3 Destinations in 7 Days (A Family Affair) - Bohol Day 2

Our second day was planned out to be a whole day affair out of the resort - we were not hitting beach but we were exploring the countryside beauty of Bohol. So we had to bundle up our stuff for a long day on the road. We rented out a car for the whole day exploration and, unlike other tourist spots in the country, one needs to rent a car or van to be able to conveniently explore the beauty of Bohol.

A TOUCH OF HISTORY AND NATURE: EXPLORING THE COUNTRYSIDE (Day 2)

Our itinerary kicked off with a two hour scenic drive to the town of Carmen. We were to hit the farthest and one of the most visited site in Bohol, Chocolate Hills, and then head back towards Tagbilaran. The drive me got excited because we passed through some interesting sites that we were to stop over and explore when we head back. It was also a refreshing travel as you get to enjoy the picturesque countryside of the province.

Chocolate Hills

The site of the famous Chocolate Hills from the observation deck is just breathtaking as you get a full view of this natural wonder. A total of 1566 hills, according to our guide Nilo, is scattered along the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The hills were a product of years and years of coral deposit uplifts, rain, and erosion that later on became one of the iconic images of the country's tourism drive. It definitely gave Bohol a face in the international scene as it is recognized globally as a unique natural land formation.

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol has earned global recognition.

An observation deck was built in one of the highest hills, located in Carmen, to offer tourist and visitors a bird's eyeview of the terrain. Climbing the steep stairs that leads to the observation deck is a great exercise and is worth it as the view from the top will  keep you amazed whatever direction you might want to look to. The climb to the deck need not be rushed as there are rest stops along the way and besides you just have to enjoy the breeze and the view.

The viewing deck is also a perfect location to do take jumpshots or trick shots as you can play around with the scenery - jump over a hill, lean on it...whatever it maybe...let your imagination take its course.

The view of a thousand hills of almost the same size and shape will definitely keep you in awe.

Never miss out an opportunity to spend quality time with your family while exploring the Philippines.

Too bad though that the complex is not properly maintained by the government. Vandalism and facility deterioration needs to be addressed. I am just surprised that a frequently visited tourist spot has a poorly maintained facility. I hope that it can get a facility upgrade soon.

As we headed back to Tagbilaran, I get an up close view of a couple of hills along the highway. It is as beautiful upfront as it is when you are viewing it from the top. Enjoying the view, I had a thought in mind...with a thousand of these hills around, wouldn't it be awesome to own one?

Man-Made Forest

Just a few kilometers from Chocolate Hills, a living testament of the Boholanos commitment to preserving nature can be appreciated - the Bohol Man-Made Forest. The forest is a two kilometer stretch of densely populated mahogany forest along the highway between Bilar and Loboc. It is the first and the only man-made forest in the country. It was a community effort to plant mahogany trees in the area as a response to the reforestation plan of the local government. The plan was participated by both young and old Boholanos and resulted to the growth of rows and rows of mahogany trees which had grown almost of the same size.

The Man-made Forest in Bilar is a great example of a community in action towards a better environment.

Little did they know that the community program that started decades ago will turn out to be one of the tourist destinations of the province and the best way to enjoy your visit is by stepping out of the car and enjoying the cool climate and fresh air of the forest. Walk the grounds or sit down under the trees to enjoy the cool weather. Just be cautious as there are cars zipping by as it stands along the highway.

A refreshing atmosphere, fresh air and cool climate, greets you at the man-made forest.

Tarsier Conservation Center

A mix of excitement and energy filled the air as we were walking along the dirt trail inside the center. We were told to minimize the noise and to avoid flash photography so as not to disturb one of the smallest primates in the world - the Tarsier. This nocturnal creature is a protected specie as their natural habitat are being threatened and destroyed hence the need for a program for its conservation.

The forest trail of the conservation area. Red strips of cloth mark the location of the Tarsiers.

The Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc is a program that serves to address the concern on the preservation of this endemic creature of Bohol. For a minimal fee, it educates the guests about the Tarsier, its environment, and the need to work together to preserve this primate that could easily fit on my hand. It also allows guests and visitors to have a face to face encounter with the animal in their natural habitat.

The tarsiers are such gentle creatures.

I enjoyed our tarsier encounter. My little girl and I had a great time walking the forest cover and watching the tarsier in its environment. My little girl was squealing that the tarsier was cute and there were a lot of times that I had to mellow her down. It was nice to know that she had already seen a tarsier at her age. It was such a privilege for me to be able to have a face-to-face with these nocturnal creature that has served as an icon for Bohol.

