Philippines is not only blessed with 7,000 plus islands, but it's also blessed with thousands of variety of underwater species. Bohol is one of those islands that offers some of the most exotic seashells, clams and mollusk.
You don't need to go underwater just to see those species. Nova Shell Museum in Bohol has thousands of displays of them. Not alive though, but still, it doesn't hurt knowing and be amazed with them.
It all started as a hobby when the owner, Mr. Quirino Hora, was introduced by his brother to the wonderful world of the sea. He then started collecting all kinds of seashells until it became to many that he open up a museum.
Almost half the seashells displayed in his museum were found in Bohol, specifically, Panglao Island. Panglao Island is said to has the biggest variety of shells in the South Pacific.
As soon as you entered the museum, you can't help but be amazed and admire all of the seashells displayed. They all have them from the smallest to the biggest shell.
The rarest among their collection is a tiny shell named after the Emperor Hirohito of Japan, found in Balicasag Island. It's so tiny that you need a microscope to see it.
The most prized-possession and named after Mr Hora, are the two shells found in Panglao. The first one discovered in 1987 was named Bursa Quirihorai, a specie of sea snail. The recent that was discovered in 1997 was named Primovula Horai, also a specie of snail.
Adjacent to the museum is souvenir shop with items made of sea shells. From wind chime, lampshade and curtain to earrings, necklace and brooch. There are really a lot of things you can buy here.
Make sure you walk around the shop because at the back there are other antique collections. Some of them are still in the box when we visited but still, I'm glad I saw some of them.
Outside of the museum, a huge clamp is displayed. There are also shark's teeth, big shells & dried puffer fish hanged beside the clamp. This looks like just a simple house, but don't be deceived, go and make sure to drop by. The staffs are friendly and knowledgeable about the shells too!
Address: Poblacion, Panglao, Bohol (near Alona Beach)
Phone#: +63(38)502-8074
Business Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Daily
Entrance Fee: Php30.00 per person
I was so thankful our tour guide brought us here even though it's not included in our itinerary.
On my second visit to the province with my family, I just waited outside until finished.
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