Question, if you were an animal, what would you be? A dog, a cat or a goldfish? Me, none of the above, because I'd like to be an eagle. I'd like to fly high. I'd like to soar against all the gusts of the wind. I'd like to use my broad and mighty wings to see the world from above, to visit different places, be with nature, discover new islands, and embrace exciting adventures. Imagine, it's like free access to Mother Earth at any time of the day. No need to buy your airline ticket and no need to book your accommodation. Cool, right?
Hi! Welcome to the Beautiful Bohol!
Because of this COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is frightened. I feel like, there's no more consumer confidence because we are even scared to go to the grocery store. Most of the time, I really wish I was an eagle. I wish I could fly solely to Bohol again, stay there for one whole day, then fly to Palawan the next day. I wish it was still last year, when traveling from one province to another in the Philippines was part of my freedom. For sure, everyone feels the same way. We would love to go out again, like insanely. We would like to experience the old vibe again, the "true normal", not the abnormal life or the "new normal".
Natura Vista - Panglao Island, Bohol
We don't know when it will end but hopefully, next year will be better, safer and healthier for all. What's up, Super Folks! Welcome back to my blog! It's been a while, how are we? Oh my, thank God! It's another day, another chance. It's October now, two more months. I can't wait to leave this cursed 2020. "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go".
Just chillin' folks.
Yes, I'm so ready to travel again! However, sad news, the COVID-19 cases in our country is not consistently going down, on a daily basis. Another sad news, many countries are not yet ready to welcome foreigners. In addition, many provinces in the Philippines are not yet ready for tourists from Metro Manila. So, I guess, it would be better for me to spend more time at home and try fun activities.
Love the vibe here!
Undeniably, the lockdowns that happened roughly seven months ago taught us a lot, from slow living to healthy living. There are things we didn't even know were possible like the Filipinos super love for indoor plants and urban gardening. Believe it or not, many of us are now plant enthusiasts, the "Plantitos and Plantitas". Well, no questions asked, this hobby is really good for the environment and mental health.
Calm at Sunset - Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol
As a travel lover, I can't also help but check my travel photos once in a while. It makes me smile and happy whenever I post throwback video online. Reminiscing the good times and blogging about it. Just so you know, I'm already starting a new travel story. Bohol, one of my dream destinations and indeed, on my Philippines travel bucket list. Thankfully, last year was fine, we were able to visit this province, see the natural attractions, tourist spots and gorgeous tiny islands.
Want ice cream? Try this Bohol Bee Farm. So worth it!
It's true! Like an old but gold cliché, "careful what you wish for, 'cause you just might get it". Few months before we fly, it was only a random idea. I was thinking about touring Bohol. The thoughts like, I'd like to go to Chocolate Hills, I'd like to experience Loboc Riverwatch and I'd like to try the "selfie with Tarsier challenge". I never thought we could go there, with my friend, six months later.
Blood Compact Monument
Should I say, it was record-breaking because after six years, I had a chance to travel by air again. It was my second time by the way. The first was when I went to Boracay with my friends. Honestly, riding a plane is not challenging for me, it's always about making travel arrangements, from finding cheap flights, accommodation, to researching tourist spots to visit.
Cute and affordable souvenirs!
Three days and two nights trip, short but very relaxing vacation. It was Sunday morning when we flew from Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport(MNL) to Bohol-Panglao International Airport(TAG) via Cebu Pacific, the average flight time is one hour and 45 minutes, but no joke, it was so smooth, thanks to our pilots, we arrived roughly 30 minutes early. First impression? The airport was fine, whether you're a local or foreign tourist, you'll surely be pleased. It's straightforward and clean.
Baclayon Church
Our round-trip ticket was PHP2510 per passenger(roughly USD50), it wasn't a Piso Fare but that's okay, charge to experience. With the help of Agoda app, we were able to find cozy, not expensive and nature-themed accommodation. Natura Vista Bohol, located in the rural part of Panglao Island, roughly 20-minute drive from Tagbilaran City, and 20-minute to Alona Beach. According to their booking details, it's a tranquil eco-sanctuary situated within the quaint fishing community of San Pedro Beach.
