Bohol: Vistas, Tarsiers & Chocolate Hills...

Cebu had been a lot, I wanted to sail away to the island of Bohol to see something different. The ferry ride wasn't bad, I usually hate travelling on water but one of Cebu's speedy vessels transported me over the Cebu Strait without any issues. Those 'Chocolate Hills' were a view to die for, I had saved the best for last! Visayas secretly redeemed itself, I had faith again. Oh, B! 

I woke up before the birds on Boxing Day 2024 with Bohol set in my sights, picked up on-time, I kept an open mind about the day that lay ahead of me. The drive from my hotel to the port area didn't take long, those darkened streets oozed Realness as Cebu started to wake on the day after Christmas. I had no issues boarding the boat, my ferry would hop over to Bohol's own Tagbilaran Port in under two hours. Reaching Bohol by boat had previously filled me with many questions but it was like an adventure that I would definitely repeat on another island hopping route within the Philippines. Upon stepping off that smooth sailing vessel, I was able to meet my guide and driver without any stress. I felt calm, I didn't have any feeling of anxiety as the day before in Cebu had been less than desirable. Getting on the road was a pleasure, my guide was informative and friendly, with his expertise and chat, I felt at ease. The first stop on that day tour wouldn't take long to reach, truly I knew that I would have a great day in Bohol! I was thankful! 

The 'Blood Compact Shrine' was the first stop on my Bohol Countryside Tour, I wanted to know more! I was informed that the replica of the meeting of leaders and conquistadors signified the first international treaty that was signed between the Philippines and Spain. Signed in blood on 'March 16, 1525' both 'Miguel Lopez de Legaspi' and 'Rajah Sikatuna', their pact was supposed to be seen as a sign of 'peace' to promote between both natives and foreigners on Bohol. I did take notice of the table but the view was out of this world, it felt like I had truly arrived at a paradise point of view. I had to take several moments to pay my thanks as I had wanted to return to see something like I had during my first visit to the Philippines. The trip was turning out right, I felt that those views were the tonic that I had desperately needed! Bohol had me feeling good, I forgot about Cebu! Finally, the weather was on my side and that had been one constant things down on Visayas. The time spent at the 'Blood Compact Shrine' was short but sweet! A church?

Cebu's 'Basilica Minore del Santo Niño' had shunned me in the name of 'indency' with my summer clothes offending that strict dress code set. I told my tour guide about this berserk situation as I explained no issues had been encountered in Manila. He went onto explain that Manila stands as a more relaxed place where dress codes aren't set within places of Catholicism worship, detailing that further south can be a more conservative story. I already knew that certain clothes would be packed for my return visit to Cebu to right those crimes against fashion! I had done enough complaining, I wanted to enjoy the next place on the itinerary! 'Baclayon Church & Ruins' was about to send me to heaven, I wanted to see something religious as it had been Christmas. Now, I am not religious but when in the Philippines, those churches become landmarks by themselves! I was excited to see such a gorgeous church of many names! I was ready to be transported back to 1526, that's almost 500 years in the past! Susmaryosep, Bohol! 

Those same clothing rules were in place but my guide was clever, he told me to keep on walking and not look back! I was transported into another world with intricate details galore, those finer details had been founded by two Spaniards around 1596, becoming the oldest Christian settlement in the whole of Bohol. The domed ceiling above the altar served a gorgeous mix of flowing scenes, perfection stood before my eyes without any religious conviction required. The watchtower served something truly spectacular with those red, yellow, blue and white bunting fluttery over the frontage of that church. Certain reconstruction had taken place but I didn't care because I was being served something connecting to Spain and that interesting. I wasn't in Spain like I had been in January 2022 but I sure felt a lot closer to the European continent with such a style! Bohol brought me back to life, the church had me feeling thankful, I reclaimed my time! 'Iglesia Parroquial de La Purísima Concepción de la Virgen María' en Español. So, totoo ba yun?

I was getting hungry because I hadn't really had any breakfast, I asked if we could find someplace to eat? It was a apparent that those Bohol settings didn't see us located near any kind of city or big town, it was to a local market to find a 'Sare Sare Store' to get some water and snacks. I was able to find some freshly made doughnut-like treats, they were truly delicious! The day rolled on and I was loving every second, I was seeing that 'Cebu Trip Tours' had really showed up and continued to treat me with Bohol's beauty served in abundance! Those countryside roads were getting more rural, the lush greenery impressed me and it was bizarre to see small community churches in areas where internet wasn't barely traceable, Jesus! I had been informed that we would be swerving a popular 'tarsier' hotspot for a smaller and less crowded conversation area. I was about the see those doughy eyed creatures from a mindful distance. Bohol showed me why I had returned to the Philippines for the second time in one year! Truth! 

It didn't take long to see the smallest primates in the world, with their long fingers and huge round eyes, I was in awe! People were ushered into groups and guided towards a fenced area, that was open on one side and separating the main reception building. I respected the environment with many others who stayed quiet and took heed. It was a shame to see and hear people not taking the visit seriously, I got in and out and saw what I needed to see with my manners fully switched on. Above all, I thought those little tarsiers looked super cute as they clung onto those trees for dear life, they weren't spooked by those poor unfortunate souls who allowed their kids to speak. Seeing the tarsiers allowed me to tick off another one of my requested sights to see in Bohol. I had to give it to 'Guide To The Philippines' because they hadn't messed up this day out with a questionable packaged tour from one of their partners. Things were running smoothly and I had two more elements before I headed back to Cebu Port. 

There was actual hills made of Chocolate? I was about to find out the truth! I had been obsessed with visiting the 'Chocolate Hills' before taking that second trip to the Philippines, I was ready to see them in all of their glory! Taking the car to the top of the viewing hill was a relief because I had already expressed that I wasn't feeling that energy! Swerving the crowds, I was able to capture some epic photos of those 'Hershey's Kisses' inspired mounds. My guide told me that during the dry season, the Chocolate Hills don't resemble their usual green and lush tones, they serve a rich brown shade. I could only describe that view as idyllic with a never-ending row of bumpy looking mounds that gave the area such a curious name. The school holiday crowds didn't bother me because I was like a ninja taking my photos. I felt like another one of my wishes had been ticked off my list, I knew Bohol had been clocked completely without any mistakes! From those 'Chocolate Hills' it was a drive before we reached my final spot. Sweet like chocolate?

I needed full plate to eat! Arriving at the 'Loboc River' signified the final part of my Bohol experience. It didn't take long for my dining boat to find me, I took to my seat along with my guide at a table set for a meal! The scenery was lush, the barge style boat set off into the rivers path, a lady started singing with a songbird-like voice. It was such a relief to tuck into a full plate of food after such a long day on the road without many dining options. I didn't have any discrimination towards the views, those lush trees and flowing waterway really set a wild and wonderful scene. The boat stopped to meet a stationary barge, that's where I saw the most beautiful man dance within a group of local dancers. Bohol had finished me, I soaked in every last view of the river with appreciation because it was time to head back to the port. The river cruise was the perfect end, the meal set me up for the journey. Falling into my bed at the hotel in Cebu was like a dream, it had been the longest yet greatest day! Napakaganda ng Bohol! Tiyak! 

Bohol Blessed Me! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure