Ubay means ‘alongside’, a reference to an important trail that paralleled the beach in the old days. Today, this Filipino seaport is better known for its ferry routes connecting Bohol to Samar.
Ubay is little more than a port city, and while it is useful to travelers, there is little reason to linger here. Agriculture is a major industry here, so fresh inexpensive produce abounds.
The stock farm is occasionally billed as a tourist attraction, given its sheer size. Goats, horses and other livestock are bred here, but a hybridized cow steals the show. These massive beasts were first bred here and are said to grow as large a small elephant. They are raised for their meat as well as their milk.
The only other tourist site is Ubay Church. The building is modern, with most of the structure dating to the 1970s. There has been a church in some form here since the mid-1800s. Portions of the current construction were salvaged from a church at another location and date to the 1920s.
Getting There & Away
Ubay is 75 miles away from Bohol’s capital city, Tagbilaran, which can be reached in about two hours by bus. Flights from Tagbilaran connect to Manila in 1 hour, 30 minutes. Travel by ferry is more popular, with a fleet of ships connecting to Leyte, Samar. Travel time depends largely on the caliber of ferry.
Things to Do
Ubay Attractions
- Ubay Church
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While it lacks the historical appeal of bohol’s other churches, a visit may be in order for those with a layover in ubay.
- Stock Farm
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One of two government-run livestock farms in the philippines, this branch is known for its 1,000 head of massive zembra cattle.