Baclayon

The historic town of Baclayon lies just six kilometers east along the seashore from Tagbilaran city on the Visayas|Visayan island of Bohol in the Philippines. It was the first town established in Bohol by the Spaniards.

Introduction

Baclayonchurch - Baclayon Church of the Immaculate Conception The town was founded in 1595 by two Jesuit priests, Father Juan de Torres and Father Gabriel Sanchez and the first to enter Bohol for missionary work. In 1596 the priests built theBaclayon Church of the Immaculate Conception, a heavy-set stone church considered one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church, in combination with the pier and harbor it overlooks and the elegant and impeccably maintained legacy houses lining the roads, makes the township a charming and idyllic destination. The town of Baclayon got its name from their tribal chieftain Baclayon. He was a warrior of a conquering tribe from the "Malays." He guarded the invasion of pirates and pillagers from Cebu, Iloilo and Mindanao. When the two Jesuit priests came, he submitted his tribe and warriors and embraced Christianity. He was given a Christian name "Zacarias" by the Spanish priest Sanchez. Considering the popularity of Zacarias' leadership in the territory and the priest used the name Baclayon as the name of the territory. The original territorial jurisdiction of Baclayon was so vast that it covered the present areas of the municipalities of Balilihan, Alburquerque, Catigbian, Corella, Sikatuna and San Isidro combined together.

Tourism information

Municipal Tourism Activity Center Baluarte Grounds, Poblacion - ☎ +63 38-540-9474 - The newly constructed building can provide tourists the information they need on lodging, transport and tours to Pamilacan Island. The center also offers extremely clean, free-of-use toilets and showers, a welcome sight in Bohol.

Travel to Baclayon

Fly to Baclayon

The closest airport to Baclayon is in Tagbilaran and the capital of Bohol. Tagbilaran Airport is very small and as such, gets highly congested. The airline flight times and direct destinations are quite limited – currently the airport only caters to flights in the morning and afternoon, as it currently does not have any runway lights for evening flights. There are development plans in place to extend and upgrade the airport, but these will not be completed until 2012. The airport does not receive international flights, but can be visited direct from Manila only through the following airlines. Air Asia or Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

By ferry

Accessing Tagbilaran (and Baclayon) by ferry from Cebu, Dumagete, Siquijor, Dapitan or Manila is a great option as the routes pass by countless beautiful islands while providing the chance of seeing dolphins at play. Ferries also present more route options than flying and can often be faster than an indirect flight. Many ferries travel the most popular route of Cebu - Tagbilaran, with high-speed ferries taking 1.5hrs, or 5hrs on the regular, slower vessels. As regular ferries are the cheapest way to travel from island to island and they tend to get very crowded during the high season (Holy Week or Christmas).

Fast Ferries

Ocean Jet – +63-32-255-7560 – Cebu to Tagbilaran (1hr 40min); 06:00, 09:30, 13:50, 15:35,18:00 daily (₱800). Dumagete to Tagbilaran (1hr 40min); 07:30, 14:20 daily (₱650). Dapitan to Tagbilaran (3hrs 40 min); 12:20 daily (₱900). Siquijor to Tagbilaran (2hr 40min); 06:00 daily (₱700). Supercat - +63-32-233-7000 – Cebu to Tagbilaran (1hr 45min); 08:30, 12:30, 16:30 daily (₱510). Wessam Express - +63-62-992-3756 – Cebu to Tagbilaran (2hrs); 09:00, 14:00, 18:30 daily (₱400). Dumagete to Tagbilaran (2hrs 20min); 14:00 daily (₱350).

Regular Ferries

Cokaliong Shipping Lines - +63-32-232-7211 – Cebu to Tagbilaran (5hrs); 18:30 Mondays only (₱165-480). Lite Shipping Corporation - +63-32-255-1721 – Cebu to Tagbilaran (5hrs); 12:30, 22:00 daily (₱225-395). Negros Navigation - +63-2-554-8777 – Manila to Tagbilaran (31.5hrs); 18:00 Wednesdays only. Sulpicio Lines - +63-32-232-5361 – Manila to Tagbilaran (28hrs); 12:00 Wednesdays only (₱1808-3264).

