Bohol Philippine

Bohol, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines and is the tenth largest island of the Philippine archipelago. It is a land of many hidden wonders.

The island of Bohol lies 650 kilometers south of Metro Manila, at latitude 9 deg 36' N and longitude 123 deg 53' E. It can be found at the center of the Visayas Region. It is generally mountainous and its north and south coasts are packed of quaint reefs and rich deposits of mineral springs. The Chocolate Hills, its most celebrated tourist attraction, lies at the limestone area in Carmen.

Bohol has a rich history and natural attractions. Among these are its famous beaches, which are among the world's best. Its fertile land is surrounded by hills, meadows, and forests. Its abundance in indifferent kinds of marine life and its being a place suitable for scuba diving, kayaking, trekking, and spelunking (exploring caves), greatly attracts tourists.

Way back in the 16th century, a "Treaty of Friendship" was made between the black and white people through a blood compact made between the Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna and the Spanish captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Philippines then was ruled by Spaniards for 302 years after the treaty. Colonialism was flooded with blood and tears and native Filipinos had long struggled for its liberation against Spanish Colonialism. They toiled in building massive fortress and colonial churches. Up to this day, structures of long ago, such as the monument of the blood compact, still stand as remembrance of its history.

The best reserved Jesuit-built church in Bohol is the Baclayon Church. The Christian community in this area of the island was organized in 1596. In 1727, the present stone church was completed. In 1995, this archaic religious edifice was declared as a national historical landmark by the National Historical Institute. Its convent was changed into a museum, which continues to store valuable religious relics. Aside from the Baclayon Church, many notable ancient churches existing in Bohol include: the artistically painted Dauis Church, the three-story Loboc Church, the ornate Panglao Church, the stunning Loon Church, and the 19th century Maribojoc
Church.

The municipality of Loboc in the province of Bohol has also much to offer. Cutting through it is the scenic Loboc River. Floating restaurants are available for those who would like to have their meal while cruising through the river and listening to the entertainment provided by talented musicians aboard. Tarsier sanctuaries are located by the riverbanks. In these venues, tourists can actually see and possibly handle these endangered primates. Loboc is also the site of the man-made forest and the home of the internationally awarded Loboc Children's Choir.

At present, the capital of the province of Bohol is Tagbilaran, which is also the main port of entrance. Near the seaport are also souvenir shops, where one can buy native handcrafted jewelries, bags, decorations and also delicacies for the sweet tooth, such as peanut kisses and ube polvoron.