On our fourth day in Bohol we went to explore the Bohol interior on the actual island of Bohol. This was one of the things that I was looking forward to the most. Tarsiers. Cute, cuddly, smallest primate in the world, head rotation like an owl, and can jump 5 meters. I was very excited. So we drove to the Tarsier sanctuary first through rice fields and small villages.
And then we saw one! And then another! In total we were able to see three of them. As much as I wanted to put my hand out and hold it, and then put it in my pocket and take it home with me, I wasn't allowed. Apparently because of their size their bones are very fragile and likely to break from improper handling. Plus the whole wild animal thing. However, when I went into the information pavilion I was a little disappointed to see that there were images of the British Royal family holding them, along with major Philippino celebrities and politicians. Famous people get to have all the fun.
After our Tarsier experience we went to a hanging bridge. This bridge was created by woven bamboo and stretches over the length of the Loboc river. It was beautiful, but because it was raining we quickly continued on to the next part of our tour.
The Chocolate Hills! This is one of the must see destinations of Bohol. They're given the name because in dry season they turn a deep chocolate brown colour and are supposed to look like Hershey kisses. Right now at the end of the rainy season they are a lush green. Oddly, the hills can only support grass on them. These hills are actually the result of uplifted ancient coral deposits that then through weathering and erosion have taken on this identical look.Over the Island of Bohol there are well over 1000 of these formations. However, the local legend is that they are teardrop of a heartbroken giant.
Our next stop was the Loboc river cruise. We had a lunch of traditional Phillipino food, on the boat and set down the river.
We docked at a hut on the side of the river where we were treated to some traditional dancing by both children and adults.
Here the children do a traditional dance/game where they jump over the bamboo sticks are they are slide back and forth to the music. If the kids aren't quick enough your feet can get snapped up in the bamboo. Think of it of double dutch but with bigger stakes.
As we left the boat there was a group of men playing some traditional music, the Spanish influence was clear in their music and songs.
Our last stop before going back to the hotel was a statue honouring the Blood Compact. In 1565 there was a treaty of friendship between the Spaniards and the Phillipinos. It was a tradition in which both parties would cut their arm with a dagger and poor the blood into a cup mixed with wine, which was then drank. It was a sign of good faith and a connection between the two parties involved. A statue was erected in the spot where the compact took place, just up from the harbour where the Spaniards anchored.
That night we had dinner on the beach where we were amazed to see one of the most beautiful sunsets ever. It was an early night because the next morning we were headed to Oslob, on the island of Cebu to see the whale sharks. From the tiniest primates one day to the largest fish in the world the next.
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