Kayak and tubbing in Wahig River, Bohol
Note: I’m reposting this entry as before I was asked kindly by the folks at Smile Magazine to remove the post until the issue is out. Now the October/November issue of Smile Magazine is out, and it’s an Adventure Packed issue, so if you are flying via Cebu Pacific Airlines anytime between October and November, don’t forget to check out the latest issue of Smile. You could preview the line up at their website www.cebusmile.com.
For the meantime, forget about anything you commonly know about Bohol. Forget about the chocolate hills, the historical churches, the tarsiers, the beaches and the diving. Now open yourself up as we go inland off-center to the heart of Bohol where extreme adventures awaits for every nature lover and outdoor thrill seekers. Let us now venture into Danao, Bohol’s newest adventure mecca.
Ian Gonzaga, the Bohol Mayor’s brother kayaking nearby an underwater cave
The province of Danao,located amidst a large expanse of mountain ranges cut by the majestic flow of Wahig River, can be reached by a two hour drive from the city of Tagbilaran. There is a Tourist Center with accommodation in the area which says a lot on how the local government are developing the place. This recently launched tourism project which they call EAT Danao aims to promote new adventure attractions in Bohol aside from what is commonly known in the province. EAT as they like it doesn’t really stand for anything specific, but they allow the individual experience define whether EAT refers to Extreme/Eco/Educational Adventure Tour.
Tubbing is a fun group activity, perfect for team building
Most of the activities here are centered along the Wahig River, so from the Tourist center we had a short trek down the river. The trek may vary though depending on the difficulty you’ll choose. For this tour, since we only had a day to spare (and normally the tour takes overnight) we went to the tail end of the trail with an easy level of difficulty just to sample what the tour has to offer. The trail here is already developed but not to the extent that they ruin the natural trail of the forest which I must commend them for a great job. Before they developed the area, they consulted with DENR on which area is okay to open for tourist and the extent of development as well.
River trekking along the boulders
Among the water activities here you could enjoy are tubbing and kayaking. River trail here again varies in difficulty and length but from where we are, it’s already a scenic paddle along this side of the river. Forest is still rich and there are some caves alongside the river as well. River Trekking is also another challenging activity being offered here so you could experience some river crossings, boulder hopping and see the fauna among the lush forest beside the river.
Enjoy a sumptuous feast of organic foods
I’m sure all these physical activity could make you exhausted, hungry even. Fortunately, the tour is inclusive of meals and they are proud to say they are organic. No junk foods or carbon drinks here folks! But I guarantee that what they offer here is sumptuous and healthy from fresh fruits, to fish and cooked “free reign” chickens paired with a buko juice will give your palate the satisfaction and more enrgy to continue with your activities. Bohol in general is aiming to have most of their products organic as per GMA’s OTOP project (One Town One Product).
Climb the roots of a tree
Once you have replenished your energy, it’s time for more riverside activity. And with the cliff and impressive rock formations along the river, this area is also a perfect place to do some rappelling and wall climbing as well. On this one we were at a rock face with a cleanly cut surface which seems a large samurai sword sliced through it, impressive as it was naturally made. And along this rock wall surface are impressive growth of roots from the tree atop, which now also serves as a natural ladder you have to climb up. Exciting really.
Rappel down back to the river
The first time I rappelled was way back in 2004 when we did an issue for Tuguegarao. That’s a long time so I was quite excited to do this again here in Danao. Another Ian from the Center of Gravity of Cebu which helps set up the rappelling and rock climbing activity here refreshed us on the technicality of rappelling. And once we know what to do he made sure everything was safe and secure and off we got down the rope safely. Aside from rappelling, they also offer Tyrolean Traverse, but we were not able to try since we lack a bit of people to set it up safely.
Explore the natural wonders of Kamaria cave
As if all these adrenaline rush isn’t enough, there are also nearby caves around the area as well. Currently there are 9 defined caves here (but probably more) but only 3 are declared by DENR safe for tourist. One of these caves that we explored is called Kamaria Cave. The cave was named that way because the cave is situated on a lot area which is owned by a woman named Maria. Kamaria is a subterranean cave which has a small octagonal entrance. Once we got inside I was immediately impressed by the stalagmite, stalactites and curtains here. The cave is so alive and is one of the best cave explorations and the most fun I’ve been. The cave has some water and sometimes you have to pass by under the water just to get through some crevices which is really fun. At the end of the cave there is a natural pool where you could swim and also drink water flowing in the cave. Just amazing. The whole exploration would only take around 45 to an hour back and forth, but since I had to take pictures once in a while, it took a bit longer. Oh yeah, you could also find some interesting albino crabs, some cave fishes and some bats as well.
View of Wahig River from the top view deck of Dagohoy Hill
Another interesting activity here is trekking the hill where Francisco Dagohoy stood his impressive final battle against the Spaniards. The Dagohoy Hill has stunning views of the mountain sides and the river as well. Best trekked early morning where the clearing mist adds a mysterious atmosphere to this historically filled site.
All in all, I really enjoyed these taste of adventure of what EAT Danao has to offer and hopefully in the future I could come back here again and experience the whole adventure package. You wanna take a bite? You may call these people from EAT Danao and inquire about their packages and tours, Loin (09173021701) and Ian (09173252426). Also check their website RockTrip2007 for more details, Tell them that Ferdz, the photographer reffered you from here. 
super enjoy ang experience namin… looking forward sa body jumping and other activities. it’s a must come back place
hi! im from the shipping business taking charge of marketing. you’re place seems interesting. wondering how we could be of help to you in terms of promotion. will be visiting the place soon.
