DiscoverDauis
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Dauis.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dauis
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Dauis
- When one plans holidays to Dauis, Bohol, one is entering a place where the sea is licking at the coast and the past echoing through the columns of stone.
- Upon arrival you are welcomed by the soft buzz of tricycles and the smell of fresh fish which is an indicator of the simplistic but alive life in which the island is enclosed.
- The streets of this town are low and traverse the beautiful mangrove beds giving a soothing contrast to the thunderous waves out on the sea.
- Having two well-known bridges connecting the mainland with the Panglao Island, Dauis is immediately perceived as some kind of a gate to more exotic beaches and secret coves.
- Dawn is illuminating the old church, and the sunset is drawing a bright line on the horizon, in the colour of amber and indigo, promising the guests memorable evening walks.
- Dauis is a place that makes traveller stop and take breath in every corner, and understand why people in this place are so attached to their traditions, hospitality, and legends.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran City
- International airport: None in Dauis
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Bohol-Panglao International Airport (Panglao Island, Bohol) – main domestic and international airport for the province
- Mactan–Cebu International Airport (Cebu City, Cebu) – major international gateway nearby
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano (Boholano), Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church is a monumental structure of Spanish colonial architecture whose stone fronture is worn out through numerous prayers.
- There are detailed ceiling frescos, telling biblical storeys, and the air is heavy with the incense smell that has hung in the building since times immemorial.
- Directly under the altar, there is the Healing Well, or Our Lady of the Assumption Well, which is a source of crystal clear water that is thought by locals to possess miraculous powers.
- The two channel spanning bridges between Tagbilaran City and Panglao Island offer stunning vistas on the clear blue sea and the harbour filled with all types of vessels below.
- The coastline is lined with high-end resorts with their own villas, infinity pools as well as splendid views of the Bohol Sea.
- Mangrove board walk along the beach line and they encourage the holidays to Dauis tourists to walk through the living forest and watch the crabs, fish and even herons in their natural environment.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Holidays to Dauis best holiday seasons in the dry season which lasts between December and May when the weather is clear and the waters calm.
- Between March to May the island weather is hot thus forming the best time to enjoy jet-skiing, kite surfing and other water activities that are full of adrenaline rush.
- Even during wet season, short afternoon rains carry cool fog and green vegetation, and enhance tropical beauty of the island.
- The monsoon winds in the Pacific also make the waves swell, which is a perfect location when there are experienced divers who want to experience great currents and colourful marine life.
- The tropical climate throughout the year, means that even when it is raining, there are still local festivals and street markets that will give the streets a vibrant appearance with music and colour.
- Those who want a more reflective and tranquil travelling experience will be able to enjoy the lower months of September and October when the crowds have dispersed and the scenery has not gone away.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church
- The sound of its high tower of bells is heard all over town calling on the faithful to pray.
- Stone walls are painted in old colonial colour and they are used to reflect the history of the island.
- The altar is a mixture of iron and wood, which represented a combination of European work and the local art.
- The pews are raised so that the visitors can sit on them and hear the rhythmic chants reverberate on the nave.
- It is a peaceful oasis in the courtyard of the church, with all kinds of hibiscus and fragrant frangipani.
- The evening, the church is lit in the soft light of the windows, and it is a sort of magic of evening walks.
Our Lady of the Assumption Well (Healing Well)
- The water of the well is said to be clean and uncontaminated, despite the fact that it is located near the sea.
- The locals visit regularly to fetch water to maintain their health, home remedies and a bountiful harvest.
- The stone basin of the bottom of the well has complex geometric decorations.
- Every drop of water which falls into the basin gives a weak splash, that almost reminds of a lullaby.
- There is a small shrine by the well, which has prayers and offerings to gain spiritual relief.
- A bottle of water is a token of appreciation to the legend that surrounds the well, which the tourist usually leave behind.
Mangrove Boardwalks of Dauis
- The walk is across a living mangrove forest and the walk leads one over the roots that swing with the tide.
