I read somewhere that traveling is not a reward for working but education for living. Then I realized that it's somehow both because you learn and at the same time get to pamper yourself by breaking your daily work routine.
So go ahead travel and explore the world!!!
Cebhol Travel Squad- as our friends call it. The Cebu and Bohol escapade.
Cebu City is known for Sinulog, the grandest festival in the country held every third week of January in honor of the image of Sto.Nino was said to be a gift to Queen Juana (Hara Amihan), the wife of Rajah Humabon, by the Portuguese colonizer Ferdinand Magellan. The festival dance resembling the current of the river, locally known as sulog, is believed to be of pagan origin practiced by the locals even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Today, the cross that Magellan planted on the shores of Cebu is the poster image of the city.
Cebu and Bohol has so many places, beaches that you can explore but at least we tried our best to maximize the time while we only have 2 days in Cebu and 3 days in Bohol. It is advisable of course to book your trips in advance to get the best deal offer for flights out there. 4-5 months in advance is advisable or if you want to check farther away from this date is better.
Flight! It is the most convenient and fastest way to travel around the country. Best to be prepared so really booking your flights ahead of time is a big tip to get bigger discounts on your trips!
Itineraries to Cebu/ City Tour.
As mentioned, there is a lot of places to explore but with only a little time we decided we take the City Tour. Choosing your flight time makes an essential part of your day 1. I mean, get a flight time that leaves the earliest so you can maximize your Day 1 in Cebu. Sometimes the earliest flight time has the lowest rates too (though it may still vary).
Heritage Monument of Cebu-The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a tableau of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel showing scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000.
Local artist Eduardo Castrillo built the sculptures of the Cebu Heritage Monument. He and the late Senator Marcelo Fernan together with donations from other private individuals and organizations funded the construction of the monument.
Yap San Diego Museum-one of the oldest houses in the Philippines. Built-in the late 17th century, the ancestral house has remained in its original state even though it already shows weather-beaten but unyielding structures made of molave and coral stones due to time. This was the house of Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido with their 3 children: Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion. The entrance fee is 50 pesos.
Magellan’s Cross-It is just a few steps away from the Basilica del Santo Niño. Never miss seeing the historic cross that made a huge difference in the history of the Philippines. No entrance fee.
Fort San Pedro – This is the oldest fort in the Philippines. The best time to visit Fort San Pedro is early in the morning because it tends to be hot around 10:00AM.
Fort San Pedro Entrance Fee: PHP 30 / USD 0.61 (adults), PHP 20 / USD 0.40 (students), PHP 24 /USD 0.48 (Senior Citizen)
Fort San Pedro Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Temple of Leah– This is a tribute to love. The construction started around 2012 and as of this writing, still undergoing construction. Golden lion statues seem to guard the entrance door. Its Roman architecture made it so iconic and beautiful. The entrance fee is fifty pesos. Temple of Leah Open Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Temple of Leah Address: Roosevelt Street, Busay, Cebu City
Taoist Temple-A 99-step is required for you to reach the Temple itself. The temple is highly ornate and a bit modern compared to other Chinese religious architecture. No entrance fee.
Cebu Taoist Temple Address: Beverly Hills Subdivision of Cebu City
Cebu Taoist Temple Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10,000 Roses-
• Exact Location: Day-as, Cordova, Cebu (beside Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova)
• Operating hours: 10:30AM to 10:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: None as of the moment P20 per person
Bohol Itinerary:
They said that Bohol is like a condensed version of the entire country, which is why this bountiful province is always on the list of must-visit places for first-time travelers in the Philippines. Whether you are looking to get a tan at white-sand beaches or dive into the colorful underwater, be mesmerized by the sprawling Chocolate Hills, or simply indulge on a relaxing river cruise, visit elegant archaic churches or conquer thrilling adventures, say it and definitely, Bohol has it!
Blood Compact Shrine-
Bohol Blood Compact Site is located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol.
The Sandugo was a blood compact, performed in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol on March 16, 1565, to seal their friendship as part of the tribal tradition. This is considered the first treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and Filipinos. "Sandugo" is a Visayan word that means "one blood".
Baclayon Church-The Church of Immaculada Concepcion in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines. Construction began in 1717 where some 200 natives forced laborers (obras pias) cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position. Free entrance.
