Visayas Travel Destinations
Visayas travel destinations for the Visayas Region was our first stop last 2019. With this pandemic that we are experiencing right now, I can say that I am still lucky because my work is not affected by COVID-19, I am with my family, and all of us are in good health. So if you are not affected by this pandemic right now and especially if you are in good health then let’s be thankful for that because not everybody is in the same situation.
With this post, I would like to share with you guys our last year’s travel with my family I think we visited around 8 tourist destinations or let us say popular tourist attractions in the Philippines from Visayas and Mindanao. So let’s start the list of Visayas Travel Destinations, the first tourist attraction is:
-
Bohol Province
– As a couple, we could not count on how many times we’ve been in this province, but this tour is different because together with us are our children and it’s their first time visiting this province. This is the 5th province of our eldest and the 4th province of our youngest that they visited at a young age. Of course, your Bohol trip will not be completed if you do not visit the famous tourist attractions in the province. We stop at:
-
-
-
-
Chocolate Hills
– The hills that don’t have chocolate…LoL!!! The islands´ interior is generally flat but dotted with numerous haycock-shaped hills popularly known as the “Chocolate Hills.” This is one of the iconic tourist attractions in the Philippines. These Hills are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Butuan, and Sagbayn, and consist of 1,268 mounds of the same general shape. The National Committee on geological sciences declares the Chocolate Hills of Bohol a national geological monument.
-
Man-Made Forest
– The Bilar Man-Made Forest, stretching in a two-kilometer stretch of densely planted Mahogany trees located on the border of Loboc and Bilar towns, is another popular spot.
-
River Cruiser in Loboc
– The Loboc River is another major tourist attraction in Bohol. Located in the town of Carmen, the river takes a westerly course for a distance of about 1.5 kilometers (1 mi) and then flows due south into the Mindanao or the Bohol Sea. I would recommend visiting Loboc Cruiser at night because you really appreciate the true nature of the place and the sound of the water with a solemn music background.
-
-
Tarsier Place
– For first-timers in Bohol, one of the main attractions worth seeing is the Philippine tarsiers, cute animals with big, round eyes that feed primarily on insects. Tarsiers are nocturnal, so during the day, they’re mostly hiding or sleeping. They also called this a little monkey. The Philippine tarsier is a species of tarsier endemic to the Philippines. It is found in the southeastern part of the Philippines, particularly on the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
-
The Ruins of Baclayon Church
– Bohol is also well-known for its beautiful heritage churches. Notable churches include the St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Church of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, Santa Monica Church in Albuquerque, San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Dimiao, Holy Trinity Church in Loay and Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Dauis. Last 2013, the famous church heritage of Bohol was damaged due to a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2. Churches with hundreds of years were destroyed and collapsed by this earthquake, the heritage that collapsed are Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Loboc Church, Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, Chocolate Hills, Chocolate Hills, Chocolate Hills, Maribojoc Church, and Loay Church and all of these are National Cultural Treasures Landmarks.
-
-
-
-
There are lots of activities that you can try in Bohol, they have also some extreme adventure sports I’m sure you gonna love them once you have tried them. 🙂 By the way, Bohol province is the 10th largest island of the Philippines. It is an oval-shaped island province located in Central Visayas. It is bounded by Cebu in the east; Bohol Strait in the west; the Camotes Sea in the north; and the Mindanao Sea in the south. Next to our Visayas travel destinations are: If you are interested in exploring the iconic Chocolate Hills, encountering the world’s smallest primates, and enjoying unique activities like a traditional salt-making workshop and a SUP tour on the Loboc River, check out this tour of Bohol’s Countryside.
-
The Visayas Capital, Cebu City
– Again we could not count how many times we’ve been here but again it is special travel because we travel together with our little ones. This is the 4th province of our eldest and 3rd province of our youngest. There are lots of tourist attractions in Cebu City as well but for this tour since we have limited time we only choose those tourist attractions that we think are new to us and not so crowded. So let us start with,
-
-
-
Cebu Heritage Monument
– With centuries full of invasions, battles, and revolutions, Cebu is a city with stories to tell. Visit Cebu Heritage Monument for a synopsis. With centuries of history and tales, consider hiring a guide before you go or taking one’s offer when you arrive.
