Bohol
19/03/10 16:36
I have been always fascinated with the most talked about province of Bohol with their vast natural resources... great white powdery sand beaches, the famous chocolate hills, caves and falls,historics places/museums, delicious delicacies and the boholanos who made this wonderful island a place that cant be resist not to visit to.
BOHOL ISLAND MAP
How to Get There
You will most likely be approaching Bohol from Cebu but there are direct flights to Tagbilaran from Manila that probably depart at least once a day. Check with Philippine airlines-- www.philippinesairlines.com or Cebu Pacific-- www.cebupacificair.com.ph for flights rates and schedules.
From Cebu, Bohol is easily visible from any vantage point that provides view across the 20-mile wide Bohol Strait. You can fly the short distance on Asian Spirit. If you do fly, remember to confirm your return trip as soon as you arrive at the Tagbilaran Airport.
If you choose to go by sea, there are many fast ferries that ply the Cebu-Bohol route throughout the day. The travel would take 1hr and 30mins. Supercat-- www.supercat.com.ph , Weesam-- www.zimnet.com/weesam , Ocean jet-- www.oceanjet.net . Besides saving a few pesos, there's nothing like an inter-island ferry for catching the beautiful vistas that the archipelago has to offer.
If you'd like to bypass Cebu City altogether and go directly to Bohol saving some pesos along the way, take a taxi from the airport to Lapu-Lapu City which is still on Mactan Island. Ask the driver to drop you off at the pier. Here you can catch a small ferry that goes directly to the Cebu pier about every hour for 10 pesos more or less. This is also a scenic ride. Since you arrive at the ferry pier you can go direct to the next catamaran or ship to Bohol.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Itinerary: Day 1
This itinerary is recommended for those who avail of 3 days 2 nights’ packages or would like to stay in Bohol for the same period. This is based on the usual queries received and based on my what I think would be the best way to maximize the time and cover considerable destinations in Bohol First rule: Take the morning flight going to Tagbilaran and the afternoon flight leaving Tagbilaran. Upon reaching the Tagbilaran airport it will take just 2 minutes to get out of it (or 15 minutes if you checked in your luggage). From the airport to Alona beach in Panglao is a 30-45 minute ride. By 10 am, you will be in your hotel/resort. If you want to economize it’s not advisable to avail of tour packages offered by the resort/hotel as it is more expensive and the scheduled is very structured. Taxi fare P400-500 pesos
Note: Otherwise if your adventure enough and choose to do Public transportation the fare from airport to ICM (island city mall) is P50 by trike and from ICM to Loboc by Jeepney P30. Then ICM to Panglao is around P20 and trike going to Tawala/Dauis vice versa is 20pesos
Rule 2: Blend with boholanos and be friendly. Make a cursory survey of Alona beach; this would be easy as it is less than 1 kilometer. You will then know if the beach would be suited to your liking. if not, go to other parts of Panglao island. How? You will meet some folks who would offer you assistance and don't hesitate to ask and negotiate. They are nice people and won’t take it against you if you will decline the offer. Most of the guides are motorcycle drivers so you can visit their station near the Flying Fish Bar and engage in some friendly chat. Alona beach is just one of the places to swim in the island. The best part is the shallow parts of the sea several kilometers from the beach. If you decide that Alona beach would be fine, then you have the whole day settled. Try the beach on the eastern side or near Alona Palm. The beach is wider. If not, I recommend either going to Dauis part where Bohol beach club and Dumaluan private beach resort are located(5 minutes by boat) or 30mins by trike…Dauis area are more shallow or visit Puntod or Gakang Island (15 minutes by boat) Dumaluan is on the left side of Alona while Puntod and Gakang, on the right. Both may be reached by boat. The usual rate is P500-800 depending on the size of the boat and for maximum of 3 hours.
Bohol Beach Club Dauis, Panglao Island
Chocolate Hills, Carmen
More than 1000 hills in number - consisting of thousands of cone-shaped mounds scattered over 50 sq kilometers around the towns of Sagbayan, Carmen and Sierra Bullones in central Bohol. Each hill rises 30 to 120 metes above the surrounding plateau. The hills look like chocolate drops when the grass turns brown, hence the name. Two of the hills have been developed into a resort with youth hostels, cottages, a swimming pool, and tennis court.