Butterfly Sanctuary-Bohol Butterfly Sanctuaries have been established by butterfly enthusiasts and are now gaining recognition. There are more or less 300 butterfly species native to the province and the sanctuaries are aiming to conserve and raise the butterfly population on the island.
The sanctuaries come with landscaped flowering gardens, the beauty of which soothes the senses. It is a welcome addition to the attractions of Bohol and is now part of the itineraries of foreign and local visitors alike. The entrance fee is 50 pesos.
Loboc River-
When visiting the town of Loboc you can experience cruising along the river on board small bancas or floating restaurants.
The Loboc River Dinner Cruise starts by the Loay Bridge which is located in the neighboring town of Loay or at the Loboc town proper where you can choose from a variety of river cruising vessels. The Loboc River cruise usually runs for an hour or so back and forth. Buffet lunch for 550 pesos.
Hanging Bridge- The Bamboo Hanging Bridge crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a fun tourist attraction. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope, today the rope has made its way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability. The deck of the bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats. In places, some of these appear broken but it's still sturdy enough to take the weight of tourists, locals, and even small motorcycles.
Stepping onto the bridge is a little daunting at first, the bamboo deck flexing a little under your feet. Although the support cables are made of steel, you still experience some side-to-side sway and up and down bounce.
If there are lots of people on the bridge and you have young children with you, wait before crossing. The movement of the bridge might make you feel a little uneasy, as it will bend and sway more than normal. I guess it's all part of the Experience.
The bridge spans around 40 meters and offers a great view of the emerald Sipatan River below.
On the far side of the bridge, you will find a small shop, selling souvenirs and cold drinks.
There are actually two bridges now, so foot traffic is reduced somewhat with I believe a one-way system in place, you cross on one bridge and come back on the other.
Chocolate Hills-Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen is 55 km from Tagbilaran City and the most famous tourist attraction of Bohol. There are thousands of cone-shaped hills spreading out on a natural open plateau, looking like mystic mounds.
They look like chocolate kisses during summer when the grasses, that cover the hills, turn brown.
Dairy Box- Dairy Box is a modern, yet local business model created by the Business Development and Commercialization Unit (BDCU) of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to showcase the various carabao-based products. Dairy Box is Ubay's first branch of the dairy store that brings healthy and organic products straight from Ubay's dairy farm like Ice cream and fresh milk.
Man-Made Forest-
The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located at the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees, and giant ferns lining the road.
The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness, and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.
The Loboc-Bilar man-made forest plays host to many visitors, locals and foreigners alike who take time to view it from the road and take pictures. The Metro Manila filmmakers often use the forest as a backdrop for some of their action films. Other groups go hiking thru the woods and up the mountain. Mountain bikers often use the wide asphalt road that traverses the forest aside from the day-to-day buses and public transport that ply between the towns.
Tarsier Sanctuary-
The Tarsier Conservation Area is an initial six-hectare woodland area located in barangay Upper Bonbon, Loboc town. A stone's throw away from the Loboc part of the man-made forest, Tarsier Conservation Area is the new home of the captive tarsiers previously displayed for tourists along the Loboc River for decades.
The tarsier (Tarsius syrichta fraterculus) is Bohol tourism's mascot. It is known locally by many names - mamag, mago, magau, maomag, malmag and magatilok-iok. For decades, tarsiers in the Loboc riverbank were poked with sticks, blinded by flash cameras, endured day-long petting and force-feeding from tourists. Tarsier display owners were widely criticized for allowing this to happen.
An initial three-hectare area is now ready for tarsier viewing with pebbled pathways for visitors laid out around the wooded sanctuary while a thatched-roofed waiting area showcasing tarsier souvenirs has been constructed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
A 60-vehicle parking area with modern and clean restrooms are all part of the 25-hectare Tarsier Conservation Area. Umbrellas are also available for visitors during inclement weather while trained guides will usher tourists around the hilly terrain.
The entrance fee is Php 50 (40 for senior citizens and students with ID) and free for children 12 years and below.
Tarsier Conservation Area
Upper Bonbon, Loboc
Bohol 6316
(Info source: Bohol Chronicle)
Balikasag Island- One of the most popular diving spots in the Philippines, tiny Balicasag, about 6km southwest of Panglao, is ringed by a reef that has been declared a marine sanctuary. It drops away to impressive submarine cliffs as deep as 50m. Soft and hard corals can be found around the cliffs, as can trevally, barracuda, and wrasse.
