Bohol: The Island of the Famous Chocolate Hills

Bohol is a little island paradise in the southern Philippines. The most notable among the tourist attractions in Bohol is Chocolate Hills.
However, there are more reasons why one should visit Bohol. The many activities and places to see is enough to make visitors see the place as a sanctuary for a lot of nature's beauty.

Why Visit Bohol?
The reasons to visit Bohol can be as varied as the number of people who visit the place, but there are a few that will usually resound among the many reasons. Those who favor some fun in the tropical waters will find a lot of idyllic beaches. You'll find all sorts of seaside wonders from developed beaches like Alona Beach to exclusive secluded waterfront locations for your own private encounters in the tropical waters.
Virgin Island Bohol

Water fun in Bohol is not only restricted to the wonderful beaches. You'll also have many wonderful experiences underwater since there are a lot of dive sites here to choose from. Dive sites range from easy dives to sites requiring advanced diving skills. Divers will enjoy the wide bio-diversity of aquatic life they will encounter under these tropic waters.
A trip to Bohol will be incomplete if you won't at least catch a glimpse of the Chocolate Hills. This still stands as the highlight to any visit to the island province. The more than one thousand uniformly shaped hills dazzle those who see the photos but they also give jaw-dropping amazement to those who have actually seen them. They are indeed a natural wonder no one should miss seeing.

Other inland attractions in Bohol also include a large host of caves numbering more than 1,400. Those who are into cave exploring will find this as a delight other than the fact that some of these caves have historic significance. The most popular among these caves is the Dagohoy Cave, named after Filipino revolutionary patriot Francisco Dagohoy. The cave served as his base of operations during his revolt against Spain in 1744.

Other than the caves, the landscape of Bohol is also beautifully laced by many waterfalls. If you're up for some inland trekking adventures, hunting for these romantic waterfalls will be a most welcome treat. Visitors should take note that most of these waterfalls are only known to locals. Prepare for difficult climbs, muddy terrain, and breaking some sweat before you reach these majestic heartland scenes.
If local flora and fauna is your thing, then your visit here will be more than rewarding when you encounter the Bohol wildlife. Bohol is also the home to the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. You may visit the Philippine Tarsier Foundation and catch a glimpse of this intriguing creature. Other than tarsiers, dolphins are also under the spotlight in Bohol. Dolphin watching tours are often organized for visitors who want to see these amazing creatures in their natural environment.

Like other places in the Philippines, the air is made alive in Bohol by the many fiesta celebrations. May is a special month of the year since a lot of these feasts are commemorated. Colorful parades, street dancing, beauty pageants, and an avalanche of food highlight these special events.
Bohol's place in Philippine history

Even before the Spanish arrived in the islands of Bohol, the natives and other locals have already established thriving communities. The people have been trading with merchants from as far as China. With the arrival of Spanish came a peaceful treaty known as the Sandugo, which is also celebrated even today. This is proof of the Filipino's love for peace, friendship, and brotherhood.
How to get to Bohol

There are many different means of transportation available when trying to get to Bohol. Since it is promoted as a major tourist destination, you can find a variety of travel options. Flights are scheduled daily with more than one airline flying to Bohol. However, for those who would love an ocean voyage, there are two options open - fast ferry and regular ferry.

Fast ferries are those that take you to the Tagbilaran City Wharf via sometBohol-Beefarmhing comparable to speedboats, only that these passenger ferries travel at a rate of around 50 kilometers an hour. These trips are scheduled daily from different islands and tourist destinations like Cebu, Dumaguete, and Dapitan.

Read more about the Fast Ferry from Cebu to Bohol.

If you don't fancy semi-speed boating then you may opt for regular ferries, which will take around three days to get from Manila to Tagbilaran. This may well be the cheapest mode of travel, but take note that these ferries can become way too crowded during peak seasons like the Christmas holidays. In this category we will also find a ferry from Butuan to Bohol if you are coming from Mindanao.

There is certainly more than one reason to come to the island paradise of Bohol. It is a sanctuary of nature's wonders and a thrilling escape from the humdrum of overly busy lifestyles. Visitors can immediately call it their own haven after a brief glimpse of what Bohol has to offer.
When to go to Bohol

Some people prefer to visit duting the colder months from November to February, but Bohol has something to offer year round, For example in May the Chocolate hills will be the brown color they were named from, the Bohol climate is pretty mild being in the middle of Visayas surrounded by water, but make sure you do your research to make sure the weather and events match your expectations.
Famous Tourist Spots in Bohol

This province is home to many of the most famous and attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines, Bohol also has many beautiful and fascinating resorts and beaches. Which is why the tourism industry contributes a lot to the economic development in Bohol province.

