The Tarsier Sanctuary is in the midst of the towns of Sikatuna and Corella in Bohol, Philippines; an extensive 134 hectares of forested land. The sanctuary serves as a protected habitat for the world’s smallest primate, the Philippine tarsiers. From toe-to-head, tarsiers measure only between 8 to 16 cm. They can do amazing things like spinning their heads into 180 degrees and jump to a height of 16 feet. Its rat-like tail has a length longer than its body and has ears that resemble a bat’s. Each of the tarsier’s eyes is bigger than its brain. The tarsiers are believed to have already existed 45 million years ago.

Getting there. To get to the Tarsier Sanctuary, one can ride a bus or jeepney that plies that route. You can ride a bus that is bound for Sikatuna in Dao bus terminal. From Tagbilaran to Sikatuna, the trip usually takes about 30 minutes. From Sikatuna, you can hire a pedicab or motorbike for Php40 or so. For a faster and more convenient trip, you can also get a cab or for-hire cars from hotels and travel agencies. The sanctuary is a short trip from Tagbilaran, around 14 kilometers, and short 4 km from Corella.

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Baclayon church was founded by Spanish missionaries Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez who settled in this area on November 17, 1596 and visita was erected soon after.  Bamboos were used by the natives to construct the first church with its thatched roofing and coral stones were cut into square blocks. The square blocks were then lifted and moved into position using bamboo poles and eventually piled like bricks. Egg whites from  a million eggs  mixed with lime were used to cement coral stones together. The church was finished in 1727 by 200 natives who were forced to work as laborers.

There are also dungeons underneath the Baclayon church where natives who violated the Spaniards and the rules of the Roman Catholic Church were imprisoned. A convent was also built in  the beside the back portion of the church which now houses a museum containing religious relics, artifacts and other antiquities dating back to the 16th century.

Baclayon church is the second oldest stone church in the Philippines with foundations laid in 1717, second to the San Agustin Church located in Real Street, Intramuros, Manila, whose foundation is said to have been laid in 1571. The church was then dedicated to the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Later in 1835, a large bell was installed and in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added the front facade of the church with its three arches and a number of stone buildings which now surrounds the church.  All of these still remain standing at present and that makes Baclayon church the most preserved church in Bohol.

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The Bohol Blood Compact sculpture was made by the National Artist, Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano himself. The place is just a short tricycle or cab ride from the city of Tagbilaran since Barangay Bool is still a part of the city. Buses or vans are available from the Dao Terminal.

The History

In search for food, Legaspi’s fleet reached the coast of Bo-ol, it abandoned its plan for Mindanao and took shelter in a small bay in the Bo-ol area.The Spaniards however, found the natives to have already an established civilization. They had their own political, social and economic system which surprised the Spaniards.

While the Spaniards were initiating friendly relations with the natives, Legaspi sent out emissaries to the chieftain, Rajah Sikatuna, who was the only chieftain contacted at that time. A sharp dagger was used in cutting slightly both the arms of Legaspi and Siaktuna, then having their blood mixed in a cup of wine. From this cup both men drank to become blood brothers in eternal friendship. The Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact ( March 16, 1565) is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between people of different races, religious, culture and civilization based on mutual respect and equality.

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Cave lies 2.5 kilometers from the center of Dauis town and 15 kilometers west of Tagbilaran City, Hinagdanan Cave is a karst cave made of limestone.
It was accidentally discovered by the land owner when he was clearing the area for a farm. He found out two holes on the ground, adjacent to each other after removing decayed trunks from it. He then threw a stone to determine the depth of the hole and was surprised to hear a splash. Intrigued, he further explored the inside of the caves and found to his delight a beautiful sight of stone formations hanging from the ceiling and some protruding from the ground.The cave is lit by sunlight which filters through holes in the ceiling. The underground lake is a popular swimming spot which is in the center of the cavern.
Eventually a ladder was improvised down a small hole at the side of the cave. In the local dialect, “hagdan” means ladder so the cave became known as Hinagdanan Cave.

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The Bohol Bee Farm is a very cozy and relaxing place on Panglao island. They prepare delicious meals from organically-grown vegetables on her farm–from squash muffins, vegetable lasagna to her specially-brewed coffee from roasted corn and wild berries. A chalet-styled home are provided to guests who want to enjoy the peace and serenity of having the entire farm to themselves…

This is certainly a place apart: not only is it a wonderful relaxing place for visitors, it also tries to contribute to the local community and the environment.

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The main feature of Loboc is definitely its floating restaurants where you can take a meal while cruising the scenic Loboc River. The winding river plays host to cruises on board of small bancas or floating restaurants. Visitors are treated to a vista of lush tropical vegetation such as nipa palms, coconut trees, banana groves, and bushes.The send off place for a Loboc River Cruise can be found near the parish church, where musical history has been rewritten over and over.  Loboc is about 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, a 30-minute ride. Many buses, jeepneys, and multicabs ply the interior route to and from Tagbilaran City.

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Alburquerque is home to a Python sanctum which is 5 years old in existence with a length of approximately 23 feet (7.0 m) and an estimated weight of about 300 kg. Prony, a female python is the biggest python in captivity ever known.

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Located in barangay Mag-aso of Antequera, with a height of 25 feet, Mag-aso Falls is one of Bohol’s natural treasures. The  twin falls pose as a real treat to trekkers as well. The climb up is pretty rough, challenging, and very fulfilling.One whole day exploring Mag-Aso Falls could be enough for all the interesting activities it offers.

Mag-Aso Falls is one of those sites that does not cost as much but you will need to shed some extra money for interesting finds and buys that you may encounter upon reaching the place. It is about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, roughly a 30 minutes ride away. You can ride a jeepney, car, rented van, or taxi to transport you there.

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Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is situated in Bilar, Bohol, Philippines. Bilar is an interior town located 41 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, the lone city of Bohol. The Center is 1 kilometer from the Bilar market and 5 minutes away from the Mahogany Man-Made Forest.
It is the only butterfly garden in Bohol with open landscaped gardens planted with flowering plants that attract the butterflies to feed on them. Over sixty (60) species of local butterflies visit the garden naturally and more than twenty (20) species of local butterflies live, feed, play and breed there.

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Largest man-made forest in the country, the Bilar man-made forest covers an area of 8.574 square kilometres. Different species of trees and giant ferns are lining on the road.
Thousands of Mahogany seeds were planted two-kilometer stretch in Bilar and Loboc.
The Man Made Forest is  20-kilometers away from a Tagbilaran City . It is found along the margins of ‘Tina-i sa Manok’ road, a winding pathway from Loboc to Bilar.Even when the weather is scorching hot outside, upon entering this man-made haven  you will be greeted with cool breeze inside.

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