DiscoverDimiao
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Dimiao.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dimiao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Dimiao
- Planning to go on holidays to Dimiao, Bohol, you will find some secret key in the southern coastline, where the sea, touching the hills, dances in a harmonious play of nature and history.
- The scenery of the town is like a carpet of green rainforest, waterfalls, and serene rice terraces that draw tourists to make a stop and take in the clean, tropical air.
- San Nicolas Tolentino Parish Church. is the centre of the whole Dimiao, and it is a stone monument to the Spanish art, and the tall facade of the church reflects years of devotion and settlement.
- The old Ermita Ruins which are located near the church are murmuring about the pre-colonial rituals, giving a quiet and dignified insight into the history of the ancestors in this island.
- Under warm and sunny skies and cool breezes, Dimiao welcomes the explorer to ramble through its shaded lanes and seaside resorts in his free time.
- Locals of this town are friendly and they are also masters of rice culture and fishing, with sharing of their craft and culture shaping an authentic experience that is both wholesome and vast.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran
- International airport: No international airport in Dimiao
- Nearest commonly used: Bohol–Panglao International Airport (Panglao Island) – domestic and international flights
- 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
- Holidays to Dimiao Twin Falls (Pahangog Falls): A magnificent natural phenomenon where two crystal-clear streams of water fall into a cool pool, with the gatorade-coloured rocks on it providing the ideal splash to sore-trudging hikers.
- Ingkumhan Falls: This is a remote waterfall with the sound of the water blending with the forest music and a rope swing is offered that gives adventurous tourists a breath-taking splash.
- San Nicolas Tolentino Parish Church: This huge stone structure that enjoys National Cultural Treasure status has ornate details in its baroque style that viewer will not ignore and the soul will find peace.
- Ermita Ruins: This heritage site is full of stone tombs and carved stone lintels, which represent an ancient tradition of filling teeth with a mixture of stone with an icy white powder that can be traced back to the forebears of present Filipinos.
- Sobral Rice Terraces View (near Catugasan Peak): This panoramic perspective offers an eye level view of the lush green terraces which are like waves in their stair way position, and every level is a testament of centuries of careful farming.
- Home of the Dimiao Children Rondalla: The renowned string orchestra in the town is famous all over the country and is played during festivals and community events, and makes music an integral part of the everyday life of the people.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry Season (December - May): This is the best season to have clear skies and drier trails hence this is the perfect season to go waterfall hiking, beach walking and river kayaking.
- Rainy Season (June-November): The downpours occasionally do not harden the landscape, however, the waterfalls become the largest, and the scene with mist is impressive.
- Spring-like Cosiness (March -April): It is a good time when the weather is about 28C, and outdoor activities are fine, as well as morning hikes.
- Monsoon-Inspired Below-Tropics (July -August): Short and fast precipitation leaves the forest green and the air fresh, which is perfect to plant enthusiasts and photographers.
- Dry, yet Cooler Interior (October - November): The inland rice terraces cool down and it is a good season to visit the cultural sites, as well as the local markets.
- Festive Weather (September -October): This is a month that celebrates the colourful nature of town fiestas and yet, the weather is comfortable enough to go sightseeing.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Dimiao Twin Falls
- The twin cascades are falling over sharp limestones forming two different plunge pools that glitter in the sun.
- The tropical forest surrounding is also dense, and it provides shaded walks where one can relax.
- There is a local legend of a secret lagoon behind the falls which is said to give wishes to anyone who discovers it.
- The surroundings offer a picnic lunch on bamboo huts that are situated near the huts.
- The water is cool and brimming with minerals and is just ideal after a day of mountain climbing.
- The paints laid on the stones by evening light are golden colour, which makes remembering the sunset photo session a memorable experience.
Ingkumhan Falls
- The towering cliffs that envelop the edges of the waterfall enhance the noise of the waterfall forming a dramatic natural amphitheatre.
- The nearby path goes through bamboo mossy groves, which provide an easy way out of the town.
- There is a rope swing, made locally with the local vines, which invites the visitor to jump into a cool basin below to get an adrenaline rush.
