Bohol is a province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, famous for its more than a thousand symmetrical green mounds that turn brown during the hot season—hence the name Chocolate Hills. But what else is in Bohol besides this beautiful geological formation? Why visit Bohol?
This past February, I visited Bohol with my family. It wasn’t my first time on this beautiful island—it was actually my third visit. My first visit was when my brother married my sister-in-law, a Boholana. I still remember the unpaved, dusty roads, the limited electricity, and the mass wedding held at an open basketball court.
Fast forward to 2018, when I returned to Bohol for my brother’s birthday. The town had improved significantly—there were paved roads, large buildings, malls, stable electricity, and specialty restaurants like Bohol BeeFarm, which serves absolutely delicious ice cream! My family enjoyed exploring the island’s attractions, including the famous Chocolate Hills. I saw tarsiers for the first time and visited the historic Baclayon Church, Hinagdanan Cave, the Butterfly Sanctuary, and various beach resorts in Anda.
This year, I went back to Bohol with my children. My brother and his wife picked us up at the pier. It was my first time taking the OceanJet ferry from Cebu to Bohol, which turned out to be a more cost-effective option than flying. The trip took less than two hours and was smooth and comfortable.
From Tagbilaran to Anda, it took us more than two hours by car, but the scenic coastal drive made the journey enjoyable. We stopped for dinner at a seaside restaurant before heading to our destination—Natividad’s Suites.
I noticed many changes since my last visit. In addition to newly established restaurants, there were now ATMs and grocery stores nearby, making everything more convenient.
My brother, his wife, and her nephew drove us around to visit various attractions. My children especially enjoyed climbing the stairway to get a panoramic view of the Chocolate Hills. My son remarked that pictures don’t do justice to the breathtaking scenery. It was my second time seeing the Chocolate Hills, yet I was still in awe of their beauty and fascinated by how they were formed. Would you believe these hills were once coral limestone formations, lifted by tectonic movements millions of years ago? Some Boholanos believe that a volcanic eruption from a nearby island also played a role in their formation.
We also visited the Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary. I noticed that the viewing area for Mago, the only tarsier species found in the Philippines, had shrunk significantly due to a population decline caused by natural disasters and habitat loss. Typhoon Odette in December 2021 severely impacted the conservation area. Despite this, we were lucky to see a few adorable tarsiers clinging to small branches under large leaves.
Unfortunately, the Can-Olin Butterfly Sanctuary has been shut down, and the remaining butterflies were moved to a mini zoo along with pythons and a few other animals. I surely miss the old butterfly sanctuary, where you could see butterflies of different species in a more natural setting.
We explored the newly opened Sikatuna’s Mirror of the World, which features replicas of various landmarks from other countries. It was quite fascinating!
We also stopped by the Bilar Man-Made Forest, where towering mahogany trees lined the road. Unlike before, there were now souvenir shops along the roadside.
Our last stop for the day was Baclayon Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The second floor of the building attached to the church has been reconstructed and turned into a museum, showcasing an 18th-century gigantic songbook and various religious relics.
On the last day of our Bohol trip, we decided to spend the day at the Old Castle Restaurant and Beach Bar, where the view of the beach was stunning. Since it was low tide at noon, we walked almost half a mile to reach the shoreline. The clear, isolated pools between the sand slopes are abundant with marine life. The picturesque scenery, calm waves, and soft, cool breeze were incredibly relaxing. We didn’t swim; instead, we simply sat back, watched the waves, and embraced the priceless serenity of the moment.
Bohol has seen impressive development over the years, but what stood out the most to me in Anda was the cleanliness of the town. I will surely be coming back to visit!