Everyone knows that Bohol has it all in terms of natural tourist spots from beautiful white sand beaches, waterfalls, small primates, adventure parks, rice terraces, and sand bars. But it looks like that the island of Bohol has more to offer. Just recently another nature treat has opened, situated in the eastern part are irresistible panoramic rolling hills – Binabaje Hills: The Alicia Panoramic Park.
As a nature lover and trekker, I knew that I must visit this gem from my beloved province. Plans of going to Alicia Bohol hills and trekking the Alicia Bohol Mountain have been brewing since 2018 but never did happen till last September 2019 when I invited my three close friends to go with me to Jagna, Bohol for our town fiesta. They are my day hike buddies so the pitch of going to Alicia Panoramic View Park is warmly accepted.
How to Go to Alicia Bohol
There are several ways of going to Alicia, Bohol – from Tagbilaran City which is the capital of Bohol, from Tubigon another gateway of Bohol from Cebu, and the less known and the nearest is Ubay Bohol.
Alicia Bohol from Tagbilaran City
• From seaport, ride a trike (25php fare/pax) going to Dao Integrated Bus Terminal.
• From the Dao bus terminal, there is public transport that goes directly to Alicia. For early morning trips, ride a van or bus going to Ubay, it will pass Alicia. van – 140php fare and bus 90php fare to Alicia Municipal hall.
• Travel time is 2.5 hours.
Alicia Bohol from Tubigon
• From seaport, walk to the plaza where there are vans and buses.
• From Tubigon, ride a van (80php fare) going to Carmen. 1.5 hours of travel time.
• From Carmen, ride a bus (40php fare) going to Alicia and drop at Municipal hall. Travel time is 30 minutes.
Alicia Bohol from Ubay
• From Ubay port, walk your way to where the bus is. Just ask around.
• Ride a bus (22php fare) going to Alicia and drop at the municipal hall. Most early morning buses are going to Tagbilaran City but it will pass Alicia.
• Travel time is 35 minutes.
TRAVEL TIP
• If you wanted to see the sunrise or trek earlier, I recommend that you ride a boat from Cebu going to Ubay. J&N RoRo will depart by 9:30 PM from Cebu City at Pier 1 and will arrive in Ubay, Bohol by 2:00 AM. At 3:00 AM there are buses from Ubay to Tagbilaran that will pass Alicia. You can ask the conductor to drop you off at Alicia municipal hall.
• If it cannot be helped that you are coming from Tagbilaran City. There are vans and buses going to Ubay and will pass by Alicia that departs at 3:00 AM from Dao Bus Terminal.
The Alicia Panoramic Park (TAPP)
The hills in this area of Bohol is different from that of Jagna – Mayana Peak: The Highest Peak in Bohol. The park features the breathtaking landscape of Binabaje Hills of barangay Cambaol, Alicia, Bohol. These Bohol hills are mostly covered with cogon grasses and only a little amount of trees. The place is perfect for hiking and there is actually an annual Alicia Bohol Trail Run happening every February. Alicia Bohol trekking used to be only a local thing until the place was known for motocross riders and trekking enthusiasts because of the beautiful ridge trails and picture-perfect green scenery.
How to go to Alicia Panoramic Park
There are several ways of going to Alicia Panoramic Hills. You can bring your own car, rent a car or through public transport.
Private Vehicle
• Contact Alicia tourism office ma’am Godelia Lumogdang 09338655650 that you will be going to Alicia Bohol Panoramic Park and inform her that you are bringing your own car. You can inform them if you can just pick up your guide at the Municipal Hall or at the Junction going to the starting point of the trek.
• The junction is located at barangay Progreso on the right side going to Ubay and on your left if going to Tagbilaran, you will see visible signage of The Alicia Panoramic Hills.
Public Vehicle
• Either from Tagbilaran, Carmen or Ubay drop off at Alicia municipal hall.
• Ride a habal-habal going to Binabaje Hills. Most of the drivers already know the place.
• Fare going to Alicia Panoramic Park is 200php for 2 persons in 1 habal-habal and this is for two way already.
• You will be dropped off at the registration center at barangay Cambaol, Alicia, Bohol.
TRAVEL TIP
The road going to this Alicia Bohol tourist spot is not well paved. Expect a bumpy and dusty ride or a muddy drive when it rains. Highly advisable to ride habal-habal because the drivers are familiar with the road. You can contact our guide Loner – 09302444905 who took really good photos too.
How much is the Fee in Alicia Panoramic Park
• 300php day trek guide fee for 5-7 persons.
• 500php overnight guide fee for 5 persons.
• 30php environmental fee per person.
• 100php tent for rent good for 2 persons.
My Personal Experience
No proper rest and sleep we are all excited to trek Binabaje Hills of The Alicia Panoramic Park. Actually, minimal rest before a trek is a common thing for our group especially if we trek on Saturdays because some of us finish work late and others just stay late and wait for the others to finish work. But this time we came from a boat ride and had to travel by bus.
Personally, I thought that the hike would be easy, and actually it is for frequent trekkers who are used to constant ascend (hello Spartan Trail – Cebu). For newbies, I suggest to do a 1-week cardio exercise (30-minute walk or run) before traversing this trail and to ensure to finish the trail. Osmeña Peak is a lot easier compared to this Bohol hills.
It was a beautiful day, the grasses are green and the hills from afar looks like the Alaska Mountains on summer days. Exhaustion was relieved by the beautiful scenery and touches of laughter of companionship. Kindness is abundant – other groups have shared their food to us and more blessings have poured in the form of heavy rain. Could not be thankful enough for the perfectly situated nipa huts (3 huts) that serve as the resting area for tired but satisfied hikers.
Side-trip to these beautiful locations near Alicia. Lumayag Sandbar in Mabini and Candijay’s rice terraces, waterfalls and cold spring.
Regrets in Trekking Binabaje Hills
1. I have underestimated Binabaje Hills and only rely on what others have to say that it is just an easy climb. I have not properly researched the trail like how much is the elevation gain and the distance of the overall trek.
2. We started very late around 10:30 AM and we are walking in an open trail under an excruciating heat of the sun without proper rest.
3. We did not bring any food and only brought a little water.
4. I have not checked the weather so by the time we are going back, we are welcomed by the heavy rain. Downhill + heavy rain, you know the answer.
Where to Stay in Alicia, Bohol
There are homestays available in Alicia. The tourism officer usually will find a place for you to stay so contact them in advance especially if you arrive in the evening. Another option is staying at a mountain resort in Alicia – Altham Destiny Land Mountain Resort.
TRAVEL TIP
• Bring a minimum of 1L water and if possible 500ml energy drink for each person.
• Bring food (biscuit, mixed nuts, bread, or proper meal). Bring extra for the guide.
• It is an open trail so you can bring an umbrella or wear a cap.
• If you have sensitive skin, wear leggings or pants because cogon grasses are well known to be really itchy.
TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY, LEAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD MEMORIES
If you have visited The Alicia Panoramic Park just recently and found any misinformation on this article, kindly contact Geemiz by commenting down below or through social media and we would gladly update the details listed here. Enjoy your trek!