One of the best spots for a nice island BBQ or picnic is the beautiful Virgin Island off the coast of Panglao. There are no places to stay on Virgin Island but numerous tour operators arrange daily trips out to the island.

Panglao Island is famous for its white sand beaches. Along in these beaches are beautiful hotels and resorts where travelers and foreigners can stay and enjoy the sceneries. Travelers can also visit Mag-Aso Fallsthe Mag-aso falls, which is located at Antequera as well as the Bilar Mahogany Forest.

Each year the number of travelers who visit Bohol increases. This is due to the attractive tourist spots and natural wonders that can be found in the province.

The famous formation of limestone called the Chocolate Hills which is the most visited spot in Carmen. The Chocolate hills are green most of the year but they turn brown during the hottest summer months which is why they are named Chocolate Hills.

Meanwhile, many tourists also visit the popular rivers in the province which are the Loboc River with it's river cruises and floating restaurants with a small band playing for you while you eat and enjoy the beautiful view of the rivercruise being one of the main attractions for many tourists.
Festivals and Events

Travelers are encouraged to experience and have a glance at the festivals that are held in this attractive province.

The Sandugo Festival, the Tagbilaran City Fiesta, the Bolibong Kingking Festival and Festival of Lights or SidlaKasilak are the renowned festivals in Bohol, Tourists who would witness these festivals will will surely bring home fond memories which will help them remember their stay and vacation here for the rest of their lives.

Transportation to Bohol is very easy since the province is very accessible. Tourists can travel by land, air and water.

The national government of the Philippines established seaports and airports in the province so that travelers will not experience problems when it comes to visiting the beautiful island of Bohol.
Bohol in Numbers

Based on the 2000 census done at the province, there are 1,137,268 permanent residents in Bohol. The census also found that there are 209,588 households in the province with an average size of 5.41 people per household. The life expectancy in this province is greater than found elsewhere in the Philippines. Some say due to the more casual lifestyle while others attribute the fine food which is located throughout the province.

Most residents in the province speak the Boholano language, which is a Cebuano dialect. However, since migration is a constant trend in Bohol, there are also residents who use Chinese, English and Tagalog as their primary languages. In addition, some schools in the province taught Eskayan language to their students.

WHERE TO GO IN SPAIN, BEAUTIFUL PLACES.

Spain is one of Europe's most diverse countries, historically, culturally, gastronomically and geographically. While some people prefer to go skiing in the Winter months, others prefer to sunbathe on the coast. Not many countries can offer both options during the same month, but Spain can.
Below I am writing about some Beautiful places where you can easily go and travel there.

Alarcon
Alarcón is a beautiful medieval village, set on the rocky surroundings of the River Júcar in Cuenca, about an hour and a half drive from Madrid.The walled village, its castle, churches and stone-built houses blend in with the surrounding landscape and winding river, providing the visitor with outstanding views and complete peace and quiet. Alarcon Once you arrive, park your car in the carpark at the foot of the village, and stroll around the small, narrow village streets, savouring the peace and quiet. It is difficult to find a more peaceful, unspoilt village than Alarcon, although in recent years Alarcon has started to attract more tourists and a new hotel currently being built next to the parador suggests that its isolated charm may be about to be challenged.

Hondarribia (Fuenterrabia):

    Fuenterrabia, known as Hondarribia in the Basque language, is on the Cantabrian coast near San Sebastian in the Province of Guipuzcoa. It is the last place you get to before crossing the Spanish border into France. Aswell as being a traditional Basque fishing village it is increasingly a popular tourist destination due its beautiful little beach promenade with views across the Txingudi bay to France.

Where to go: Visitors to Hondarribia should visit the picturesque marina, the historic quarter. It is also worth visiting the Parador of Hondarribia which was once a 10th century fortress.
The neighbourhood where many of Fuenterrabia´s fishermen live consists of traditional dwellings brightly painted in different colours - historically they used the paint left over from painting the fishing boats.
What to eat: Fuenterrabia has plenty of small restaurants and bars serving typical Basque pinchos and Basque cuisine including some of the freshest fish you are ever likely to try.


La Alberca :

Alberca, formerly known as Valdelaguna, is located in the Southern part of the province of Salamanca. This village is 1084 metres above sea level on the Northern slopes of 'la Sierra de Francia'(the French mountain range'). Its unusual houses and streets have put it on the toursist map for visitors to the province of Salamanca.

With the Cabras Pintas prehistoric caves on the edge of Alberca, it is thought that this village was repopulated during the times of Alfonso VI by the French. In fact some of its place names like 'la Sierra de Francia' and 'el rio Frances' (the French river) refer to these origins.

