The bulk of our Bohol Tour happened on the second day. We had to be up and about by 7 A.M. so that we could make the most out of our time there.
Pro-tip: It would be beneficial to plan your itineraries beforehand and show it to the van driver. That way, you can coordinate better. Our good friend Clemenz is our go-to person for these things. It would also help if you assigned a timekeeper so that you won't be overstaying in a tourist attraction (for this trip, our timekeeper is Erika). That's if you want to maximize your day tour in Bohol.
Our light Bohol breakfast. Saving our tummies for the lunch buffet! |
Dauis Church
The church was one of the many churches that gravely suffered the impact of last year's earthquake. You can check out the church itself since it had scaffolding already. You may also go for a photo op in the nearby seaside view.
Blood Compact Shrine
Aside from the historical landmark at the Blood Compact Shrine, there was a newly-opened cafe right beside it, as well as souvenir shops. After having your pictures taken with the monuments, I think it would be a good idea to stay for a short while at the cafe or to buy your souvenirs. We did the latter.
Baclayon Church
Entry to the church and the museum itself would need an entrance fee of around Php 50. We were not able to enter the place since it opens at 9:30 A.M. and we were there at 8:45 A.M. We decided to just skip it and spend more time in the succeeding destinations instead.
Prony the Python Zoo
Prony the python was still alive the last time I went in 2010 and my, was he really large. He was in fact the largest one in captivity, until his death last year. However, instead of losing heart, Prony's caretakers made a zoo in his honor. There were a lot more snakes (not as large yet, but they're getting there), birds, and civet cats. Prony was also stuffed and his bones were up for display. Thank goodness we need not memorize the ribs of a snake!
Zip Line and Cable Car
The working boys went ziplining while the med girls didn't -- haha, says a lot about our finances. I kid. The zip line was Php 350 while the cable car was Php 250. I think that the ride is worth the price if adrenaline rush is your thing. You will also have the opportunity to view the greenery of mountains, as well as a part of Loboc River.
Loboc River Cruise
The Loboc River is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bohol. The river water is well-maintained and the air is clean. It is indeed the perfect venue for floating restaurants. We boarded the 11:30 A.M. river cruise. We paid Php 450 (350 for buffet and 100 for maintenance fee) for the experience that consisted an all-you-can eat meal and a cultural show in the middle of the river itself. The food was good, although not standout delicous, but the experience in its entirety was well worth it.
Hanging Bridge
...or bridges, for that matter. This attraction consisted of two hanging bridges made of bamboo that allowed crossing the Loboc River. To what, exactly? To a bunch of souvenir shops and comfort rooms (inside joke. Hi DJ), it turned out. There was this guy who offered to showcase his skill of opening coconut in a few seconds using his teeth, in exchange for a few bucks. No need to worry while crossing the hanging bridges because they were suspended with cables and steel rods.
Tarsier Conservation Area
Bohol is quite famous for their tarsier, the world's smallest primate. The place offered a short-distance walk in a forest, where 6 tarsiers were housed. There were guides who gave us more information about the tarsiers. While in the conservation area, one had to be extra cautious with noise and movement because some of the tarsiers were fast asleep and most were resting to prepare for their nocturnal habits.
Man-made Forest
Well technically speaking the trees are still made by God but men planted many trees in that particular area and made a forest. It was a good opportunity for picture-taking and the best part, it's for free!
Butterfly Sanctuary
This place is perfect for educational trips especially if you have children with you. Ever since childhood, butterflies fascinated me. There you will learn the differences between butterflies and moths, their mating habits, and life cycle. You can also have photo ops with butterflies.
Chocolate Hills
The viewing deck of the Chocolate Hills was ruined by the earthquake also. From the last time I was here, I could say that there were fewer hills. Ah, tectonic plates and other geology-related stuff!
Sagbayan Peak
This was our last stop of the day. Sagbayan Peak also offers a view of the Chocolate Hills. We went there during the sunset and it was glorious. Aside from the view, Sagbayan Peak has a park for children and adults alike to play around as well as a food court for hungry tummies.
We actually followed our own pro-tip about reserving ferry tickets beforehand. Our van driver asked his wife to purchase tickets for us. We then headed back to Cebu for another leg of adventure.
Click here for a rundown of our expenses for this trip.
***All photos (except the one taken in Sagbayan Peak) taken by Joey Chris Cayton
***Sagbayan Peak photo taken by Erika Crisostomo
Until the next adventure,
Dena
I'm a tarsier! |
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