"Bohol, Visayan Island Rich in Natural Beauty" Province of Bohol by AusPinay

Flying to Bohol was the best thing I've done for my short visit to the Philippines. I booked the air fare from Manila to Bohol before the long weekend started for the All Soul's Day holiday in this predominantly Catholic island country.

Bohol is in the Visayan Island, a mere hour by air from Manila. It has always intrigued me as I have heard many nice comments about this island.

I found out, the positive and rave reviews about this place are true indeed!

Starting from the famous Chocolate Hills, the province has rich natural beauty as you travel away from the capital City Tagbilaran. The roads leading to the iconic mounds were mostly properly concreted passages so that was a bonus!

Along the way to the famed hills, you will find interesting tourist attractions like the Tarsier Conservation Sanctuary, the Balay sa Huma (Rice Museum), teh fishing villages of Baclayon, Bilar, and many quaint towns. Another important spot is the Sandugo site where Datu Sikatuna had a blood compact with the Spaniards. From there, you can see breathtaking views of Panglao Island and I predict his island will be as popular as Boracay! Trust me on that! A modern airport is already underway and this will bring in more tourists keen to sample the fresh air, cheap food and accommodation of the province. Peopel are friendly and seem to be even-tempered and I am truly amazed at this spectacular part of the Visayas islands.

Other attractions are the Shiphaus, a tribute to the luxury shipping industry, the Simply Butterflies exhibit, man-made Mahogany forest, Loboc River adventure park, the hanging bridge across Loboc River was also exciting for me and many more places to explore.

There is something for everyone in Bohol- whether one is an adventurer, lover of water sports, good food and nature of course which is almost perfect in this island paradise.

• Pros:plenty of natural beauty, fresh air in the quaint little towns, good food and friendly locals
• Cons:very small and chaotic airport, a bit polluted in the city of Tagbilaran
• In a nutshell:Bohol's charm must be experienced by visiting its famous Chocolate Hills and enjoy its rich natural beauty!