{"id":5639,"date":"2017-04-23T23:31:39","date_gmt":"2017-04-23T23:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/?p=5639"},"modified":"2019-01-05T13:20:31","modified_gmt":"2019-01-05T13:20:31","slug":"philippines-cebu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/2017\/04\/philippines-cebu\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Philippines – Cebu Island & Bohol Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is my first time to visit Philippines, I choose Cebu simply I like places \u00a0that is less crowded and less traffic.<\/p>\n

Cebu is an island province in the Philippines and is well known as the “Queen City of the South” because of its huge potential in terms of economy and infrastructure. \u00a0But first lets just go exploring the places of interest in Cebu city.<\/p>\n

Mactan Twin City Tour<\/a> -Cebu Taoist Temple<\/strong><\/p>\n

The temple is located on top of a hill about 300 m above sea level. \u00a0I am quite surprised to find a big and well maintain Taoist Temple in Cebu.<\/p>\n

\"Cebu<\/a><\/p>\n

You can see upper class residency are located around this hilltop. \u00a0It is very peaceful and quiet place.
\n
\n<\/a> \"Cebu<\/a><\/p>\n

The temple is open for public when we were there, there are not many tourists around. \u00a0There are small balconies which provide unforgettable scenic views of the Cebu downtown. \u00a0I am sure there are strong Chinese influence in Cebu since there is a huge and beautiful temple here.<\/p>\n

\"Cebu<\/a><\/p>\n

City Tour<\/a> – Fort San Pedro in Cebu<\/strong><\/p>\n

This historical fort is a military defense structure in Cebu, built by the Spanish.\u00a0 It look similar to the A Famosa Fort in Melaka, Malaysia which was built by the Portuguese.<\/p>\n

\"Fort<\/a>
\nIt is a small fort but you can find the Spanish artifacts, sculptures and painting inside the museum.\"Fort<\/a><\/p>\n

Bohol Island<\/a> – The Chocolate Hills<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, people rushed here to see the unique 40 meter mounds. It is said there are about 1268 of this little chocolate hills if you count them. These cute little chocolate hills were formed from deposits of coral and limestone sculpted by centuries of erosion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It was drizzling when I arrived at Bohol Island but the view was spectacular. \u00a0It was first time to see so many huge chocolate, simple amazing. \u00a0This is the highlight of Bohol Island<\/a> and I strongly recommend to visit this place.<\/p>\n

How to get here?<\/strong><\/p>\n

First you need to catch 2 hour ferry from Cebu to reach Bohol Island, then take a taxi and climb 200 steps to reach the Chocolate Hill to see this breathtaking view. \u00a0Well worth.<\/p>\n

\"Bohol<\/a><\/p>\n

Tarsier Conservation Area<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

What is Tarsier? \u00a0This animal has very huge eyes and small body. \u00a0Be careful of Tarsier, they are meat eater and they catch insects, birds, bats and even snake to feed themselves. \u00a0They are good at leaping from one tree to another, so you thought they could fly but they are not.<\/p>\n

We went to this conservative place where the tarsier are well protected and live happily in the area. \u00a0They are very cute, a little bit bigger than your palm size but with eyes that are big and out of proportion.
\n
\n<\/a> \"Tarsier<\/a><\/p>\n

Mahogany Forest in Bohol Island<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mahogany is a kind of wood, reddish-brown timber. \u00a0Actually they are nothing much to see. \u00a0You just go to see the reddish brown timber trees. \u00a0In order to prevent soil erosion of the hillside, these trees were planted here. \u00a0Pretty smart right? \u00a0Not only these trees are good looking but also attracted many tourists to come here. \u00a0It make a very good picture if you step inside the Mahogany Forrest and take pictures with them!<\/p>\n

\"Mahogany<\/p>\n

Baclayon Church in Bohol Island<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What make this church special was it was built with coral stones. \u00a0It is a Roman Catholic Church and the oldest Christian settlement in Bohol. \u00a0This church was supposed to be in the list of Unesco Site but due to the earthquake in 2013, the church suffered a huge damage and it was removed from the nominate from the Unesco Site.<\/p>\n

\"Baclayon<\/a><\/p>\n

Bell tower of\u00a0Baclayon Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Bell<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the best thing I saw from the church is the wall depicting the image of a face. \u00a0People believe it was the face of the\u00a0Jesuit priest Juan de Torres, the guy who started out this Church back in the 15 th century. \u00a0Can you spot the eyes and nose? \u00a0Quite obvious.<\/p>\n

\"Baclayon<\/a><\/p>\n

What do I like remember most in this trip?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, not the beach but the Chocolate Hills in Bohol Island. \u00a0The beautiful Chocolate Hills also changes the colors from green to brown, depending on the season. \u00a0How cool!<\/p>\n

How is the food in Philippines?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I tried the local food and it tasted similar to the Malay cuisine. \u00a0Most dish are deep fried, fishes and pork. \u00a0Not very healthy but very yummy. \u00a0If you want fast food, you can try the local fast food – Jollibee.<\/p>\n

How many days do I need in Cebu & Bohol Island<\/a>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people just fly in for the weekends for a short getaway. \u00a0I think \u00a02-3 days is quite enough. \u00a0If you want relax at the beach, you can add in one more day.<\/p>\n

Exploring Philippines – Cebu Island & Bohol Island : Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n