From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. It also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.
With the revival of local tourism, more people have a chance to see the magnificent places and experience fun-filled activities in Bohol. But before planning a trip to Bohol, visitors are requested to comply with safety protocols in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being. It is recommended that travelers check with the LGU of their planned destination for updates on the destination’s rules and protocols.
“We look forward to more people traveling to Bohol to see and experience the beauty and wonders of the province,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said during the launch of Balik sa Bohol online sale recently.
“We, at the DOT, along with provincial and local leaders in Bohol, are committed to protecting the health and safety of locals and tourists alike. Regaining the trust and confidence of Filipinos to travel again is essential to the revival of the tourism industry,” she further explained.
Home to many Ubi farmers
One of the attractions in Bohol is the yearly “Ubi Festival,” which has been celebrated since the year 2000, is proof of the Boholanos’ love for Ubi or purple yam.
The root crop was revered as a “savior crop” as its discovery led to the alleviation of hunger in the province during pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has become a staple food for Boholanos because of its taste, long shelf-life, and the many food varieties that can be made from it.
As the largest producer of ubi in the country, Bohol is home to many ubi farmers who turn to the root crop for their livelihood. The recent festival theme revolved on “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom Na Dala Sa Covid19 Nabatukan,” which aimed to celebrate the root crop that has become an agro-historical-geographical-religious symbol for the province and highlight the impact and contributions of ubi farmers.
A variety of Ubi products like ube jams and ube-based bibingka, ice cream, and bread were showcased at the festival.
Scenic views and ecotourism sites
From festivals, picturesque and ecotourism sites, and enjoyable activities, there’s definitely a Bohol destination for everyone. While it is famous for the Chocolate Hills, Bohol also offers other attractions that families, groups, and even solo travelers can enjoy.
- Chocolate Hills
When one speaks of Bohol, the Chocolate Hills cannot be left out. These 1,776 individual hills spread across six towns have attracted tourists from many generations for their uniqueness and vastness.
Who wouldn’t be awestruck to see this amazing natural wonder before your very eyes? Never miss a good chance to visit the Chocolate Hills Complex located in the town of Carmen Bohol.
There is only a viewing deck from where you can enjoy the extraordinary landscape. Bear in mind that the viewing deck is accessible only by stairs and temperatures can be very warm from time to time. Generally, visits to the hills are brief ones as there is no other activity besides viewing them.
Interestingly, they are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, for this reason, that it was called for that name. The Chocolate Hills are the Philippines ’ third National Geological Monument. It was also submitted to be a UNESCO World Heritage.
- Tarsier Sanctuary
The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, a place dedicated to saving the lives of endangered tarsiers, is also open for those who want to learn more about these small nocturnal primates.
- Loboc River
Experience nature-filled relaxation and tranquillity at Loboc River, one of the popular destinations in Bohol. Tourists can embark on board a floating restaurant and enjoy the Loboc River cruise with a delectable buffet meal.
Loboc town is located approximately 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. With this unique encounter, it will keep you coming back for more to remind us of how wonderful it is to see and discover the amazing places of Bohol.
- Dragon Fruit Farm
While in Bohol, never miss a chance to visit and harvest dragon fruits at the Fascination Farm located at Sitio Palayan, Tipolo Ubay, Bohol.
This vast dragon fruit plantation welcomes visitors and tourists to take part in the experience of harvesting on their own, ripe, sweet, juicy, and delicious dragon fruits. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/yummydragons.
Action-packed activities
Bohol also has something for adrenaline junkies. If you prefer seeing the Chocolate Hills up close, ATV rentals are available in the Carmen area.
Those who want more action-packed activities can head to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park for the zip line and cable car rides. If you prefer water activities, you can also opt for stand-up paddleboarding tours or experience a water bike adventure.
White-sand beaches
Bohol is also known for its white-sand beaches and clear waters. The Alona Beach is a stunning 1.5km stretch of white-sand beach famous for being a must-visit spot for those who love snorkeling, scuba diving, or even those who just like to relax and watch the sunset.
Travelers can also island-hop to Balicasag and Virgin islands to explore Bohol’s marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of dolphins in the area.
- Momo Beach
Momo Beach House is an “eco-chic boutique resort” nestled on the shores of Panglao Island, Bohol. It is situated nearby the famous Alona Beach and is blessed with white sand and cool crystal blue waters.
For more information, visit https://www.momobeachhouse.com/
- Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
Named after the indigenous people of Bohol, Eskaya is an exclusive boutique hotel that prides itself on thoughtful service and personalized experiences for guests. Recently, it was featured in destinationdeluxe.com as one of the amazing wellness resorts in the country.
The resort offers 5-star world-class modern luxury accommodation coupled with warm Filipino hospitality. Guests can marvel at the sprawling greenery and scenic vistas spread out across the 15 hectares property, making it a great escape. It now comprises 24 thatched-roof villas, individually designed in contemporary, Filipino style.
For more information, visit https://www.eskayaresort.com/
Variety of accommodations
Tourism comprises 70% of the livelihood in Bohol, so there is no wonder that several hotels and resorts are available in the area. Whether you choose accommodations in the municipality of Panglao or Dauis, these hotels are committed to providing top-notch service and hospitality, especially during these times.
Temperature checks, QR code scanning, plated meals and rearranged eating areas are just some of the adjustments made by accommodations to ensure that travelers are assured of a safe environment during their stay.
Hassle-free travel
Do-it-yourself travels are currently not allowed in Bohol. This means that everything you plan to do while on the island should be pre-booked–from accommodations and transportation to tour arrangements.
This makes sightseeing around the island hassle-free. This also makes it easier for the provincial government to implement systems to curb the virus’s spread while ensuring that tourists get to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.
Before planning a visit to Bohol, travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before their arrival, pre-booked accommodations at a DOT/LGU-accredited establishment, travel itinerary, and registration in the Province of Bohol website at tourism.bohol.gov.ph for the issuance of personal QR codes that will serve as electronic IDs.
Tourists coming from Metro Manila are encouraged to apply for the subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP-Philippine General or Philippine Children’s Medical Center for as low as PHP900 and PHP750, respectively. To avail of the 50% discount from either of the two medical institutions, visit the Tourism Promotions Board website at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.
As of February 2, 2021, Bohol allows the use of saliva RT-PCR tests in place of nasal and throat swabs.
For up-to-date information on open destinations and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.
For more information on traveling to Bohol, contact the Department of Tourism or visit philippines.travel/safetrip/bohol.
Have a safe trip, Pinas!
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