Virgin Island- More commonly known to tourists as Virgin Island, Pungtud Island lies in the middle of a relatively shallow area between Balicasag and Panglao Islands. It is always a crowd favorite because of its C-shaped naked sandbar.
Seashell Museum- Instead of diving into the depths for some exotic shells, clams, and another mollusk, why not tour around in one-of-a-kind Shell Museum with more than a hundred varieties of seashells and be amazed by its diversity? For nature lovers, marine biologists, and aficionados, a stop-over in Nova Shell Museum is a must.
Nova Shell Museum is run and owned by Mr. Quirino Hora. Mr. Hora has been studying these delicate creatures for almost half his life and collecting mollusks of all sorts is his passion. It all started when his elder brother introduced him to the mysteries of the sea.
Hinagdanan Cave- The Hinagdanan Cave, meaning “Laddered” in Cebuano, is one of the many wondrous caves in the island province of Bohol.
The cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer; while clearing his land he found 2 holes, curious, he dropped a stone and heard a splash. He built a ladder “hagdan” and was able to access the cave and find its hidden beauty, thus the origin of the name Hinagdanan.
Bee Farm- The Bohol Bee Farm is a very homey and relaxing place on Panglao island. Owner and Chef Vicky Wallace prepare delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm -- from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna, to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. The Bohol Bee Farm is an agricultural haven situated on top of a cliff on Panglao dedicated to bee cultivation, organic farming, and healthy eating. Aside from growing diverse agricultural produce, Bohol Bee Farm also houses a resort and a restaurant where visitors can take time off from the city and find relaxation while providing livelihood to the local residents.
So go ahead travel and explore the world!!!
Cebhol Travel Squad- as our friends call it. The Cebu and Bohol escapade.
Cebu City is known for Sinulog, the grandest festival in the country held every third week of January in honor of the image of Sto.Nino was said to be a gift to Queen Juana (Hara Amihan), the wife of Rajah Humabon, by the Portuguese colonizer Ferdinand Magellan. The festival dance resembling the current of the river, locally known as sulog, is believed to be of pagan origin practiced by the locals even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Today, the cross that Magellan planted on the shores of Cebu is the poster image of the city.
Cebu and Bohol has so many places, beaches that you can explore but at least we tried our best to maximize the time while we only have 2 days in Cebu and 3 days in Bohol. It is advisable of course to book your trips in advance to get the best deal offer for flights out there. 4-5 months in advance is advisable or if you want to check farther away from this date is better.
Flight! It is the most convenient and fastest way to travel around the country. Best to be prepared so really booking your flights ahead of time is a big tip to get bigger discounts on your trips!
Itineraries to Cebu/ City Tour.
As mentioned, there is a lot of places to explore but with only a little time we decided we take the City Tour. Choosing your flight time makes an essential part of your day 1. I mean, get a flight time that leaves the earliest so you can maximize your Day 1 in Cebu. Sometimes the earliest flight time has the lowest rates too (though it may still vary).
Heritage Monument of Cebu-The Heritage of Cebu Monument is a tableau of sculptures made of concrete, bronze, brass, and steel showing scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000.
Local artist Eduardo Castrillo built the sculptures of the Cebu Heritage Monument. He and the late Senator Marcelo Fernan together with donations from other private individuals and organizations funded the construction of the monument.
Yap San Diego Museum-one of the oldest houses in the Philippines. Built-in the late 17th century, the ancestral house has remained in its original state even though it already shows weather-beaten but unyielding structures made of molave and coral stones due to time. This was the house of Don Juan Yap and Doña Maria Florido with their 3 children: Maria, Eleuterio, and Consolacion. The entrance fee is 50 pesos.
Lantaw Resto- The Lantaw Restaurant chain in Cebu has quickly grown to be one of the most popular restaurants in Cebu. It has branches in Cordova
(Mactan Island), in Busay and the SRP. Lantaw offers affordable local cuisine with some of its more popular dishes being Crispy Pata, Spicy Scallops, Grilled Pork Belly, and Cordova Express. While you eat enjoy some of the wonderful views of Cebu City. The restaurants offer some of the best views in town.
