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Posts Tagged ‘Chocolate Hills’

It is sunset already and we are still driving. We constantly asked our driver where we can buy delicacies and other stuffs all day long and he said that he will drop us to it at the end of our tour. It is dark already when we arrived at Aproniana Gift Shop. It is located in Taguihon, Baclayon. It is considered as the one-stop ultimate gift and souvenir shop in Bohol.

We are thankful that our driver even provided us discount coupons on this shop. Native handicrafts, shirts, bags, magnets, keychains, bracelets, necklace, hats and other souvenirs abound this shop. One of the best things here is the wide array of delicacies that you can buy.

We bought boxes upon boxes of Peanut Kisses, Bohol’s famed delicacy made of peanut that is shaped like the Chocolate Hills.

I don’t know if it is indeed right but some claimed that this store sell souvenirs and delicacies at a reasonable price, because I think the price is just the same outside and not even cheap, the store just has a good ambiance and the items are well organized.

Our last stop is none other than to our resort; Dumaluan Beach Resort 1, which was the only resort that has an available room in Panglao.

Things you need to know:

• It is handy to have discount coupons. Normally, the tour driver has some coupons with him. We believe the shop partnered with several tour companies as a marketing ploy.
• You may also buy some souvenirs at the Hanging Bridge because some are much cheaper than what the Aproniana Souvenir Shop is selling.
• Always check the food stuffs for their manufacturing and expiration date. Usually, the stocks are fresh but it will not hurt to know.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Unwinding at Dumaluan Beach Resort 1: Day2 Bohol Tour

We now are at the Hanging Bridge in the upper part of the Loboc River. The bridge is made of bamboo and approximately 20 meters above the river. Crossing the bridge is not for the faint heart!

The load limit is about 10 people to pass at a time. The entrance fee is P10 and you will see several shops selling souvenirs at the end of the bridge. We bought mostly of our pasalubongs here because mostly the souvenirs are the same as from the outside, but the price is exceptionally cheaper.

It is dusk already and we are almost done with our tour. We are now on our way to the resort where we already reserved a few days before.

Things you need to know:

• Do not get too jumpy, the bridge can only hold a certain amount of weight.
• If you want to get a good shot, you can try to ask a favor from your designated driver to take a shot of you on the other side of the bridge.
• Souvenirs at the other end is much cheaper than other vendors. It is better to buy here than on the road. You can haggle for the best price for your budget.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

The Simply Butterfly Conservation Center is our next stop in Bilar, Bohol. There is an entrance fee of P60. The center is full of….butterflies of course, what else!

It has a garden, restaurant and more. Here, you’ll see how butterflies evolve and their lifecycle are clearly explained. There is so much to learn about; however, because there are several butterfly centers spread across the country, we believe that this one is not an attraction that is exclusive on the island only.

We even took pictures across the glass with butterflies and look like crazy fairies!

It took no more than 20 minutes and we’re off due to our tight schedule before nighttime. We don’t want to miss the other 2 attractions plus shopping for pasalubongs and delicacies.

We then trooped to the Man-Made Forest. Mahogany trees flood the 2 kilometer stretch of the highway between Loboc and Bilar. A reforestation program was launched in the 1960’s and thousands of Mahogany seedlings were planted. Both sides of the road are lined up with trees and the uniform height and the branches block any ray of light. A cool breeze greeted us once we entered the stretch. We couldn’t help ourselves but take pictures of everything surrounding the area and it’s also a good thing that vehicles drove here once in a while and you get the chance to take pictures at the center of the highway without worrying that you will be accidentally hit by a passing vehicle.

It is almost 6PM and we need to hurry up and finish our tour before twilight. We are now en route to the less prominent attraction, the Hanging Bridge in the upper part of the Loboc River.

What to Expect:

• Nothing much to expect in the butterfly center, same old butterfly sanctuary.
• As for the man made forest, its a winding road full of trees that almost bend over to kiss the other tree across the road.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol Tour

After checking out those cute tarsiers, it’s time to venture Bohol’s main natural attraction, the Chocolate Hills.

We drove to Carmen, Bohol as part of our Tagbilaran Countryside Tour and went up to a hill where a facility was developed to let visitors take a peek at this breathtaking natural wonder. There are over a thousand hills and I’m not sure what the exact count is because there are several contradicting statements across the Internet.

