Back in 2016, I went to Bohol for a birthday vacay with my mother. It’s my mother’s hometown and this will be my second time in Bohol. When I first went here, I was in my kindergarten years, so young that I hardly remember anything about this place. That’s why I decided to travel with my mom here.
During that time, I don’t have my blog yet to document everything. But I have my experience and lots of photos to show you.
We stayed there for four days and we allocate 1 day for our Bohol tour. Good thing my uncle’s job is a driver/tour guide for Bohol tours.
FUN FACTS: The island province of Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. Located in the central part of the Visayas lying between Cebu to the northwest and Leyte to the northeast.
1-Day Bohol Tour Itinerary
Here’s the itinerary that he prepared for us for our 1-day Bohol tour.
Hinagdanan Cave
Since we were staying in Dumaluan Panglao, our first destination is the Hinagdanan cave located in the municipality of Dauis on Panglao Island, in the Bohol Province of the Philippines.
Hinagdanan Cave is made of limestone with 100-meter beautiful rock formations. Inside is a greenish lagoon with a depth of 12-15 feet deep.
Entrance Fee: Php 30.00
Rizal Park, Tagbilaran
Entrance Fee: FREE
Blood Compact Shrine Monument
Our next stop is the Blood Compact Shrine Monument. This landmark depicts the First International Treaty of Friendship between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi (the Spanish explorer) and Daku Sikatuna (the chieftain) on March 1, 1565. Locally called as “Sandugo”, means “One Blood”, can be found at Bool District in Tagbilaran City. Aside from this monument by Napoleon Abueva, you can also enjoy the ocean view in the background.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Baclayon Church (La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church)
This is what my mom is looking forward to visit, the Baclayon Chuch or also called La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church. It is considered the second oldest stone church in the Philippines and a National Cultural Treasure. Established in the late 16th century, the church became a parish in 1717. Baclayon church was constructed out of coral stones but the facade was destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake back on October 15, 2013.
There are an old convent and a museum with centuries-old artifacts, religious relics, and other antiques. Take note that you are not allowed to take pictures of some parts of it.
Entrance Fee: Php 25.00
Loboc River Cruise Floating Restaurants
One of the famous tourist destinations in the province of Bohol is the Loboc River Cruise. The pump boats and floating restaurants will take you upstream passing by Nipa trees, Coconut trees, and other tropical floras that will make your experience very comfortable and relaxing. It’s the perfect spot to grab our lunch as they serve lunch and dinner buffet.
While enjoying the wonderful scenery and your food, you will also be entertained by some local performers.
Entrance Fee: From Php 450.00
Tarsier Sanctuary
Bohol is famous for its tarsier. Tarsiers were known as the world’s smallest primates that only weigh for about 113-142 grams. They have mesmerizing eyes and their tail is longer than their body. It’s amazing to see them move their head as they have the ability to turn their head for about 180 degrees. How cool is that?
This Tarsier Sanctuary is located within the forest land at Barangay Canapnapan, Corella with approximately 134 hectares wide. A local tour guide will orient you (dos and don’ts) and will guide you to find them. Just a few reminders, make sure no flash on the camera and no loud noise.
Entrance Fee: From Php 60.00
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Bilar is our next destination and this two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees is just something to look forward to. The Mahogany Man-made forest that spans from Loboc to Bilar is part of Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape.
We were captivated by its kaleidoscope of green foliage and different species of giant ferns. So if you pass by, make sure to stop and take pictures but be careful of the passing vehicles!
Entrance Fee: FREE
Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center
Still, in Bilar, 5 minutes from the Bilar Man-Made Forest, is the Habitat Butterflies Conservation Center. It’s a simple butterfly sanctuary which aims to protect the butterfly population through breeding. You can see the butterfly garden, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop. After paying the entrance fee, a tour guide will usher you through the entire experience.
Entrance Fee: Php 30.00
ShipHaus
Just along the highway of Poblacion Norte, Batuan, you will see this unique house shaped like a shipping vessel. The Shiphaus is a house owned by Capt. Gaudencio Dumapias. It’s a few minutes from Bilar and just on the way to the famous Chocolate Hills. Inside the ShipHaus you will find the chief mates cabin, captain’s cabin, kitchen, mess hall, and more.
Entrance Fee: Php 30.00
Chocolate Hills
Your Bohol tour will never be complete if you won’t be able to see Bohol’s signature attraction, the Chocolate Hills. Though there are more than a thousand haycock hills spread over several municipalities, visitors can see and experience the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol. These hills range from 40-120 meters in height. The origin of its name comes from the fact that on hot summer days the hills turn brown that looks like a Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses.
Entrance Fee: Php 50.00
OVERALL
It was a fun experience. I finally have the chance to see the beauty of Bohol, my mom’s hometown, for the first time. I paid my uncle Php 3,500 for the tour. There are a lot of Bohol tour packages that you can find online or even ask your hotel for assistance. The best way to save for a tour is joining a group tour.
I want you to share your Bohol experience with us on the comment section below.