The Department of Tourism (Filipino: Kagawaran ng Turismo) of the Philippines, more popularly known as DOT, is

the department of the Philippine government which is primarily charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and
develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment, and to spread the
benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.
History
Before the Spaniards arrived and further colonized the Philippines, there were enough evidences suggesting that
the local inhabitants of the Philippines have already been in contact with outsiders such as the Chinese, Malays,
Japanese and other Southeast and East Asian countries through trade. Artifacts found from several archeological
sites all over the country were recovered like jars, pots, ancient tools, and utensils bearing some brand that it came
from another place. In fact, some of the relics were found in deep soil on the eastern part of Bohol.
Shortly after Ferdinand Magellan and his men were defeated by Lapu-lapu (a tribe leader in Cebu), another dispatch
was sent off from Spain. It was Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish Conquistador, who drifted to
the shores of Bohol. He befriended the natives by means of a blood compact with Datu Sikatuna in 1565. This act of
brotherhood was the first international treaty of friendship between the Filipinos and Spaniards. Later on, the blood
compact would then become an annual event called the Sandugo Festival where thousands of tourists would come
and witness this vivacious affair in Tagbilaran City.
From then on, the Spaniards slowly won the hearts of the natives and began their colonization agenda to wisely
utilize the rich and untouched resources in Bohol that were of much use to the Europeans. Later on, several uprising
would emerge in protest of the Spaniards harsh treatment of the natives and religious conflicts.
Among these rebellions, there were two major revolts that remain imprinted on Bohol history: a short revolt led by
Tamblot in 1621-1622, and the famous Dagohoy rebellion which lasted 85 years from 1744-1829. The latter, as a
matter of fact, was considered as the longest uprising in Philippine History.
Furthermore, grueling attempts were made by the Spaniards to stop the rebellion, but failed miserably; even a troop
of 2,200 soldiers sent by General Ricafort was not successful.
Two years before the revolt ended in 1829, Francisco Dagohoy died. In the end, the captured followers were
granted pardon and began a new life in other towns surrounding their hometown of Danao. This revolt, in turn, led to
the establishment of a free Boholano government shortly thereafter.