Transportation in Baclayon

By jeepney

The cheapest form of transport from Tagbilaran to Baclayon is by Jeepney, ₱8. The terminal for the Jeepneys passing through Baclayon is outside of the Bohol Provincial Hospital (J. Torralba Street) and they will be advertised on the outside as traveling to Albur, Loay or Loboc. Jeepneys are always filled to capacity before they leave the terminal so don’t expect a particularly comfortable, spacious ride. Those with claustrophobia should be cautious.

By habal-habal

Motorbike transportation (habal-habal) is the quickest and easiest form of public transportation. The fare can be bargainable with the driver, so you need an understanding of how much you should pay so that you don’t get taken advantage of being a tourist. Fares from Tagbilaran to Baclayon are ₱50-60. Be wary that this sort of transportation can be quite unsafe as the motorbikes do not come with helmets and there is no regulation on driving capabilities.

By tricycle

Tricycles are slightly more expensive than the habal-habal, with a trip from Tagbilaran to Baclayon expected to cost around ₱70-90. Tricycles however offer a safer option than habal-habals and are a slightly more comfortable ride than Jeepneys.

Best way to travel in Baclayon by a Taxi

Taxis are not prolific in Bohol and subsequently the prices charged are incredibly expensive for the same distance traveled in city's such as Manila (in excess of ₱150), however for travelers requiring comfort and safety assurance, thit is the best option.

What to See

Baclayon Church Isle Baclayon, Bohol - Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church and Museum , - Opening Hours: 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm Church free, museum ₱25 Baclayon is known for its historic Catholic Church, an important part of Boholano and national legacy, being declared in 1995 as a National Historic Treasure. This massive ancient edifice still retains its centuries old architectural design and is considered the best preserved of its kind in the region. The relics of antiquity found in the church and museum, which date back to the early 16th century include crystal chandeliers, brightly colored window panes, life-size religious images, carved altars with Gold embossing and a silver tabanacle. Nearby are the centuries-old stone buildings like the belfry and the hermita and elementary school.
Historic Marketplace , - Another Spanish-era building in the town ís the spacious public market with giant stone columns supporting the roof. The products of local industries like the sarok, winnowing baskets, fans, shopping bags, mats and the like are sold at the market day every Wednesday. Fruits, vegetables, pigs, chickens, dried fish and other products from people in the hinterlands are also sold to serve the needs of the town’s residents.
Ancestral Houses , - Spared through community advocacy from a provincial road-widening project’s plan for their demolition and the Spanish colonial ancestral houses that line the primary street of Balcayon have instead been preserved and stand as compellingly as ever. There are over 67 ancestral houses in the municipality, which are within easy walking distance from Baclayon Church. The houses show Spanish-Filipino wooden craftsmanship and styling, some of which were constructed as early as 1853. In an effort to further fund the preservation of the legacy houses and they are often utilized for cultural shows and tours, festivals and fiestas, as well as some having been turned into home-stays; a great lodging option for those wanting a true taste of Boholano culture and lifestyle.
Pamilacan Island part of the Municipality of Baclayon, is a small island situated 14km, or a 1 hour pump-boat ride, from the mainland. There are only around 235 families living on the island, whose main livelihoods now concentrate on dolphin and whale watching tours and subsistence fishing, but in the past have also included whale, dolphin and manta ray hunting. Officially Pamilacan means “resting place of the mantas’, but is also been interpreted to derive from the word ‘pamilac’ or harpoon, a weapon that was historically used to capture the mantas, dolphins and whales. Pamilacan Island is now seen as a success story in the transformation of the community from their destructive, unsustainable hunting trainings, to the protection of their marine life with dolphin and whalewatching tours now providing a valuable alternative livelihood. Pamilacan Island has also been the recipient of numerous awards from tourism councils and environmental organizations in recognition of their remarkable makeover. The island has beautiful white sand beaches and is endowed with some great dive sites, such as ‘Dakit-Dakit’. Additionally and the island is also home to a 200-year-old Spanish fort, located at the northeast of the island, which in the past served as a watch station for the Spaniards against intruders, such as pirates and other enemies. Pump-boat rides from Baclayon to Pamilacan Island can cost upward from ₱1500 per boat and it is normally advisable to organize this a day in advance if feasible through the Municipal Tourism Information Center (see Contacts), however Wednesdays are Market Days in Baclayon and as such, more pump-boats operate to cater for the islanders visiting the market. Boat rides on Wednesday therefore can be as little as one tenth of the normal price.