Wildlife exposures are a healthy investments for kids to make them aware of environmental issues.

Definitely, a tarsier encounter is a must when you visit Bohol but I also hope that with the encounter we will realize the role that we play in the preservation of our environment.

Hanging Bridge

Want to try out some cheap thrill while in Loboc?

Ask your driver for a short stopover at a hanging bridge located at the upper portion of Loboc River. The twin hanging bridge was constructed by the local government for the convenience of the residents who had to cross the river for their daily errands. It is now in use, not only for easy access of the residents, but also as a tourist attraction in the area.

A sidetrip to the Hanging Bridge can bring in a simple and yet cheap thrill for those who are afraid of heights.

Although I have conquered my fear of heights, I still get jitters whenever there is a challenge that involves heights. I must admit that crossing the brdge, which stands at 25 meters above the still waters, got me a bit shaken up but I was not about to pass up on the challenge. With a minimal fee that goes to the upkeep of the river and other local projects, me and my daughter crossed the bridge hand in hand. It was a jittery experience but was all worth it. Apart from the jitters that it gave me, the bridge also offers a beautiful view of the Loboc River undeneath. The other side of the bridge houses stalls that offer souvenir items and and you may also opt to watch a local "peel" off a coconut using his teeth for a minimal fee. Pretty amusing, right?

Loboc River Cruise

Cruising along Loboc River, I cannot help but imagine how good it would be to actually own a house along this river. The place is tranquil along this winding river. With the exception of a couple of barges that serve as floating restaurants that blasts off with music, the place would be ideal for a simple and peaceful life in the province.

One of the major attractions in Loboc are the floating restaurants that cruise down Loboc River.

The Loboc River Cruise is one of the major attractions in this sleepy town of Loboc. It is not really about the sites to see but it is the experience of cruising the river while enjoying buffet lunch. The cruise takes you along the stretch of the Loboc River for an hour while you enjoy an array of Filipino food choices prepared by the locals of the community.

My family enjoying their buffet Filipino lunch, prepared by locals in Loboc, aboard one of the floating restaurants.

A nice view of Loboc River aboard one of the floating restaurants.

One of the highlights of the cruise is the song and dance presentation prepared by the locals to entertain guests of the cruise. The locals clad in Filipiniana costumes and branding local music with their ukeleles invite the guests to join the revelry by dancing the tinikling, a folkdance where dancers avoid getting snapped by two bamboo poles. It is a definite highlight as the air is filled with energy and excitement both from guests and the locals.

My little girl and I enjoying our part in the cultural presentation with the locals of Loboc.

The food was not really that great but the experience is the one that makes it worthwhile. The ambiance, the fresh air, and the relaxed feel of the tour is a welcome break from the morning rush. I also enjoyed the cultural presentation and the way they gave the guests a glimpse of the rich culture of Filipinos. I enjoyed the interaction of the locals and the guests as we sashayed to the rythm and their beat. Most of all, I am impressed as to how the community was able to develop a program that provided livelihood to the locals by banking on what resources that they had.

Loboc Church

Just right across the pier of the Loboc River Cruise stands one of the oldest churches in the province - the Church of San Pedro or better known as Loboc Church. The first structure was built in 1602 but a sturdier structure was built  in 1638 after the first structure was burned down. The church exterior is simple and faces the town plaza which gives it a refreshing provincial feel. It is one of the churches in the country   that I have seen where the bell tower was constructed as a separate structure from the church, in this case, across the street.

The exteriors of Loboc Church, one of the oldest churches in the province.

The belfry of Loboc Church can be found right across the church.

Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see the interiors of the church as the church is not open to the public during weekdays. As our guide, Kuya Nilo, explained, the Loboc Church is closed to secure the artifacts of the church from theft as these date back to the Spanish times and are considered antiques.

Butterfly Sanctuary and Animal Sanctuary

I believe that programs geared towards the conservation of our environment is deeply embedded in the hearts of Boholanos. Various organizations have thrived on educating visitors on the importance of conservation through wildlife interactions and appreciation. I am not really fond of animals but I really enjoyed the enounters with the wildlife and Bohol is definitely a sanctuary for these animals.

The Butterfly Sanctuary allows tourists to observe butterflies in their natural habitat.

