My time in Bohol, Philippines will be wrapped up in this blog post sharing my one SIGHTSEEING day of the trip, and oh the sights I saw (& photographed)! It was a day of rejuvenation, adventure, culture and pure inspiration to see all the beautiful sights Bohol has to offer... check out my SIGHTSEEING adventures below and let me know if there's something that peaks your interest or something you'd like to experience, such as CHOCOLATE HILLS, a river cruise, and cute little monkeys that are just INCHES big (or small):

First I will share this river cruise we went on! It was really cool, beautiful scenery, great food and even had some young locals singing Elvis and other "American" music. There was 1 stop which was kind of like a "Tourist Attraction" and believe it or not - a place I felt really uncomfortable photographing. The children and adults there were all dressed in "traditional tribe wear" and offered to be in pictures, FOR A PRICE! There were tip boxes everywhere and after the children lured you to take a picture with them, they pointed to the TIP BOX. I wrestled with that while there. It was a really cool experience but I also felt as if it was exploiting their culture (and children), but definitely understand that is how they are making their money so I was happy to participate and click away - I think you'll love some of these pictures: We also had the pleasure of visiting a Habitat Bohol!

I learned many things on my trip, but one thing I NEVER knew about were Tarsiers... they are the cutest little primates, and by little I mean tiny - 3in to 6in, and only live in the Philippines now! Tarsiers are vulnerable to extinction but have a refugee in Bohol where they live. They are a unique animal as they are the only completely carnivorous primates in the world! I had a great time at the refugee - check out their cuteness:

Another incredible sight: "Chocolate Hills"! As we headed up there, I was so curious about how they got their name and learned that in the dry season, when all the grass dies, these hills turn brow and look like chocolate kisses. Looking out at the viewing deck, I got a panoramic view of these seemingly endless sea of "Chocolate Hills"... can you believe there are over 1,200 of these limestone formations? It was a marvel!

Chocolate Hills, Bohol Philippines Chocolate Hills, Bohol Philippines That's a wrap of my sight seeing day while in the Philippines! It was incredible, to say the least - and as I share it with you through this series, the experiences become richer, the memories grow fonder and the pictures are more precious. Stay tuned for "Artwork Inspired in the Philippines. Series 4/5: The Children" next week!

Truly,

Deserea