(Second of two parts)
THE FOLLOWING day, we hit the road early to cover the whole-day tour of Bohol.
First stop was at Chocolate Hills in Carmen, a famous Philippine tourist spot. The marvelous sight of geological formation is truly worthy of tourist visits.
At the time of our visit, the hills were green – not chocolate – since they were covered with green grass. We climbed, interspersed with rest, the 220 steps leading to the viewing deck.
The view was awesome! To think that these mounds were unique only to this spot! It was an exhilarating experience going up and down the viewing station.
By the time we were done, it was lunch time. What’s a trip without food huh!
Food is totally an equalizer, an energizer, a delight! Without food, a vacation wouldn’t be complete. Thereafter, we proceeded to the floating restaurant in Loboc.
We were excited and curious as well, to imbibe the actual experience of dining in a floating restaurant with food served buffet-style. The cost is very reasonable at P650.00, given that we are treated to a unique setting – floating restaurant, buffet serving, and with an added bonus – a singer to serenade us with classic songs. What more can you get for P650!
While traversing the rustic Loboc River, we stopped by stations and thereupon, kids entertained us with tinikling and kundiman. It was such fun! Rachel and Star joined the dancing right away. For Amy, Evelyn, Lowela, and Bles who were unable to dance with the kids, they had fun on the ground as the singer performed Zumba music. It was indeed a time of glee.
Both sides of the river were dazzlingly green. The floating restaurant ride was so refreshing, seeing and sensing the pristine river, and green environment. It was our first time to experience such magnificence while enjoying God’s beautiful creation. For us, the highlight of the tour was the floating restaurant, hands down! To think we were just in the middle of the tour!
Everybody was still high following the floating restaurant experience and the feeling was further intensified when we rode the cable car overlooking the Loboc River. The tour was followed by a soothing trip along the two-kilometre man-made forest in Bilar. Mahogany covered the whole stretch connecting the towns of Bilar and Loboc. It was a hot day but passing through the expanse gave us a sigh of relief. The man-made forest was naturally a selfie spot! Nobody can resist it!
The next stop was wild life. The first animal that caught our attention was Cleo, the lion. This ferocious animal seemed to ignore the ordinary onlookers and just did his usual routine – being king!
The wild Tarsier, signature animal of Bohol, shouldn’t be missed! Its eye features are so much like an alien. Tarsiers are cute; tightly clasping their hands on the branches while sleeping. Their sleeping time however, were interrupted each time a tourist passes through.
According to the tour guide, there are wild Tarsiers in the place. It’s truly an endangered species.
Moving on, we took a photo with a green Iguana. Its skin felt like thick, glossy plastic. The wild life visit was punctuated with a group picture together with a baby crocodile and a huge snake!
Our next stop was at Baclayon church. According to Fred, Baclayon church is considered one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, and the oldest in Bohol. At the time of visit, the main door was close. Thus, we were unable to appreciate and document the interior and the majesty it exposes. The whole building is made of stone but the roof has been replaced with contemporary roofing materials. We concluded the tour by visiting a store that sells the usual pasalubong of Bohol’s Calamay.
What a day to end the exhausting, yet fulfilling tour of Bohol! To echo what Erck said, I like Bohol because the environment is still preserved. It’s indicative of the conscious and concerted efforts of Boholanos to take care of their environment. Hence, it allows the locals to benefit, as well as, those who come and visit this island-paradise.
The following composed the BCF: Peter and Bles Neri together with Rachel and Dondi; Lowela Lorezo with Star, Erck, and Ezion; Dong and Amy Biñas; and Lito and Evelyn Estavilla with Angelo and Haggai.
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Thank you Wela and Peter for sharing your stories. Until the next adventure!
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is meant to enjoy God and His creation: friends and beautiful places. – Peter Neri
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