Also on top of one is an observation deck 213 concrete steps. In the dry season when the grass is dry, the grass become chocolate colored, because of that, the name "Chocolate Hills". The loveliest time to see the Chocolate Hills is early in the morning, so you can see it in the sunrise!
Itinerary: Day 2
I suggest you travel by hired car/van. You may also opt for a cheaper mode and hire a multicab. The car/van is more comfortable and faster, though. The trip to Carmen is more or less 2 hours from Panglao thus better start the trip at 8 am. You may skip the first two stops, i.e., Blood Compact site and Baclayon Church or you may spend 10 minutes each. At the Baclayon church, you will see the oldest church in Bohol. There is a museum but you have to leave your camera and cell phone at the front desk. Next the towns of Loay, Loboc (dont stop there yet and do it on your way back), Bilar (see the man made mahogany forest) and Batuan. There is a long and winding road between Loboc and Bilar. You will reach the Chocolate Hills by 9:30 am and stay there for an hour. On your way back, another trip under the mahogany forest then ask the driver to take a detour to Sevilla if you want to see the hanging bridge. Ask the driver to take the interior road, instead, and you will pass by the towns of Sikatuna and Corella. The interior road has some portions still under rehabilitation, hence some rough roads. You will see the rustic and bucolic side of Bohol, the lush mountain and forest and the laidback community.
Note:
There’s another place where you can view the Chocolate hills in 360 degrees perspective that is in Sagbayan peak mountain resort. The entrance fee is P10. You can dine at Café Baudillo-- the glass walled cafe sits atop an elevated hill overlooking the teardrop-shape hills as far as the eyes can see. In addition to that you can also gaze the far-off blue sea that separates Bohol from the island of Cebu. A truly captivating creation.
Busay Falls Loboc River Cruise
If not straight to Loboc river and cruise. It would be better to take your first cruise though around 10-11am regardless of the tour operator there that provide food cuz the first cooking would be much prepared than the 2nd and 3rd cuz they would have more time to prepared (but if not you can try River watch or Riverside floating restaurant) The river cruise will end when you see Busay Falls.
Or otherwise you can opt for the Night River cruise. To date there’s 15 boats operating at night and every Friday and Saturday there’s a special presentation at the Loboc Children’s Palace. The presentation is a 30-piece brass band ensemble composed of Grade 3 to 4th year high school students. This is an initiative of the town’s LGU, to provide free training and musical scholarship to deserving students for them to secure college scholarships. It was a great treat to listen to the talented brass band. What a great way to end the night!
Visit this link for info about Loboc River night cruise
Tarsier at Corella Sanctuary
Then ask the driver to take the interior road, instead, and you will pass by the towns of Sikatuna and Corella. The interior road has some portions still under rehabilitation, hence some rough roads. You will see the rustic and bucolic side of Bohol, the lush mountain and forest and the laidback community.
When you reach Corella, insist on seeing the Tarsier Sanctuary where you can see tarsiers in their natural habitat. This is a must.
Tarsier, at Corella Sanctuary
You will then pass by Tagbilaran City on your way to Panglao. Ask the driver to take the Bingag route and have a short stop at the Hinagdanan cave. If you have kids, pass by Daks Zoo.
Hinagdanan Cave at Bingag
Hinagdanan Cave was accidentally discovered when the owner of the area was cleaning decaying branches and found the hole. Throwing a stone into the hole, the owner heard a splash. A ladder was then built to get to the inside of the cave. Hinagdanan, in fact, means “laddered” and the cave took its name from the man-made ladder used to get to the caves interior.
