We did so much on our day tour of Bohol that it would be impossible to share all of it… so I’m just going to give you an overview of the highlights.
First, the Baclayon Church – built in 1727 and unlike most of the old cathedrals in Manila, it hasn’t had to be rebuilt. Bohol was not subject to the bombing that Manila received in WW2 and it hasn’t had as many devastating earthquakes, so this church has survived!
Another highlight was the butterfly sanctuary. We learned about butterflies in this region and saw several beautiful species. Plus we took a ton of ridiculous pictures – all at the prodding of our guide.
We had a delicious lunch on a river boat cruise while exploring the Loboc river and seeing some local children perform traditional dances.
Then, one of the true highlights of my time in the Philippines, we got to see the tarsiers! They are nocturnal and very territorial, so apparently they come back to the same tree each day to sleep – thus making for great photo opportunities!
They are endangered and this conservation sanctuary seems to be doing a pretty good job protecting them and educating visitors about them.
Here’s one that was, somehow, awake for a minute!
Then the other top reason people go to Bohol – the Chocolate Hills! These land formations are actually stone on which only a thin layer of grass will grow. In the spring they are green, but in the summer the grass gets parched and brown and they become “chocolate” looking.
And no tour would be complete without a little buko – fresh coconut that you first drink the juice and then scoop out the fresh coconut meat. It’s delicious, hydrating and refreshing.
It was a long day, but so worth it. We were able to see so much and make so many great memories!
More Than Postcards 