One of Alberca's greatest assets is the diversity of the wonderful scenery that surrounds it. On one side you can see granite, slate and quartzite which support the varied wild vegetation and forests of oaks, chestnut trees, pine trees, walnut trees, apple trees and almond groves.

Like many other villages in Spain, Alberca's population is declining. Over half a century ago it had 1700 inhabitants but now this figure hardly reaches a 1000. However, the village is still well maintained and despite harsh winters and very hot summers tourism plays an important part in its economy. Its narrow cobbled streets, small squares and curious houses make this a beautiful place to visit.

All the traditional houses are made of granite and stone and wooden beams, and have a maximum of 3 floors, each with a different function. In the past animals were kept on the ground floor and the kitchen was on the next floor, the loft was used to cure the meat, normally ham, pork and chorizo (sausage), this is why the floor used to have holes in it so that the smoke from the kitchen could rise. Many of the houses have large wooden balconies full of flowers. The main square in Alberca is flanked by doorways made of granite and wood.

Fiestas in La Alberca: These take place on the day of the Virgin of August, a special celebration when a play is staged in the streets of the village. Alberca's inhabitants become actors for the day giving life to characters such as the devil and angels. The atmosphere of the village is dominated by the multicoloured typcial costumes adorned with gold and silver which are worn with pride. At Easter there is also a fiesta celebrating 'el Día del Trago' or 'Lunes de Aguas' when the town hall invites the whole village to an aperitif.
Hotels in La Alberca: Although the remoteness of this beautiful Spanish village has largely protected it from an influx of tourists, it does boast two interesting hotels for those who want to stay overnight . Hotel Doña Teresa**** (www.hoteldeteresa.com) in the village itself, with spa facilities and a very good restaurant, and Hospedería Santuario Peña de Francia*** up in the Peña de Francia mountain sierra at 11 km. from La Alberca with wonderful views and another great restaurant.

Restaurants in Alberca: La Abuela Carmen Restaurant in the Hotel Doña Teresa serves good local food, as does Las Petronillas in Miranda del Castañar, 18km from La Alberca. Otherwise try one of the various tapas bars serving traditional dishes in Alberca itself.

Altea: 

 

gg Altea is one of the most picturesque places on the Levante coastline despite the fact that some of the more recent buildings have slightly damaged the special beauty and charm of this Mediterranean village. Alicante city is a half hour drive from Altea and Benidorm is just ten minutes away.

Altea used to be considered as a the 'hippy centre' of the area attracting a large international community of artists and musicians. Nowadays, tourism has overtaken cultural activity although a small number of artists still live in the old part of the village.

AlteaAltea is full of little white houses built on top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. One of the prettiest views of the village can be seen from a new promenade built from Albir beach (in the village Alfaz del Pí) to Altea port.

There is a church at the top of the village which you can reach by going up the steep, narrow lanes. When you get to the top there is a small square with a several bars and restaurants, very popular with both locals and visitors, next to the church. There is a viewing point in the square with spectacular views over Altea bay and the Mediterranean.

view from AlteaBelow the old part of the village there is a small port, a pleasant promenade and a sandy beach with a playground for children. For those who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere you can reach a small beach with white pebbles and crystal clear water a short walk away along the Albir promenade.

Altea, like Alfaz del Pí and Benissa, has a large number residents from other parts of Europe (mainly Germany, the United Kingdom and Nordic countries). However these villages have retained their originality while at the same time welcoming the new residents and their influence on cultural activities and gastronomy as well as the changing urban landscape.

Monuments and interesting places in Altea

    * The Old Part: It is a pleasure to walk along the narrow lanes up to the top of the hill where you get fantastic panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
    * Iglesia Virgen del Consuelo: The church presides the town and has a pretty blue dome typical in Mediterranean villages on the coast.
    * The fishermen's quarters: The barrio de pescadores is in the lower part of the village.

Fiestas in Altea: On the 15th August there are fireworks from Castell de L'Olla, and 'Moros and Cristianos' fiestas at the end of September. Also on the 16th July the 'marineras de la Virgen del Carmen' fiestas.
Where to eat in Altea: Restaurante El Patio, fish, rice and seafood (especially mussels) next to Altea port. Very busy at weekends; Restaurante La Capella this is at the top of the village, it has a pleasant evening terrace during the summer months; Racó de Toni, traditional cuisine. There are some excellent restaurants just a short drive from Altea such as Casa Pepa (click on link for full description) and Al Zaraq. For the more reviews of restaurants near Altea see: Restaurants in Alicante, and Restaurants in the Costa Blanca.