Enjoy some of the sights and sounds of Bohol while you’re at Lost Horizon!
BEACHES
KAINGIT BEACH
Tagbilaran City: A popular beach resort in Tagbilaran which is crowded with bathers during weekends. It is situated in a cove which provides for calm water even during stormy weather. It is located at the end of a side street from Graham Avenue. It is being developed and maintained by the city government.
SANTA FE BEACH
Albuquerque – 13 km from Tagbilaran City: A favorite white-sand beach fronting the open sea of Mindanao. It is located about 1.5 km from the Poblacion of Albuquerque.
ANDA BEACH
Anda – 101 km from Tagbilaran City: A white-sand beach along the Poblacion noted for its cleanliness and unpolluted sea.
LAYA BEACH
Baclayon – 9 km from Tagbilaran City: A wide area shaded by tall coconut trees, Laya Beach is ideal for picnicking. A rest house is available at minimum cost.
BIKINI BEACH
Dauis – 8 km from Tagbilaran City: An ideal beach for all bathers with calm waters and shading palm trees. Huts and benches are available for picnickers. Coral fishes abound here. (Bring your own bikini!)
IMELDA BEACH
Dimiao – 40 km from Tagbilaran City: Once chosen as the campsite for Boys and Girl Scouts of Bohol, it is located along the national highway before reaching the Dimiao town proper.
DUERO BEACH
Duero — 77 km from Tagbilaran City: A beautiful beach located in the eastern part of Bohol noted for its stretch of white sand shaded by palm and coconut trees.
CANUBA BEACH
Jagna – 58 km from Tagbilaran City: An ideal place for bathing with clean water and white sand. The beach is shaded by palm trees and a cliff in the eastern part of the beach.
CLARING BEACH
Loay – 28 km from Tagbilaran City: A long stretch of white sand, the beach was developed during the time of Senator Jose Claring. It is complete with recreational facilities and a bathhouse. It is located 1 km from Loay.
LINTUAN BEACH
Loon – 25 km from Tagbilaran City: It is the favorite beach resort in this part of the province. It has white sand extending out for some distance and is ideal for children.
ALONA BEACH
Panglao – 20 km from Tagbilaran City: A long stretch of white sand facing the Mindanao Sea, Alona has many full-service beach and dive resorts. Excellent scuba diving is nearby and trips to Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands can be arranged.
DOLJO BEACH
Panglao – 19 km from Tagbilaran City: Ideal for scuba diving, the long stretch of white sand fronts undisturbed coral reefs harboring numerous fish and beautiful seashells. The waters are clear and calm.
MOMO BEACH
Panglao – 19 km from Tagbilaran City: Another white-sand beach found in the northern part of Panglao Island.
Bohol Historical Sites
BLOOD COMPACT SITE
Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City: An historical marker marks the location 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 two nations. The Blood Compact on March 16, 1565, is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between Europe and Asia.
PRESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA MEMORIAL PARK
Tagbilaran City: A joint undertaking of Boholanos from all over the country and abroad have erected a park in loving memory of the greatest Boholanos — Carlos Polistico Garcia, the fourth President of the Republic of the Philippines. It sits on a rolling site with an area of 11 hectares chosen by Garcia himself in 1939 when he was governor of Bohol. Here, one can see the exquisite monument of marble base and a life-size bronze statue by Bohol’s famous sculptor, National Artist Napolean Abueva. In the background is the provincial capital.
MT. CARMEL HILL
Balilihan – 24-km from Tagbilaran City: Atop the Mt. Carmel Hill right in the heart of Balilihan town, is a historical tower of adobe and limestone. These materials were hauled from the town of Baclayon. It was built to serve as a belfry of a church that was burned down during the Philippine revolution. Like a sentinel, the tower stands as a guard over the town. Concrete stairways were built to make the tower more accessible.
BEHIND THE CLOUDS
Catigbian – 38 km from Tagbilaran City: This is the cradle of the resistance movement in Bohol during the Japanese occupation when a group of courageous men composed of disbanded soldiers and ordinary citizens started guerilla operations to liberate the island. The encampment nestles in a deep ravine hidden from the enemy. When opposition headquarters were transferred to Carmen, the encampment was used to hold enemy prisoners.
