Being an archipelago, the Philippines is comprised of 7, 107 islands. One of these islands is a beautiful escape called Bohol.

Bohol is an island province situated in the Central Visayas region. It is the 10th largest island in the country with a total land area of 1, 589.68 square miles (that’s 4, 117.26 square kilometres), and a 162 mile coastline (or 261 kilometers long). Its capital city is Tagbilaran. As of 2010, Bohol’s population is 1, 255, 128. Annual growth rate is estimated to be 1.41 percent from 1990-2010.

The province has rolling terrains, befitting for industrial and commercial site developments. Inland Bohol is mountainous and abundant with endangered species of plants and animals. The upland areas are ideal for agricultural production and agro-forestry. The same can be said to the northern and central lowlands, both areas have ample water supplies and fertile grounds. Bohol is found to have numerous caves scattered throughout the province, many of which are among its tourist destinations. Apart from agriculture, tourism plays a vital role in the economic aspect of Bohol.

Bohol is an ideal place to be. It’s rich not only with the warm hospitality of the Boholanos, but genuinely rich in natural wonders, culture and history. Bohol prided itself for being home to the world-renowned Chocolate Hills and the tarsier, the smallest primate in the world. For sun and sand lovers, pristine white-sand beaches await at Panglao Island. Moreover, Bohol is surrounded with glorious diving spots which tourists from all parts of the globe can all fall in love in. Pamilacan and Balicasag islands are two of the most visited diving areas in the province.

The Boholanos share similar language with the Cebuanos (of Cebu, the neighboring province), although Boholanos are also known to have a good command of the English language. Meanwhile, climate in Bohol is appealing. It is usually dry and warm particularly on the coastal areas, and humid and cold inland. Rainy season is generally between June and October.

Natural calamities such as typhoons, landslides and earthquakes are rare to happen in Bohol. However, last October 15, 2013, Bohol was shaken by a 7.2 magnitude quake that left the province in shock and left old heritage churches in ruins. Among these were the churches of Dauis, Maribojoc, Loon, Baclayon, Loboc, Dimiao and Loay. 374 were reportedly injured and 156 lives lost because of that earthquake. In spite of what happened, Boholanos exemplified the true spirit of solidarity, strength and perseverance.

Several months after the devastation, Bohol is slowly rising again. Tourism is gradually back to normal, though some tourist attractions had been affected, still this doesn’t stop visitors from coming into the province for that much needed getaway. Bohol, after all, is truly an island paradise where one finds tranquillity and blissfulness altogether.