- There are a few wooden stepping-stones along the route, giving the close observation of crabs and little fish playing about the roots.
- the air is fresh and sweet, and the air has something of salt and damp plants.
- Kingfishers and herons are seen by the bird watchers on the branches, and a dove is occasionally seen, also on the branches.
- After dark strolls with lamp posts give a picture of silent, near mystical island night.
- Local guides provide narrations on the ecological significance of mangroves and the role that they play in safeguarding the coast.
Panglao-Tagbilaran Bridges
- The two arches are made of steel, and these run all across the channel, providing a dramatic view as the sun sets into the sea.
- The bridges are also popular among the photographers who want the best sunrise or sunset view.
- Passing them riding on a scooter or a car, one cannot help but be swayed by the slight movement of the arch, a tribute to the power of engineering.
- The top view reveals the infinite horizon of the Bohol Sea and the harbour below which is busy.
- Each bridge has pedestrian crossings that enable one to take a leisurely walk and meet new people that are travelling.
- The bridges are lit up at night with low-key LED lamps, making it look like a row of colour flooding the water.
Reason 05
Discover More
Alona Beach
- The golden sand has a mile long welcome to the sun bather and the adventurous.
- Snorkelling and swimming through colourful coral reefs are due to crystal-clear waters.
- A wide range of restaurants offering different dishes, including fresh seafood and international cuisine is available on the beachfront.
- Markets Every day there are markets on the beach that sell local souvenirs and fresh tropical fruits that are manufactured by local artisans.
- Yoga classes on the beach in the evening promote the feeling of relaxation and harmony with nature.
- The beachfront barista stores have chilled coconut water and iced coffee to have a nice rest between the sunshine.
Dumaluan Beach
- Dumaluan is a perfect beach that is known to have calm waves and is appropriate to families and those who prefer a more relaxed time.
- The beach is long with a white sandy area with tall palms swaying with the air.
- Fresh grilled fish and Filipino traditional snacks are sold by local vendors, which is a culinary treat to the visit.
- The serene surface is ideal to paddle-board, to kayak and to do some gentle swimming.
- Sunset at Dumaluan throws a cosy amber light on the sea, a romantic setting to couples.
- The low tide leaves the beach pebbles smooth and tiny shells, which encourage beachcombers to go out and find treasures.
Dauis Market
- It is a colourful market with stalls that are full of fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, and other local delicacies.
- Loving vendors give samples of fresh mangoes, cubed papayas and the indigenous ampalaya (bitter melon).
- The market is a social place where people meet to exchange news and laugh, as well as telling storeys.
- Local craftsmen display hand woven baskets, mats and the traditional Boholano pottery that provides the travellers with local craftsmanship.
- Street food vendors sell snacks like, kwek-kwek (boiled yolk of eggs), isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and pancit (noodles).
- Residing in such vibrant centre, travellers will be able to understand the way the locals make meals every day and even attend cooking classes.
Traditional Fishing Villages
- Little fishing-villages on the coast of Dauis offer the modern day-to-day picture of how a livelihood that has three centuries of existence has been.
- There are boats of every size floating in the harbour and they mirror the rhythm of the Bohol Sea.
- Fishermen welcome tourists with a smiling face and provide them with tours on how the nets are weaved and the boats are mended.
- The villages are based on community, and the families exchange fishing and methods and collaborative markets.
- There is a pungent smell of salt and fish, and it is sufficiently marine.
- Tourists can sample fresh seafood that has been caught in open air restaurants right off the sea and onto their tables.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The local language, the Boholano a Cebuano dialect, is also often mixed with cordialisms used to show hospitality and warmth.
- The Roman Catholic religion is very much spread throughout Dauis, and church is the core of spiritual life and community life meetings.
- The Healing Well legend is spread throughout the daily lives of the town and reminds both residents and visitors of the mystical past of the town.
