View of Bohol seaport in Tagbilaran

The Philippines is one of the most tourist-friendly regions in Asia. There are many interesting places to visit and going around the country is easy because of the absence of the typical language barrier. Most of the Filipinos can speak English, many newspapers use English, and even street signs are written in English. But, similar to many developing countries, the areas around the major cities, such as Manila and Cebu, are crowded. Therefore, to make the most of a relaxing and invigorating vacation, you should immediately head off to one of the provinces.

Chocolate Hills - grand mysterious vista

One such province is Bohol, a small circular island in the Central Visayas region. From the Manila International Airport, you only need to go to the Domestic Airport and board a plane that will take you to Bohol. The flight is less than an hour and you arrive in Tagbilaran, the only city in the province.

Upon arrival in Bohol, the next step is to get to a hotel. There would be numerous taxis and tricycles, which are motorcycles with sidecars, waiting outside the airport. The locals complain that the drivers of these taxis charge exorbitant prices from the tourists, but when the average fare is translated into USD, which is $3-5, it is reasonably cheap. To avoid having to choose a taxi, you can book a hotel in advance and the hotel can arrange the transportation to and from the airport. Many hotels in Bohol have their own vans and don't charge a fee for this service.

Bohol Tropics cottages

Hotel rates vary according to the star ratings but the hotels in Bohol are relatively less expensive, some are as low as $30 but others can go as high as $120, per room. The more expensive hotels are found in Panglao, a touristy island off the main island of Bohol. The cottages in Bohol Tropics, shown in the picture here, charged $50 per night. Meals are served at the restaurant, which provides a view of the busy seaport.

The greater part of the coastline of Bohol is lined with fine and soft white sand that meets the pristine waters of the sea. But the typical vacation theme of sand, sun, and sea is not the only thing that Bohol offers. The people in this island don't find the white sands and the crystal waters as spectacular because they see these every day. But they remain fascinated by the mysterious existence of the hundreds of chocolate hills. And they are protective of the nocturnal tarsier, which is endemic to this region. The tarsier is the smallest monkey in the world.

Tarsier, world's smallest monkey

Whales and dolphins also flock around the nearby Pamilacan Island. These sea creatures dare to show themselves only in the early morning. To catch them, you must wake up early and board one of the boats that sails towards the island. Going around the city can be done in three ways, by taxi, by jeep, or by tricycle. The people are generally helpful and the tourists' daily needs, such as extra toothpaste or beach wear, can be easily bought in one of Bohol's shopping malls, such as the ICM (Island City Mall). Of course, visiting a new place is best when you know someone local to show you around.

Prices in this article were correct in December 2007.

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