Bohol, rising from the rubble: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ Itinerary

 

"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM, on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates on your favorite documentaries, follow also the official Facebook page of GMA Public Affairs.
 

Drew Arellano visited Bohol way back in September 2013, a month before it was hit by a catastrophic earthquake. Many of its natural and man-made attractions were destroyed but Bohol is slowly rehabilitating. Two years after his first biyahe, Drew rediscovers Bohol in this itinerary.

How to get there:

Getting to Bohol is just an hour's worth of plane ride. From Manila, you will just need to book a flight going to Tagbilaran.

Where to go and what to try?

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park
P60 Entrance Fee

Chocolate Hills Adventure Park or simply called as CHAP is one of the newest tourist attractions in Bohol. You can have a better and different view of the Chocolate Hills here as the former viewing deck was destroyed by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake. But CHAP offers more than just a vantage point.

“Mayroon ditong samu’t-saring adventure activities na pwedeng gawin ng mga turista,' Drew says.

Biyahero Tip: Before pumping your adrenaline, be sure to undergo CHAP's physical checkup because the activities here are very strenuous.

‘The Rush’ (Bike Zip)
P450



Do you want to see the Chocolate Hills while cycling 150 feet above the ground? You read it right! In CHAP, there is a bike zip where tourists can bike through a zipline while basking in the picturesque view of Bohol.

“Sangkaterbang ziplines na ‘yung sinubukan natin all over the country, [ang] pinagkaiba, sasakay ka sa bisikleta. Fixed naman ['yung bisikleta], so you don’t need to balance, you just have to pedal," Drew says.

The bike zip is 550 meters long, just right for a biyahero to enjoy the view of the Chocolate Hills.

Tarsier watching
Tarsier Conservation Area, Loboc, Bohol
P50.00 Entrance Fee

Visiting Bohol is not complete without encountering the famous tarsier! But remember, tarsiers are easily stressed, a situation which is fatal for them. Whether you are in the conservation area or not, be sure not to feed, touch or take photos (with flash) of the lovely tarsiers.

Dolphin encounter
Pamilacan Island
Tour Package: P1500 for group of 4-6

Aside from the famous tarsier, you can also try dolphin and whale watching in Bohol. It was 15 years ago when catching and killing dolphins became illegal in Pamilacan.

The tour package is inclusive of a tour guide, boat rental fee and free lunch. You can also try snorkeling after watching the dolphins.



Church visit

After the tragic quake that hit Bohol in October 2013, many of its historical churches were ruined. What is more saddening is that six of Bohol’s churches were named as natural heritage sites by the UNESCO. Up to now, the churches are still under rehabilitation but there are temporary chapels built near it where you can offer a prayer.

Where to stay:

Amorita Resort
Panglao Island

Rooms in Amorita Resort have one or two bedrooms with its own living room, walk in closet, dining area, bath tub and private balcony. Room rates start at P8,500 per night.

Momo Beach House

Whether you are traveling solo, with a small group or with the family, Momo Beach House offers a wide range of rooms for you.

Standard room (good for 1-2 persons)
P4, 800 per night

Deluxe room (good for 2-3 persons)
P7, 200 per night

Family Room (good for 5 persons)
P10, 800 per night

Hope Homes

If you are on a tight budget, room reservations in Hope Homes are perfect for you and your barkada. A standard room with one bed, electric fan and restroom is only worth P750. For air conditioned deluxe rooms, you only need P1,300. The additional good news, your room reservation entitles you with one free motorcycle which you can use in your entire stay.

What to eat?

Chicken Halang-halang

If Bacolod boasts of its chicken inasal, here in Bohol, chicken halang-halang is a must try. This is a grilled chicken dish marinated in local vinegar and comes with sinugba sauce.

Loboc Salabat

Do you want to quench your thirst and have a voice like the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir? You can try drinking their special ginger tea. What makes this ‘salabat’ special is the ginger that is locally planted and harvested in Loboc. If you are not a fan of tea, you can also try their ginger candy.

Homemade Ice Cream
Bohol Bee Farm

To complete every meal, a dessert is a must. Here in Bohol Bee Farm, you can try their best-selling home-made ice creams for only P40 per scoop. Why are the tourists craving for this ice cream? Because of its unusual flavors- malunggay, durian, spicy ginger, langka and, dragonfruit.

Bohol may have been ruined by a tragedy but its rich culture, delicacy and natural beauty will always make it a top tourist destination  for every Filipino or foreign Biyahero. –Gerald Vista/BMS