Bohol: The Geopark that Rocked UNESCO’s World!

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Hold onto your hats because Bohol just rocked the travel world by being declared a UNESCO Global Geopark! From the limestone composition of the breathtaking Chocolate Hills to the Danajon Double Barrier Reef, this recognition from UNESCO is a big boost for the Philippines. Pinoy pride, indeed!

The island’s geological identity has been pieced together over 150 million years, as periods of tectonic turbulence have raised the island from the ocean depths.

UNESCO

Rolling in the Chocolate Hills

Bohol’s UNESCO Global Geopark status means we’re in for a treat! Prepare to be blown away by the famous Chocolate Hills, a landscape straight out of a whimsical fairytale. These mysteriously formed conical hills that look like chocolates during the dry season will leave you in awe, wondering if giants had a hand in their creation. Don’t forget to snap your photos and take on the challenge of counting just how many chocolate kisses nature has scattered around (hint: there are more than a thousand of them!)

Discover the Danajon Double Barrier Reef

Strap on your snorkeling gear and dive into a world of wonder at the Danajon Double Barrier Reef. This underwater paradise offers a kaleidoscope of vibrant corals and a dazzling array of marine life. I didn’t have the courage to try free diving here when I went to Bohol but somehow, this UNESCO recognition encouraged me to explore this. I can’t wait to swim alongside playful sea turtles, majestic manta rays, and a symphony of colorful fish the next time I visit there.

Unleash Your Inner Waterfall Chaser

Time to chase Can-Umantad Falls, the highest falls in the Visayas region! I’ve been to this falls and it’s not disappointing! My favorite part is going up several feet above where the majestic Cadapdapan Rice Terraces lies. Oh yes, rice terraces are not only found in Benguet but in Bohol, too!

Pinoy pride!

Bohol Island’s status as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines is a cause for celebration! In its website, UNESCO described Danajon Double Barrier Reef as “one of its kind in Southeast Asia and one of just six documented double barrier reefs on Earth.”

Aside from Bohol, the other 17 newly designated geoparks include Caçapava and Quarta Colônia in Brazil; Lavreotiki in Greece; Ijen, Maros Pangkep, Merangin Jambi and Raja Ampat in Indonesia; Aras and Tabas in Iran; and Hakusan Tedorigawa in Japan.

Also part of the list are Kinabalu in Malaysia; Waitaki Whitestone in New Zealand; Sunnhordland in Norway; Jeonbuk West Coast in Republic of Korea; Cabo Ortegal in Spain; Khorat in Thailand; and Mourne Gullion Strangford in the United Kingdom.

can-umantad falls bohol
The magnificent Can-Umantad Falls in Bohol

How to get here

By air

To reach Bohol, you have two main options: by air or by sea. There are daily flights from the capital, Manila, to Panglao (30 minutes rides to Tagbilaran) via the domestic airlines – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Air Asia. I usually book my flights at Skyscanner because they have lots of cheap flight options.

By sea

Another way to reach Bohol is by traveling by sea. Several ferries can take you to Bohol from Luzon (Manila), Visayas (Cebu, Dumaguete, Siquijor), and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, and Camiguin). 

OceanJet, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, and Super Shuttle Ferry are the leading ferry companies that travel to Bohol from various locations in Visayas and Mindanao.

Exploring Bohol

Once you arrive in Bohol, you’ll find various transportation options to get around the island. Renting a motorbike or scooter allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but make sure you have a valid driver’s license. Motorbike rental ranges from P300-500 ($6-10) depending on your haggling skills. Tricycles are a popular mode of transport for short distances, while taxis and vans can be hired for longer journeys. Embrace the local charm and hop on a colorful jeepney for a truly Filipino experience.

The most popular activity in Bohol is the countryside daytour that includes a visit to Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Bilar Man-made Forest, Loboc River Cruise, Sipatan Twin Hanging Bridge and the historic Baclayon Church. You can also opt to go island hopping, snorkeling and freediving in Panglao, and even food tripping in different restaurants. Klook is the best site to check on things to do in Bohol and you’ll never run out of activities that you are interested in. Check it out.

Bohol beckons with its natural wonders, warm hospitality, and captivating culture. With its geological marvels, vibrant underwater world, and stunning waterfalls, Bohol offers an adventure-packed journey where laughter and awe go hand in hand. So, pack your sense of adventure, grab your snorkeling gear, and get ready to experience the thrill of Bohol’s geopark glory. Let the island’s beauty ignite your wanderlust and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!

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