Bohol: Tagbilaran City Tour

The Provincial Capitol building is of typical Spanish design with arcs and columns featuring the front façade. It is a huge stone building looking like a fortress of old. The seat of the provincial government of Bohol is housed under its roofs. It lies alongside a very busy thoroughfare with the Plaza Rizal just across the street.

The Plaza Rizal is another attraction with wooden seats sporadically provided under trees where one can relax and commune with nature. Many pigeons inhabit the area which makes the place a favorite haunt for kids and adults alike. The pigeons are so used to the presence of humans that they just hop around when the kids run after them; sometimes flying off only to come back teasingly and land a few inches away.

The Plaza was previously known as Plaza Principe and it is located between the Capitol Building and the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Flags of All Nations are displayed in the Plaza and during the national day of a particular country, the corresponding flag is raised. Some of the flags were donated by the foreign countries themselves.

The picturesque Bohol Cathedral located along Carlos P. Garcia Avenue corner Torralba Street, just across the street from the Plaza, is another well-visited site. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Joseph, the patron of the City whose feast day falls on May 1. It is of Baroque architecture but remodeled after it was burnt down and now acquires a rather modern look. It is the seat of the Diocese of Bohol.

The Bohol Museum was once the home of former President Carlos P. Garcia and his family. On display in the museum are the family’s memorabilia, old relics, furniture and a collection of shells found on the shores of Bohol. It is a place where one will reminisce what Bohol was at that time and with the visit one will better appreciate how Bohol has evolved to what it is now.

The Blood Compact Marker is located at Barangay Bool and identifies the spot where the blood compact between Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, and Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spaniard representing the King of Spain, was held on March 16, 1565. This act is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races.

The Central Public Market in Tagbilaran City was a truly pleasant surprise. Huge, airy and clean, with over a hundred and fifty stalls, this market was a real joy to visit. You can select more fresh and affordable vegetables, seafoods, seeweeds, dried fish and etc. Fruits here is overflowing in a good quality and price. You may also do some bargain and even check the product according to your standard. Explore the Public Market of Bohol as to learn some food and products of this Island.

We have 3 Malls in the Island so you can request which one you prefer but if you like Island City Mall, it is located at Dao Dampas, Tagbilaran City. The Bohol Mall is just few hundred meters away from the center of the City. ICM offers every Saturday or Sunday some variety contest like singing and dancing at the ground level. There are a lot of boutiques, restaurants and many more shops. ICM is the biggest mall from Bohol.