E.A.T. Danao: Bohol’s new adventure destination
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. 
Tags: Bohol, Caves, EAT Danao, Kamira Cave, Rivers, Tubbing, Wahig River
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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007 at 10:00 am 
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May 22nd, 2007 at 1:06 am
wow.. adventure na naman
seems to be really fun and super enjoy ka na naman ferdz!
hay sana makapunta din ako ng bohol.. well hopefully next year
may discount ba kapag sinabi ko na ikaw ang nag-refer?? heheheh sana meron
keep on blogging
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:56 am
this is an amazing adventure. thanks for sharing this. you always find the right places to go.
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:27 am
Wow! ang sasarap ng food. Ideal meal talaga for these kind of events. Sarap mag rappel at yung shot mo sa loob ng cave… ’stig!
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:03 am
this is what summer is all about! =] screw boracay, island hopping, and all those ‘cool’ places where ‘cool’ people go to! this is more fun… you get to see and appreciate what’s really out there… kaya if i was to choose between boracay and this place you were at,… i’d choose this…. well maybe both. hah.
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:41 am
what can i say, but inggit ako sa lahat ng ginawa mo.
the root climbing looks really challenging!!
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:55 am
Man, I’d love to go to Bohol now! So adventurous!
[:
May 22nd, 2007 at 11:30 am
looks like an exciting expedition ! Love to eat the organic food with my hands after a hectic day of cave exploration and river rafting
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:14 pm
wow. ive never been to Bohol.. but i will visit there one day.. (laging one day ng one day ano?) hehe.. and i will sure visit DANAo.
We have tubbing here as well.. minus the caves. Hehe.
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Climbing that cliff with the tree roots looks fun and scary at the same time.
I’ve never rappelled before. that also looks scary. I’d much rather climb down using the tree roots instead of rappelling. 
Fresh buko drinks instead of carbonated drinks? Awesome!
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
aba naman….haneps ka talaga sa adventure Ferdz! nasulyapan ko lang ang Wahig River nang magpunta kami sa Bohol. Yan pala ang tubbing, galeng. malamang na-try mo na rin ang water rafting sa Chico River noh?
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:19 pm
hi.. this is one of my fav blogs… can u please add the link of this site here… http://www.phildirectory.net/my/directory salamat!
hanefff photos mo!
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
i LOVE THE PLACE! malapit ka sa nature, and my relatives are there too
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:02 pm
wow! ang saya naman nito! i’d go check all these! props for this - very informative!
and sobrang alternative for summer.
thanks ferdz!
May 22nd, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Ang galing! Ganda ng lugar, at ang sarap ng food!
You are indeed living life to the max, Ferdz!
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:10 pm
gusto ko yung oraganic food… sarap mag kamay… hehehhe
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:45 pm
wow! another exciting adventure u had there! I love the Kamaria Cave.
May 22nd, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Bohol is close to the exotic island Siquijor..this is the homeprovince of my mother.In fact, it was featured last Sunday program in “Kay Susan Tayo” channel 7.
Wishing, you can drop by in the island and enjoy the remaining summer days there. you can reach the island from Bohol by just an ordinary pump boat.
Just bring your team there and you won’t surely disappointed….blame me if you won’t like and enjoy the mystery of Siquijor.
You can simply check them at: http://www.mysiquijor.com
Bohol is also a nice island in central visayas..
I used to drop by there whenever I visited Cebu.The ship coming from Siquijor at that time were usually scheduled to dock in Tagbilaran city ..
Enjoy your trekking in Kabisayaan Ferdy….hindi ka magsisisi…you’ll won’t see that in Luzon….
May 22nd, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I remember the statement of former President Cory Aquino,wag maging dayuhan sa sariling Bayan.So, endulge and seize the day while you still can….
Honestly, kakainggit ka Ferdy….you’ve been to diff’rent countries in the world.
My class will be headed to Pagsanjan falls….sana maganda parin dun just what our school was trying to promote.
May 22nd, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Siquijor has caves too and other undiscovered locations for extreme games and outdoor activities……
Sana makapunta kayo ng team mo
May 22nd, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Hay naku, Ferdz. As usual, I’m awestruck with your photos. Naku, I’ve been to Bohol but I’ve never done all the adventures here. Your blog really shows the best of the Philippines.
