Nature Trip

 

The beautiful scenery and the salty breeze from the blue ocean are some of the unforgettable experiences I had when we visited Bohol. We went there in June 2023 for a gathering, coinciding with the return of our relatives from the United States. I also met my grandmother’s cousins and siblings—my mother’s mother. We were all happy at the gathering, and after meeting and catching up, we visited the tourist spots on the island. The first place we visited was the Mirror of the World and Botanical Garden in Sikatuna, Bohol. It’s in a hidden area that you wouldn’t expect to be a tourist destination. While we were still in the vehicle on the way there, I was curious about where we were headed because it seemed like we were going far from any houses. But when we arrived and entered, I was amazed by its beauty. There were beautiful replicas of landmarks from various countries. I also saw Koi fish—a type of fish found in Japan. We roamed around for a few minutes, taking pictures. I was really impressed by the stunning infrastructure that made me feel like I had also visited other countries.

 Next, we visited the Tarsier Sanctuary located in Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol.. On the way there, I was fascinated by the scenery we passed by; whenever I saw a triangular mountain, I would call it a chocolate hill. The path was cool due to the trees around. I learned that we needed to stay quiet because the tarsiers, the smallest monkeys in the world, are sensitive. When we entered, I thought only Filipinos visited, but there were also Koreans and Chinese. The area was peaceful and surrounded by trees, with a cool climate since it was in a high place. When I saw the tarsier, I was amazed by its small size, like a mouse clinging to a tree branch. What I used to only see in books and pictures, I finally saw up close.

 Next, we went to one of Bohol’s famous and proud attractions—the Chocolate Hills. These hills are stunning; when we visited, they were green. According to what I read, these hills were formed due to geological events or the movement of the earth’s subsurface. The view was so beautiful that I didn’t want to leave when we reached the peak. There were also souvenir vendors selling items like bracelets, clothes, decorations, and many more. Visiting Bohol was one of the things I had dreamed of before. Beautiful scenery close to nature is one of my favorite places. Besides the views, the blue sea and the kind people enriched the island’s culture. I hope to return if time permits.