Also known as the Santa Monica Parish Church, the Albur Church and Museum is a historical landmark in Bohol’s Municipality of Albuquerque. The church falls under the Diocese of Tagbilaran and became an Important Cultural Property in 2013, as named by the National Museum of the Philippines.

The Albur Church and Museum was established in 1869 after separating from the Baclayon Parish. This grand and impeccable site is responsible for much spiritual growth in the region when people from neighboring barangays settled in Segundo to be closer to the chapel.

From the late 1860s to 1880s, the church underwent significant extensions, donning new coral stone to replace its once tabique walls. The people built a grotto between the church and convent, adding three bells inscribed with Sta. Monica, San Augustine, and Calipay (meaning joy).

Like many religious sites in Bohol, the Albur Church has endured dozens of historical events. In 2013 the church fell victim to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and, fortunately, was restored to its original splendor and expressive halls.

Also known as the Santa Monica Parish Church, the Albur Church and Museum is a historical landmark in Bohol’s Municipality of Albuquerque. The church falls under the Diocese of Tagbilaran and became an Important Cultural Property in 2013, as named by the National Museum of the Philippines.

The Albur Church and Museum was established in 1869 after separating from the Baclayon Parish. This grand and impeccable site is responsible for much spiritual growth in the region when people from neighboring barangays settled in Segundo to be closer to the chapel.

From the late 1860s to 1880s, the church underwent significant extensions, donning new coral stone to replace its once tabique walls. The people built a grotto between the church and convent, adding three bells inscribed with Sta. Monica, San Augustine, and Calipay (meaning joy).

Like many religious sites in Bohol, the Albur Church has endured dozens of historical events. In 2013 the church fell victim to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake and, fortunately, was restored to its original splendor and expressive halls.

Bohol’s Blood Compact Monument honors the first international treaty between the Philippines and Spain. National Artist Napoleon Abueva erected the monument featuring Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Rajah Sikatuna performing the historic blood compact on March 16, 1565.

The sculpture rests on a raised dais, providing breathtaking views of the Bohol Sea. But did you know that it doesn’t mark the actual location where the treaty occurred?

The blood compact was historically referred to as sandugo, a Visayan word directly translating to “one blood.” The sandugo is also present in the region’s provincial flag and Bohol’s seal of government.

The Bilar Man-Made Forest is a 2-kilometer stretch of towering mahogany trees embracing where the road from Loboc meets Bilar. Each tree was part of a 50-year-old reforestation project that is now one of Bohol’s most sought-after, picture-perfect locations.

The views are awe-inspiring, and you may recognize this venue in several local films. You’ll notice a rapid temperature change when you enter the forest, as the trees completely block the sunlight. Every branch grows into another, and young trees grow straight toward the sky!

When it comes to enumerating the top tourist attractions in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills nab the number one spot. You’ll see a thousand symmetrical and conical brown hills over 50 square kilometers here.

As their name suggests, these hills turn a delicious—sadly inedible—chocolate brown during the dry season.

Not only are the Chocolate Hills a visual feast, but they’re also the subject of a long-standing Philippine legend. According to myth, two giants once fought, hurling stones and sand at each other to form the Chocolate Hills.

Of course, there’s no scientific basis to this, as science credits their formation to uplifting coral deposits. Whatever you believe, the Chocolate Hills are still a sight to behold!

Bohol is home to dozens of the Philippines’ oldest churches—the Baclayon Church is among the older ones, dating way back to 1727! The Baclayon Church stands out because it’s structurally original, maintaining most of its authentic materials despite the earthquake in 2013. The simple cross-shaped building is made from coral stone and egg whites mixed into plaster.

Jesuits founded the actual parish in 1596 following Spanish conquistador settlements. Today, local parishioners have taken over.

Because of its age and rich history, the Baclayon Church became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the church is a captivating experience as visitors behold its blended architectural styles and grand visual interest.

The church boasts two facades—the interior draws inspiration from classical architectural styles, while the exterior displays touches from Augustinian Recollects.

Like the Albuquerque Church, the Baclayon Church is also a Natural Cultural Treasure.

Among the top activities to experience in Bohol is the Loboc River Cruise, which begins at the Loay Bridge neighboring the Church of San Pedro. Thanks to conservation efforts, the river’s surface is a milky jade and spectacularly clean.

The tour lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, and our GalaGO! tour inclusions cover your buffet lunch.

This famed floating restaurant also houses a group of onboard singers who serenade guests as they take in the river sights. Mid-trip, the cruise stops near Busay Falls. Surrounding the area are hundreds of overhanging palm trees, and your raft may pass a fisherman or two.

If you’re looking for Bohol’s ultimate souvenir destination, look no further than the Aproniana Gift Shop. You’ll find everything from stuffed tarsiers, shirts, hats, magnets, keychains, necklaces, wooden products, and lanterns to Boholano delicacies.