Bohol

 

1. CHOCOLATE HILLS - A collection of cone-shaped hills that in the summer change from green to brown. About a three hours ride from Alona Beach, the trip is as interesting as the hills themselves. On your way visit the oldest church in the Philippines (1595), try what it is like to cross a hanging bridge, have a look at the manufacturing of Bohols native products such as basketware and enjoy the intense green of the rice-fields.

 

 

2. MAG-ASO FALLS - Near Antiquera, 20 kms. from Tagbilaran. The fall is about 25 feet tall with verdant forest as fitting background for the placid waters. Antiquera also has an interesting market.

 

3. HINAGDANAN CAVE - Located on the Panglao-peninsula this cave shows some remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. There's also a natural swimming pool. Cold !

 

4. RIVER - Starting from Loay bridge which is the outlet of the river, motorized pumpboats start the exciting boatride along palm-fringed banks. The trip ends at Busay Falls, where small falls provide a pleasant bathing session.

 

5. PUNTA CRUZ - 14 kms. from Tagbilaran, near the small city of Maribojoc an ancient watchtower overlooks the sea between Bohol and Cebu. It once served as a lookout for incoming pirates. The site has been tagged as a historical tourist spot.

 

6. And if you're lucky, you'll spot the TARSIER (Tarsius Syrichta), the worlds smallest monkey, which measures 4 to 5 inches and has a tail longer than its body. Has brown eyes three times larger than any primate, large hairless ears and can rotate its head 360 degrees. Tarsiers live in the forest of Corella, 10 kms from Tagbilaran.

 

Visiting all these spots is referred to as the 'Chocolate Hills Trip', and can be arranged any time at the spot.

 

We usually do not book this trip ahead, as the weather plays an important role in deciding to 'go or not to go'!