bags should be worn at all times to protect your shoes from mud.

The best way to end the atv tour was a jumpshot with the members of the ZAIDO:Pulis Pangkalawakan! (Hahaha)

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

This research and development center is home of the endangered specie the Tarsier, also known as “mawmag” and “magmag”. This center is located at Corella, Bohol, where you can have a close encounter with the tarsier. At first my expectation was, it was big but when i saw it it’s just small and cute.

Man-made Forest

Going to the chocolate hills viewing area, you will pass by this man-made forest at Bilar, our tour guide/driver pull over for us to take a photo with this forest full of mahogany trees.

Loboc Rivercruise

Aside from Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also known for its floating restaurant that traverse the Loboc river. You will enjoy the eat-all-you-can buffet of the restaurant while a singer is rendering a feel good music.

Blood Compact Shrine

It is also known as SANDUGO, this shrine depicts the blood compact between the spanish explorer MIGUEL LÓPEZ DE LEGAZPI and DATU SIKATUNA, to seal their friendship as part of the tribal tradition.

Baclayon Church

The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Parish Church is located at Baclayon, Bohol. When we visited the church it was under restoration because the portico and bell tower collapsed during the 2013 earthquake.

Bamboo Hanging Bridge of Sevilla

This twin bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats which crosses the Sipatan River.

The Country Side Day Tour Itinerary

03:00am – 04:00am — WAKE UP CALL

05:00am – 05:30am — CEBU PORT TERMINAL

05:30am – 07:30am — FAST FERRY (Breakfast)

08:00am – 09:00am — TO PHILIPPINE TARSIER

SANCTUARY

09:00am – 09:30am — TARSIER ENCOUNTER

09:30am – 10:00am — BILAR MAN-MADE

FOREST

10:00am – 11:00am — CARMEN, CHOCOLATE HILLS

11:00am – 11:30am — ATV RIDE

11:30am – 12:30pm — CHOCOLATE HILLS

12:30pm – 12:45pm — BAMBOO HANGING BRIDGE, SEVILLA

12:45pm – 01:30pm — TO LOBOC RIVERCRUISE

01:30pm – 03:00pm — RIVERCRUISE/LUNCH

03:00pm – 03:30pm — BACLAYON CHURCH

03:30pm – 04:00pm — SOUVENIR SHOP

04:00pm – 04:30pm — BLOOD COMPACT SHRINE

04:30pm – 05:00pm — TO BOHOL PORT

05:00pm – 07:00pm — FAST FERRY TO CEBU

07:00pm — CEBU / BACK TO HOTEL

HOW TO GET TO BOHOL FROM CEBU

Before going to Bohol, it is better that you’ve booked already your FAST FERRY and take the earliest flight going to Bohol.
We booked our fast ferry SUPERCAT, 5 days before our scheduled flight to avoid delayed trips.
From our hotel, ride a taxi going to Port of Cebu. Then go to Terminal 1. You can book your ticket there if you haven’t book yours yet.
We also contacted a guide/driver and rent a van. Kuya Joseph our guide toured us around, you can contact him (09183158510) tell him that you got the recommendation from me (kenette-tall dark and handsome!) 😂

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About the Author

Kenette Brill Rabago

Brill is a true blooded Ilocano/Bigueno. He is a traveler and coffee lover. He is passionate about culture and arts, and in music. He believes that unplanned trip is the best.