The mound shaped hills are spread all over the town of Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan. The hills vary in size from 30 to 50 meters high. The hills are covered in grass and the color is brown in summer and sunny days, hence the name Chocolate Hills. It is brownish green in the rainy season. More than a few legends existed on the hills’ creation and it is amazing how far the imaginations of people take.

We cannot get enough taking pictures of this natural wonder. The 360 degree view is spectacular and we cannot fathom how this kind of natural formation even existed!

As much as I would like to stay longer, but the battery of my camera is not cooperative and was almost giving up. Aside from that, we cannot also stay longer than we wanted to because we have an itinerary to follow and we would not have the leisure to go to the other tourist spots so we decided to go to our next destination, the Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest.

Things you need to know:

• Do not go to the edge too far just to take pictures and you might slip.
• Try to go to the other side of the platform or to the lower balcony to take a good shot. Most of the time, tourists will flock the highest platform wherein they can get a good view of the hills. You do not want them to populate the screen and have unfamiliar faces in your photos.
• Be patient in taking shots. People will come and go, so try to focus on the scenery and don’t be hasty in clicking the button.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

Witnessing the well-known tarsiers is our next destination in our Tagbilaran Countryside Tour. This creature is considered one of the world’s smallest primates. We are fortunate to drive by in the Tarsier Visitors Center in Sikatuna, Bohol. There is no entrance fee to witness this petite beauty but donation is very much encouraged.

The tarsier is a nocturnal creature that has eyes as big as its brain! Its large eyes are fixed in the skull and to compensate, it can move its neck and rotate its head for 180 degrees! The color of the eyes is almost the same color as its fur. The entire body is covered with brownish rough short fur, while the tail is twice as long as its body is free of fur used in balancing. The long ankles give its name, tarsius. The natural habitat of these creatures is lowland rainforest. Its role in the habitat is great unlike its small size. It preys on insects at night and helps in the balance of the food chain because it also becomes prey on other larger animals. It is a voracious eater as it needs lots of food to survive, as much as 10 percent of its body weight.

From where we witnessed this wonderful species of tarsier, they are enclosed in an area where small trees grew where it served as its shelter. Taking pictures is allowed but using flash is extremely prohibited as this will cause stress on this nocturnal creature. Don’t ever think of having it as a pet because it will be greatly distress and may commit suicide.

The tarsiers are amazingly adorable but knowing that the numbers in the wild is dwindling, it horrifies us to know that it became an attraction to us tourists without knowing its plight. It is good to know that there are organizations that help conserve this endangered species. Reforestation is also one of the conservation initiatives by the local government to help preserve the natural ecosystem.

After our tarsier experience, it’s time to venture Bohol’s main natural attraction, the Chocolate Hills.

Things you need to know:

• Do not ever use flash in taking pictures. This may cause panic and blindness in these delicate creatures.
• Do not touch or hold them as this will cause them stress.
• As much as possible, avoid speaking loudly or if this cannot be prevented, try to speak in a very low tone of voice.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

It is not looking good after the Baclayon Church tour as rain drops is falling and we are anxious that we might not be able to finish our countryside tour because of the impending downpour. We now head to Loboc River to have lunch on its famed Loboc River floating restaurant.

The Loboc River is one of the major tourist destination in Bohol. Taking lunch at one of the floating restaurant while cruising over this winding river is the highlight of the tour.

We had a hard time picking one of the four restaurants operating the cruise because of their broad choice of menu. You also need to get listed and be on time before they set sail or else you will need to wait for half an hour before their next trip.

We picked Riverwatch because we saw good reviews over the net and we are surprised by the many tourists hurrying their ass off to register and the myriads of pictures on its walls of celebrities that dined there so we think that this restaurant might be serving a pretty darn good food! The buffet and tour fee is P300 per person and there is an additional entrance fee of P100 per person at the dock.

Several souvenirs shops are also thriving in this area. You can pick a shirt or two at the stores, together with other souvenirs and pasalubongs.

Our tour started at around 12:30PM. The river is strikingly jade in color. We were worried before we arrived that it might turn into brownish color because of the mud that is bothered when rain pours. Luckily it didn’t! The view is awesome!