Tourist Spots

CHOCOLATE HILLS
The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction in Bohol. This island treasure is a series of undulating
hills over a vast plain sometimes considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, it has been declared as
Chocolate Hills National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage.
The hills are considered unusual geological formations that consists of at least 1,268 perfectly cone-
shaped hills of about the same size, that are scattered throughout the municipalities of Carmen, Batuan
and Sagbayan. A one of a kind geological feature in the world. The hills range from 30 to 150 meters high
and are covered in green grass, which turns to brown during dry season, making them look like chocolate
mounds. The Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen town, and Sagbayan Peak in the town of Sagbayan are
two areas where tourists can view the hills up close.
WHITE SANDY BEACHES
ALONA BEACH is located in barangay Tawala, Panglao. This centerpiece of the island is a 1.5 kilometer
stretch of glittering white sand in the southwest portion of Panglao island. It is considered the most
popular beach in Panglao and is shared by different resorts that offer various cuisines and cater to
different markets. There are also quite a number of establishments offering diving lessons and rent of dive
equipment. The seas are exceptionally clear, and this combination of pristine sand and crystal clear seas
has led some experts to label it as one of the best tropical beach in the region. The tranquil waters are
perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking and learning to dive. The adventurous types can
also easily rent boats to go to deeper reefs in nearby islands.
BOLOD BEACH is located east of Alona Beach and is a favorite among locals, mainly because of the
shallow waters that make the place ideal for family get-togethers. The exclusive Bohol Beach Club is
located here and is ideal for those who want privacy.
DOLJO BEACH is located in barangay Doljo. With its deep calm waters, undisturbed coral reefs and
diverse marine life, Doljo Beach is an ideal place for scuba diving. Seashells of varied designs and colors
also abound in the area.
DIVE SITES
BALICASAG is a small island south of Panglao. There is a resort on the island and there are a lot of
beautiful dive sites surrounding the island. Considered as one of the best dive sites in the region, it is
famous among divers for its overhangs, crevices, downslope walls, a vast abundance of the most colorful
and exotic displays of marine life.
LOBOC RIVER CRUISE
Local and foreign tourists who visit the town of Loboc must always include a cruise along the scenic and
winding Loboc River, wherein lunch could only be on board on one of the towns native floating restaurants
that serves fresh seafood and native dishes. A cruise along the emerald green Loboc River starts either
from the Loay Bridge or at the towns Poblacion. The motorized bancas and the floating restaurants take
cruisers upstream passing by nipa trees, coconuts and other tropical flora. The town of Loboc is about 24
kilometers from the city.
TARSIER
The Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta), estimated to be 45 million years old and known to be the
smallest primate. Its home is in Bohol. It has gray fur and nearly gray tail. Tarsiers are named as such
because of their special elongated tarsal bones, which form their ankles and enable them to leap to almost
10 feet from tree to tree. Their long, partly hairless tail arcs over their back when they hop on the ground.
Tarsiers are small and weigh only about 110 to 145 grams or 4 to 5 ounces. The most notable feature of
tarsiers is their eyes, which are each bigger than its entire brain. Like owls, tarsiers can rotate their head
almost 180 degrees in each direction. They hunt at night exclusively for animal prey and their diet
includes insects such as cockroaches, crickets and small lizards.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
The Tarsier Trail starts at the Tarsier Research and Development Center set up by the Philippine Tarsier
Foundation in Canapnapan, Corella. See the tarsiers live and roam freely in their natural habitat. The
Tarsier Sanctuary is located in Corella town about 10 kilometers north of Tagbilaran City.
OLD CHURCHES
BACLAYON CHURCH is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon town. The
Baclayon Church is considered to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It is one of the best
preserved Jesuit build churches in the region, although in the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects
added a modern facade and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. The first Spanish
missionaries or doctrineros in the region,Fr. Juan de Torres and Fr. Gabriel Sanchez, first settled in
Baclayon in 1595. Shortly after their arrival, a visita was erected on the spot. Although Baclayon was the
first seat of the Spanish Jesuit missionaries, fear of Moro mauraders soon forced them to move their
headquarters more inland, to Loboc. Only in 1717, Baclayon became a parish, and construction of a new
church commenced. The church was constructed from coral stones. The laborers used bamboo to move
and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement the stones together. The
current building was completed in 1727. The church obtained a large bell in 1835. Beside the church is the
Baclayon Museum that holds remarkable collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments and other
priceless 16th century relics and artifacts. The Baclayon Church is about 7 kilometers from Tagbilaran
City.
LOBOC CHURCH is the Church of San Pedro in Loboc, Bohol. It is the second oldest church in Bohol built
in 1608, but soon reduced to ashes. In 1638, a stronger one was build. Located near the river, it has
survived a number of floods. Inside the church, you can admire some remarkable naive paintings on the
ceiling. With a three storey convent, a Spanish coat of arms canbe found in the stonewall at the entrance
of the convent. The church has two facades, the Jesuit-built Baroque faade which is decorated with
unfinished medallions depicting saints, and the neoclassical portico added by the Recollects. The bell tower
of Loboc is about 100 meters from the church. The convent built behind the church features a balcony
with colored glass panes and a gilded ceiling and also has a museum on the third floor. The Loboc Church
is about 24 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.
BLOOD COMPACT SITE
A marker which identifies the spot where Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with
Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations
between the countries. The Blood Compact Commemorative Shrine is located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran
City. The sculpture depicting this historical promise of friendship is made by National Artist, Napoleon
Abueva, a Boholano himself. This historical event happened on March 16, 1565 is commemorated every
year in Bohol as the Sandugo Festival in July.
HINAGDANAN CAVE
Hinagdanan Cave is a cave on Panglao Island, in Dauis, Bohol about 9 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.
Hinagdanan means laddered in Cebuano. It is a naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many
large stalactites and stalagmites. The cave leads to a large underground cavern, that contains a pond. The
underground pond is a popular swimming spot, but it has been known to test for high levels of various
pollutants, since it is fed by ground runoff.
MAG-ASO FALLS
Numerous waterfalls and caves are scattered across the island of Bohol, including the beautiful Mag-Aso
falls in Antequera. Mag-Aso means smoke in the native tongue. The water is cool and often creates a mist
in humid mornings which can hide the falls. Mag-aso Falls in the town of Antequera is about 21 kilometers
from Tagbilaran City.

PUNTA CRUZ WATCHTOWER
The watchtower in Punta Cruz, Maribojoc town is located 14 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. The tower is
made of stone wherein a wooden cross is planted in a slightly indented area in front of the tower.
According to legend, the cross has been enchanted with a mysterious spell that had saved many people
from the ravages of pirates. The cross is said to extend its arms to the sea, preventing marauders. The
tower, which has windows that overlook nearby islands Cebu and Siquijor and the Mindanao Sea, served
as a lookout for pirates.

