There’s more to Bohol than bug-eyed tarsiers and the dramatic scenery of the Chocolate Hills.
Take a closer look at one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines’ Central Visayas region and craft a genuinely unique experience for your clients.
Like many top destinations in the Philippines, Bohol offers all your clients could want from a tropical island experience; what sets it apart is its historical and archaeological draw cards and intriguing natural landscapes.
Here are just a few experiences the stunning region has to offer…
Eerie ancient ruins and geological wonders
Clients with a penchant for resort life will enjoy the picture-perfect Alona beach and its mellow neighbour Danao on the uber-popular Panglao Island, but if they’re seeking the road less travelled, Anda offers a palm-fringed hideaway.
Anda Quinale features kilometres of aquamarine sea and sand said to be even whiter than that found on Boracay’s famous White Beach. And, it’s just a short boat ride away from Lamanoc island, one of the country’s most important cultural treasures.
Here, clients can canoe through caves to see rock paintings that date back tens of thousands of years alongside fossilised giant clams and archaeological remains of the region’s once-thriving ancient civilisation. However, visitors must keep their voices low so they don’t disturb the nature spirits featured heavily in local folklore.
If they do find themselves in Panglao, Hinagdanan Cave’s naturally lit cavern and its deep, secret lagoon is a must-see.
Watch fireflies dance along jungle-clad rivers
Abatan River traverses through tranquil fishing and farming towns, covering about 400 hectares. Community tours along the river generate much-needed income for locals and firmly imbed the importance of preserving the environment and conserving cultural heritage in the community. For an extra special experience, schedule a firefly watching tour.
For a relaxing reprieve, send your clients on a cruise along the Loboc River in the town of Carmen, where they can glide along clear, green water on a floating hut and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while being serenaded by soothing local songs.
Those seeking adventure can enjoy Loboc River via stand-up paddleboard and see the Loctob Spring and Busay Falls up close.
Play with dolphins and explore coral gardens
Panglao Island is also home to a 14-kilometre reef that makes for some spectacular diving spots for both novices and experienced divers. Anda offers pristine reefs and coral gardens that are brimming with marine life including barracuda, turtles, squid and the occasional dolphin.
Just a 35-minute boat ride from Alona Beach, Puntod Island Wall Dive offers a stunning coral garden that starts at two meters and slopes down to reach around 20 metres, making it accessible for snorkelling.
Include a whale and dolphin watching tour of the magnificent coral island of Pamilacan to give your clients the chance to see more than 11 different species of whales and dolphins. Part of Bohol’s Marine Triangle, this sanctuary for the ocean’s gentle giants is said to be a breeding ground for bryde whales, sperm whales, pilot whales and even blue whales.
And, of course, marvel at the Chocolate Hills and see the world’s smallest primate
You can’t let your clients visit Bohol without seeing its spectacularly strange Chocolate Hills. This geological wonder covers 50 square kilometres spanning across Carmen, Sagbayan, Bilar, Sierra Bullones and Valencia.
The grass-covered hills turn brown during the dry season which earned them their delectable name. The best places to view the iconic landmarks is from the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen and the viewing deck at Sagbayan Peak.
First-timers must visit the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella and check out the world’s smallest primate up close. These tiny creatures are about the size of an adult human’s thumb and lead a nocturnal lifestyle, which gives them their famously huge eyes.
When the time is right to travel again, the Philippines is ready to welcome your clients to experience the diverse variety of activities this intriguing destination has to offer.
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Featured image source: iStock/ bortnikau
