DISCOVERING BOHOL BY MOTORCYCLE

When I lived in Manila I used to escape on weekends to anywhere far from the big city, be it to the incredible Philippine islands or the nearby countries, in order to disconnect from the endless and very frequent traffic jams in the capital. One of my getaways took place on the island of Bohol, an ideal place to enjoy nature, still wild and of extraordinary beauty.

BOHOL: GENERAL INFO

The island of Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines, it also has up to 75 small islands around it, among which the best known, without a doubt, is Panglao Island. In fact, it was the perfect place to find good deals on accommodation and tourist activities. You can get to it from the airport in a taxi, although the option I like the most is a tuk-tuk, a kind of tricycle, very popular in Southeast Asia.

To visit the island there are numerous options. My partner and I love to rent a motorcycle and visit new places on our own, I consider it an excellent way to experience adventures and to know new places. Although I must admit that Bohol is really big and perhaps it is not a bad idea to rent a car with a private driver, it is certainly a more comfortable option, especially if you are traveling with children. You can also rent a tuk-tuk. There are numerous options, and in the end they will all be perfect, as you will be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes.

WHAT TO VISIT IN THE ISLAND

TWIN HANGING BRIDGE

Near Seville there are two hanging bamboo bridges. No, it is not the Andalusian capital in Spain, but the town has the same name since the Philippine islands were under the rule of the Spanish since the beginning of the 16th century. In fact, the name of the country originates from the name of the Spanish monarch Felipe II, the grandson of the Catholic Monarchs. The bamboo bridges are amazing, although I’m not sure if you have vertigo you could easily walk over them. On the other side of the bridges is a small souvenir shop, where I recommend you replenish your electrolytes by having a coconut. Very delicious!

THE LOBOC RIVER CRUISE

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A perfect option to enjoy a morning is the Loboc River cruise. First you need to buy tickets at the main ticket office. The price varies between 150-300 pesos, depending on whether you want to include lunch. You may have to wait in line, however, don’t despair, they move fast. The boat that will take you on a cruise is shaped like a traditional houseboat. From the inside you have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views, it really seems that you are going through the jungle, while having lunch and listening to live music. At the end of the route there is a dance show, performed by women dressed in traditional costumes. Tips are welcome.

CHOCOLATE HILLS

It is a geographical formation, karst, that is, calcareous terrain molded by the action of water, rich in carbon dioxide that easily dissolves limestone. There are around 1268 cones covered by green grass that turns brown in periods of drought, hence its name, Chocolate Hills. It is a place declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is really fascinating, since it offers a completely unique landscape that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Do not miss it! The viewpoint that costs about 50 pesos is located near the town of Carmen.

TARSIER CONSERVATORY IN CORELLA

Tarsiers, also known by the local name: mamag, are primates that inhabit different areas of Southeast Asia. Their size is quite small, although they have very large eyes, and an extraordinary sense of hearing, so if you visit the conservation center during the day, you must maintain extreme silence so as not to scare or wake them up, since they are most active at night. Unlike other primates, they do not eat meat, but instead eat insects.

The visit to the conservation center, located near Corella, consists of a walking tour through the forest where the tarsiers live. It is really wonderful to be able to see these sweet animals up close.

MAN-MADE MAHOGANY FOREST

On the way to Chocolate Hills I recommend that you make a stop at Man-Made Mahogany Forest. Mahogany trees, whose trunk is reddish in color, are used in construction as they are resistant to humidity and have high density. The forest was a post-war project, whose objective was to repopulate the area with trees after their destruction in World War II. When entering the forest you will notice a cooler temperature than the rest of the island, quite pleasant during the summer period. It is a wonderful to appreciate the beauty of nature so closely.

KAWASAN FALLS

On the island it is possible to find many incredible waterfalls, but the Kawasan Falls were the ones that impressed me the most. Perhaps the reason for this lies in the fact that we have found it without looking for them, while we were returning to the hotel at sunset. There was no one there and we were able to enjoy the waterfalls completely alone. It was a magical experience. They are located in the city of Antequera, half an hour from Tagbilaran City. The waterfall and the Abatan River are surrounded by jungle, which gives this wild character to the area.

HINAGDANAN CAVE IN PANGLAO ISLAND

Would you like to take a refreshing bath in a cave inhabited by bats? I recommend a visit to the limestone Hinagdanan Cave, inside which is an underground lake in which you have the possibility to immerse yourself. Personally, I have loved the experience.

LET’S GO TO THE BEACH!

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On the Panglao Island you can find beautiful beaches to rest and immerse yourself in the warm waters that predominate in this part of the world. I recommend you visit Alona Beach, Danao Beach, Dumaluam Beach or San Isidro Beach. By the way, many excursion boats depart daily from Alona that carry out the typical Island Hoping to the Balicasag and Virgin Island. If you like diving, I recommend doing it in these areas, full of fascinating flora and fauna.

TIPS:

• If you decide to travel around the island on your own on a motorcycle, a good option is also to spend the night at different points along the route, in this way you will be more rested.
• The Panglao Island is a good option to find accommodation.
• For diving I recommend you visit the Balicasag and Virgin Island.