- The crystal transparency of the pool gives the swimmers a chance to see the floor of the pool that is made of stone which is carved with ancient carvings which have been created because of time.
- When the falls are in full blast the mist of the falls produces an ethereal feel almost otherworldly.
- The sky above Ingkumhan at night is the sky canvas of stars and so stargazing is a quiet activity after the sky has gone down.
San Nicolas Tolentino Parish Church
- The front of the church is decorated with a rich carving of the stone which tells every panel a bit of the colonial history.
- The vaulted ceilings and the stained-glass windows help to fill the nave with soft filtered light and promote quiet contemplation inside.
- A very old bell that is being tolled by volunteers of the town can be heard throughout the town, which should signal the pace of everyday life.
- The marble altar chairs used at the altar are carved by hand under the supervision of craftsmen and this makes visitors take their seats and enjoy watching around.
- Ancient material is exhibited in a small museum next to the church, which shows how previous generations were spiritually devoted.
- It has a plaza around the place where there are weekly markets with artisans who sell hand-made lace, pottery, and local sweets.
Ermita Ruins
- The burial tombs constructed of stone are enclosed in high cliffs, providing a graveyard where one can reflect and get an education.
- Complex stone lintels at the entrances showcase images of the ancient rituals which give a key to the pre-colonial beliefs.
- The ruins can be accessed through a moderate path through tropical forest giving one a quiet walk.
- The raised location of the site gives it panoramic views of the town, the sea and mountains in the distance.
- The shadows of the stone in Sunset over the Ermita Ruins are very long and dramatic, and the visual experience obtained is breathtaking.
- There are local guides who know the history of the ruins and tell the storeys of the tooth-filing tradition and its meaning.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Economy
- It is rather agricultural, where rice pads and coconut plantation plants constitute the livelihoods of the people of Dimiao.
- Farmers are using native varieties of rice, and their practises are traditional and help them maintain the soil fertility over time.
- Popular snacks at road sides include fresh coconut water, grated coconut, as evidence of abundance in the island.
- The local fishermen of local coast villages also present sea-to-table dinners with fresh fish.
- Niche markets in Tagbilaran City Small family-owned farms have now diversified into organic produce to serve niche markets.
- Local market is a Sunday event that features handcrafts, fresh food and local delicacies, which makes it a colourful trade.
Dimiao Rondalla
- The popular children Rondalla created in the town during the $1970$s has received national awards due to melodic performance.
- The Rondalla entertains the masses during fiestas in town, and through music, the Rondalla becomes part of the culture.
- The young talents are educated in the local schools and thus the legacy of the Rondalla can be preserved through numerous generations.
- The repertoire of the ensemble is full of the combination of the old hymns with the new melodies, and it is connected with the active spirit of Dimiao.
- Tourists usually attend the practise sessions of the Rondalla and get closer acquainted with the musical tradition in the area.
- The appearance of the Rondalla in the festivals also creates the pride of the community and draws culture lovers not only in the Philippines but in the whole world.
Accessibility
- Dimiao is around $38\text{km}$ east of Tagbilaran City and therefore forms a good stop in an East Bohol tour loop.
- Jeepneys and tricycles regularly serve the town to major highways and provide cheap and convenient modes of transportation.
- Local travel agencies can also help to book Hotel and guesthouses and guarantee a good stay.
- The closest airport, Tagbilaran International airport, is within easily reachable distance and there are regular domestic flights to Manila and Cebu.
- To the people who like travelling by air, booking with world pinoy flights is competitive in terms of rates and flexibility.
- Once one is in town one can pay a local guide to lead the way up the various trails, waterfalls, and historical sites around.
Language and Cultural Subtleties
- Most residents speak Cebuano; a language variant referred to as Boholano.
- The Spanish influences still remain in the architecture of the church, and some loan words that litter day-to-day talk.
- The Filipino culture is full of respect and hospitality as evidenced by traditional greeting practises like the mano sign.
- The festivals in the town, particularly the one that occurs on September $10$th fiesta, feature colourful processions, dancing in the streets, and communal dinners.
- Local crafts people incorporate symbolic patterns in their crafts, as an indication of agricultural patterns and sea traditions.
