#ulog 16: Day Trip to Bohol -- the Island of Chocolate Kisses - Part 1

Way back elementary, my Aralin Panlipunan textbooks always include Bohol, the Chocolate Hills in particular, to be one of the Philippines’ Natural Wonders. So from then on, I always wished to see how it looked like in person. That wish was granted when we booked a plane ticket to Cebu.

There is actually direct flight from Clark/Manila to Tagbilaran but we opted to take Cebu since my cousin invited us over. We can always take a jetty to go to Bohol anyway. It is only an hour and a half to reach Bohol from Cebu.

Offtopic: Airport in Tagbilaran will soon be replaced by an international airport in Panglao. It will be named as the New Bohol International Airport. It is expected to be opened sometime August of this year. So, Bohol I hope you are ready for the onslaught of tourists as travelling will be easier and more convenient.

So, off we go to Bohol. We took the Oceanjet. Their tickets are for P800 but we were able to get ours for only ₱500. Why? Well, here is a tip: ticket rate is lower when booked online or have an advance booking. It goes to as low as P500 only. Check out their website for ticket promos.

As early as 7am, we boarded the jetty. I was glad that the ferry ride to Bohol was smooth-sailing. We reached Bohol around 9 am. It was good that my cousin from Cebu already arranged a van to get us around Bohol.

But there would be no problem in case no van arrangements we done prior to the trip since there are a lot of "hungry" drivers wanting to take you around the island. Take your pick. Be wise at haggling. And there is actually a big signage about how much you are to pay.

Island of Chocolate Kisses here we come!

Our driver-slash-tourguide said that we can pretty much enjoy Bohol for a day - like in six hours, keeping in mind our return ticket to Cebu at 5 o'clock. So no rush, we just have to enjoy the day.

Where to?

First on our itinerary is to see the postcard-worthy sight, the Chocolate Hills. But since we will be passing through the zoo, where the cutest primate is, we have to stop by there first. Right, we have to see the tarsiers! And see the different animals. And buy souvenirs. And eat chichaworm. The what?

Next from the chocolate hills, have a relaxing river-cruise and eat lunch at Loboc, then be amazed by the man-made forest and then travel back in time for the Blood Compact.

Not to forget, we needed to buy pasalubongs, peanut kisses in particular. Our driver-slash-tourguide said he will take us at the factory for a lower price. And since he overheard my nephew talking about sinkholes, he said he would take us there too. Isn't he accommodating?

Let the Road Trip begin

First stop was at the zoo, the Tarsier Conservation Area. There was nothing much to see, except for the tarsiers of course.

Tarsier Encounter

For ₱100, we were able to see these cute little monkeys. A must-go place when in Bohol because tasiers could only be seen here, so says our guide.

This is the oldest known mammal to walk the planet known as the "midget monkey of the Philippines." A midget monkey with big round eyes, that is able to turn its head 360 degrees.

Here is us with the life-size tarsier:

Here is @islaw with the real tarsier on the background:

Chicha-what?

These are called chichaworm. They are spicy, crunchy and tastes like chips actually.

Definitely a must-try.

Thanks for reading my #ulog for today. Part two will be posted soonest.

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