Exploring the Hidden Gems of Bohol: A 12-Hour Adventure

BOHOL, PHILIPPINES, an enchanting island in the Central Visayas region, is known for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. While many tourists flock to its famous Chocolate Hills and adorable tarsiers, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us on a quick 12-hour adventure as we embark on a thrilling itinerary that takes us off the beaten path. From breathtaking peaks to mesmerizing waterfalls, get ready to be awestruck by Bohol's natural beauty.

How to get there...

Our journey begins as we set sail from bustling Cebu City Pier 1 near Plaza Independencia at 9:00 PM. Excitement fills the air as we anticipate the unforgettable experiences that lie ahead.

After 5 hours of sailing, we arrive at the port of Ubay, Bohol, where the magic of our adventure truly begins. We arrived around 2 in the morning, and all the stores are closed. The only place open is a small store selling puto maya, a sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice, sugar, ginger and coconut milk, along with sikwate, our own version of hot chocolate made from ground-up cacao beans.

Without wasting any time, we board a Ceres bus and make our way to Alicia, Bohol. We arrive at the town hall of Alicia, a charming little town that serves as a gateway to our upcoming escapades.

We wait for almost an hour for our guide to arrive. Our next destination awaits, and we embark on a short journey to reach the jump-off point for Binabaje Hills.

At 5 AM, as the sun starts to peek over the horizon, we arrive at the jump-off point, feeling the anticipation build as we prepare to conquer the heights.

The habal-habal ride going to the jump-off is not for the faint-hearted. We hold on to the driver as if our lives depend on it. The terrain is treacherous, with wet and knee-deep puddles. One wrong move from us or the driver, and we're doomed.

Binabaje Hills of Alicia, Bohol

At 6 AM, the trek begins! We lace up our hiking shoes and set foot on the trail, ready to immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of Binabaje Hills. As we're about to start, it starts drizzling.

It's a good thing because it's not that hot, but on the other hand, it's going to be difficult to walk on a muddy trail. However, with sheer determination and awe-inspiring views as our motivation, we conquer the summit of Binabaje Hills. The breathtaking panorama makes every step worthwhile.

But despite the slippery slope, CJ, who has a stomach ache and wanted to relieve himself, managed to run along the trail out of desperation. HAHAHA

The rest of us arrived around 10 AM. After reaching the peak, we take a well-deserved rest and engage in some socialization, savoring the camaraderie and tranquility of the surroundings.

We also had the chance to have our breakfast. Unfortunately, some of us only brought bread and corned tuna. HAHA

After an hour of staying in the hut at the peak, we are already recharged and ready for more adventure. We begin our descent from Binabaje Hills. With the earlier rain during our adventure, I know going down is going to be fun.

As the midday sun shines above, we make our way back to the jump-off point, reflecting on the incredible journey we've just experienced.

After bidding farewell to the picturesque hills, we return to the Municipal Hall in Alicia. Here, we indulge in a hearty lunch, savoring local flavors and nourishing our bodies for the next leg of our adventure.

At 1:30 PM, with satisfied appetites and renewed energy, we embark on the next leg of our journey, heading towards the captivating town of Dimiao.

Twin Falls of Dimiao, Bohol

Our journey took almost 3 hours to reach the jump-off of Twin Falls. But before we could enjoy the water, we still have to descend a couple of cemented stairs.

Our spirits soar as we arrive at the magnificent Twin Falls of Dimiao. The cascading water, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a mesmerizing oasis where we can cool off and connect with nature.

As soon as we arrived at the falls, I did not waste time, and I immediately dip into the cold water of the waterfalls.

We did not have the chance to fully enjoy the falls as we are running out of sunlight. As the day gradually turns into dusk, we bid farewell to Dimiao and prepare our things for departure.

At 6 PM, we departed from Dimiao, Bohol, and made our way to Tubigon Port. The ride there was kind of uncomfortable as we squeezed ourselves into the back of a small pick-up truck.

We endured that position for almost 2 and a half hours. HAHA

Back to reality..

As we arrived at the port at 8:30 PM, we reflected on the whirlwind of emotions and experiences we had throughout the day, knowing that Bohol had left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Luckily, we were able to catch the last trip going to Cebu; otherwise, we would have had to spend the night at the port.

Our time in Bohol may be coming to an end, but the memories we've made will last a lifetime. At 9:20 PM, we boarded our return ferry to Cebu City, cherishing the moments and stories we'll be sharing with friends and loved ones.

As we sailed back across the tranquil waters, we took the opportunity to recount the highlights of our 12-hour adventure. From the serene beauty of Binabaje Hills to the captivating Twin Falls of Dimiao, we witnessed nature's grandeur in its purest form.

Our whirlwind itinerary may have been packed with activities, but every moment was filled with wonder, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the hidden gems that Bohol has to offer.

As the ferry docks at Cebu City Port, we bid farewell to the enchanting island of Bohol. We carry with us not only stunning photographs and souvenirs but also a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the remarkable experiences we had.

If you're up for a whirlwind adventure, Bohol's hidden gems await your exploration. From majestic hills to captivating waterfalls, the island offers a myriad of breathtaking sights that will leave you awestruck. So pack your bags, embark on an unforgettable journey, and uncover the treasures that Bohol has to offer. You won't be disappointed.

---