Magellan’s Cross-It is just a few steps away from the Basilica del Santo Niño. Never miss seeing the historic cross that made a huge difference in the history of the Philippines. No entrance fee.
Fort San Pedro – This is the oldest fort in the Philippines. The best time to visit Fort San Pedro is early in the morning because it tends to be hot around 10:00AM.
Fort San Pedro Entrance Fee: PHP 30 / USD 0.61 (adults), PHP 20 / USD 0.40 (students), PHP 24 /USD 0.48 (Senior Citizen)
Fort San Pedro Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Temple of Leah– This is a tribute to love. The construction started around 2012 and as of this writing, still undergoing construction. Golden lion statues seem to guard the entrance door. Its Roman architecture made it so iconic and beautiful. The entrance fee is fifty pesos. Temple of Leah Open Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Temple of Leah Address: Roosevelt Street, Busay, Cebu City
Taoist Temple-A 99-step is required for you to reach the Temple itself. The temple is highly ornate and a bit modern compared to other Chinese religious architecture. No entrance fee.
Cebu Taoist Temple Address: Beverly Hills Subdivision of Cebu City
Cebu Taoist Temple Open Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
10,000 Roses-
• Exact Location: Day-as, Cordova, Cebu (beside Lantaw Floating Restaurant in Cordova)
• Operating hours: 10:30AM to 10:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: None as of the moment P20 per person
Bohol Itinerary:
They said that Bohol is like a condensed version of the entire country, which is why this bountiful province is always on the list of must-visit places for first-time travelers in the Philippines. Whether you are looking to get a tan at white-sand beaches or dive into the colorful underwater, be mesmerized by the sprawling Chocolate Hills, or simply indulge on a relaxing river cruise, visit elegant archaic churches or conquer thrilling adventures, say it and definitely, Bohol has it!
Blood Compact Shrine-
Bohol Blood Compact Site is located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol.
The Sandugo was a blood compact, performed in the island of Bohol in the Philippines, between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol on March 16, 1565, to seal their friendship as part of the tribal tradition. This is considered the first treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and Filipinos. "Sandugo" is a Visayan word that means "one blood".
Baclayon Church-The Church of Immaculada Concepcion in Baclayon is considered to be one of the oldest in the Philippines. Construction began in 1717 where some 200 natives forced laborers (obras pias) cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position. Free entrance.
Butterfly Sanctuary-Bohol Butterfly Sanctuaries have been established by butterfly enthusiasts and are now gaining recognition. There are more or less 300 butterfly species native to the province and the sanctuaries are aiming to conserve and raise the butterfly population on the island.
The sanctuaries come with landscaped flowering gardens, the beauty of which soothes the senses. It is a welcome addition to the attractions of Bohol and is now part of the itineraries of foreign and local visitors alike. The entrance fee is 50 pesos.
Loboc River-
When visiting the town of Loboc you can experience cruising along the river on board small bancas or floating restaurants.
The Loboc River Dinner Cruise starts by the Loay Bridge which is located in the neighboring town of Loay or at the Loboc town proper where you can choose from a variety of river cruising vessels. The Loboc River cruise usually runs for an hour or so back and forth. Buffet lunch for 550 pesos.
Hanging Bridge- The Bamboo Hanging Bridge crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a fun tourist attraction. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope, today the rope has made its way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability. The deck of the bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats. In places, some of these appear broken but it's still sturdy enough to take the weight of tourists, locals, and even small motorcycles.
Stepping onto the bridge is a little daunting at first, the bamboo deck flexing a little under your feet. Although the support cables are made of steel, you still experience some side-to-side sway and up and down bounce.
If there are lots of people on the bridge and you have young children with you, wait before crossing. The movement of the bridge might make you feel a little uneasy, as it will bend and sway more than normal. I guess it's all part of the Experience.
The bridge spans around 40 meters and offers a great view of the emerald Sipatan River below.
On the far side of the bridge, you will find a small shop, selling souvenirs and cold drinks.
There are actually two bridges now, so foot traffic is reduced somewhat with I believe a one-way system in place, you cross on one bridge and come back on the other.
Chocolate Hills-Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen is 55 km from Tagbilaran City and the most famous tourist attraction of Bohol. There are thousands of cone-shaped hills spreading out on a natural open plateau, looking like mystic mounds.
