More of Bohol Road Trip (part 2)

As soon as we had lunch, we eased our way out of the crowds and continued our journey in Bohol. Our next destination was on the most famous landmark of the province - Chocolate Hills.

After more than half an hour travel from Loboc, we reached a park in Carmen for viewing the hills but to see them, one has to climb 214 steps up the observation deck.


up in the observation deck


Chocolate Hills, yeah they are what they are, even if they are colored green :) We were informed that there are around 1700+ of them over an area of 50 square kilometers.


me


And then it drizzled. Little by little it was beating harder and then it was raining. We had to run for cover and had to climb down the deck to look for a shelter. Minutes later, the rain died down and then it completely stopped. We pulled ourselves up to the deck again, but this time took the longer route (on the left)


more chocolate hills!


As camwhores that might be, we brought our tripods up and got our group photo - Patrick O., Patrick M. and me. Jojo decided not to join on our second round because it really was tiring going up once again.


After viewing the Chocolate Hills, we then stopped by the man-made forest in Bilar. I'm not quite sure why this is considered a local attraction although it had a nice view. The forest is made up of planted mahogany trees disected by a two kilometer road stretch.

Anyhow, the camwhores instinct inside me and Patrick O. had us set up our tripods and took pictures of our own. Our two companions were laughing at us because we acted crazy but the hell we care! :)


me, patrick m., jojo and patrick o.


road in the middle of the man-made forest


trees in the forest


We also stopped by the Hanging Bridge in Sevilla. This bridge was not intentionally made to become a tourist attraction but for some reason it did.


It is made of wood tied together and enforced with cable that goes from an end, crossing the river. Some people were afraid on these type of suspended bridges but for us locals it is the usual way of life. In fact, the bridge was constructed as a passage way for the locals.


reflection


On the other side of the bridge is Buko King, famous for his act of opening a coconut using his bare hands and mouth. He was offering to do a demonstration but I guess people were not so interested at that time.


We then went back to Panglao island thereafter. The sun was already setting by the time we reached the Our Lady of Assumption Church, located in Dauis.


church grounds


backyard of the church and belfry


goats at the backyard


It was an old stone church built during Spanish era and it's old antiquated charm have attracted us to take pictures around the place and do vain poses.


old building


jetty and park behind the church


The church is famous for its magnificent beauty, but that's just part of it. Devotees make it a point to visit the place to get water from a deep well located near the altar which is believed to be holy and blessed.


A church staff was fetching water for devotees when we were there. The water is then funneled to minimize wastage and transferred into bottles and containers for taking them home.

Going around Bohol (part 1)

As mentioned in my previous post, Patrick O. have arranged for a driver that will drive us around in mainland Bohol province for PHP2000. We were fetched in Panglao island and left for our day trip by 8:00AM.

Patrick O., who served as our coordinator and travel agent during this trip have pre-arranged the itinerary and places we will be going to throughout the day with his contact. First in our agenda is to visit the the Hinagdanan Cave, located nearby our resort and still in Panglao island.


To get inside, one has to take a flight of stairs going down. The cave is naturally lighted inside through holes bored by nature that allows sunlight to pass during daylight.


Inside the cave is a lagoon surrounded by a number of stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can take a dip and swim here but we were not ready for it so we just stared and got amazed on its wonderous beauty.


We then drove all the way to mainland Bohol, back to Tagbilaran City, to visit a monument in Barangay Bohol commemorating the blood compact between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish explorer and Rajah Sikatuna, the head of tribe, back in 1565. Blood compact is an old ritual in the Philippines where men would cut their wrist, pour the blood into a cup, and drink it as sign of sealing a friendship.


jojo, patrick o., me and patrick m.


A few minutes away from Tagbilaran City is the town of Baclayon, famous for its Baclayon Church. The church is one of the oldest stone churches built and still existing throughout the Philippines.


front facade of the church


We wanted to explore the antiquity inside the church but there was an on-going military memorial so we didn't go further.


Across the street from the church is a small park and from there you can view a jetty where boats are parked and what seemed to be a lighthouse from afar.


Travelling further, we also went to Albuquerque, Bohol to see what is said to be the world's largest reticulated python in captivity.


The female python, Prony, a 200-kilo reptile (and growing), is one of the pride of this town. She was found in a cemetery in 1996 and have grown abnormally to its massive size that experts say she is currently as big as a 40-year old python. Unfortunately he was sleeping during our visit.


There were also birds in that park where the python is, and one is right inside his cage. I hope they were not feeding these beautiful birds to the monster!


a staff explaining the history of the python and showing a clothing made of snake skin


Honestly we weren't so interested with it, moreso because it was inanimate during our visit. We went there because of our driver's suggestion and to kill time but we didn't stay that long. In a few minutes we found ourselves stopping by a small house-like garden by the road to see tarsiers.


A tarsier is a small animal but with very huge set of eyes.


kiss me!


chillin'


sleepy one


Previously visitors were allowed to hold a tarsier, but today local laws prevent tourists from getting too close and touch them. Flash photography is also prohibited when tarsiers are around because it is known to scare them. Philippine tarsiers are said to be suicidal when stressed and a number of reported incidents claim that they do the deed by banging their soft heads against objects.

We then proceeded to Loboc to experience a cruise lunch over a river, there were a number of companies offering the cruise but we chose Riverwatch Floating Restaurant based on the recommendation of our driver. The lunch and cruise costs PHP300 per person.


platform to the Riverwatch Floating Restaurant


It was a buffet-style lunch. Food is okay, but I was forewarned not to expect so much from for they have nothing out of the ordinary. Shrimps, barbecue, pansit, pork and other common Filipino food were served and a few deserts on the side.


The raft is pushed by a smaller boat behind it and cruises along Loboc river while diners enjoy their lunch.


The cruise goes around Loboc river for about half an hour outwards and and will turn back to bring the guests back to where the cruise started. One should enjoy the view while the boat is cruising slowly and comfortably over the river especially on a hot sunny day.


during the cruise


Before we got back, the boat stopped in one of the rafts where entertainers sing and danced to the boat passengers' delight.


view during the cruise


The boat brought us back to the platform exactly an hour after we boarded and although it was a nice and filling experience, I find the whole thing to be quite quick and hastened.