May 23rd, 2007 at 4:48 am
I’ve never been to Bohol nor do those adventure stuff you did, eto lang masasabi ko ang boring ng life ko at inggit ako sa’yo! hehehe
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:35 am
uy exciting. di namin yan napuntahan a.
ganda nung cave. mahilig panaman kaming mag spelunking. sayang talaga.
next time nalang. hopefully, makabalik kami doon.
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:28 pm
You are travelling all the time, don’t you?
Another exciting adventure.
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Waiii~
I really need to get out and do something. Really. This looks so much fun!!!
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:14 pm
wow hanep ferdz! hindi ko nadaanan man lang ung ginawa mo sa bohol. maybe next time. nga pala, kelan at saan tayo shoot?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pm
wow! bohol.. yung friend ko last last week nagtext ba’t daw ako nagchange ng sim kaya tuloy di nya ko nainvite sumama sa kanya sa bohol.. sayang na sayang.. heheh.. libre pa naman..
ngayon, nang makita ko yung mga picture ng nature trip mo, naghihinayang ako sobra.. hehhe..
May 24th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Bro, WOW talaga ito. Our country is really amazingly beautilful.
WOW!
La ka ba photo noong tree farm going to barangay biking and chocolate hills.
May 24th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Whoa! The adventure … the food … the pictures! Amazing. You ought to be writing for a travel piblication Ferdz so the entire world will get to enjoy your travels!
May 24th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
wow, this is a totally different take on bohol. informative - i never knew meron palang ganyan.
great pics!
May 24th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
ayus na ayus dyan ah! at ang sarap pa ng chicha! champion!
May 25th, 2007 at 11:31 am
WOW, PANALO!
Superpasyal ka na naman, Ferdz! I love photos 6, 7 and 8.
May 25th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
ayos ah, bagong puntahan sa bohol, kaso di ko pa nga napupuntahan yung the usual eh… hehehehe… thanks for the info….
May 26th, 2007 at 12:50 am
been there last 2 years ago… loboc river at panglao lang ang katubigan na napuntahan ko.. di ko akalain may ganito pa doon…
iba talaga ang ganda ng bohol.. nakakainlove na place.. na halos ayaw mo nang iwan.. thanks for sharing this pics!! Ü
May 26th, 2007 at 7:34 am
ibang klase na namn ito!
exciting ang trip. sarap ng foods at kumain ng magkamay.
ganda ganda talaga!
May 26th, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I’ve always wanted to try kayaking, But I’ve always thought twice because I am a lousy swimmer.
That “climbing the roots of a tree” pic looks like a page out of Lost! remember that episode where Boone climbed one to reach the small plane? That is so cool.
Great pics as always
May 27th, 2007 at 10:56 am
wow ganda pala sa bohol talaga, have to go there, ipon muna ako dito tapos samahan mo kami uli ah hehehehehe.
May 27th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Tubbing sounds like a fun activity. And I would also like to try climbing the roots of that tree.
May 27th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Wow?! Kayaking, tubbing, mountain climbing, rappelling, river and cave -trekking all in Danao, Bohol?! Astig! Kick-ass na talaga ang pag-unlad ng turismo dyan. I’m really glad… Obvious naman na you had tons of fn. Have a great week!
May 29th, 2007 at 10:45 am
bohol na si ferdz
that dagohoy place is something i missed when i was there. will try to visit that
boholanos should celebrate the 80 long years of Bohol republic under dagohoy more than then celebrate the Sandugo festival which is like glorifying the treachery of the Spaniards even if they performed that visayan rite of the blood compact
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:38 pm
I wish i can just leave work and head down for a Kayak trip… This looks really good to unwind.
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Oh, this is just wonderful! Bohol poses a great threat to Cagayan de Oro’s white water rafting (and nothing much else!).
October 4th, 2007 at 1:35 am
I like the first picture a lot!
October 4th, 2007 at 3:20 am
I didn’t know Bohol has this!
My father is from there…I’ve only been to the more famous tourist spots. These looks like a lot of fun…although I probably wouldn’t do it because I am not a good swimmer.
October 4th, 2007 at 8:28 am
It’s so cool to know that the Philippines has so many beautiful places for visitors–the emphasis on eco-tourism is even cooler. I would love to climb every mountain and cross every river if it gets me to that yummy organic food as part of the journey!!
October 4th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Still as exciting as last time I saw this entry!
