Treading the wonders of Bohol
One need not tread every inch of land and sea to experience the different sights of paradise.
The Philippine islands boast some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. From lush forests, magnificent mountain ranges, and pristine beaches, the Philippines is a tropical paradise that offers breathtaking views and memorable experiences.
However, one wouldn’t need to tread every inch of land and sea to experience its different sights. From the lands up north to the getaways down south, every bit of the experience may be found at the heart of the archipelago. Found in the thick of the Central Visayas Region is the island of Bohol, a place where the diverse mix of natural wonders converges.
Aside from the world famous Chocolate Hills, Bohol also has some of the most stunning eco-destinations in the world; one of them is the stunning island of Panglao. Located just southwest of the capital city of Tagbilaran, Panglao Island is a haven for foreign and local tourists because of its pristine white sand and calm blue waters. At the northern part of the island is one of Panglao’s jewels, the Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa. Inside the confines of this vast retreat is a scaled down representation of different landscapes.
Embraced by the serenity of sparkling waters, the space is nestled by the warm expanse of the Cebu Strait. Facing northwards, one would be engulfed by an endless tranquility in turquoise and blue. The breathtaking sight would instantly induce a state of stupor as one is mesmerized by peacefulness and the beauty that melt towards the horizon.
The majesty of the seascape is broken only by a lone patch of land, stranded amid calm blue waters. Accessible by foot while the tide is low, the Dream Islet is a special place where one can experience the stillness of the sea, detached from the stress of reality.
As if hewn from the lush vegetation of this part of the island, the facilities and accommodation of the resort are gently situated in a peaceful commune with nature. Walking across the space, one would see that it is covered in thick overgrowths of tropical plant life. The structures are evenly spaced to preserve the untamed quality of the wilderness. As evidence of this mutual relationship between the island's inhabitants and the diverse wildlife of the area, creatures of all shapes and sizes can be frequently spotted all over the expanse.
Also found within the resort is the Cambagat Cave. The resort is carefully built around this fissure to preserve the ecological balance of the place. It now serves as an added attraction where guests can explore and experience the cool waters and catch a glimpse of the impressive rock formations carved by Mother Nature herself.
Just an hour's drive from Panglao Island is the Loboc River, a waterway that serves as a channel for riverside residents and a destination for tourists as well. During rainy season, the river’s water becomes green due to the agitation of the rainwater that cascades down from adjacent mountains. During summer time however, the waters turn clear blue creating a stark contrast between surrounding greeneries.
To get a bird’s eye view of the mountain ranges and the river that separates it, one should go to the Loboc Eco-Tourism and Adventure Park. The facility offers a unique take on the river experience through its zipline and cable car ride across the river gorge. The 520-meter zip line and the 420-meter cable car ride traverse the gorge from Barangay Gotozon to Barangay Himili-an, offering an exhilarating view of the Loboc River cruise and the majestic Busay falls at the upper end of the river.
To keep up with the constantly changing terrain of Bohol, one would need only the toughest of gear. Sandugo, a brand synonymous to versatility and durability, would be up for this grueling challenge. Built to mirror the enduring quality of the Filipino spirit, Sandugo products were designed to thrive in the most extreme conditions.
Bohol might just be one island, but the richness of its vegetation, the diversity of its wildlife and the variations in its landscapes represent a microcosm of the Philippines’ wonders and splendor. With the right gear, a stroll along Bohol’s destinations might just be as close to treading the entire archipelago’s 7,107 islands. – Article courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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