Glamorous interior of Baclayon Church
This place promotes "ultimate provincial experience", it is a 2-minute walk to the white sand beaches and 15-minute walk to the historical Hinagdanan Cave. The public beach is also right beside the luxurious Mithi Resort & Spa. Because our check-in time was two in the afternoon and since we had ample time to roam around, we decided to go for some grocery shopping and spend our lunch inside Island City Mall.
Enchanting Loboc River
From the mall, we had to rent a trike. I'm not sure, but we paid a special rate, roughly PHP250(USD5), because Natura Vista was quite far, like 22-minute drive. We arrived three hours early, there was no early check-in. Good thing, their staff was nice, she let us leave our bags near the front desk and rest for few minutes. First day was tiring, after checking the place, our room, menu, we decided to go to the nearby San Pedro public beach and stayed there for few hours. Rain came pouring down, we were not lucky to see the sunset.
Definitely not Hershey's Kisses. It's the famous Chocolate Hills!
Good morning from Bohol! Gosh, I'd like to say it again. Second day was the busiest, after taking our free breakfast, we right away prepared for an early tour. Super thanks to Bohol Cheap Package Tour for helping us with our tours. With the help of their Facebook page, I was able to buy two affordable (joiners)tour packages. First was the "Bohol Countryside Tour" worth PHP1450 per person(roughly USD29). Inclusions were pick-up and drop-off, aircon transportation with driver guide and gas, Loboc River Cruise buffet lunch and entrance fees. We started at 9am and our first stop was the Blood Compact Monument. This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in the Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol. This event is commonly known as "Sandugo". The Sikatuna-Legazpi Blood Compact is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between two different races, religions, cultures and civilizations. It was a treaty of friendship based on respect and equality.(www.bohol-philippines.com)
Stunning Bohol Man-made Forest
Next was the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church(also The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Parish Church), commonly known as "Baclayon Church", the oldest Christian settlement in Bohol. Part of the itinerary was also the Bohol Python and Wildlife Park and the Loboc River Cruise, truly world-class. I really enjoyed the floating restaurant, the food and the ambience.
Baby Snake! Check it at Bohol Python and Wildlife Park
We also went to Butterfly Garden and Bilar Bohol Enchanted, place where I saw tarsiers for the very first time in my life. I was amazed, they were so cute. I thought I was looking at the real-life Yoda. According to the website of Britannica. Tarsier, any of about 13 species of small leaping primates found only on various islands of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Tarsiers are intermediate in form between lemurs and monkeys, measuring only about 9-16 cm(3.5-6 inches) long, excluding a tail of about twice that length. They are naturally shy and delicate, we had to remain silent.
The Bamboo Hanging Bridge
The joiners tour was cool, inside the van, we were like United Nations. There were Americans, South Koreans, Taiwanese, and Europeans. We're the only Filipinos, plus the driver. Quite unique experience for me. Moving on, another tourist spot we visited was the Bamboo Hanging Bridge in the town of Sevilla. This bridge is made of bamboo, and the bridge handles are made of steel. The bridge is quite long, about 40 meters, and looks very flimsy but it's not. It can bear the weight of several persons, and sometimes, small motorcycles cross it.(www.vigattintourism.com)
Brave outside, but scared inside.
It was originally made for locals crossing the Sapitan River, but it became one of the well-liked attractions in the province, maybe because of the fun and adventure that you could feel while crossing the bridge.(www.vigattintourism.com)
Thumbs Up! Bilar Bohol Enchanted
There were a lot of people crossing the bridge, I was really scared to follow them, I felt unsecured. The Man-made Forest is eye-catching, don't forget to stop by and take pictures. Based on www.phtourguide.com, it's the first and only man-made forest in the Philippines. It is mainly composed of Mahogany trees about 2 kilometers stretched densely in towns of Bilar and Loboc.
You're so cute Yoda!
