Mabuhay Steemians!!
Have you seen a hill made of chocolates? You can only find such in Bohol, Philippines!
Chocolate Hills got spotted
Chocolate Hills
Though not literally made of chocolates, the Chocolate Hills are famous for the uniformly shaped hills covered with grass that will get brown in color during the dry season and green on the rainy days.
The Chocolate Hills are specifically located in Carmen, Bohol with about 1268 hills. There are various urban legends on the origin of these hills. One famous legend is that the hills were formed after two quarreling giants threw mud at each other and left the mounds on the ground.
So many chocolates to choose from
To reach the top of the viewing deck, you need to take around 200 steps. It was a bit tiring but when you see the hills from the top, you would be ecstatic. The fresh wind also gives that relaxing aura.
Me enjoying the view and the summer wind
It is best if you go on a sunny day around March to early May to have nicer photos with the sun naturally lighting the hills and the blue sky as background.
Smallest Primate is also in Bohol!
Aside from the Chocolate Hills, it is also known for the world's smallest primate, the Tarsier. It is nocturnal in nature and has appetite for insects. Tarsiers are considered endangered and local folks are making sure that these little creatures will not put into extinction.
A Tarsier Conservation Area was built in Loboc, Bohol to provide a home for tarsiers. A lot of curious tourists visit this place to take a glimpse of these cute primates.
Welcome to Tarsier Conservation Area!
Good thing strict rules are implemented by the guides such as prohibiting of the use of flash in cameras, touching of the tarsiers and avoiding loud voices so as not to startle the tarsiers. Tarsiers have a tendency to commit suicide, that is bumping its head on a hard objects once stressed.
Tarsier hiding under the shade
There are still spots in the area where you can take lots of pictures.
Just blending in..
Wait, there's more!
There are still other interesting places you could visit in Bohol. You shouldn't miss these historical sites and nature wonders too!
Bilar Man-made Forest
Bilar Man-made Forest was made by the initiative of the local government to replace the trees destroyed by kaingin or slash and burn method of farming.
Bilar man-made forest
The man-made forest consists of red and white mahogany with canopy giving shade to the 2km-stretch road a cool feel.
Loboc River Cruise
When your tummy starts to mumble and you still want to have site seeing, Loboc River Cruise is an activity that is a must-try.
My family and I had lunch on a floating restaurant cruising through the Loboc River. While enjoying the food and the view, we were serenaded by the live band's jazzy music. There was also a stopover at a station where locals sing and dance Filipino folk dances like the Tinikling.
Floating restaurant cruising along Loboc River
What struck me the most was when we passed by the ruins of the Loboc Church. This century-old Catholic church was destroyed by a 7.2 magnitude-earthquake last October 15, 2013. This damaging earthquake had also destructed several old churches in the province. Ongoing restoration is done for these churches to be open again to the public.
Damaged Loboc Church ruined by earthquake
Loboc Church before the earthquake (Credit)
Bamboo Hanging Bridge
A twin bamboo hanging bridge is found in Loboc. It is made of bamboo and steel suspensions, which makes it safe for crossing. Those who are afraid of heights, this still give you the creeps when it starts to move as you walk towards the other side.
Sturdy hanging bridge
When you reach the end of the bridge, you can see souvenir shops and the famous buko king. Buko king can peel the coconut husk using his teeth within seconds. Can't imagine doing this!
Bohol Blood Compact Site
In March 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain made a blood compact or sandugo with Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol as sign of friendship. This event serves as the onset of Spanish colonialism in Bohol.
Blood compact rites
The blood compact rite is done by making a small cut on the arm and putting the blood drawn from it into a separate cup with wine. The agreeing parties will drink from the cup with the other's blood.
Let's learn more about history
The replica of this event, which was made by Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano, can be visited in barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City.
If your camera's out of battery life, there are also photographers around the area with cameras wherein you could claim your pictures instantly.
Hinagdanan Cave
The last place that I'll be sharing is the Hinagdanan Cave. You need to cross the Panglao bridge to reach this cave in Dauis, Panglao island.
Crossing the Panglao Bridge
Hinagdanan cave got its name from the word hagdan which means stairs. You need to climb down the stairs to reach the cave.
Welcome to Hinagdanan Cave
The sun's natural light can get in the cave which gives an effect when you get inside. The stalactites formed like chandeliers! There is a lagoon inside the cave, unfortunately we haven't got the time to swim.
Chandelier-like Stalactites
Bohol has still a lot to offer. If I will get a chance to come back, I will surely share to you more of what this place could offer.
All these places will surely be remembered through the photos we take but nothing will compare if the future generation can still visit the nature's wonder and historical structures.
Love lots,
❤
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