Uplifted Marine terraces

Overview

The Uplifted Marine Terraces in Baclayon are a formal geosite within the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. They represent one of the most geologically legible formations on the island — a series of three stepped terraces rising at approximately 20, 40, and 60 metres above the current sea level, each one recording a distinct episode of tectonic uplift along a coastal fault.

The formation dates to the Pliocene-Pleistocene period. Uranium-thorium dating has placed the 20-metre terrace at approximately 129,000 years old and the 60-metre terrace at roughly 310,000 years — meaning these are real-time records of how tectonic forces moved the seafloor into the open air across three distinct geological events. Fossil fragments of the giant clam Tridacna gigas and Strombaceae gastropods have been recovered from the terrace deposits, confirming that these were once reef environments.

Location

Barangay Poblacion, Baclayon, Bohol. Baclayon is approximately 6 km east of Tagbilaran City along the coastal road.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran City, take any jeepney or multicab heading east toward Baclayon — the ride takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The terraces are in the poblacion area near the coast. The Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark website (geopark.bohol.gov.ph) provides additional reference for geosite access.

Practical Info

• Part of the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark — a designated geosite
• No commercial development on the terrace itself — access is on foot
• [TO ENRICH: whether a guide or geopark pass is required, signage status, nearest parking area]

What to Expect

A coastal landscape where the land steps upward in visible increments. The terraces are read geologically rather than visually dramatic in the manner of a waterfall or cave — the interest is in understanding what you are looking at. The fossil material embedded in the terrace deposits is the tactile evidence of the site’s age. Clear day visits allow views toward the Bohol Sea.

Notes

• Source (researched): Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark — Baclayon Ancient Marine Terrace page (geopark.bohol.gov.ph/en/baclayon-ancient-marine-terrace/)
• Source (BPTO description, verbatim): “It was formed during the Pliocene-Pleistocene time. Fault movement along the coast caused the uplift of formerly underwater reefs, raising it at a height above the sea and creating a marine terrace along the coast.”
• The Baclayon Church — one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines — is nearby and is a standard stop for visitors to the municipality.