But we noticed that the nature is already altered by the progress in this location because of the several lampposts that are erected near the riverbank. According to the locals, these were put up by the government to support the floating restaurants during night cruises.

We were then served lunch at a stopover, which served as the company’s kitchen. The menu is extensive which include grilled meat, chicken, fish, seafood, fruits, desserts and a round of drink. The food is nothing spectacular to talk about and we just have our fill.

The view of the river is magnificent while eating lunch! There is also a small falls about a meter high named Busay falls at the end of the river before we take a turn.

The cruise stop at a makeshift platform where we are then serenaded by locals, both adults and children. A remarkable dance number also impressed the spectators. They did a great performance and you can donate any amount. The trip takes 1 hour so it will not eat much of your tour time.

If you are a backpacker that wants to experience nature first hand, I suggest you try the small boats or banca and just cruise around without being tied up with the floating restaurants and their mediocre menu.

I am not sure if the proliferation of these business help preserve nature but for sure it promote local tourism by providing jobs to the locals.

Getting a glimpse of the tarsiers is our next destination after the Loboc River cruise.

Things you need to know:

• Be ready to shell out P400 for the buffet lunch and entrance on the cruise. Some countryside tours already include this on their package and some are not. Just ask before you sign up to be sure.
• It is best that you do not eat anything aside from breakfast before the river cruise so that you will enjoy the feast.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

After our short stint at the Blood Compact Shrine, we went to Baclayon church. It is considered as one of the oldest church in the Philippines. The Jesuits started the construction in the 1717 but the current building was completed in 1727. The exterior of the church is undeniably very old but is well preserved. According to historians, coral stones are dragged from the sea and skillfully made into blocks of stones and a ton of egg whites are used to reinforce it. The walls are mossy, and this is because of the coral stones and this added character to the architecture.

One of the attractions of this church aside from its striking architecture and historic aura is the image of Padre Pio in one of its pillars. I will not elaborate on who this Padre Pio is and you can look it up in the Internet yourself.

The church strictly implements its dress code. My girlfriend was wearing a sleeveless top and a skirt and she was given a shawl to cover.

The gold plated main altar is splendidly stunning as well as the side altars!

But what really strike us are the stained glasses that provided a dramatic lighting in the interior. It even has a sermon pulpit for the priest. There are also some secret balconies for those who do not want to be seen hearing mass.

The church also housed a small museum at the second floor, which houses antiquated artifact and other sacred items. The entrance fee to the museum is P25 and any form of photography is prohibited. As much as we would like to tour the museum but the weather is not cooperative and it looks like rain is imminent. We then head off to our next stop, take our lunch while cruising at the Loboc River.

Things you need to know:

• Dress appropriately. But if you cannot, the church provide shawls; however, it sucks on the pictures like you were attending a wedding and you are one of the bridesmaid.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol

Our first destination on our Bohol Countryside Tour is the Blood Compact Shrine of Datu Sikatuna and Spanish Explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Sandugo as we knew it in Tagalog is the term that was used centuries ago, to seal a kind of pact or bond within two parties. It is a part of tradition long ago by our ancestors to make a small cut in the wrists of the people involved and drop it in wine and drink.

We arrived here at 10:45AM and a horde of tourists greeted us to our shock. As much as we would like to get a good shot of the shrine only; however, we are not fortunate enough, we actually lined up just to get the shot that you see above. To our dismay to wait again for another take, we left to our next destination, Baclayon Church.

What to Expect:

• Tourists, tons of tourists waiting to get a shot of this landmark.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Day 2 Bohol Experience
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol Tour

On our Day 2 at our Cebu-Bohol trip, we went to Bohol the next morning.  Rain is pouring that morning in Cebu but that didn’t dampen our mood for the day. At 8:30AM, the SuperCat fastcraft went ahead on schedule. We are glad that it is not raining at Bohol when we arrived at around 10:30AM. We met our tour guide slash driver, Kuya Michael with his Toyota Crown model 1995 or much older, I’m not quite sure I didn’t bother to ask him. I am actually aspiring for a newer model of car from the owner, Mang Johnny, since my friend recommended him to us that she even elaborate on how new the van that they used, but for me as long as it is not dilapidated, running smooth, has a working aircon and clean, then it is fine with me.

