Bohol town reopens destinations to tourists

Travelers marvel at the Chocolate Hills in Carmen town, the province’s tourism signature. FILE PHOTO

TAGBILARAN CITY—The municipality of Danao in Bohol province on Saturday reopened  its tourism sites to the public, two years after it was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among those that resumed operations was the Danao Adventure Park (DAP) in Barangay Magtangtang, considered Bohol’s adventure capital.

Danao Mayor Jose Cepedoza said the reopening of the DAP aims to boost the local economy and revive the tourism industry.

“Reopening our tourism spots sends a message of encouragement to the people that there is still hope,” he said on July 9 during the 61st founding anniversary Danao.

Danao has caves, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural resources, as well as  adventure and extreme activities that include “giant” swinging, glass cliff walking, sky riding, root climbing and rappelling, caving, waterfall and river trekking, kayaking, and cliff diving.

Other features like the hamster well and zipbike will be put up within the next three months.

History

In October 2013, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed the DAP. It took a while before the local government restored it.

The park also experienced losses during the pandemic in 2020 and Typhoon “Odette” in December 2021 when all its facilities were damaged.

Estela Bedua, assistant of Cepedoza, said the Danao government had been reviving the town’s “economy engine” slowly.

The newly paved road to Magtangtang was inaugurated on July 8, to provide tourists a better travel experience.

“We are slowly recovering now. If the normalcy continues, Danao will welcome more visitors and tourists,” Cepedoza said.