With lockdown
restrictions already easing up, Bohol residents have started looking for fun
& leisurely activities to indulge in. Whether an entirely new hobby or
picking up where they left off, residents have started going out in droves
after staying indoor for almost five months.
With Bohol under Modified General Community
Quarantine (MGCQ) non- contact sports & fun activities such as swimming,
biking, tennis and scuba diving are allowed already.
Mandatory safety
protocols are observed to allow for an exhilarating yet safe activity.
Cong. Aris Aumentado with wife Vanessa & son Lawrence
Let’s start first with biking, one of Bohol’s most popular leisure
activities because of the island’s paved smooth roads. It allows for a healthy
cardiovascular workout, bond with family and friends and enjoy the scenic
postcard- pretty Bohol landscape. Even
before the COVID 19 pandemic, biking has already been attracting hordes of
biking enthusiasts and biking groups have even been formed to regulate and
monitor their activities.
Ms. Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Cong. Aris Aumentado, shares some
practical tips to fully enjoy the activity.
WHAT TO
WEAR
Helmet, gloves, bright-
coloured cycling jersey & shorts with padding, comfortable rubber shoes and
shades.
BEST TIME
FOR ACTIVITY
Early in the morning
between 5 am and 7 am or late in the afternoon 4 pm to 7 pm.
MOST
POPULAR ROUTES From the capital city of
Tagbilaran to Panglao (20 kilometer distance) , Tagbilaran City to Corella and
Sikatuna (10 kms. & 17 kms from the city, respectively) Panglao to the interior towns of Loboc, Bilar
& Carmen (20 km, 40 km & 60 km, respectively or Panglao to Jagna (66
km) in eastern Bohol.
Vanessa advises beginners and first- time visitors to take it easy with
an hour- long ride that would take you to the countryside and get glimpses not
only of breathtaking natural wonders but also of the island’s daily life.
Iconic Panglao Watchtower
FAB FOUR. Judith, Vanessa, Lirio & Evelyn
For those who traverse from Panglao, bikers may choose to go to eastern
coastal Bohol or tour the interior part. It’s both a lesson in history and a
pleasant travel experience as you pass by towns with their age- old stone
churches, busy markets and modern town halls. In between, there are
unobstructed views of the coast that overlooks the Mindanao Sea. You may do
quick stop overs for refreshments, some chitchat and selfies at IG- worthy
sites.
 |
| Quick stop to enjoy the scenery at eastern Bohol |
Want a feel of Bohol’s interior towns? Then proceed to Loboc (20 km
distance) via Corella (home of the Tarsier Sanctuary) and Sikatuna. From Loboc
where you get glimpses of its famed floating restaurants, you may proceed to
Bilar where you pass through the enchanting Bilar Man- Made Forest and see the
iconic Chocolate Hills in Carmen (60 kms)
At the peak of Mt. Banat-i, Tagbilaran City's highest peak
So how about you guys? Are you ready for the ride of your life?
A pose at the impressive facade of Moadto Strip Mall, Panglao
Photo credits: Ms. Vanessa Aumentado