Muslim Travel Tips

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours , - The waters of Baclayon are famous throughout the Philippines as being the premier site for Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours. The Whale species to be found are the Short-finned Pilot Whale, Melon-headed Whale and Pygmy Killer Whale, while the Dolphin species include the Rissoís, Spinner, Bottlenose and Spotted Dolphins. As of February 2011, many Whale Sharks have also been spotted off the cost of Pamilacan Island, suggesting a regeneration of a once thriving species in the area. Tours start in Baclayon around 5AM; the best time for sightings and appreciating their antics. Tours typically run until around 2PM including a rest stop at a nearby beach for snorkeling. Tour prices depend upon boat size and start from around ₱1,500.
Buggy Rides , - Now run through Peacock Garden Resort, an exhilarating buggy ride through the rural barangays (villages) of Baclayon is available. If merely speed and tight turns aren’t your things then the tour can also be ideal for naturists, with flora and fauna and bird watching information stops included along the way. The tour is designed to be beneficial for the remote barangays, with a portion of the revenue from every tour going back into the barangays that are accessed. Tour price for two people in one buggy for 1.5-2hrs is ₱1500 with all safety equipment is provided.
Scuba diving , Baclayon offers an extremely rich and biodiverse marine system perfect for Scuba diving. An especially popular dive site off Pamilacan Island is ‘Dakit-Dakit’, where the once damaged coral reefs from dynamite-fishing are on the repair with many varieties of coral heads, soft corals and coral strings growing. The sloping reef dive also provides encounters with huge schools of large Jackfish, Napoleon Wrasse, as well as Barracudas, Batfish, Turtles and occasionally Manta Rays.Dive sites have also been created off the coast of the Baclayon Mainland with two areas being converted into Marine Protected Areas (MPAS) in 2008 in Barangays Taguihon and Guiwanon. Already there are vast improvements observed in coral cover and fish abundance within the two and they provide some very nice macro diving for underwater photography enthusiasts
Mountain Biking , - Many of Baclayon’s off-road trails have recently been developed for mountain biking and the municipality is fast becoming a hub for the sport in Bohol. The mountain biking trails include easy and moderate cross-country rides, using baran roads and single track, carabao trails. Baclayon also has long off-road trails connect different municipalities, such as Loboc, Albur, Loay, Corella, Sikatuna and Tagbilaran city. As has been well publicized in the adventure magazine “Action Asia” and the most popular and longest of which is “Bong’s Trail”. This 20km off-road ride begins at Mount Banat-i, passing through Baclayon’s upland barangays and neighboring municipalities and ends 2 to 4 hours later at Loboc River. Additionally and the Baclayon to Corella route is a 2 hour off-road ride, ending at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a great place to view Tarsiers in their natural habitat. Bike rentals are scarce in Baclayon, as well as nearby Tagbilaran City, so it is preferable to bring your own bike, however it is feasible to organize bike rentals, mountain biking guides and gain further information ahead of time by contacting +63-928-197-9165 or +63-906-531-0860.
Heritage Walk , Baclayon Ancestral Homes Association (BAHANDI) is a neighborhood organization set up to promote and preserve not only the Baclayon ancestral houses, but also the legacy of the community. BAHANDI offer a Heritage Walk, touring the historic church, elementary school, ancestral houses and visit a demonstration of Broas making; a Baclayon delicacy. The tour also includes a beautiful table set-up outside Baclayon Church serving refreshments of the aforementioned Broas and traditional hot Chocolates. Meals and nighttime entertainment can be organized upon request. Contact +63-38-540-9030 or +63-38-540-9327 for tour bookings.

