BOHOL

With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. The country's tenth largest island, Bohol is situated at the heart of Visayas. West of Bohol is Cebu, and to the east is Leyte. Along its coastline are the numerous isles of Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots.

However, beneath the rustic harms of Bohol lies a thousand and one adventures just waiting to unfold. The site of the 1565 blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, Bohol's historicity is evident in the province's relaxed, laid-back pace.

Excavations in ancient burial grounds reveal artifacts dating back to China's Tang dynasty. Indeed, the province already had strong trading ties with the Chinese long before the Spanish set foot in the country. Every year, the compact between the Muslim chief and the Spanish conqueror is celebrated through the Sandugo Festival in June. All year-round, the province's museums and churches attest to the province's rich heritage and culture.

The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The province is the home of the world's smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other exotic flora and fauna can be found amongst the forest of Bohol.

Bohol's various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise the rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you.

TRAVEL SMARTS

Getting There. From Manila, take a Philippine Airlines plane to Cebu, then catch a connecting flight to Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol. If you prefer to go straight to Bohol, Aerolift has daily direct flights to Tagbilaran.

Staying In. Bohol has a number of moderately sized hotels and resorts to suit any tourist's needs. The Bohol Beach Club and the Alona Kew White Sand Beach Cottages at Panglao Island offer rooms overlooking the island's white sand beaches.

Getting Around. Bohol's moderate weather allows for long walks under friendly skies. As in most parts of the country, jeepneys and tricycles are the main source of transportation. It's advisable to wear light clothing. And when you're hopping about.

SNAP SHOTS

While Bohol is more popularly known for the Chocolate Hills, the island offers a delightful variety of sights and sounds for any lover of history and nature.

Chocolate Hills. Consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hills is a wonder of nature. Rightly so, 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 area into rows and rows of chocolate "kisses." Indeed, a visit to Bohol is incomplete without partaking of the province's Peanut Kisses, crisp and crunchy delicacy made of eggs and peanuts in honor of the wondrous Hills.

Old Churches and Other Religious Institutions. One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to the country's oldest stone church, the Baclayon Church. Built by the Jesuits, Baclayon features a rich collection of religious articles from vestments woven in gold thread to Latin librettos printed on sheepskin. 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.

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 pair of swimsuits if you want to swim in its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights. Hinagdanan is only two and half kilometers from Dauis.

Bohol Museum. Once the residence of the country's fourth president Carlos P. Garcia, the Bohol Provincial Museum in Tagbilaran is a showcase of the province's exciting history, culture and natural resources. The Museum also houses the personal effects of the late president. Just a few minutes away from the Museum is the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Park where a life-sized monument of the president stands. The statue was done by Boholanon national Artist Napoleon Abueva in marble and bronze.