Great pictures which put you in adventure mood!
October 4th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
it gets better. ey ferdz anong aperture at speed ginamit mo sa first shot. ganda ng texture ng tubig.
ngapala, lapit na ko pumuntang Cambodia at Vietnam, hehe. last week of October na. Looking forward to it. Super.
October 4th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
ferdz the photographer… ang ganda! hehehe
thanks for this. hindi ko alam ito ha. super bago ito noh? kse after 20 years, ngayon ko lang nalaman ito. yung loboc river, bata pa ako.. alam ko na yun.
punta ako bohol last week of october.. sana makapunta kme jan. pero parang i doubt it. hehehehe. tsaka di ko alam if kaya ko ganyan na adventure
October 4th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
at masarap talaga food sa bohol
October 5th, 2007 at 8:42 am
some extreme adventure you’ve had here! and yea, the food looks great as well.
October 5th, 2007 at 11:59 am
alam mo, we just came from Coto Mining in Masinloc, Zambales at sakto, we did tubing, rappeling, freefall, etc. ansaya no?
October 5th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I’m finally back here! :p How do you organize your trips man? As usual, the pictures are amazing. I love spelunking. Mukhang masaya yun.
October 6th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Wow! Another adventure! i love the picture of the cave a lot!
October 6th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Hi, Ferdz!
I just came back from Iloilo via Cebu Pacific Air and I exactly saw some of these photos here identical to those photos I had seen in the November issue of the inflight magazine. The opening of the article is a fullpage photos of three darlings in walking gears.
Are those photos in the magazine yours too?
October 10th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
wow!!!! sana sana.. mapuntahan ko to.. hmm. the cost, the cost? heheh… sana kaya namin ung sa adventure.. .. ^_^ sa last week of oct..
October 13th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
ferdz,
ian gonzaga here. tnks for a great blog dude……we are getting a lot of milage on this one…..he he he…..by the way i would like to extend an invitation to you and jenny for a river treak in danao in the next few weeks……..just contact jenny she would know the details on this or contact me…….hope to see you in the next adventure……again thank you
October 13th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
ferdz,
if note posted is too long, kindly delete. My apologies lang if i violated something by posting this…..just like to point out the historical significance of the place…….
The Rebellion of Dagohoy
The oppressive methods of the Jesuits once more led to a serious insurrection against Spain. In the year 1744, Francisco Sendrijas alias Dagohoy started a revolt that was to last more than eighty nine years. The cause of this was an incident, in which the brother of Dagohoy was killed. Father Gaspar Morales, the Jesuit curate of Inabanga ordered a this brother, who was a constable, to capture a man who had left the Christian religion. The constable pursued the fugitive, but then was killed by him in a duel. However, when his body was brought back to town, the Jesuit refused the constable a Christian burial.
Infuriated at the priest, Francisco Dagohoy organised the people in an armed rebellion. The uprising started on 24 January 1744 with the killing of the Italian Jesuit curate of Jagna, Father Guiseppe Lamberti. Not long after that, Dagohoy also killed Father Morales, and the rebellion swept over the entire island. In vain, the Bishop of Cebu, Miguel Lino de Espeleta, attempted to calm down the situation, and restore Spanish rule. Dagohoy defeated the troops of Spanish and Filipino forces sent to subdue him. He established a free government in the mountains, and with his followers, was able to control much of the island. Even after Dagohoy’s death, his rebellion continued, while the Spanish were only able to maintain their power in some settlements along southern coast.
In the span of 89 years, no less than twenty Spanish governors-generals, from Gasper de la Torre (1739-45) to Juan Antonio Martinez (1822-25), failed to surpress the uprising. In 1825, general Mariano Ricafort (1825-30), became governor-general of the Philippines. He send alcade-mayor Jose Lazaro Cairo to re-establish Spanish power in Bohol. With an army of 2,200 Spanish-Filipino men, he invaded Bohol on May 7, 1827. However, it took more than a year of fierce fighting, and another Spanish expedition under Capitain Manuel Sanz, who landed on Bohol in April 1828, before the patriots were defeated. He captured last remnants of Francisco Dagohoy’s rebel forces from their hideout in the Cave of Caylagon. So, finally, by August 31, 1829, the rebellion was ceased.