DAGOHOY MARKER
Danao — 92 km from Tagbilaran City: The Dagohoy historical marker in Magtangtang, Danao town was installed by the Philippine Historical Commission to honor the heroic deeds of Francisco Dagohoy who led the longest revolt in the country against the Spaniards which lasted for 84 years. Magtangtang was Dagohoy’s headquarters or hideout during the revolt. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s followers preferred death inside the cave than surrender. Their skeletons still remain.
PUNTA CRUZ
Maribijoc – 14 km from Tagbilaran City: This is an ancient stone watchtower built by the townspeople as a lookout for incoming pirates. On a rock lip that juts out into the sea fronting the tower stands a wooden cross. Legend has it that by extending a mysterious spell over the sea, the cross has saved many people from the ravages of pirates and marauders. The tower holds a commanding view of the sea-facing Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao and has been officially designated as a historical tourist spot. The area surrounding the tower has been developed into a park.
RELIGIOUS SITES
BACLAYON CHURCH
Baclayon – 6 km from Tagbilaran City: The oldest stone church in the Philippines was built by the Jesuits in 1595. Its ancient massive edifice still retains its centuries-old architectural design. Church relics and artifacts from this early period can be viewed at the adjacent museum.
DAUIS CHURCH
Dauis – 3 km from Tagbilaran City: One of Bohol’s most beautiful churches, its semi-modern facade still retains the original Spanish architecture. The interior has lifelike murals painted on the ceiling. The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers and is the object of veneration particularly during its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the town folk locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of provisions and water. Suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for people living in the church vicinity. The water is, surprisingly, absolutely fresh even though the well is located a short distance from the sea.
FATIMA HILL
Carmen – 55 km from Tagbilaran City: The venerated image of Our Lady of Fatima stands on a hill with concrete stairs. A pilgrimage to the hill is celebrated every 13th of May by the faithful.
ILIHAN HILL
Jagna – 54 km from Tagbilaran City: Ilihan Hill has become a religious site for pilgrimages by the faithful. It is located about 4 km from Jagna town by winding road. It overlooks the Sea of Mindanao and the evening vista is beautiful. On top of the hill is the image of the Barangay Sang Birhin where a chapel has been in her honor.
LOON CHURCH
Loon – 25 km from Tagbilaran City: This ancient church is connected to Napo, the former seat of the town, by 154 stone steps believed to be the longest stairway in the country and a reminder of Spanish forced labor.
BOHOL TOURS
BANAT-I HILL
Tagbilaran City: This hill commands a scenic view overlooking the vast Sea of Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor provinces, and the strait of Panglao Island. The elevation is 145 meters.
ELLY HILL
Tagbilaran City: Its formation is similar to that of the famous Chocolate Hills. The elevation is 100 meters and it is situated in the northern part of the city about 5 km away.
CHOCOLATE HILLS
Carmen – 55 km from Tagbilaran City: This is the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Among the thousands of perfectly cone-shaped hills which abound in Central Bohol, two of the hills have been developed into a resort. On top of the hill are two youth hostels with a conference room, cozy cottages with private rooms, and accommodation. On top of the second hill is an observation deck with 213 concrete steps. Once on top, one can view the exquisite panorama of God’s wondrous creation spread as far as the eyes can see. Food is served at the restaurant The site is connected by a cemented winding road to the main highway.
HIMONTAGON HILL
Loay – 20km from Tagbilaran City: Located in Sitio Candoon in Barangay Botoc Occidental, the Himontagon Hill is a very scenic place overlooking the Mindanao Sea. Visible from atop the hill are the sparkling evening sceneries that portray a beautiful glittering city mid-sea, the lights being provided by lamps of fishermen. During clear weather, Hibok-Hibok Volcano on the island of Camiguin is visible in the distance. The hill also provides fascinating scenes during sunrises and sunsets.
