Summer get-away in Bohol

By: Maryril R. Asne

If you are an adventurous, why not try to visit the beauty of Bohol? Where you can spend your #bucketlistgoals.

Bohol may be synonymous with the Chocolate Hills, but that isn’t the only thing this Visayas province has to offer. With a land area of 4,820 square kilometers, the province has full list of sights to see, packing a full itinerary for any tourist planning to visit.

Here are the 5 most tourist attraction in Bohol.

5. Chocolate hills
There’s nothing else better to see in Bohol than Chocolate Hills. All other Bohol tourist spots pale in comparison to this UNESCO World Heritage site. There are over 1,300 to 1,700 hills that paint the view scape of the province. During the rainy season, the hills are painted green and on dry seasons, they’re brown — this is where it gets its name, the “Chocolate Hills.”

4. Hanging Bridge
Dubbed by CNN as one of the Most Spectacular Foot Bridges in the World, the Bohol Hanging Bridge is a must-visit. The 131-foot long bridge is made of bamboo and steel and hovers 25-meters atop the Loboc River. It offers a perfect view of the river and its surrounding nature. At the end of the bridge you will find “Buko King”, a local hero who can peel open a coconut using his bare teeth. AND he does it in under 10 seconds. Crossing the bridge may not be best during strong rain. The path may be slippery and winds won’t help in keeping the bridge stable.

For safety, the government only allows 10 people at a time to cross each side of the bridge.

3. Panglao Island
Panglao Island is Bohol’s very own piece of Boracay. The white sand, blue waters and the nightlife make this one of the best Bohol tourist spots. Aside from the beach, the coral reefs and marine life make it a great snorkeling and diving spot as well.

2. Loboc River Floating Restaurant

Cruising through one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines while chowing down on some of the best Filipino dishes is an experience you won’t forget. At Bohol, you can have your cake and eat it too, as they say.

The Loboc River Floating Restaurants is one of the most popular Bohol tourist spots because it brings two of the best things in the province together — nature and good food. The Loboc Youth Ambassador Band also sets the mood as they serenade you throughout the cruise.

1. Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary
Bohol is also known for the tiny, monkey-looking, wide-eyed creatures it has in its forests. Tarsiers are aplenty in this Visayan province. You can view and play with them at the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. For a minimal fee, you can see observe these comic-looking animals in their natural habitat.
Tarsiers are sensitive animals, especially with their beaming eyes. While it’s a must to take photos of these tiny, furry friends, don’t use your camera flash as this will disrupt their calm vibe.
If you choose to take the trek, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. The trail could be muddy, rocky and slippery.