- Just once every August 15th, the fiesta in the town breaks into a splendid procession, with colourful costumes, old-fashioned music, and dances.
- The holy week with solemn processions and midnight vigils is observed with reverence, and this also bodes of the great religiosity of the town.
- It is also during celebration periods that one can enjoy local seasonal food, like lechon (roasted pig) and sinuglaw (raw fish mixed with grilled meat).
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The local menus are dominated by fresh seafood, such as grilled bangus (milkfish) and sinigang na hipon (shrimp sour soup).
- The common Boholano fare is also full of coconut milk, rice, and fish and this makes cosy bowls that warm the stomach.
- International cuisine is available in the resorts of Panglao Island where the traveller can enjoy gourmet food as they relax and watch the sea.
- Kids in the street sell snacks like the ‘kwek-kwek’ and a snack called puso (rice in plantain leaves) which are a snack that has a lot of flavour in one bite.
- There are fresh fruits that are in large quantities like the mangoes, bananas and soursop that can be used to make a refreshing dessert.
- The local coffee is brewed using local bean that has a rich earthly smell and can be enjoyed with sweet pastries.
Fun
- Groups go on Island hopping tours around the immediate areas of the Dauis Islands to the surrounding Cabilao and Balicasag Islands where crystal reefs can be explored.
- The aquatic life surrounding Dumaluan Beach is calm and safe to family swimming and snorkelling.
- The Mangrove Boardwalk offers a nature playground to nature enthusiasts with unseen animal observations.
- The evening Alona Beach parties also give the tourists an opportunity to dance under the starlight skies with the consumption of tropical cocktails.
- Fishing competitions are held within the local fishing villages where there are contests of the fishermen to demonstrate their ability to catch the biggest fish.
- The surf beaches on the western side of the town can attract the thrill seeker tourists as the town has the surf spots which are suitable to both the beginner and intermediate surfers.
Fashion
- Tropical climate implies that lightweight clothing such as cotton and linen should be chosen by travellers to feel comfortable.
- Modest clothing, long sleeves, skirts or trousers, is modest and in keeping with the culture when one attends a church service.
- Bathing suits are a must on a day at the beach but a sarong top or sarong is a great item that is practical and elegant at the same time.
- The best are accompanied by comfortable sandals with thick soles to walk in around mangrove walks and market places.
- Equatorial sun rays are very strong and sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses will help safeguard the skin.
- A tote bag or a small but strong backpack is the best option to carry essentials on a trip to the various attractions around the island.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The holidays to Dauis mangrove forests in the coastal areas are environmental riches as they serve to cushion storm surges and have a distinctive habitat to wildlife.
- Boardwalks enable the explorers to view crabs, shrimps and even the heron albeit rarely, all without getting wet and insecure.
- The clear waters of the Bohol Sea are home to an unbelievable number of sea life, including vibrant coral and witty dolphins.
- Dauis diving centres provide guided tours where one can have a glimpse of colourful reefs with living fish, sea turtles and even stargazers.
- Coconut groves scattered over the hills that surround the town give a patchwork of green on the turquoise sea.
- The score of different species that can be seen by the birdwatchers include the colourful kingfisher, the elegant maroon-fronted parrot and the timid tanager.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Dauis fiesta in August 15th praises Our Lady of the Assumption with processions, fireworks, and a big feast of everybody.
- The community spends the Holy Week with serious rites, midnight vigils, and midnight masses, which resonate inside the streets.
- The Dauis Christmas festivities are characterised by a procession with festivity, carolling and a community dinner with local delicacies.
- The local bands, dance troupes and the traditional Boholano music are performed in the annual festival of music, the Kampana sa Dauis.
- Bohol marine festival is a festival of the sea, where there are cooking contests, marine conservation lectures, and beach clean-up drives.
- It hosts the Dauis Cultural Day every summer whereby people get to witness folk dances, traditional weaving showcases and enjoy local desserts.