WTC Bohol

Bohol is a veritable masterpiece of nature with its blend of pristine white sand beaches, wonderful dive sites, virgin forests and rolling hills. Bohol is popular for the Chocolate Hills claimed as a "A Geological Wonder". This natural wonder consists of hundreds of domed-shaped limestone hills covered with grass which dries up and turns brown under the sun. Bohol’s beauty lies in its unpolluted waters and shorelines of white sandy beaches. Lovers of scuba diving can explore the depths of Bohol waters which are rated among the best diving haven in the world and famous not only for its richness in marine life and corals but also for its being the home of the world's rarest shells such as "Gloria Maris" and the "Golden Cowrie". Bohol is also the home of the Tarsier, the big-eyed insect eating monkey whose size is smaller than a boy's fist. Scientists regard the tarsier as the oldest mammal now inhabiting the earth.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Chocolate Hills - This is the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the thousands of perfect cone-shaped hills which abound in Central Bohol, two of the hills have been developed into a resort. On top of the hill are two youth hostels with a conference room, cozy cottages with private rooms and accommodations, swimming pool, tennis court and restaurant. A climb up 213 concrete steps on the other hill is an observation deck where one can view God's wondrous creations spread below as far as the eyes can see. The grasses which cover the hill turn brown in the dry season.

Tarsier - The world's smallest primate, which measures 4 to 5 inches and a tail longer than its body. Has brown eyes three times larger than any primate, large hairless ears and long claws. It is able to rotate its head nearly 360 degrees and is agile, leaping frog-like over several meters and in quick succession on trees, shrubs and over ground.

Hinagdanan Cave - Is a marvel in stonework and an eerie underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. Its underground pool catches fresh cool water gushing from its rocky sides. Shafts of sunlight pierce through two natural openings almost directly above the pool.

Loboc River - Starting from Loay bridge which is the outlet of Loboc River, motorized pump boat starts the exciting boat ride along palm-fringed banks. After snaking though its serene waters for an hour or so, the ride ends at Busay Falls where several smaller falls with cascading water provide a pleasant bathing session for tourists.

Baclayon Church - Baclayon church is known as the oldest stone-church in the country built by the Jesuits in 1595. The ancient massive edifice still retains its century-old architectural design both in its external and internal portions. In it you can find religious relics dating back to the early 16th century and beautifully painted murals in somber colors.

Blood Compact Site - Marks the spot where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, forged blood compact with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, representing the King of Spain for purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The blood compact on March 16,1565 is considered as the first Treaty of Friendship between the brown and white races.

Balicasag Island - Declared as another scuba diving area where tourists frequent. The island is a coast guard reservation and its surrounding waters declared as fish sanctuary. Beautiful beaches surround the island. A diver's resort with superb amenities and luxurious facilities is being operated by the government.

HOW TO GET THERE

Tagbilaran City, the province's capital is 630 kilometers from Manila and 72 kilometers from Cebu City. It is accessible via Supercat, Bullet Express, and Ocean Jet from Cebu and via Asian Spirit and Philippine Airlines from Manila. Bohol is also accessible via WG & A which sails twice a week to Tagbilaran.