The waters of Panglao Alona Beach and Balicasag Island

It was a tiring day.My kids are now longing for beach. Who cares if its 7pm? They just want to soak themselves to water.  After i settled our things in the lodge we wasted no time and went straight to the beach. We stayed at Villa Almedilla located at the back of Tierra Azul Resort. It was just a few hops from Alona Beach.

daddy covered with sands

Alona Beach is a stretch of fine white sand in the Island of Panglao.Bars and restaurant are also scattered in the area. The only downside is there are to many bancas anchored in the shore. I find hard to look for a perfect spot in the beach where we can lounge without any interruption.

clear waters of Panglao

We get up early the next day for our Island hopping and dolphin watching. For 1,500 we got a good deal from one of the bangkeros that approached us the day before. Life vest and snorkel set are also included.

aboard our boat =) 

buh-bye Alona Beach 

It was a breezy morning and most of us are sleepy. We board the banca and head  to the sea to look for the dolphins.It took a while, were sailing for almost one hour and a half and havent spotted anything yet.After almost two hours, a flocked of dolphins showed up. We're all excited as they show off their skills. We spent 30 minutes then go straight to Balicasag Island.

sleepyhead kids 

dolphins in action =) 

Balicasag island is approximately 30 minutes away from Alona beach. After chasing dolphins its now time for our island hopping.Usual stop over is the Balicasag island. Clear waters and white sand beach surrounds the island.The island is also home of almost 100 native families. Foods are pricier in Balicasag it is still best to bring your own food like what we did.

Balicasag Island from afar

Island's Lighthouse

After eating our bangkero offered us to snorkel and visit the marine sanctuary.We haggled for 600php for 5 persons, instead of 150php per pax. From Balicasag we transferred to a small paddle boat that will bring us to the marine sanctuary. We spent 2 hours floating on the water and enjoying the corals under the sea.It was a great experience.

Summer Fun! 

xoxo,

Awesome Bohol Daytour Part Two

Burp! It was almost 2pm when we left Loay River Cruise.All charged up Kuya is now going to Sandugo Site and Baclayon Church

interior ceiling

Baclayon Church Facade

Baclayon Church or the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion was considered as one of the oldest church in the Philippines.Originally it was the Jesuit who constructed the church but the Agustinians Reccolects  affixed contemporary facade. One of the pillar of the church has an image Father Pio.We spent 30 minutes inside the church before we made a quick stop in the Sandugo Site.
I just gave my two school kids a brief history about the church. I'm not sure they understand what is important is they knew something and the church itself played a major role in our history.

cheers!

The Sandugo or Blood Compact happened in the shores of Bohol in 1565.This was to ensure friendship between Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna.The famous painter Juan Luna painted the event named El Pacto de Sangre in 1883.We just took some photos and spent fifteen minutes then go straight to Hinagdanan Cave.


From Tagbilaran to Panglao we are almost done with our day trip.Everyone is still energetic and we still have two more attractions to go. 

inside Hinagdanan Cave Panglao

 The Hinagdanan Cave was discovered by accident. The owner was cleaning the surrounding when he saw a tiny hole. He threw a small stone and heard a splash of water. Thus the discovery of one of the tourist spot in Panglao.

mum said smile so I did =)

We spent fifteen minutes inside the cave. My kids felt suffocated it was also hot and crowded. The stalactites and stalagmites formations are just fine.The pond said to be 13ft deep and a mixture of fresh water saltwater. The guide also has knowledge in camera. Overall the experience was just okay. We paid 25php for the entrance fee. 

we're almost done

Finally, the day trip will soon be over.The last destination for the day was Bohol Bee Farm. A private resort located in the cliffs of Panglao Island. Dont expect white sand beach here. But the ambiance and decorations will compensate from what ever its lacking. They also have covered pool nearby the restaurant.  BBF offers a farm tour for just twenty pesos .Raffia making, organic farming are included in our  tour. He als0 gave us a brief history and humble beginnings of the owner.The kids truly enjoyed it.Very relaxing and homey. From the viewing deck we can see the Pamilacan Island. Highly recommended not to mention the foods are mouthwatering.We tried their bakery products and ice cream. 

locally made bags and hats for sale at the shop

BBF garden

unique ice cream flava

It was a memorable trip.I cant get wrong with Bohol, from tarsier to up to the hills,to the man made forest, river cruising then a century old churches, and cave plus the  unique ice cream flavors.I couldn't ask for more.

the viewing deck BBF

Awesome Bohol Day Trip

As the we docked in the wharf of Tagbilaran i felt so relieved. Its been a long day for us.My kids are now tired and sleepy, and we're all hungry. Finally its time to rest, eat and to regain strenght for tomorrow's day trip. Over dinner I briefly gave them a synopsis of what to see and they're all excited.

