We met with a travel company, and they gave us a choice: a one-day trip to Cebu or day trip to Bohol. Most students wanted to go to Bohol. Then we paid and did all the other stuff we needed to do. And Finally, the day came to travel to Bohol!
“My Bohol Tour Journal”
Day 1: June 17, 2024
From 4:00 am to 5:30 am was our arrival in Bohol from Cebu, when we got off the ferry, we walked a short distance to reach our transportation, and arriving from our bus we had our breakfast we were given 2 pieces of chicken, 2 pieces of rice from McDonald's and a bottled water but in my situation, I only received 1 piece of chicken, but I just laughed it off. During our meal, the tour guide introduced himself and the tour coordinator including the coach captain. Our tour guide was male and he introduced himself as Sir Joj, and with him was Sir Gideon who was also a male. And right away, we started our trip!
1st stop: CHOCOLATE HILLS
Our first stop was the breathtaking view of the chocolate hills in the town of Sagbayan. There are other places to see the Chocolate Hills such as in Carmen, Bohol but we stopped at the Sagbayan Peak to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Chocolate Hills.
When we got there, we all gathered to take our pictures and after that we were given 30 minutes to roam around. There was a stair with 220 steps to reach the very top and too much appreciate the chococolate hills, the formation was so unique but according to Sir Joj, the hills was burnt during the hot season that’s why we are seeing the grass brown or the hills brown, originally it should be green.
We took pictures, we enjoyed the fresh air and the scenic view there.
2nd stop: SHIPHAUS
The Shiphaus is located in población Norte of the town of Batuan it was a long drive from the chocolate hills. According to Sir Joj, the ship was built because the captain was so dedicated to his job that he was inspired to make the house in the shape of the ship. The owner is this shiphaus is Captain Gaudencio Tiongco Dumapias.
There we took pictures with all the people on the bus and then were given time to roam around, inside was so big that they could cater to 100 plus students there, the house is a 3 story building, inside we can wear seaman uniforms to feel that we are also driving the shiphaus, every room in that shiphaus has some story to tell such as 2nd floor is where the captain's site is located and from there you feel like you’re a captain, and in the 3rd floor there was a free snack. They also have a souvenir shop and a photographer that will randomly take your picture and then develop it then you will pay 80 pesos for that picture.
3rd stop: BILLAR MAN-MADE FOREST
It was raining when we got there and we only had a few minutes to take a picture, but so far, I like the vibes there, it is so peaceful and so green we want to take more photos there but it’s also hard because vehicles would pass by and we have to make way.
4th stop: LOBOC RIVER CRUISE WITH BUFFET LUNCH
For our 4th stop and lunchtime, we arrive at Village Floating Resto & Cruises in the town of Loboc. We had a very pleasing view here and a good meal because it was a buffet, we have so many options in food and every food is delicious.
As we enjoy our food there are musicians on board and even our classmates are singing too. Along the river there are small cottages with people who dance and sing most of them in my observation are students. I participated in the “tinikling folk” dance and it was so fun. They do that for donations and so we give them donations. The Loboc River itself is so fascinating from the emerald-looking river to the trees making the scenery relaxing in the eyes so good.
5TH stop: SIKATUNA MIRROR OF THE WORLD
After our lunch, we went to our 5th destination the Sikatuna Mirror of the World. There is a place like you’re in the other world. They have different settings of place such as the Eifel Tower, Bohollywood, and more. The place is very huge and so amazing.
6TH stop: TARSIER CAPTIVITY
For our 6th destination, we were able to see the tarsier but there are only 4 onsite and the other one is having a baby on it. When we visited here it was a challenge to find them and it was also muddy but after sightseeing some tarsier all the rants faded because it was a relief or success seeing one. Like it’s worth the hassle.
7TH stop: BACLAYON CHURCH
When we arrived in Baclayon Church we were given 20 minutes to roam around and it was fun. We took pictures and appreciated the historical site.
8TH stop: ROMAN EMPIRE PANGLAO
We ended the tour at 4:10 pm and arrived at our hotel for check-in, we rested for a while and, then by 6:00 pm we got down since our room is located on the second floor and had our dinner. The food was buffet and everything was still delicious.
After eating with my friends, we swim for a little while and head back to our room to rest.
MY DISCOVERY
I learned along to our very first destination that the Bohol surfaced because of some magnetic tectonic mechanism happening underwater and that the Chocolate Hills was the uplift of coral deposits, according to Sir Joj, and the result of the action of rainwater and erosion. The Billar Man-Made Forest was planted by people due to the kaingin. The tree they planted was mahogany and were eventually told to stop planting because this kind of tree is invasive.
Now the Loboc River, according to Sir Joj, the Loboc word derived from the word “lobok” and it refers to an act of pounding something with the use of mortar and pestle. The story of how Loboc got their name was funny because one missionary father came to visit the island and saw a man who was pounding rice. He asked that man what’s the name of the place, but the man thought the missionary father was asking what he was doing so he said “ga lobok” and that’s why until now it called Loboc.
The tarsier in Bohol is not like in Davao because the tarsier in Bohol is more of a lone animal but in Davao, you can see them all together or they are not alone. One hectare of land and you will only see one tarsier in Bohol.
REFLECTIONS
Going to the Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Bilar Man-Made Forest, Tarsier Place, Sikatuna Mirror of the World, and Loboc River in Bohol changed me. Each place taught me important things about nature, history, culture, and protecting the environment. I learned more about rocks, history, animals, and why it's important to save nature, protect animals that are in danger, and take care of water. This trip made me smarter, made me love nature more, and helped me grow as a person. I'm happy I got to see these special and cool places, and I will remember what I learned for the rest of my life.