Bohol
Seeing the Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and finding a beautiful waterfall swimming hole
PHILIPPINES
Bohol, Philippines is a captivating island destination that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. Located at the heart of Central Visayas, the Island province of Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines. It is also home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a unique geological formation consisting of over 1200 cone-shaped hills spread over 50 square kilometers. Apparently, during the dry season, the grass-covered hills turn brown resembling chocolate.
We started our trip by renting a motorbike and drove ourselves to the Chocolate Hills complex where we hiked over 200 stairs to get to the viewing platform. The hill formations were unique and the views were spectacular!
Our next adventure was to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Here they had a trail that you can walk along with guides posted at the locations where Tarsiers were in the trees. Tarsiers are most well known for their huge eyes, which are each larger than their brain. These nocturnal creatures have a unique ability to rotate their heads almost 180 degrees.
Tarsiers have long fingers and toes, which help them with their excellent grip on tree branches. They are skilled jumpers and can leap distances up to 5 meters. They mostly feed on a diet of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. Due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade, tarsiers are currently facing conservation challenges. This sanctuary is continuing its efforts to protect their natural habitat and promote awareness about their conservation.
With its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife, Bohol is truly a must-visit destination in the Philippines. Happy exploring!
Next we went to the Loboc river for their lunch cruise. The cruise took us through the heart of the Loboc River, passing by picturesque villages and captivating landscapes. We enjoyed a buffet lunch on board, while being entertained by local musicians, dancers, and locals who were swimming and jumping into the water.
After experiencing the touristy attractions we wanted to find a more secluded spot to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. I happened to come across Mag-Aso falls and we setoff on our motorbike. When we arrived, we were surprised that we were the only ones there and we spent the afternoon lounging, swimming, and exploring the area.