By 4 or 5 pm, you will be back to Alona beach. Take a dip or simply rest by the sea. Note:
If you can arrange it and you fancy organic food, have your early dinner at the Bee Farm cuz of their breathtaking view, and try their spicy flower salad where else can you brag eating flower salad (**,) try their spareribs and honey glaze chicken (order in advance since the food takes time to prepare). They offer a unique and relaxing atmosphere…checkout their website at www.boholbeefarm.com (they are near at the gate of Bohol beach club)
The driver would also serve as your guide along the way. if you do not speak Cebuano, he will explain everything in English. They take their driver/guide vocation seriously. Take note that it is advisable that you talk to the driver of the van about the additional places you want to see, like Sevilla Bridge, Tarsier Sanctuary and Hinagdanan Cave. These are not usually included in the tour and if time would really permit, the driver would readily oblige. If he does, please do not forget to part him with your generosity. For them, it was not the extra income but they take it as an appreciation of what they have done. Cost: P1, 700-2,500 for hiring the car/van depends on the places, P50/person entrance fee, Chocolate Hills, P250/person lunch+ P50 entrance fee,Tarsier Sanctuary, P10/person entrance, Hinagdanan Cave. Just about the same cost if you will hire a jet ski and take a banana boat ride for two hours while you are on a beach
Balicasag Island
At night, Bohol is a quiet place and the province sleeps by 10 pm. There are some entertainment establishments in Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach but they usually close before 12. For me, it is no big deal if I sleep early or just enjoy the silence of the night. I want my vacation that way. If you take the afternoon flight, there is still time for some dolphin watching and snorkeling and watching the beautiful sunrise. You have to leave Alona Beach minutes before 6 am and the boat ride will be for 20-30 minutes or depending on the dolphins. You can stay dolphin watching as long as you see them. They somewhat disappear when the sun is up. Since you are in the middle of the sea, you can choose to visit the nearby Pamilacan or Balicasag Islands and do some snorkeling. I suggest Balicasag because it is nearer Alona Beach and the travel time is about 30-45 minutes. Your snorkeling may last for two hours or longer so long as you leave Balicasag at 10:30 to reach Alona Beach before 11:30. Check out time at 12:00 pm, you can ask and they always oblige, to leave your luggage at the resort office and take your lunch. Make sure that you leave Alona Beach by 2pm on your way to Tagbilaran Airport.
And wait there’s more…Bohol offer now an exciting new extreme adventure park in Danao
They have Sky ride, Plunge, Suislide, Root climbing, Caving, River trekking / kayaking /tubing and a lot more
For those interested heres their contact Info: Danao Adventure Park Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol, Philippines website : http://eatdanao.com Contact Persons
LGU-Danao - 507-3106 local 187 - eatdanao@ymail.com
Ana Loinda Saluan Mun. Tourism Officer - 0917-3021701 - alc_saluan@yahoo.com
Ma. Weina Saguid Tourism Operations Assistant - 0921-7594403
Whooaa..!!! Longest zipline in the Philippines (Extreme Adventure Tour in Danao, Bohol)
If you want to see and experience more, come back or stay longer and there are still so many wonderful things in Bohol waiting for you
Try these activities:
1. Have an up close and personal view of the world's famous chocolate hills while riding the ATVs!
Address: Carmen, Bohol
Phone: +6338 4160340
Directions: Beside the Chocolate Hills Complex parking area
Website: www.g1atv.com
2. Heritage tour
Visit this wonderful Churches and Museums.
Loboc Church Baclayon Church Albuquerque Church
Luz Ancestral Home Clarin Ancestral Home Dauis Church
3. Dolphin and whale watching at Pamilacan Island
The best season is from March to June, but resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Pamilacan Island lies at the heart of the Bohol Sea. It was named as such from the word "pamilac" or harpoon, a large hooked implement that is locally made and used by the islanders to capture manta rays, whale sharks and Bryde's whales. The island, which is a 45-minute pump boat ride from the town of Baclayon, is composed of three sitios, one facing Baclayon, another amid an island and a third sitio on tishe southern coast.
4. Visit Mag-aso falls in Antequera
5. Nighttime Firefly cruise at Loay River
Evening tour begins with a gourmet organic dinner at the Bee Farm Restaurant in Panglao Island. After dinner, proceed to the Loboc River, either in Loay town or at the Loboc jetty, to board a pumpboat that will take you downriver at a slow, leisurely pace. Along the riverbanks, trees are festooned with the myriad lights of fireflies, some covering the entire foliage of the trees. This natural phenomenon has long been a local sight but organized tours did not come about until 2005 when it was recognized as a unique, wondrous spectacle, especially for city dwellers. During the migration season, you can even catch a glimpse of birds sleeping among the branches of the mangrove trees that line the river. Truly an awesome experience as only Mother Nature can present.