MAN-MADE FOREST IN BILAR
Commune with Mother nature and explore this unique and exciting wilderness in the heart of Bohol. The
Rajah Sikatuna National Park, a man-made forest, experience begins at the Magsaysay Park in the town of
Bilar. The town of Bilar is about 41 kilometers from Tagbilaran City.
Blood Compact Site
View the spot where the Spaniards and Filipinos fostered friendly relations through blood. This is considered as the first
seed of the United Nations and the first treaty between the brown and white race.
Baclayon Church
This is an old stone church with religious relics dating back to the early 16th century. It is considered as one of the oldest
stone churches in the Philippines.
The Philippine Tarsier
See the smallest primate in the world along the Loboc River.
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Feel the coolness of the air and view the awesome display of the thousands of mahogany trees painstakingly planted by
the people.
Chocolate Hills
This is Bohols first and foremost tourist attraction. Feast your eyes on the breathtaking work of nature that has been
considered as one of the wonders of the world. There are 1,268 haycock hills which turn brown during the dry season,
giving it that chocolatey look.
Loboc-Loay River Cruise
Enjoy lunch while cruising and viewing the majestic panorama of nipa palm plantation along the banks of the river.
Sometimes, wild ducks can be seen feeding and swimming on the river.
Loay River Firefly Cruise
Loay River Firefly Cruise is the newest attraction in Bohol. You will ride, not a cruise ship but a slow-moving unlit barge
that will take you to a wider part of the river. The river sides only contains mangroves gently moves with the cold wind
giving it a romantic and magical backdrop where the dim light of the sky and the twinkling lights from the fireflies are the
only illumination of the place.
Loay River Firefly Cruise
Loay River Firefly Cruise is the newest attraction in Bohol. You will ride, not a cruise ship but a slow-moving unlit barge
that will take you to a wider part of the river. The river sides only contains mangroves gently moves with the cold wind
giving it a romantic and magical backdrop where the dim light of the sky and the twinkling lights from the fireflies are the
only illumination of the place.
Bohol Bee Farm
The Bohol Bee Farm is a secluded and rustic resort-cum-restaurant located in Panglao Island. They serve delicious,
organic, healthy food in the restaurant as well as indulge your craving for Boholano delicacies from their bakeshop. Local
souvenirs are also available.
Panglao Island tour
This island is famous for its quiet beaches, but notable locations include Dauis Church (with a well in front of its altar),
Hinagdanan Cave, Panglao Church, Watch Tower, and the market. This tour also includes dolphin and whale watching
while aboard an early morning boat trip to scenic Pamilacan Island. Spinner dolphins are best seen after sunrise.
Punta Watch Tower
Hinagdanan Cave
Pamilacan Island Tour
Pamilacan Island is home to about 11 species of whales and dolphins. Former male whale hunters are now being trained
spotters. Prime dolphin- and whale-watching months are from March to June, but resident dolphin and whale species can
be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Dolphon Watching and Snorkeling at Balicasag Island
Balicasag is a small island that has a large marine sanctuary and is an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling
with its clear blue waters an bountiful marine life.
Scuba Diving in Bohol
Bohol diving is considered to be one of the best in the world. The majority of diving in Bohol is conducted around the
southwestern end of Bohol proper. The resort island of Panglao is a great base for to set up and explore the numerous
dive sites that abound the islands, including Balicasag, Pungtud, Gakang, and Pamilacan. A black coral forest is among
its main attractions. We offer Discover Scuba diving lessons for those who are interested to dive without paying for a full
course.
Danao Adventure Park (E.A.T Danao)
E.A.T Danao stands for Eco/Extreme/Educational Adventure Tour Danao. It is the newest tourism attraction in Bohol. -
See more at: http://www.e-philippines.com.ph/philippine-tourist-destinations/bohol-tours-and-travel-packages/where-to-go-
bohol-tourist-spots/#sthash.Pau8c5D9.dpuf
Bohol Coco Farm - located in Libaong, Panglao Island, Bohol. A great new ECO Tourist Attraction in Panglao and well
worth taking the family for a fun couple of hours. Experience the Coco Sky Walk.
The Watch Tower Punta Cruz - located about 16km South of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, the Watch Tower at Punta
Cruz, Barangay Maribojoc is well worth a visit.
Constructed by the Spanish in the 1796, this strategic location offers an excellent view of the surrounding sea (Cebu,
Siquijor and Mindanao can be seen from the Tower).
Mag-Aso Falls - located in Antequera, Bohol, is a tourist spot of natural beauty. The twin falls around 25 feet in
height dominating the site. The rocks at their base eroded over thousands of years, forming a large pool.
The Falls lay at the bottom of a deep gorge, tropical flora and fauna surrounding the entire site.
Bamboo Hanging Bridge - crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a fun tourist spot to
visit. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope. Today the rope has made way to steel cables, giving added
safety and stability.
Baclayon Church - No tourist trip to Bohol would be complete withoutvisiting Baclayon Church or to give it the
proper title The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Considered to be one of the oldest
churches in the Philippines. A large tower at the front of the building served a duel purpose as both Bell and Watch
Tower.
Inang-angan Steps, Loon - form a gateway between Moto (uptown) and Napo(downtown). Constructed between
1847 - 1849, under the direction of Father Antonio Yus, the then parish priest. This Grand Stairway was originally
made out of coral stone, carved into blocks by local residents. A total of 174 steps spread over 4 flights form this
picturesque and still vital link between upper and lower Loon.

National Museum, Bohol Branch, Tagbilaran City - is an oftenoverlooked Tourist Attraction. It offers an
interesting insight into Bohols post and Pre-Spanish history.The Museum is well worth visiting. Among the exhibits
are Boholano Art, Botanical, Zoological and Archeological materials and artifacts that have been unearthed from
different parts of the island.