Nisa's Travellers Inn for 800php with free breakfast

Before breakfast I received a call from Kuya Tatsky advising that our driver for the day tour is on his way to pick us up. We all finished our food and checked out the lodge.

A warm welcome from our tour guide greeted us. He gave us an abrupt information for our itinerary.

staring contest?

Our first destination was the Tarsier Sanctuary, the smallest primate and now an endangered species. The kids were surprised upon seeing the tarsiers.They enjoyed seeing them hopping from one branch to another.By the way there's no entrance fee just a donation./We spent30 minutes in the sanctuary before moving to our next spot.

endangered tarsier

Myths and legends were being associated with Chocolate Hills thus our second destination and the most popular attraction in Bohol.

       The story of Arogo, a giant who fell i love with Aloya, a mortal

       woman. Arogo loved Aloyo so much that when she died, Arogo cried hard

       pouring with tears. The tears believed to be the Chocolate Hills.

       Romantic eh??

Enough about the legends,lets go back to the trip. It was almost 830 am when we reached Carmen, we paid 25php  per head for the entrance fee. My kids are excited! The weather was clear giving us a clear view of the treeless hills. We went up the viewing deck.It was a  tiring trek up the concrete stairs (214 steps).The view on top was spectacular. A picturesque view and nature at it's best. We spent one hour in the viewing deck. It was almost ten am when we decided to leave Chocolate Hills for the next attraction.

 wonders of nature

The Bilar Man Made Forest is a lovely place to have pictures taken.The sun rays that passes through the leaves of the trees make it more breathtaking. We only spend 15 minutes here for picture takings.

Bilar Man Made Forest

The Butterfly Conservation Center is included in our day tour. I had an option to skip this attraction just like what I did with Prony.But, I decided not to. The main reason was when I first got here I was

amused with our tour guide. We paid the 25php for the entrance fee for adults. Luckily we got the same tour guide, he started the tour by showing different kinds of butterflies. The explain the life cycle like a science teacher. Then we went inside the sanctuary and chase the butterflies. We spent one hour inside the sanctuary.

waiting to fly

We spent 20 minutes in the hanging bridge.Nothing really special, just a thrill of passing through the swaying bamboo bridge.We also bought some pasalubongs here.

im not scared ma!

ako takot !

Its almost lunch time.Everyone is excited to eat. I choose Loay River Cruise over Loboc for a change.Less crowded, we lined up and pay 350php for the buffet lunch. The cruise lasted for 2 hours with a side trip to ati tribe. The food was just ok but the view was very scenic. A super relaxing  that made me feel close to nature while cruising the calm river.

calm Loboc River in Loay

cruisng the river

The Ati Tribe

lunch time

Recharged! After smogasboard its now time to visit the oldest church in Tagbilaran and Ill be posting the other half of our awesome daytrip soon. Time to sleep. 

May we all have a safe trip!

Bohol and Falls

Because of our delayed flight and bad weather we wasnt able to  finish our itinerary for our city tour. Not to mention Kuya Rudy was so kind enough to drop us off to two destinations not included in our itinerary.

To officially start our Day 2, We woke up at exactly 6am.Nisa's travellers in served breakfast between 6:00 am to 7:30 am. Well it was not a fancy breaky ok, just a cup of coffee, spread, toast, and scramble egg.

After breakfast, we were approcahed by the staff that out tour guide was waiting for us downstairs. So we again packed our things  and hurriedly went down. I was looking for the toyota Innova but to my surprised Kuya Rudy was driving a white Altis. Whoa the car is loaded so nice. =)

Im excited let us start or Day 2 cont. of our city tour:

welcome!

Mag Aso falls

First stopped Mag Aso Falls. This time we headed on a diffrent direction. After 30 minutes of driving on a concrete road we passed the the signage of Antequerra. Then the welcome sign of Mag Aso Falls. We're here !!! We paid the P25.00 entrance fee. It was a 200 steps and take note it is steep and slippery, but the scenery was magnificent. We're the only people there I felt like I own the place.A must see !!! And truly remarkable spot in Bohol.

nice backdrop

We rushed to Baclayon Church. One of the oldest church in the Philippines. Next to the church is the old convent and museum. Inside the church was like a big artwork. The murals on the ceiling was like a narrative scene.The altar was huge with a collections of statues. Entrance fee to the museum is P25.00.