According to Captain Sanz’s combat report, 19,420 Boholanos surrendered while 3,000 fled to other provinces. More than 400 Bohol lanes died in action during the last battle.
Most of the followers of Dagohoy were pardoned and resettled in new villages in the lowlands. These villages have now become the towns of Batuanan, Cabulao, Catigbian, and Vilar.
In the mean time, in 1768, the Jesuits had been expelled from the country, and their missions taken over by Augustinian Recollects headed by their former Provincial, Fray Pedro de Santa Barbara. Under their leadership, by 1800, the towns of Tagbilaran, Dimiao, Guindulman, Panglao and Loon had been founded.
October 13th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
some other blogs about eatdanao….
http://jentotskie.multiply.com/journal/item/43
http://www.cebulifestyles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=141&Itemid=65
for more details…. email:
eatdanao@yahoo.com.ph
October 15th, 2007 at 11:07 am
when are you coming back to do more climbing and trekking?
October 30th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
http://www.eatdanao.multiply.com
December 15th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Ian Gonzaga and my favorite cousin Ian Sepulveda.
I hope all is well. The next time I’m visiting the Philippines, I’ll have this on my to do list. I’m sure you’ll be guiding us on this adventure. The site is very informative about the activities and also the history. Nice Job!
Take care Gents,
Chris
December 15th, 2007 at 11:56 pm
Suggestion regarding the comments on this site:
Is there a way to arrange the most recent comment on the top rather than all the way in the bottom? If this can be done, it will be great.
Benefit:
Your visiting website guests will see the most recent posting. This will give your site an updated feel.
Just a thought…..I hope this helps.
Chris
January 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am
wow! if babalik ka dito ferdz, have me along
January 29th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
wow, how wonderful at bohol now specially danao place. It’s great and funtastic moment. Let us see and join the fun adventure…….
March 5th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
any idea how much would it cost to do this?
any updated link of rocktrip2007?
March 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
i tried calling Loin and Ian’s contact number that’s posted but no avail. Is there any way to get more information regarding about this tour? thanks
April 13th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
you may contact Lyndon at 09209327502 or http://www.eatdanao.multiply.com
a very promising eco-tourism destination, we enjoyed our trip there.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Hi It’s me..
This is one tremendous adventure one would never forget. Try it and I’m sure you’re ganna love it!
I’d Like to extend my thanx and appreciation to all of the staff and crew of E.A.T. Danao:
Lumen Gonzaga - Area Manager
Marith Palma - Tour Guide
Albert Villamor - Tour Guide
Mhade Villamor - Tour Guide
Edwin Gimena - Cook
Telay Bedua - Office Clerk
Luz Melecio - Food Handler
Juanita Trazo - Housekeeper
Teddy Petalcorin - Guide
Avito Villamor - Guide
Rufo - Site Commander
Marizen Colico - Front Desk
Claudia Mellizza - Cashier
Cerie Calape - Guide
Thank you and more power to each and everyone of you..
April 25th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
farah,
i was out of reach during the time you contacted me because i was in new zealand at that time….but i am here na sa pinas so you can contact me na,………….tnks
ian
October 30th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
hala…ana na kanindot ang danao???san ba diay..agyu ka haytits naman pla…infairness..two thumbs up dude;))
January 7th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
yehey,,,,,,niduta na jud sa magtangtang ui…………… how i wish i cud see the beauty of nature in our place…..
hmmmmp,,,,,,,,nwyZZzzzzz,,,,,,,,someday, somehow,,,,, time will cum so as i can feel the real essence of that said eco-tourism…….
January 7th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
sa tanang taga amoa,,,,,,taga magtangtang…..kumusta na mo tanan dha?
maau mo ky natagbaw na cguro mo sa kanindut sa talan-awon dha,,,,, wala lagi ko kita sa cable car,,,, naa na baya kakita man ko sa TV gi-newZZZZZZZZ………………………. hmmmp,,,,,,,,,,
dugay pa ko kauli kay wala plete,,,, hehehehehehe…
pila dw entrance fee kay mokuyog daw kauban naku mga professors………………………….???????
January 7th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
regurdZZZZZ ko ni papa dosio ug mama norie…. ayaw cla pasakya sa cable car ha kay basin makuyapan,,, heeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!
January 7th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
ingon cla bati kuno dha danao pero nindut man lagi diay na kaau… hehehehehehehehe
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