Bonding & Biking in Breathtaking Bohol

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