-
Taoist Temple
– In the Beverly Hills subdivision of Cebu, you’ll find a beautifully designed Taoist Temple. Located 300 meters above sea level, expect lots of steep steps and winding paths that will get your blood pumping as you make your way to the top. Once you reach the temple, you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the island. Before you enter the temple, however, be sure to wash your hands and take off your shoes. This one of the Visayas travel destinations is popular during the field trips for students.
-
Yap San Diego Ancestral House
– Built-in 1675, Yap San Diego Ancestral House is one of the oldest and best-preserved houses in all of Cebu. It’s fascinating to get up close and personal with such an ancient structure that has managed to maintain its original integrity. You’ll see that the lower part of the house is made out of coral stones- this includes the walls, stairs, ceilings, and floors. The roof is made with Chinese bricks, also called ‘terracotta’ tiles.
-
Temple of Leah
– The next tourist attraction is the Temple of Leah which is along the Cebu Transcentral highway. Teodorico Soriano Adarna built this temple in 2012. The temple is a symbol of his undying love for his wife of 53 years, Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. The temple has 24 chambers including a museum, an art gallery, and a library. In addition, Greek and Roman architecture are the inspiration for the temple. Statues of gigantic lions as well as a grand staircase with brass angels are decors of this Taj Mahal of Cebu.
-
Sirao Flower Garden
– Heading to the more elevated spot is in the Busay area which is the Sirao Flower Garden. Going there is like experiencing the Netherlands, thus this tourist attraction is commonly called, “The Little Amsterdam”.
-
-
10,000 Roses in Cebu
– Moving to the nearby island of Mactan, you can visit the 10,000 Roses of Cebu. This magnificent spot, which is in Day-as Barangay Rd, Cordova, Cebu, has gone viral on social media. 10,000 artificial LED-powered roses surround this certain Roses Café and more. Most guests prefer to go there during dusk to see the beautiful sunset while the roses light up at night. Moreover, the owner of the café, who is also an interior designer, intends to create a romantic ambiance for couples.
-
Simala Church
– In Sibonga, the southern town of Cebu lies the prestigious Simala Church. Simala church stretches its grandiose arm as if to welcome religious people from all over the globe. The design is inspired by European cathedrals. Not only is the place magnificent in structure, but this also reveals a culture that is deeply seated among Cebuanos – the essence of Roman Catholicism.
-
Cebu Ocean Park
– Added to the list of Cebu’s best tourist destinations in Cebu Ocean Park which has just been opened in August 2019. Cebu Ocean Park is the Philippines’ biggest oceanarium. Located just behind the large SM Seaside Mall and beside the wondrous San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, this is a perfect place for young kids as it is accessible to those who are near the city, and is surely educational and entertaining! There are thousands of marine species settled in aquariums of varied shapes and sizes. Fascinating-looking sea creatures are catchers to the tots’ curious minds.
-
-
-
Fat DoIs
– Is a popular restaurant in Cebu wherein they serve a lot of cheese in your food. The dishes are served and heated with portable stoves. You can dip, wrap, and pull up making the dining experience more fun and exciting. They are located at A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City. Before Oakridge, if coming from Banilad, after Oakridge if coming from JCenter Mall or Hernan Cortes. 30 minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu.
-
Whale Shark @ Oslob
– Undoubtedly, one of the most popular — talking about worldwide recognition. Tourist attractions in Cebu are Whale Shark Watching or Swimming with the Whale Sharks in Oslob, Southern Cebu. And here’s everything you need to know about this famous yet controversial spot in Cebu.
-
-
More tourist destinations in the Philippines in part 2 of 2019 Travel Destinations with my family.