BOHOL: The New Tourist Destination?

Have you gone to Bohol? Bohol is famous for the Chocolate Hills and the tiny primate called the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) often mistagged as the world's smallest monkey.

Bohol's more commercialized city is Tagbilaran. It has a domestic airport with daily flights to and from Manila and a seaport that docks ships and fast crafts from Manila, Cebu, and some parts of Mindanao. Tagbilaran has also earned attention for its new one-stop shopping destinations, the Island City Mall and the BQ Mall.

Lately, Bohol has boomed because of its prime diving spots located in Panglao. Panglao is a tiny island that houses some of the nicest resorts in the Philippines. It is about 15 to 20 minutes away from Tagbilaran City by car. It is where you will find nice white sand beaches, overlooking views and protected marine sanctuaries.

The latest buzz is that a 4.2B (was originally 2.5B) international airport will be constructed in Panglao island with a tentative completion date in September of 2009. This project indeed, if it's true, has created a spin in the Bohol real estate market. In fact properties that used to cost about P50-P200/sq.m. have now skyrocketed in price amounting to at least ten times the original appraisal value. Even lots in the most remote locations with unpaved roads are worth millions nowadays. Talking about prime real estate, huh?

But what is there for the Boholano populace? Will this create more jobs and more opportunities for entrepreneurs? Or will this bring about crime to this peace-loving community? Will this open a bigger window to the world for Bohol? Some say, that in the not so distant future, if this international airport is realized, Panglao Island will be the next Phuket--the prime tourist destination in Thailand.

So will this make BOHOL the next tourist destination in the Philippines? The answer is simple. If the international airport project will be realized, Bohol is probably headed that way. But will this airport project ever gonna take off?

Things Worth Knowing If You Plan To Travel To the Philippines

This is intended for all aliens/visitors who wish to travel to the beautiful 7,001 islands of the Philippines.

• Most Filipino people can speak the English language because it's taught in the classroom from elementary to college, so if you happen to come by and you need assistance don't hesitate to ask questions in English.


• Generally, the average Filipino stereotypes all white guys as Americans, by referring to them as "Amerikano"(American)


• It's a common misconception that if you're a foreigner from the U.S. or from European countries, you are immensely financially loaded ( as in very rich) even if you hardly own a thing back where you came from


• Filipinos are generally nice, hospitable people, yet one bad comment from your mouth can turn things around because Filipinos are so emotional and one insult can scar their feelings for life


• When you go around the more commercialized cities, it is wiser to stay in tri-star/five-star hotels and avail of their services/assistance rather than staying in unsafe pension houses or motels, especially if you are a first-time visitor to the country


• Don't walk around parading your valuables or looking like you're lost cause you'll only be inviting trouble, instead, if you have the money, take a taxi around or maybe a hotel car to take you to places. Better yet, if you know how to drive, drive around in a rented car


• In the cities avoid crowded areas cause snatchers or hold uppers abound where there are too many people


• It's nice to haggle, but to haggle to no end is just appalling. Typically, you think that you are being overcharged for the service because the number is big but remember the exchange rate between currencies is really a factor, so spare some consideration


• A clue on women: the higher the skirt, the lower the IQ. But most women are educated, so don't treat them like trash unless they act like one.


• Travel to the islands: Most resorts already employ the latest technology that allows credit card acceptance and access to the internet, but if you go somewhere that is remotely situated it is wise to take cash, or even better, gather information about their amenities by calling the establishment or contacting the travel agent before going there


• Manila and Cebu are like melting pots of different cultures so there is a wide range of food choices, spa services, entertainment, shops to choose from.


• The western influence is predominantly conspicuous in a lot of Filipino stuff like music, food, movies, entertainment spots, fashion trend, technology and even in lifestyle so trust that you won't feel lost or alone in some way.


• The Philippines is not a shopping destination for "housewives". Don't get fooled into the notion that if you're looking for a wife, the Philippines is where you should go. Just like all other places, there are good people and there are bad ones. So just be pre-warned.