Bilar

Bilar is an interior town northeast of Loboc. This town used to occupy a big area and included what are now known as municipalities of Sevilla, Batuan and Carmen. The term “bilar” is a native word from the infinitive “nagbilad”. During the Spanish regime, the Spaniards, in their effort to spread Christianity, toured the interior villages and somehow chanced to pass a plateau where a group of women were drying palay.When the women were asked as to the name of the place, the immediate reply was “nagbilad”, meaning drying, thinking that the foreigners were asking their activity. The Spaniards shorten the term to “bilad” and later on to “bilar” due to the difficulty in pronouncing the term. By virtue of a royal decree, the name Bilar was adopted as the official name of the municipality.

Top things to do in Bilar

Visit the Man-made Forest

The dense forest in Bohol that is famously known as the Bilar Man-Made Forest or the Bohol Mahogany Forest, spans over two kilometers and runs along the borders of the towns of Loboc and Bilar. The forest comprises primarily of white and red mahogany trees that were planted as part of a reforestation initiative initiated more than half a century ago.

Take a dip on Logarita Spring

Logarita Swimming Pool Spring is an all-natural freshwater spring situated in Bilar, Bohol that attracts a substantial number of local and foreign tourists. The spring boasts of a tranquil and serene setting, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque scenery that offers a perfect ambiance to relax and unwind. The clear and pristine water of the spring is refreshing and presents an ideal swimming spot, particularly during the scorching summer season. The surrounding area of the spring is well-kept, complete with amenities such as picnic tables, benches, and restrooms that cater to visitors’ needs. The accessibility of the Logarita Swimming Pool Spring is effortless, and it presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to indulge in outdoor activities and experience the beauty of nature in Bilar.

Visit the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape

Rajah Sikatuna National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and a haven for bird enthusiasts. It is the largest remaining forest in Bohol, comprising of forested karst limestone areas that were declared a National Park under Proclamation No. 129 on July 10, 1987. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources renamed the park to Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), covering several towns, including Bilar, Valencia, Carmen, Sierra Bullones, Garcia Hernandez, Dimiao, and Batuan. The park has a total land area of 9,023 hectares, with 4,700 hectares of natural forests, 1,600 hectares of man-made forest, 690 hectares occupied, and the rest of the area has cogonal features, which require rehabilitation.

The RSPL aims to achieve three objectives, namely, potable water source and irrigation, biodiversity reserve, and eco-tourism. It provides an excellent scenic view for tourists traveling to Carmen, who can witness the picturesque forest and rice fields in front of the reserve. The park’s interiors remain undisturbed, allowing wildlife to roam freely, and numerous species of birds, butterflies, flora, and fauna thrive in the area.