Of course we also went to iconic Chocolate Hills, last but not least. Definitely, another pride of Bohol and another natural attraction to visit in this province. It wasn't dry season when we went there, we may not see the hills in pure brown, going there was worth it. We enjoyed the wonderful panorama from the observation deck. They say, there are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. In addition, they have been declared as the country's third National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list.(en.wikipedia.org)
I heart Bohol Enchanted!
Let's talk more about Bohol! Did you know that it's the tenth largest island in the Philippines? It's an island province located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. It's capital is Tagbilaran.(en.wikipedia.org)
We have arrived!
Third day was all about dolphins, emerald green water, turtles, snorkeling and island hopping. Also, with the help of Bohol Cheap Package Tour, we were able to experience more fun and adventure in this province. For this Joiners Tour package, we paid PHP1250 per person(roughly USD25). Every package, there's a PHP500(roughly USD10) down payment or initial deposit. Meeting place was in Alona Beach and pick-up time was six in the morning.
Welcome to Virgin Island!
First activity was Dolphin Watching, they say that Bohol is one of Philippines' main migration route for cetaceans or marine mammals like whales and dolphins. Not that lucky day, they were difficult to find. It took us more than 30 minutes to spot a group of dolphins. Watching them swim freely was satisfying. After an hour, we went straight to Virgin Island. They also call it as "Pungtud or Pontod Island". Like a "hidden oasis", its long stretch of white sand beach during low tide which spans around one hectare, appears and becomes a tourist attraction.
Balicasag Island
Thirty minutes later, we had to say goodbye to the mangroves of Virgin Island. We had to leave for Balicasag Island, the highlight and the last stop of our day tour. Clear water, emerald green hues, colorful coral, sea creatures, and small fish to big fish, the place is dreamlike.
Me after snorkeling. Happiness!
It's also memorable because I almost died while snorkeling. This kind of activity was new to me, I didn't know how to breathe properly using my mask and snorkel. I didn't know how to paddle in deep water. I was really panicking and I was drowning for minutes. On the other hand, I was controlling my mind, to calm down. Good thing, it worked later on. Life vest was also my savior. I guess, first time is always special.
Crystal clear water!
Balicasag Island is famous for its marine sanctuary, aside from snorkeling, one can also enjoy diving. It's a real paradise. It's situated near Duljo point off Panglao Reef. Based from the site vigattintourism.com, it was developed into a resort and has been operational since 1989(officially Balicasag Island Dive Resort). The island was also declared as a marine sanctuary under Presidential Proclamation No. 1801 for it is abound with natural beauty, potentials for aquatic sports, tourism and marine life conservation. The proclamation was signed into law by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Another tourist spot. Ready?
Third day, our last day in Bohol, bittersweet but we had to fly back to Manila. Before the afternoon flight, we made sure to visit first this mysterious, talk of the town and strongly recommended attraction, Hinagdanan Cave. I honestly didn't research about it when I was arranging our trip. My reaction was like "jaw-dropping" when we entered the cave. I didn't expect its beauty.
Come! Join with us. Watch out, there are bats inside.
According to Wikipedia, this cave was accidentally discovered when the owner of the area was clearing the decaying branches of the land when he found the hole. The owner threw a stone into the hole, then he heard a splash. Then he built a ladder to get into the cave. They named it Hinagdanan, means "laddered", used to get into the cave's interior. Amazing story, right? It's located in the municipality of Dauis, Panglao Island. It's naturally lighted cavern with a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites.
Natural beauty! Really a wow!
No doubt, the best part of this cave is the hidden lagoon with clear emerald green produced by the green limestone at the bottom of the pool. We decided not to go swimming since we didn't have idea how deep it was and I guess, we presumed its water was very cold. It's picturesque, we just took photos of it as our souvenir and Instagram too.
Now, I'm back in Manila ending this travel blog post and definitely I'll be writing more for you. Next is about my La Union trip. See you later!
Super thanks again for reading my blog, Super Folks!
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SuperMarkyMacky MOR
