matccopublishers

Boracay Island

Cebu City

Philippines

Bohol -The island paradise

Bohol is a  natural, cultural and historical place and this is the Philippines' tenth largest island.  Cebu is the nearest place. This small town is nonetheless intent on welcoming visitors with its utmost gracious hospitality.

Bohol is synonymous to its most famous attraction, the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills consists of 1,268 haycock and limestone dome-shaped hills with varying heights ranging from 120 to 360 feet. Considered as a Philippine National Geological Monument, the hills are named as such due to their mystifying capacity to turn their green grass covers from the rainy season into seemingly endless rows of sugary brown chocolate "kisses" during the peak summer months. Because these hills have gained the limelight when visiting Bohol, two of its highest hills have now been developed into resort-like facilities adorned with restaurants, swimming pools, and observation decks to provide one a magnificent view of this majestic landscape.

This place is also the natural habitat of the world's smallest living primate, the tarsier. These cuddly, gentle, wide-eyed creatures measure only 4-5 inches with a tail longer than its body. Although they have been in existence for 36 million years now in limited forest pockets of Bohol, they are currently endangered species and have generated substantial interests among environmentalists.

Religious Attractions: Aside from tarsiers and Chocolate Hills, Bohol also carries several religious attractions. Baclayon Church, built in 1595 is the country's oldest church and displays an extensive collection of religious relics, vestments, and musical pieces in the traditional Latin. The site of the Punta Cruz Watch Towers in Maribojoc is the home of the famous and supposedly miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. For more memorabilia including a fascinating display of shells found on Bohol's seashores, visit the residence of former Philippine president Carlos P. Garcia which has been converted into the Bohol Provincial Museum.

Exploring the Island: For those who are fond of water activities, there are plenty of sites to explore during your visit. You may arrange a river safari tour down the winding Loboc River from Busay falls. Balicasag Island, covering a span of around 20 acres in area is regarded as one of the best dive sites in the country, boasting a thriving fish community around the area. In the Pamilacan dive sites, schools of tuna, mackerel and surgeonfishes, as well as snappers, groupers, and even black-tie sharks can be seen occasionally. This island also has a playground for dolphins and whales, which frolic farther out to sea. As such, the community-based Pamilacan Island in Baclayon, with its white sand beaches and wonderful rock and coral formations that open out to the China Sea also provides an excellent opportunity for deep sea diving and whale watching while enjoying a sumptuous grilled seafood lunch.