48 Hours in Bohol: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

There’s more to Bohol than the the Chocolate Hills. Whether you’re a beach bum who’s after some relaxation, or an adrenaline junkie looking to let loose, Bohol has enough natural and manmade attractions for an awesome weekend getaway.

How to get there
The province of Bohol is located in Central Visayas, one hour away from Manila via plane. You’ll want to book flights to Tagbilaran City, Bohol’s capital. To save on airfare, the ‘Biyahe’ team booked flights with the budget-friendly Cebu Pacific Air. If you’re coming from Cebu, you can take a one-and-a-half-hour ferry to Tagbilaran.

Getting around Bohol
Bus. When traveling between cities, take the bus. Tagbilaran to Carmen, one way, costs P60.
Van. Rental fees range from P3,000 to P4,000 a day.

What to see
Baclayon Church and Museum
Baclayon, Tagbilaran, Bohol

Built in 1595, the Baclayon Church is the second oldest in the Philippines. Aside from attending Sunday mass, tourists can drop by and check out one of its discolored buttresses—some believe contains the image of Padre Pio.

Loboc River Cruise
Poblacion Sawang, Loboc, Bohol
Entrance fee P100 • Add P450 for breakfast buffet or P550 for dinner buffet

Kill two birds with one stone by taking the Loboc River Cruise. The hour-long ride takes you along the wooded river, past a small waterfall, and to a station where folk singers perform with ukulele and dancers teach you tinikling.

Tarsier Conservation Area
Barangay Upper Bonbon, Loboc, Bohol

Everyone loves tarsiers, but there are some rules when meeting these furry cuties. Don’t touch them, don’t be noisy, and don’t use flash when taking photos. Tarsiers are both endangered and fragile, and can commit suicide when stressed. Souvenir items are available at the gift shop; a child’s t-shirt costs P140.

Chocolate Hills
Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol

Say hello to this postcard-famous UNESCO site! The free viewdeck lets you see the 1,268 hills for an entrance fee of P50.

What to do
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
Carmen, Bohol

For a better view of the Chocolate Hills, head to the Adventure Park and pay the entrance fee of P60. They also have boat rides, a breakfast buffet, a serpentarium, all available with added fees.

Danao Adventure Park
Magtantang, Danao, Bohol

Warning: This park isn’t for the easily scared.

The Sky Ride (P250 per person) takes you on an open-air cable car at a height of over 200 meters; below the see-through floor, you’ll see a dense forest and foaming river. If speed is what you’re after, try their zip line (P200 per person) which is playfully named “Suislide”. It’s the same height and route as the cable car, but much faster.

But the most extreme of all their rides is The Plunge, a 230-foot freefall into a ravine. In fact, Drew confesses backing out of this extreme ride several years ago—we talked him into doing it this time, but not before he made our cameraman and segment producer jump first!

Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park
Loboc, Bohol

If you’re staying near Tagbilaran, this park will be a more convenient option for you. Their zip line (P350 per person) is a bit lower, at 120 meters, while their open-air cable car (P300 per person) is at 100 meters.

Caving

This costs P350 per person, inclusive of safety gear. However, the walk down to the cave is slippery and uneven; best to leave this one out if you’ve got knee or balance problems.

Island-hopping

Balikasan Island is a small body of land that can be toured in 45 minutes. It’s one of the world’s best diving destinations! Rent a boat and snorkeling gear for P1,600 (good for a group of five) and it’s yours for the day.

Where to stay
The Bellevue Resort
Brgy. Doljo, Panglao Island

Bohol is famous for its clear waters and white sand beaches. If you have the budget or if your trip is for a special occasion, you can spend it at one of Bohol’s many five-star resorts.

“We call Panglao ‘the jewel of Bohol’. Why? Because the place is peaceful, people are hospitable and people can really relax,” says resident manager Rommel Gonzales. He adds with a smile: “Panglao is still the best. People love the place.”

At the Bellevue, you have access to first-class amenities, an infinity pool, powdery white sand, aqua sports, a spa, and activity centers for kids. Their promo rates peg a roomy Deluxe room for two at P7,500 a night; at regular price, the top-of-the-line Suite goes for P18,000 a night.

If you’re operating on a tighter budget, there are cheaper hotels and hostels that offer rooms for P1,000 to P3,000 a night. In Tagbilaran City, you can check out Wregent Plaza Hotel or Metro Centre Hotel.

What to buy for pasalubong
Bolo or itak

Warning: Items like this will have to be checked in for your flight back home. You can get in very big trouble if you place these in your carry-on luggage.

Organic honey from the Bohol Bee Farm
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island

 

Aside from buying honey and honey-based products, you can eat at their small cafe, which serves organic food. With a budget of P200 to P700 per person, you can try everything from bread to pasta to salads with colorful, edible flowers. (Instagram that!)

Local sweets: Peanut Kisses and Kalamay

Peanut kisses get their name from the shape, which resembles the popular chocolate candy. However, Bohol’s signature sweet is more like polvoron: crumbly, powdery and savory.

As for kalamay, don’t be fooled by its less-than-appetizing nickname, “sundot kulangot,” or “poking boogers”. That’s just a term of endearment we Filipinos have for this sticky, brown dessert. It’s sold in hollowed coconuts tied with familiar red crepe paper; dig some out with your finger and enjoy. —Cristina Tantengco/CM, GMA News