The Land of The Limestone Hills

I am not your adventurous kind of person. In fact, I enjoy activities that do not require too much socializing or moving (ha ha). Nonetheless, I still strongly believe in the importance of traveling. Though it compels me to do several things I do not normally prefer to do, the learning and the experience are always too valuable. Money scarcity is not even enough reason to refuse to explore new places. If you have the opportunity, take it. And so, even with a low-budget and an unsure heart, I went back to The Land of the Chocolate Hills -- Bohol, Philippines.

The first time I visited Bohol was in 2012, with my family. We only had a day-tour due to lack of time but it was still absolutely worth it. This time, I got to spend four days in Bohol, with one of my friends as the tour guide, whose family had been more than generous to adopt us (My friends and I).

There was nothing more calming (unless, of course, you have a fear of flying or anything related to that) than getting to see the skies, waters, and lands all at once. I think no matter how many times I'd take the plane, that's one thing I would not get tired of: watching the beauty of the Philippines (and/or the world) from a different perspective.





DAY 1

When we landed, we first went grocery shopping before we headed to the Blood Compact Shrine in Tagbilaran. I've seen it before, but this time, without the crowd. When it comes to traveling, probably, one of the moments to savor was a site without so many people. It rarely happens, it's almost a beauty itself.

Along the way, was one of the province's oldest churches, Baclayon Church. It looked similarly how I remembered it two years ago, except for its heavily-damaged bell tower. It can be recalled that in the same period last year (October 2013), a 7.2-magnitude quake struck the whole Central Visayas, particularly Cebu and Bohol, which resulted to over 200 casualties; more than 671,000 people affected; and over 73,000 structures damaged. And though the remains of the deadliest quake in the Philippines in 23 years were still seen in some parts of the province, the unity of the people in Bohol was more evident with the progress they have made in just a year. The province recently commemorated the lives lost and historical structures destroyed in the tragedy last October 15 through the ringing of bells, and the vehicles' blowing of horns.

Sadly, due to an almost three-hour journey to Anda (the place we were staying) from Tagbilaran, we did not have enough time to visit other sites on the first day. Instead, we headed to Rio Verde Floating Restaurant for a late lunch. Because a Bohol trip would not be complete without taking a cruise down the river while pigging out. They offer two kinds of buffet meals: the one with the Regular Menu which costs about P380; and the one with the Pawikan Menu for P500. We opted the cheaper one, but the food was still unarguably delicious.

Aside from the lovely view, the entertainment which features locals singing and performing some traditional dances, and the welcoming Ati tribe further gave a fulfilled feeling.

And yes, I definitely held this reptile with my bare hands. It actually felt nice. But was saddened by the fact that he (the reptile) had to be held by many human hands for the sake of a photo opportunity and a few bucks.

DAY 2

The next day, we were up early to visit the newly-opened (and by new, I mean, about a year) Chocolate Hills Adventure Park  or famously known as CHAP in Carmen. It offered several activities for tourists to enjoy. But my favorite would have to be the bike zip called The Rush. Basically, you'd get to 'sky cycle' 100 feet above ground using a mountain bike in a 275 meter-long zip. It sure was scary at first, but definitely a must-try for a unique experience in viewing the hills of limestone.

After only two adventure course trails, we went to see the cutest small primates in the Southeast Asia at the Tarsier Conservation Area in Loboc. However, due to light to moderate rains (and my camera phone's awful quality), getting a good photograph of the nocturnal and territorial primates was impossible. Also, holding or even touching the tarsiers was not allowed anymore. No matter how much I wanted to take them home with me, I think the said rule which has been implemented for years now was best for our tiny big-eyed friends.

We also got to see The Irrigation Project Stage 1 in Bohol. I did not know what exactly we were supposed to be excited about (the irrigation project), but I say the magnificent view reassured that doubt.

DAY 3

The long drive to get to the city was more excruciating than the long walks we had to endure to see the local sites. So on our last full day in the province, we spent the whole day beach bumming in Anda. The beach was not fully-commercialized yet compared to the ones in Panglao (Bohol) and in Boracay (Aklan), but with its clean water and clear white sand, it could surely live up to foreign standards and could even be among the most gorgeous beaches in the country and in the world, even.

There were also enough resorts offering basic activities, such as snorkeling and diving. Several locals also sell coconut drinks, sea foods, and other local pinoy meriendas. A local violinist player even serenaded us for a small amount of donation. It could not had been any more relaxing.

Since October was not a peak season, the beach was more peaceful than usual. It was truly a satisfying break from the busy streets of the city.

DAY 4

On our last day, we did not have the time to tour the city for the last time because we booked an early flight back to Manila. But before we went to the airport, we managed to visit Sto. Niño de Anda Parish Church. It had the most beautiful ceiling art I have ever seen. Good thing it was only a few minute-walk away from the house we were staying in.

And despite running late, we did not miss to drop by at the popular Calamay store in the province to buy pasalubongs.

Longer than my last visit, but still not long enough to get to know Bohol. Aside from the experience, the food, and the friendly Boholanos, especially our friend's family who gave us the warmest welcome (and seemed to have a secret goal of keeping us bloated), made the travel even more worthwhile. I would definitely love to go back to Bohol.

PHOTOS: iPhone