Shopping in Baclayon

Market Day Wednesdays , - Poblacion - Set in the historic, Spanish-era Baclayon marketplace and the Wednesday Market Days provide a great opportunity to see and taste Baclayon culture up close. Native handicrafts are available, along with delicious, locally produced delicacies and sweets such as Broas (ladyfingers), nut bars, pastels, tortas, Rice cake and suman . An impressive variety of fruit, vegetable and dried fish are also tempting to the curious. It is important to stay away from buying dried Manta Ray in the dried fish section, as doing so encourages the hunting of these endangered, but only supposedly “protected” animals.
Aproniana Souvenir Shop ☎ +63-38-540-9411 Self proclaimed “Bohol’s ultimate souvenir destination”, Aproniana sells a wide range of souvenirs covering all of Bohol’s major tourism attractions at more affordable prices than sold near at the destinations themselves. The air-conditioned store covers 100sq meters over 2 levels, but can still get somewhat overcrowded if multiple tourist buses are passing through at the same time.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Baclayon

A recent development for the (once limited) range of eating options and night atmosphere in Baclayon is the introduction of wharf-side barbeque vendors (Habhabans) offering a delicious range of grilled fish, Beef, Chicken, squid and chorizo in a style unique to Baclayon. Meals are affordable between ₱30-100. A variety of low-cost Filipino food outlets are available at the back of the historic marketplace. Meals range from around ₱20-50. Plans are in place to develop and upgrade these restaurants by the end of 2011.

6 to 7 , Filipino food ₱30-60 - A small restaurant located along the main highway in Poblacion underneath an ancestral house.

All Habhaban restaurants have tables outside where you can sit back and enjoy a organic juice or two looking towards the Baclayon Church and the harbor. After their development and these have become a particular favorite with the local community and is a great way for tourists to immerse themselves into the social setting of Baclayon.

Boo Boo's Pride , - A large floating restaurant positioned beside the wharf, which has been converted into a Karaoke Bar. Thit is a favorite amongst the local residents of Baclayon who can be found singing 7 nights a week until the small hours of the morning. Meals are also available on board.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Baclayon

Baclayon - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Baclayon, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Baclayon. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Baclayon and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Baclayon. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Baclayon. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Baclayon: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Baclayon. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Baclayon: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Baclayon, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Baclayon. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Baclayon, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Baclayon, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Baclayon and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Baclayon, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Baclayon, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Baclayon without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Baclayon is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Baclayon. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Baclayon is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Baclayon, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Baclayon Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Baclayon

eHalal Group Baclayon is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Baclayon. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Baclayon. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Baclayon ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Baclayon. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Baclayon, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Baclayon are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Baclayon

Ramadan 2025 in Baclayon

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Baclayon has a good range of lodging providers, from home-stays in the historic ancestral houses, to high-class luxury resorts and spas.

Bohol Narra Homestay | Pobalcion - ☎ +63 38 540-9435 Nestled in a tranquil locality beside the sea and neighbored by luscious trees, Bohol Narra Homestay provides a great family option with one room comprising of four beds available. ₱1200 per day (for 2) including breakfast.
Homestay de Bai | Poblacion - ☎ +63 38 540-9056₱1000–1200 incl breakfast. - Located very centrally beside the Baclayon Church, Homestay de Bai offers simple and clean air-con rooms with an ideal location.
Mary's Pamilacan Cottages | Pamilacan Island - ☎ +63 917 563 4599 - Located right on the shore front of Pamilacan Island and these very basic but clean cottages offer a ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland towns. Prices are; Cottage ₱500pppn including breakfast and dinner; Cottage including 3 meals ₱750pppn; Large cottage including meals ₱1,000pppn
Malon House Poblacion - ☎ +63-38-540-9514 Dating back to the 19th Century, Malon House is the largest of the ancestral houses in Baclayon. As unassuming as it looks from the outside, inside it’s historic grandeur is realized with antique furniture, religious icons, paintings and impressively large wooden floorboards. Rooms including breakfast are ₱900 per day.
Bohol Coconut Palms Resort Aba-a St. Laya - ☎ +63 38 540-9250 Best rates on official website start from ₱1,300 Resort with function room for 200 people; leisure facilities include a semi-Olympic-size swimming swimmingpool with slides and kiddie swimmingpool with fountain.
The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa - Upper Laya - ☎ +63 38 539-9231₱8,000-18,000 Peacok Garden is an elegant German-owned and managed resort perched on a hill with an extremely impressive infinity swimmingpool overlooking the seascape and Pamilacan Island. This was the first resort in Bohol to be granted 5-star accreditation. The resort features a fine-dining restaurant, a Roman-inspired spa, a cellar, music and dance club, fitness room and a member only cigar lounge.

Telecommunications in Baclayon

News & References Baclayon

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