I am advised ahead of time of the owner, whom I contacted 2 days ago what our itinerary will be and pleased that we might get an additional tour at certain spots at Panglao island if time permits at no extra cost, which usually is listed on their other day tour.

We availed the Tagbilaran CountrySide Tour, which included the world renowned Chocolate Hills, buffet lunch in the floating restaurant at Loboc River and see the minuscule but stunning tarsiers. Other attractions are the Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Hanging Bridge, Butterfly Garden, Man Made Forest, Aproniana Souvenir Shop and Largest Python in captivity. We took a pass on the Python sightseeing because there is nothing special than seeing a normal detained python as it is in the zoo around Manila.

This is our itinerary for the Tagbilaran Countryside Tour:

• 8:30AM – Depart from Cebu port via Supercat
• 10:15AM – Arrived at Tagbilaran port
• 10:45AM – Picture taking at Blood Compact Shrine
• 11:00AM – Arrived at Baclayon Church
• 11:30AM – Departed from Baclayon Church
• 12:00NN – Arrived at Loboc River
• 12:30PM – Start of Loboc River cruise
• 2:00PM – End of cruise
• 2:15PM – Picture taking with the tarsiers
• 3:00PM – Arrived at Chocolate Hills
• 4:15PM – Departed from Chocolate Hills
• 4:45PM – Arrived at Simply Butterflies Conservation Center
• 5:00PM – Sidetrip at Man Made Forest picture taking
• 5:15PM – Crossed the Hanging Bridge and buy pasalubong
• 6:00PM – Bought native delicacies at Aproniana Souvenir Shop
• 7:00PM – Arrived at Dumaluan Beach Resort 1
• 8:00PM – Dinner and Rest

What tour to take:

• There are many car rentals in the Internet that provide the necessary vehicle for your tour. The car rental company already has an itinerary to follow which you can choose if you want to follow it, but mostly those attractions are the normal destinations. The tour to take is the Tagbilaran Countryside tour, which we took and the Panglao Island Land Tour.
• If you have time to spare and adventurous enough, you may also opt the Danao Extreme Sports Adventure and the Dolphin Watching, Balicasag and Pamilacan Island tours.

Where to Stay:

• You can pre-arrange accomodation with your rented car tour, but it is suggested that you try to check first the Internet as most resorts in Panglao have established websites already so that you would not be ripped off.
• You can still go ahead and walk-in on the vast range of resorts in the different beaches in Panglao Island.

Where to Eat:

• Loboc River Cruise – eat buffet lunch or dinner in one of its different floating restaurants
• Bohol Bee Farm – try their organic menu.

Where to buy Souvenir/Pasalubong:

• Cross the other side of the Hanging Bridge for souvenirs at a cheaper price than the normal pasalubongs that you will see across the road.
• You can also buy premium souvenirs at Aproniana Souvenir Shop. It has a comprehensive inventory of assorted souvenirs and native delicacies.

Things you need to know:

• If you will be coming from Cebu and planning to return, it is best to pick a round trip ticket because of the 20% discount from fastferries.
• Don’t buy right away to the first person that sell you souvenirs if you want to save money.
• It may be cliche but it is best to plan ahead. Unlike other tourist destinations where you can pick and go to a spot that you like, in Bohol you will definitely need to rent a car or van to go on with the tour. It is not suggested to be a cheapskate and try public transportation because your day will be over before you can go to the next attraction. There are so many car rentals that ranges from P1,000 per person to P3,000 or P3,500 for the whole car itself for a group of 4. This comes of course with a driver who will also serve as your tour guide. The usual tour last for about 8 to 9 hours.

For details on the trip, you may read on these related posts:

• Day 1 Cebu trip
• Blood Compact Shrine: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Baclayon Church: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Dine at the Loboc River Cruise: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• A Day with the Tarsiers: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• The Magnificent Chocolate Hills: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Butterfly Center and Man Made Forest: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Crossing the Hanging Bridge: Day 2 Bohol Tour
• Pasalubong galore at Aproniana Souvenir Shop: Day 2 Bohol Tour