Ranked among the world’s most biologically diverse countries, the Philippines is one of the best places on Earth to see fascinating creatures and awe-inspiring natural areas. The archipelago is home to some 70 percent of the world’s flora and fauna species, including over 100 mammals found nowhere else on the planet. In the island-province of Bohol, guided ecotourism experiences offer up-close views of the country’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Along with other destinations in the Philippines preparing to welcome back local visitors, Bohol has earned a SafeTravels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. SafeTravels certification ensures tourism operators in Bohol are following standardized global protocols designed to help safeguard travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amazing animals
Native to the Philippines, the palm-sized tarsier is one of the world’s smallest primates. Best known for its big, bulging eyes, the nocturnal creature is notoriously shy, making it unlikely you’d spot one in the wild. Tour the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area to learn about efforts to preserve important tarsier habitat and to observe the tiny creatures sleeping in the trees.
In the Bohol Sea marine sanctuary surrounding Pamilacan Island, watch for magnificent marine life like whales, dolphins, and manta rays on a guided boat tour. March to June is the best time to see bus-sized sea creatures like the sperm whale and Bryde’s whale. To offer marine ecotours, operators must earn the Ultimate Bohol Experience (UBE) Seal of Excellence, indicating strict adherence to “new normal” standards.
Jungle waterways
Paddle through paradise along the Loboc River, one of 12 major rivers connecting Bohol’s upland ecosystems to the sea. The 40-square-mile Loboc Watershed, the province’s largest watershed forest reserve, provides critical habitat for several flora and fauna species, including the Philippines endemic red-keeled flowerpecker, a tiny bird with a powerful tick-tick-tick call. While tourists regularly travel the Loboc on floating-restaurant cruises, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tours are a more eco-friendly and up-close way to see the surrounding nature: rainforest, river, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Tour options include multi-day excursions, such as SUP yoga retreats and trips including paddleboarding among sea turtles off Panglao Island. To experience the mesmerizing sights and sounds of the jungle after dark, take a SUP night tour. Depending on the season, weather, and moon phase, you could be treated to magical views of a glowing full moon or of twinkling fireflies. SUP-ing is naturally well-suited to “new normal” travel since paddleboarders are outdoors and can maintain physical distance on the water.
Enchanting environments
Stretching as far as the eye can see, the rounded Chocolate Hills are a mysterious, topological wonder found only in Bohol. An estimated 1,776 limestone mounds—appearing velvety green most of the year and chocolate brown in the dry season—rise from the surrounding the island’s interior plains, creating an otherworldly backdrop visible from the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan.
In eastern Bohol, the captivating Cadapdapan Rice Terraces are cultural landscapes and ancient engineering marvels. Hike to higher ground to view the mosaic pattern created by the rice fields on the emerald slopes of Candijay. Nearby, visit breathtaking Can-Umantad Falls. Thought to be Bohol’s highest cascades, the roaring falls tumble 60 feet down a tiered, rock face. As with all Bohol tourist destinations, advance reservations are required to hike to the falls and visitors must follow posted COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Undersea wonders
Bohol province is home to some of the best dive spots in the Philippines. Five major ecosystems—fringing mangroves, seagrass beds, sargassum seaweed beds, coral reefs, and deep-sea —are present in the Bohol Marine Triangle, comprised of Panglao, Balicasag, and Pamilacan islands. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the islands harbor a dazzling array of marine life, including nearly 145 coral species, 13 of the 22 known marine mammal species, and endangered and vulnerable species like the giant clam, manta ray, and whale shark.
The Triangle’s largest island, Panglao, conveniently connected by a causeway to the main island of Bohol, is the gateway for snorkeling off Alona Beach and for offshore scuba excursions. Whether you want to learn how to scuba dive, earn an advanced diving certification, or take daily dive trips, Panglao’s PADI-certified dive operators, such as the Bohol Divers Club, can customize an itinerary to fit your skill and interests. Reduced boat capacity, enhanced sanitization of rental gear, and keeping divers six feet apart until they’re underwater are some of the “new normal” measures designed to safeguard guides and guests.
For more travel guidelines and updates visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip for information.