They look like chocolate kisses during summer when the grasses, that cover the hills, turn brown.
Dairy Box- Dairy Box is a modern, yet local business model created by the Business Development and Commercialization Unit (BDCU) of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to showcase the various carabao-based products. Dairy Box is Ubay's first branch of the dairy store that brings healthy and organic products straight from Ubay's dairy farm like Ice cream and fresh milk.
Man-Made Forest-
The Bohol Forest is a man-made mahogany forest stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located at the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees, and giant ferns lining the road.
The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness, and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.
The Loboc-Bilar man-made forest plays host to many visitors, locals and foreigners alike who take time to view it from the road and take pictures. The Metro Manila filmmakers often use the forest as a backdrop for some of their action films. Other groups go hiking thru the woods and up the mountain. Mountain bikers often use the wide asphalt road that traverses the forest aside from the day-to-day buses and public transport that ply between the towns.
Tarsier Sanctuary-
The Tarsier Conservation Area is an initial six-hectare woodland area located in barangay Upper Bonbon, Loboc town. A stone's throw away from the Loboc part of the man-made forest, Tarsier Conservation Area is the new home of the captive tarsiers previously displayed for tourists along the Loboc River for decades.
The tarsier (Tarsius syrichta fraterculus) is Bohol tourism's mascot. It is known locally by many names - mamag, mago, magau, maomag, malmag and magatilok-iok. For decades, tarsiers in the Loboc riverbank were poked with sticks, blinded by flash cameras, endured day-long petting and force-feeding from tourists. Tarsier display owners were widely criticized for allowing this to happen.
An initial three-hectare area is now ready for tarsier viewing with pebbled pathways for visitors laid out around the wooded sanctuary while a thatched-roofed waiting area showcasing tarsier souvenirs has been constructed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
A 60-vehicle parking area with modern and clean restrooms are all part of the 25-hectare Tarsier Conservation Area. Umbrellas are also available for visitors during inclement weather while trained guides will usher tourists around the hilly terrain.
The entrance fee is Php 50 (40 for senior citizens and students with ID) and free for children 12 years and below.
Tarsier Conservation Area
Upper Bonbon, Loboc
Bohol 6316
(Info source: Bohol Chronicle)
Balikasag Island- One of the most popular diving spots in the Philippines, tiny Balicasag, about 6km southwest of Panglao, is ringed by a reef that has been declared a marine sanctuary. It drops away to impressive submarine cliffs as deep as 50m. Soft and hard corals can be found around the cliffs, as can trevally, barracuda, and wrasse.
Virgin Island- More commonly known to tourists as Virgin Island, Pungtud Island lies in the middle of a relatively shallow area between Balicasag and Panglao Islands. It is always a crowd favorite because of its C-shaped naked sandbar.
Seashell Museum- Instead of diving into the depths for some exotic shells, clams, and another mollusk, why not tour around in one-of-a-kind Shell Museum with more than a hundred varieties of seashells and be amazed by its diversity? For nature lovers, marine biologists, and aficionados, a stop-over in Nova Shell Museum is a must.
Nova Shell Museum is run and owned by Mr. Quirino Hora. Mr. Hora has been studying these delicate creatures for almost half his life and collecting mollusks of all sorts is his passion. It all started when his elder brother introduced him to the mysteries of the sea.
Hinagdanan Cave- The Hinagdanan Cave, meaning “Laddered” in Cebuano, is one of the many wondrous caves in the island province of Bohol.
The cave was accidentally discovered by a farmer; while clearing his land he found 2 holes, curious, he dropped a stone and heard a splash. He built a ladder “hagdan” and was able to access the cave and find its hidden beauty, thus the origin of the name Hinagdanan.
Bee Farm- The Bohol Bee Farm is a very homey and relaxing place on Panglao island. Owner and Chef Vicky Wallace prepare delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm -- from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna, to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. The Bohol Bee Farm is an agricultural haven situated on top of a cliff on Panglao dedicated to bee cultivation, organic farming, and healthy eating. Aside from growing diverse agricultural produce, Bohol Bee Farm also houses a resort and a restaurant where visitors can take time off from the city and find relaxation while providing livelihood to the local residents.
Watch the Full Video on my youtube channel.
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Travel and Photography