The Butterfly Sanctuary offers tourist a glimpse on the lifespan of butterflies - how they start of as larvae to the time that they spin a cocoon until they finally breakout as a butterfly. The interactive exhibit allows guests to observe the behaviors and even to hold these live creatures. It is very informative and allows you to see butterflies in their natural environment.

One can observe and interact with the different stages of its development - from larvae to butterfly.

The Butterfly Sanctuary is also a great place to take nice pictures with these little creatures. The guides can help you out with the pictures as most of them are more than happy to share their creative sides with guests. Too bad though that my little girl was scared of the butterflies.

My little girl is a bit hesitant to hold the real butterflies.

Just a couple of meters away, one would find another animal sanctuary. This time the sanctaury allows face to face encounters with ostriches, snakes, and other animals. I was not really keen on gettting too close to these animals as I just love watching them from afar. But it is a great exposure for kids as it teaches them a lot about the role that they play in taking care of the environment.

One of the animals under the care of the animal sanctuary.

Ang Sandugo

I just had to ask Kuya Nilo to make a short stop at a place that caught my attention  while we were on our way to Carmen that morning. I made a mental note of the place and I was on a lookout for that monument and was I really overjoyed when I finally saw it - The Sandugo Monument.

The Sandugo Marker in a secluded area along the highway.

The history bug bit me once again as I took pictures of the historical site where a memorial now stands in remembrance of the forging of the alliance between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna. The site does not catch much attention though, even if it is located along the highway, but I never bothered to ask why.

Sta. Monica Church (Albuquerque Church)

A touch of history and a splash of religion are the things that gravitate me towards exploring old churches. I like the intricate design, the history, and the story that these churches convey. It is artistry that was driven by the belief and trust to one Supreme Being. By this, I have to admit that I am an old soul.

My attraction towards old churches made me decide to do another quick stopover at the town of Albuquerque in Bohol. I just had to stop to admire the beauty of the Sta. Monica Church. Established in 1869, the church still stands as a dominant structure of the town which is hard to miss as your car passes through the highway. Its exteriors are simple with three arches at the front with the belfry just right on top of the church's entrance.

The Sta. Monica Church in Albuquerque town.

Sadly, I was not able to explore the interiors of the church as the church is closed for security reasons.

Baclayon Church

As you enter the town of Baclayon, a dominant structure along its skyline welcomes you as if it watches over the town - the belfry of the Baclayon Church.

Built in 1595, the stone structure of the Baclayon Church took 10 years to complete. It is considered to be the 2nd oldest church in the country just next to the San Agustin Church. Visitors are welcomed by the simple architectural design of the church highlighted by three arches at the front. The squat belfry was constructed beside the church facing the sea that probably served as a guard post against pirates coming in from the sea. Adjacent to the church is the convent and a museum.

Baclayon Church is a dominant structure that you will notice when you enter the town of Baclayon in Bohol.

As you enter the church, two things will stand out of its interiors - the altar and the ceilings.

The altar of Baclayon Church shines in gold.

The altar shines like gold as you marvel at the three tiered retablo with its intricate designs and gold linings. It is indicative as to how the community puts value on church ornaments. Your eyes will be treated to a visual mirage of paintings on the ceilings of the pulpit. Interestingly, the Baclayon Church also houses the 3rd oldest bamboo organ in the Philippines.

The interiors of Baclayon Church.

The Baclayon Church is also believed to be miraculous as images of Padre Pio and the Mother and Son are said to have appeared on the walls of the church. These images can be seen until now. In fact, Kuya Nilo gladly took our pictures with the said images as our backdrop.

A family photo with the said miraculous image of Padre Pio as backdrop.

Blood Compact Site

Our last stop for the day explained why the first Sandugo site was not given much attention. The Blood Compact Site in Tagbilaran City is said to be the actual site  where the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi transpired. The site is complete with life size statues of those who took part of the event. It is one of the major events celebrated by the province as it is seen as a pact of friendship between the Spaniards and that of early Boholanos.

The Blood Compact Site in Tagbilaran. It also overlooks the beautiful Panglao Island.

It was a day of a mix of Bohol's bountiful natural resources and rich history. It was a day where we got ourselves exposed to understanding our role in the preservation of our ecosystem to benefit future generations as we have seen in the man-made forest. I was also amazed that livelihood programs can prosper in the advent of an ecofriendly tourism project like the one in Loboc. More importantly, it was nice to see that we can learn from the stories from the past to make wiser decisions at present times. Bohol is such a beautiful place. It is a sanctuary for nature lovers and for history buffs.