Manila Standard Today, online edition : Danao: The country’s new adventure destination
link:
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2009/august/6/lifestyle1.isx&d=2009/august/6
yeah, could be a good place to promote your products & services. last time i was there, a different kind of “marketing” took place. Mayor Binay’s Multicab (his photo on both sides) was parked in front of the arrival area =).
hello,,, sobrang ganda talaga sa Coto Mines,…lalo na sa kids pool grabe…ung tubig sobrang linaw
grabe kanendot ba oroi sa danao nakakaluka na jud,hanga ako talaga coz i am adventurous,,,,
wow!!!promise guys,maganda talaga ang danao bohol, espicially their suislide activity para ka tlagang nagpakamatay sa nerbyous pero it is very fun you cannot express it….galing talaga ng mga pinoy
[...] Here are photos from Iron Wulf: [...]
Para sa tanang (Lahat) mga kahigalaan (kaibigan) nga wala pa makaari sa Danao, Bohol…. akung geimbitahan nga moari diri sa Danao aron inyong masaksihan ang kanindot nga talan-awon nga minug-na sa kinaiyahan.. ug mga Caves na puedi kayong pumasok, pag nakita ninyo ang ..ito masabi niyo… wow ang ganda-ganda talaga. tayo na .. punta tayo samaha ko kayo..
Hi!….. musta kayong lahat,… kung masubukan ninyong magbakasyon sa Danao.. at makita timpasaw sa laqmig at malinaw tubig sa loob ng kuweba masamo wow.. oh.ho.hoh. hoh… ang sarap at lamig at napakalinis na tubig na dumadaloy sa bawat hibla nga mga bi-ak na bato na nsa loob nang kuweba … kayo subokan ninyong maligo at mag adventure sa loob nang mga kuweba……ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ,,….. grabeeeeee..eee.ee amazing talaga..
TAGA MAGTANGTANG JUD KO GALING LANG KAY 7 YEARS WALA KO KAULI KAY DIA MAN KO SA ALING LUGAR,,,PERO MUOLIAY NA KO DIHA SA AKONG BARYO NGA GIKATAWHAN NEXT YEAR…I CAN EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE NA GYOD..JUST WAIT AND SEE MAKITA RA KO NINYO DIHA POHON
I was born in Danao Bohol, and I spend my younger up to teenage years but I haven’t gone there in that very beautiful and wonder God’s creation. Since 1995 to 2000 I stayed in Luzon and after that I stayed in Mindanao that is why I did not experience the blessings that God bestowed in my home town. At least I watch it in the net. I really appreciate it, and I really thank God for that wonderful blessing. I congratulate to the people behind it and I hope that everybody will participate to maintain the beauty by respecting it. Remain the sacredness in the sense that the Spiritual aspect will be given a priority. Put God in everything or every plan and I’m sure Danao will soar high.
I hope I can visit there, my home is not far on that place, only 15 minutes I think to go there.
I will always include in my meeting with God to bless more to my home town. Thank you Bro.
Please do not forget to thank God.
been there, since we have limited time, we only tried the suislide and the plunge! sooo extreme but fun!
I’ve been there and its a great experience… How I wish I can go back there…..
Hoyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy,,,,,,,,,,, Mga kahigalaan ”””””’ ania na usab ako arong mag pahinumdom satanang wa! pa ka kaadto sa Danao, sulaye ninyo pag lantaw ang napaka gandang lugar na made in nature nga lahi sa ubang mga view o talan-awon , busa mangadto na ta sa Danao, aron atong saksihan ang lugar nga sa unang panahon abi nato ug way development pero ngayon sa Pamamahala nang ating, butihin , masipag, masigasig, at verry active mayor sa Danao ever since , Siya ang hulog sa may kapal na mapa-asinso nang ganito ang ating lugar,,,,,,,,,,, maraming maraming sayo Mayor Thum, Your Momy ate Nate all your relatives and friends to help this, for a very successful project in this place, salamat nang marami na naging ganito ang lugar natin.
Iyong kaibigan o kakampi sa lahat nang panahon,,,. kelet ,dahil dito ako lumaki at nagkaisip kaya ito ang nasasabi ko.
God always blessing you, ipatuloy mo lang ang tuwid at makatarunganong pamahala sa ating lugar
ZZZZZZ Muli bisita na kayonasa manila o ibang bansa kaman nakatira hala dalina,,,, at mag adventure sa pinanggalingan kung bayanZZzzZZzzZZzzzzzZzzzzz.
wow ….it’s so nice i want to go there someday…….wewewewewewew
read your post about caving, particularly about “the cave has some water and sometimes you have to pass by under the water just to get through some crevices…”. I’m definitely not a swimmer but I’d like to try caving when I go there in March. How deep is this area where you have to be under the water and how long would it take to pass through the other side. Thanks.
I was born in Bohol, grew up in Manila and now in the U.S. but never heard about Danao place until lately, is there a tour offered to experience the cave, the river, climing the tree, zip lining and others? how many days do you think we have to stay to enjoy all of that, is there a nearby hotel that we can stay? do they have hotel pick-up? can you give us hotel info? transformation priemb
we are planning to visit Bohol next year, it will be nice to get information regarding this place, sounds really fun.
Kindly check http://www.eatdanao.com for their tour packages and other details