Bohol, Philippines
Popular Tourists Attractions
Chocolate Hills
This is the most famous tourists attraction in Bohol consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hils is a wonder of nature. The Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological Monument. During the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown transforming the areas into rows and rows of chocolate "kisses
Diving Sites
Bohol is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs, which are very rich in life, and a delight to observe, and a prime tourist attraction. Bohol is blessed with white-sand beaches and serene dive spots. Panglao Island has a number of beach resorts for sun lovers where various watersports are available. Near Panglao are the island of Balicasag and Pamilacan. Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters of Pamilacan are brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.
Beaches in Bohol
Kaingit Beach, Santa Fe Beach, Anda Beach, Laya Beach, Bikini Beach, Imelda Beach, Duero Beach, Canuba Beach, Claring Beach, Lintuan Beach, Alona Beach, Doljo Beach is ideal for scuba diving, and Momo Beach is another white sand beach.
Hiking and Cycling
Bohol's numerous hills, valleys and plateaus are ideal for hiking and cycling. In Bilar, a three-kilometer man-made forest is sanctuary to the province's endangered species including the tarsier.
Hinagdanan Cave
With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights.
Badiang Spring
An underground freshwater spring gushes from twin pipes near the sea. The large volume of water normally flows over a waterfall but can be diverted to fill an adjacent swimming pool.
Old Churches and Other Religious Institution
One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to one of the country's oldest stone churches, the Baclayon Church. The legendary Dauis Church, which is just a few minutes from Tagbilaran features a fresh water well at the foot of the altar. The waters are said to be blessed with healing powers. Still another religious must-see is the Panglao Church with its marvelous ceiling murals and intricately-carved antique confessionals.
Bohol Museum
One of the homes of former President Carlos P. Garcia and his family. On display are memorabilia, relics and samples of the island's flora and fauna.
Falls
There are three popular falls in Bohol, Busay Falls, Inambacan Falls and Tontonan Falls.
Cebu, Philippines
Famous Tourist Attractions
Lapu-Lapu Monument
Proudly standing at Mactan Island is Lapu-Lapu's bronze form. He is the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempt of colonization. His statue ironically stands across the street from that of rival, Magellan.
Magellan's Cross
In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized People started chipping off parts of the cross because of supposed supernatural powers until the city government encased it in tindalo wood and housed it in a monument. It now stands at the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets.
Mactan Island
A coral island and famous for scuba diving, where beach resorts of international standards are located.
Badian Island
South of Cebu - Located southwest of Cebu City, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches excellent for diving.
Kawasan Falls
Located in Badian, one can feel the coolness of the surrounding lush greenery of this panoramic waterfalls.
Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan.
Religious Image of Santo Niño
It is considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April 14, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on April 27, 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta who formally Christianized the Cebuanos, found the natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the settlement and set the village on fire. It was on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Niño unscratched. Since then, the miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos as its Patron Saint.
Basilica Minor Del Santo Niño
This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565.
Mandaue- Mactan Brigde
Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu. The bridge is situated on top of Busay Hills, an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango.