INCLUSIONS
Complimentary hotel pick-up from the following hotels:
· MetroCentre Hotel & Convention Center
· Bohol Tropics
· Bohol Beach Club
· Panglao Island Nature Resort
· Amarella Hotel
· Flushing Meadows Resort
· Alona Palm
· Alona Kew
· Amorita
· Dinner
· Admission and entrance fee
HOTEL PICKUP SCHEDULE
Pickup times are approximate. You will receive a precise pickup time upon calling to reconfirm your tour 24 hours before departure. Please be waiting in your hotel lobby 20 minutes prior to given departure time. Tagbilaran City Hotels: 5:30 p.m. Panglao Resorts: 5:45 p.m.
NOTE: This tour is subject to weather conditions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
· River boat Ride
· Firefly-Watching
· Admission and Entrance Fees Included
· Dinner
Tour Info
Times: Daily @ 6pm Running Time: 3hrs Guests must call at least 24 hours before their intended tour date to reconfirm their tour (Tel. No. 632-7527448). Office hours: 8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday and 8:30am-12:30pm Saturday -OR- After hours, Sundays and Holidays, please call +639189444899
6. Food trip in Bohol
· Mira villa restaurant and fresh sea foods - Gives the guests an option to pick their seafood choices fresh from the nearby seafood market and have them cooked inside the restaurant. The menu basically offers choices of different cooking methods. This provides the guests a wide selection for their dishes, as well as control over the quantity of the dishes served.
· Sinugba ni abdul: Chicken ati-atihan at Maria Clara St, Tagbilaran- This place is made popular in Tagbilaran City by its barbecued chicken. With meals priced around P200, you can bet on a great deal for great food. Other than the barbecue, diners will also enjoy their buko halo-halo for dessert and flaming sisig to add some spice on side.
· Payag Jo’s Chicken Inatog- If you're stuck in Tagbilaran City and are getting your craving pangs for chicken then you should hurry to Matig-a Street and walk through the doors of Payag Jo's. The chicken barbecue here is well renowned among the locals so you shouldn't miss that. Food is priced really cheap at less than P300 and it is quite all right to dig in with your bare hands.
· Original Osang homemade pastries bakery near Baclayon Church
· Paluto in Balicasag island
· Roderick and Viviennes Restaurant along Alona,Panglao
· Bohol Plaza Resort
· Jasz Restaurant at Alona Palm Beach in Panglao- This is one of the many dine by the sea theme restaurants you'll find in Bohol. The fresh seafood completes the scene here for JASZ Restaurant to give that cozy home like feel. The customers are treated to a nice homey tropical feel with sumptuous seafood with nipa and bamboo hut decorated ambience. The beachside tables become romantic at night as customers dine by candlelight.
· The Pyramid along Alona Tawala, Panglao-Plan a visit and inquire at info@alona-pyramid.com or call (6338) 502-9168 or try mobile number +63917-326-3743. This is a great place to eat when you're in Alona Beach. It is right along the waterfront giving you a good view of the blue waters and a whiff open sea breeze. The menu in The Pyramid is a mix of local and western cuisine. If you have a discriminating taste and would love to sample the best of both worlds then try their pork cordon bleu, clubhouse sandwich for a quick meal, calamares for a bit of local seafood, and sumptuous barbecue served hot off the grill. Meal prices here are below P400, which is around the average price.
· Garden Café- besides St. Joseph Cathedral, Tagbilaran-This restaurant packs a western theme. Take note that the waiters here are deaf and you are to write down your orders on an order sheet that comes with the menu. Diners will definitely come back for their mouthwatering steaks with onion rings on the side. The price of a meal in the Garden Cafe is less than P500, which is a good deal.
· Trudi’s Place- If you're trudging along the beach, enjoying the scenery, and are stuck with a shoe string budget then Trudi's place is the best choice while getting the best deals for a magnificent meal. If you find the beach area food in Bohol a strain to your budget then a meal worth around P160 for the same quality feisty dish you'll find anywhere else is a welcome treat.