- The costumes of the festivals can be characterised by the use of bright colours and embroidery, and the artistic character of the community is evident.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The town members are so devoted to San Nicolas de Tolentino that they pray every day and every month in the novenas conducted in the parish.
- The use of the traditional sinulog dance during fiestas is a celebration of faith and local culture.
- Oral storytelling in the local plaza during twilight is one way of maintaining the collective memory of the community.
- Capiz lamps that are hand-woven are made by skilled artisans and it incorporates an element of art and functionality.
- It is observed by the people of the village in the festival called the Pista sa Kalibutan, where they are commemorating the environment by cleaning up the beach and planting trees.
- The elders are highly respected and this aspect is evidenced by having family gatherings where generation is transmitted.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Its coastal location ensures fresh seafood, as does its fish including bangus (milkfish) and dumadami (sweet clams).
- Local restaurants offer traditional dishes made of fish, vegetables and coconut milk, called binagol.
- The tropical markets of farmers have ripe mangoes, bananas, and papayas available in the markets.
- Another popular snack is puso (puffed rice in woven leaves) which is commonly eaten with grilled fish.
- Locally grown coffee, which has been sourced locally in local plantations, has a faint, aromatic taste that should be used in the morning rituals.
- In fiestas, there are street venders who sell batchoy and kare-kare which are alluding to the regional tastes of the region.
Fun
- Swimmers can splash in the crystal clear and temperature-regulated waters of the Twin and Ingkumhan Falls which are ideal in getting a cool relaxation.
- An expeditioner can finish moderate hikes, winding through bamboo forests, to have a good view of waterfalls.
- The sandstone arches of the church, the hazy peaks of the mists, the colourful local life are photographed by photography fans.
- The rope swing at Ingkumhan Falls is a daring test by the adventure seekers to see whether they have the heart to plunge into the basin below.
- The families come together and hold family picnics on the banks of the river under the grasses and they are laughing and sharing their snacks.
- Evenings walks on the coastal promontory enable the visitor to observe dolphins leaping and the sun setting on the horizon on their holidays to Dimiao.
Fashion
- The hot and humid environment of Abu Dhabi needs light cotton shirts and breathable trousers, which are very comfortable and stylish.
- Rapid-drying swimsuits and durable sandals are a necessity in waterfall also hiking and beach relaxation.
- Travellers use a wide brimmed hat or cap to shield them against the high tropical sun of the day when they are exploring the place.
- The local craft traditions are recreated with simple but down-to-earth accessories, i.e., woven bracelets.
- In cultural occasions, conservative clothes such as long skirts or trousers coupled with long sleeved shirts are observed to be in respect to the traditions of the community.
- An eco-friendly travel wardrobe of a small backpack and a reusable water bottle are the final additions to the list of the most practical items.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The rainforest around the falls is very diverse in terms of the bird species with the thick presence of vibrant Philippine blue-eye.
- Cliffs of ferns and mahogany trees make the wildlife viewing and taking of photos dramatic.
- Mangroves at the coastal areas in the town are a critical source of small fish and crabs that live in salt water.
- The terraces that fill the inland slopes reflect the patterns of agricultural ingenuity and sustainability in the ancient times.
- Holidays to Dimiao night safari tour will help to discover creatures of the night including owls, civet cats, and others in their natural environments.
- The forest floors become punctuated with a splash of colour during drier seasons with seasonal flowering like the “hibang-hibang” orchid.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- It has the yearly fiesta on September 10th, which is dedicated to San Nicolas de Tolentino, with processions and fireworks and communal feasts.
- Religious events, such as novenas and candlelight vigils, build community spiritual attachment on an annual round basis.
- The environmental awareness campaign of the Pista sa Kalibutan celebration encourages environmental stewardship by cleaning up the beaches and planting trees.
- Traditional performances by musical troupes through Dimiao Rondalla make each festival full of traditional songs that are intergenerational.
- Street performances, including performances of the tinikling and sawali, give colourful performances of the local choreographic talent.
- The holidays to Dimiao fiesta is ended by a general parade of pabxan (fishing) with the participants distributing amongst their neighbours the freshly caught sea-food.