OMHON RESORT
Dimiao – 40 km from Tagbilaran City: Omhon is located in one of the highest elevated parts of the province and the climate is cool. It is planned to be the summer capital of the province.
TONTONAN FALLS
Loboc – 21 km from Tagbilaran City: The Tontonan Hydroelectric Plant is generated by these falls which is the first of its kind in the Visayas. It is capable of supplying electric power to six municipalities. The plant machinery is located in a deep tunnel a few meters from the Loboc River.
LOBOC RIVER
Loboc – 21 km from Tagbilaran City: A fascinating boat ride along the Loboc River has recently been discovered. Starting from Loay Bridge which is the outlet of Loboc River, motorized pump boats start the exciting boat ride along palm-fringed banks inland. The water is serene. The boat ride ends near the Busay Falls where the cascading water provides a pleasant bathing spot.
BUSAY FALL
Sevilla – 34 km from Tagbilaran City: Busay Falls are located inland of the Loboc River past Sevilla town. These beautiful falls provide exciting scenery for bathers who flock here during weekends. Two little islets in the middle of the river make the place an ideal site for picnickers.
BADIANG SPRINGS
Valencia – 44 km from Tagbilaran City: An underground freshwater spring gushes from twin pipes near the sea. The large volume of water normally flows over a waterfall but can be diverted to fill an adjacent swimming pool. Swimmers can choose between the large pool, a small children’s pool, or the sea. Sheltered picnic tables are on a veranda overlooking a smooth-stone beach.
INAMBACAN FALLS
Antiquera – 19 km from Tagbilaran City: A beautiful cascading waterfall in a forest setting, it has potential as a water supply source. It is located about one kilometer from the Poblacion.
HINAGDANAN CAVE
Dauis – 6 km from Tagbilaran City: An eerie underworld cavern of stalactites and stalagmites its underground pool catches fresh, cool water gushing from its rock walls. Shafts of sunlight pierce through two natural openings almost directly above the pool. It is located about 2 1/2 km from the Poblacion.
BOHOL CULTURAL PLACES
BOHOL MUSEUM
Hontanosa Street, Tagbilaran City: Once the home of former President Carlos P. Garcia and his family, the museum gives the visitor a feel of what Bohol was, is, and will be. Also on display are memorabilia, relics, and samples of island flora and fauna.
MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS
JAYCEE PROMENADE
Tagbilaran City: A joint project of the Bohol Jaycees and the city government, the promenade juts into Tagbilaran Bay near the K of C reclamation area. It is a favorite spot for lovers who stroll in the late afternoon to watch the sunset across the bay.
RIZAL PARK
Tagbilaran City: Previously known as Plaza Principe, it was renamed after Jose Rizal and contains a life-sized statue of the national hero. It is located in front of the Capitol Building and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Flag poles for the Flags of Nations were installed by the Tagbilaran Lion’s Club where flags of different countries are raised particularly during their national day.
CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND MINI PARK
Tagbilaran City: Near the St. Joseph Cathedral is the Lion’s Children’s Playground where the little kids enjoy with playground facilities. Across is the Lionnette’s, Mini Park. A beautiful fountain with dancing waters has been installed. The park is being landscaped and improved by the provincial government.
MAGSIHA SWIMMING POOL
Balilihan – 24 km from Tagbilaran City: This is a swimming pool supplied by water from a nearby spring. Barrio folks take time out to enjoy bathing in this artificial pool.
MAGSAYSAY CAMP
Bilar – 45 km from Tagbilaran City: This Boy Scout camp is cool and tranquil. The entire area is surrounded by tall trees that make it a pleasant place to stay. It is located in the mountains a few kilometers from the Poblacion of Bilar town. The campgrounds are one of the best in the area.
BILARMA CAMP
Bilar – 45 km from Tagbilaran City: This is the provincial girl scout encampment. A beautiful site for camping where the youth communes with nature. There is a swimming pool where abundant freshwater cascades from a source that seems inexhaustible even during summer. Bathers from Tagbilaran take the long ride just to enjoy the beauty of the site.
THE HOME
Carmen – 55 km from Tagbilaran City