Baclayon Church Bohol

Bell Tower Baclayon Church

The Altar Baclayon Church

Hinagdanan Cave

It was the end of our city tour supposedly but Kuya Rudy drove us to Panglao. He said he will take us Hinagdanan Cave.I was so thankful.This friendly and courteous Boholano was so kind.He deserves to be promoted. His service was world class.I will highly recommend Kuya Rudy to everybody for smooth and hassle free tour in Bohol. 

   

inside Hinagdanan Cave 

strolling inside Hinagdanan

effort na mag picture  =)

for Bohol city tour pls contact

Rudy Castanares

0909-4669515

Bohol Misadventures

for my bff day tour

 Bohol Bee Farm

I almost lost my sanity when the receptionist of Air Phil told me that the plane bound to Tagbilaran flew fifteen minutes ago. I was late and I can't believed it. This is not happening not that I was late for my flight but for my dismay I also lost my wallet.I dont know where and I cant think straight. I was so depressed and devastated.Mishaps happened but I guessed that time was too much for me to handle. The money left on my pocket was just P15. I honestly dont know what to do that time. I sat on the floor and waited for my friends to arrive sadly they were also late for our flight.

I want to go home that's all that I can say. I cant afford to rebook my flight, I'm empty handed.I just want to borrow money from them and go back home. But, they insisted to continue the trip they said they will pay for my fare and skipped some of our destinations. I was teary eyed  and happy. I felt relieved. I've been  planning for this trip for almost 2 months and Ive contacted Rj for our city tour, and booked our Tagbilaran accommodation.

Welcome to Tagbilaran Airport =) Bad hair day !!

It was a quarter past 12noon when we arrived at Tagbilaran airport. I didn't expected that our driver/tour guide will be waiting for us outside. He was holding a paper with my name on it. I quickly approached him, he introduced himself as Rudy. He was very accommodating and respect full. He asked me if I want to eat lunch, I review the itinerary he gave to me, because of the delay we are running out of time so I decided to go straight to Loboc River Cruise for our lunch buffet. I originally planned a dinner cruise but due to lack of schedule and my stomach growling we've decided to pig out first. =)

Recommended by Kuya Rudy Riverwatch Buffet

The cruise went smooth. I mostly spent my time eating. We paid P300 for the buffet and P100 for the entrance fee. I enjoyed the cool voice from the folk singer aboard. I must say he was great, he sang Korean and Japanese song too.  

While waiting for our turn to cruise =)

Let's start !


 
It caught my attention seafoods!!!
  
Fried Camote for desserts?

stop over with the local to appreciate theie performance =)
 
my 1st plate takaw!!

my choice of desserts

 
Loboc River 

 

waterfalls? end of the cruise 

I was waiting for the waterfalls at the end of our cruise, ok so this is it. So dont expect too much =)

Chocolate Hills at Carmen

Our next stop The Chocolate hills in Carmen.It was almost 3:30 in the afternoon when we left Loboc. Kuya Rudy drove like we own the road. It was fast but safe. Tiny raindrops welcome us as we alighted the vehicle.Entrance fee is P50.00. 

 

The Chocolate Hills and Me!!!

Gorgeous landscape that was all I can say  as I was looking over those tree less hills.

No wonder this is famous attraction of Bohol it was an amazing gift from nature.

To witnessed the stunning view of Chocolate hills, The 3 of us climbed up the stairs(approx 100 steps) till we reached the observation deck. 

 

Butterfly Sanctuary 

We made a quick stop to the Butterfly Sanctuary.It was not part of our itinerary but Kuya Rudy said he can include it for free.It wasnt not that fascinating but im sure kids will enjoyed it.  

 

 Butterfly and me 

After 30 minutes of photo ops we hurriedly went down the stairs.It was almost 5pm. Our next stop, Man Made Forest in Bilar. It is a 2km stretch of Mahogany trees guarding the road. It is irresistable. According Kuya Rudy the town of Bilar and Loboc were part of the reforestation program due to mushy soil and floods.I was having difficulty taking pictures it was too dark for my digicam pardon me for these photos.

 

pardon me for the pic I know it blurred amg hirap ng walang tripod 

We wasted no time and go straight to Loboc for the Tarsier viewing. A small primate with enormous eyes. Cute! =) It took me so much of a time to take photo beside them. They're elusive. I guessed they were stressed because of too many people they encountered daily.

No entrance fee just a donation for the caretakers. 

Tarsier in Loboc

 

tarsier and me again, medyo dark na so pardon me for this shot 

Whatta Day!!! It was a struggle of money, but my desire to visit the stunning Bohol made my day. To those two peeps who made extra effort,forced me to travel 630kilometers from Manila. Made me laugh at my most solitude moments, paid my rebooking fee, treat me out for dinner you two simply rocks. I owed you bigtime =)