Bohol basics plus more

BOHOL is a favorite destination for locals and tourists. Though compact, it offers a variety of activities and sights for those on a tight schedule. This week Albert Alvarez gives us a "big picture" informative for both first-time and repeat visitors, while next week, we'll see how some girl bonding leads to new discoveries.

Funny how sometimes, one can take so many things for granted, like a nearby trip to Bohol, which is less than two hours by fast craft from Cebu. With the many travel options we now have, for both international and local destinations, the confusion of where to go during long weekends or short vacation trips can be a bit overwhelming. But if it has been a while since your last trip to Bohol, make that decision and go, you may be in for a big treat.

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From Cebu, I found it very convenient to take the quick boat ride to Tagbilaran, though I was told one could make a journey to Tubigon, Jagna, Ubay, Talibon, Jeta Fe or Loon. It may even be possible for some folks to take their vehicles to some of these ports. So, a land trip is very much feasible, if you are up to it.
If you make your way to Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol, you may want to read up on some facts, like where exactly you wish to stay in the island of Bohol. Check out these websites for more information on Bohol, http://www.bohol.gov.ph/, http://www.tagbilaran.gov.ph, http://visit-bohol.com, http://www.bohol-island.com and http://www.bohol.ph/

Upon arriving in Tagbilaran, there are a couple of options for getting around, such as the tricycle, jeepney, mini-bus or the private rent-a-car. I found it a bit pricey to hire certain rental vehicles, but I think the prices have been regulated, so the rates were practically the same everywhere I asked. If you are not willing to pay such huge amounts, another option would be to take a tricycle to the bus and jeepney terminal, from there, it will cost you a fraction of rent-a-car rates to your selected destination.

The things to see and do in Bohol are plentiful so plan your trip carefully. The tourist information center may suggest the "basic" itinerary involving the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Baclayon church, Bilar man-made forest, Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary, Blood Compact Monument, Hinagdanan Cave and a visit to see a python in captivity. But there are a lot more things to see and do, if you have the time and resources.

These include Danao Adventure Park, also known as E.A.T. Danao, http://www.eatdanao.com, where you can let the thrill seeker in you experience zip lines, wall climbing, river trekking and a lot more.

From Danao, you can journey to Sagbayan Peak, where you can take out your camera to capture amazing vistas. Bohol has a number of waterfalls as well, for a nice refreshing dip after a long day of touring the island, namely, Mag-Aso falls, Dimiao falls, Inambacan falls and the Busay falls.

Interesting Boholano cultural and historical points of interest would be landmarks and churches in Loboc, Maribojoc, Laoay and Dauis.

For nature lovers, an early morning boat ride to Pamilacan island to see dolphins or spend the day snorkeling or even diving, in the marine sanctuary of Balicasag island.

Dining experiences can be found almost everywhere in Bohol, due to the huge number of tourists flocking to see the island, restaurants and cafés are sprouting up in so many locations. A popular suggestion was to try Buzz café in Bohol Bee Farm, http://www.boholbeefarm.com and Café Lawis behind the church of Dauis.

For shopping, one can drop by Bohol Quality, Alturas, Plaza Marcela and Island City Mall. There are the typical souvenirs of peanut kisses, tarsier toys and key chains, shirts and calamay. But I do suggest making a trip to the local market to see the baskets from Antequera, bolos from Laoay, brooms and pots from Albur and even jewelry from Dauis.

Finally, I always advise anyone going on a trip, to always take note of some important facts that you need to know about your destination, such as telephone numbers/hotlines of the police, hospitals, banks, credit card companies, ports, airport, bus stations and the tourist office. As I always remind myself, being prepared makes one feel a whole lot better about the entire trip.

In many aspects, what I knew of Bohol has still remained the same, but now, there are a lot more "pluses" added to the equation. Who knows how much more can be added to the Bohol experience in the future? I am excited and anxious to see what these can be.