· Oops bar-If you're looking for a place to hang out at night then head on to Oops Bar in Alona Beach. They serve an extensive menu of food and drinks so you'll surely find ones that suit your taste and your mood. Friday and Saturday nights come alive with live bands and a disco. They also have cottages that can be rented in case you want to escape the music and retire in comfort. Get ready to cough up around P500 for a meal and a wild night.
· Famous Peanut kisses-- This can be found in malls and all tourist attraction.
Let’s go and hop in with me to the beautiful Island of Bohol…
BOHOL ISLAND MAP
How to Get There
You will most likely be approaching Bohol from Cebu but there are direct flights to Tagbilaran from Manila that probably depart at least once a day. Check with Philippine airlines-- www.philippinesairlines.com or Cebu Pacific-- www.cebupacificair.com.ph for flights rates and schedules.
From Cebu, Bohol is easily visible from any vantage point that provides view across the 20-mile wide Bohol Strait. You can fly the short distance on Asian Spirit. If you do fly, remember to confirm your return trip as soon as you arrive at the Tagbilaran Airport.
If you choose to go by sea, there are many fast ferries that ply the Cebu-Bohol route throughout the day. The travel would take 1hr and 30mins. Supercat-- www.supercat.com.ph , Weesam-- www.zimnet.com/weesam , Ocean jet-- www.oceanjet.net . Besides saving a few pesos, there's nothing like an inter-island ferry for catching the beautiful vistas that the archipelago has to offer.
If you'd like to bypass Cebu City altogether and go directly to Bohol saving some pesos along the way, take a taxi from the airport to Lapu-Lapu City which is still on Mactan Island. Ask the driver to drop you off at the pier. Here you can catch a small ferry that goes directly to the Cebu pier about every hour for 10 pesos more or less. This is also a scenic ride. Since you arrive at the ferry pier you can go direct to the next catamaran or ship to Bohol.
Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Itinerary: Day 1
This itinerary is recommended for those who avail of 3 days 2 nights’ packages or would like to stay in Bohol for the same period. This is based on the usual queries received and based on my what I think would be the best way to maximize the time and cover considerable destinations in Bohol First rule: Take the morning flight going to Tagbilaran and the afternoon flight leaving Tagbilaran. Upon reaching the Tagbilaran airport it will take just 2 minutes to get out of it (or 15 minutes if you checked in your luggage). From the airport to Alona beach in Panglao is a 30-45 minute ride. By 10 am, you will be in your hotel/resort. If you want to economize it’s not advisable to avail of tour packages offered by the resort/hotel as it is more expensive and the scheduled is very structured. Taxi fare P400-500 pesos
Note: Otherwise if your adventure enough and choose to do Public transportation the fare from airport to ICM (island city mall) is P50 by trike and from ICM to Loboc by Jeepney P30. Then ICM to Panglao is around P20 and trike going to Tawala/Dauis vice versa is 20pesos
Rule 2: Blend with boholanos and be friendly. Make a cursory survey of Alona beach; this would be easy as it is less than 1 kilometer. You will then know if the beach would be suited to your liking. if not, go to other parts of Panglao island. How? You will meet some folks who would offer you assistance and don't hesitate to ask and negotiate. They are nice people and won’t take it against you if you will decline the offer. Most of the guides are motorcycle drivers so you can visit their station near the Flying Fish Bar and engage in some friendly chat. Alona beach is just one of the places to swim in the island. The best part is the shallow parts of the sea several kilometers from the beach. If you decide that Alona beach would be fine, then you have the whole day settled. Try the beach on the eastern side or near Alona Palm. The beach is wider. If not, I recommend either going to Dauis part where Bohol beach club and Dumaluan private beach resort are located(5 minutes by boat) or 30mins by trike…Dauis area are more shallow or visit Puntod or Gakang Island (15 minutes by boat) Dumaluan is on the left side of Alona while Puntod and Gakang, on the right. Both may be reached by boat. The usual rate is P500-800 depending on the size of the boat and for maximum of 3 hours.
Bohol Beach Club Dauis, Panglao Island
Chocolate Hills, Carmen
More than 1000 hills in number - consisting of thousands of cone-shaped mounds scattered over 50 sq kilometers around the towns of Sagbayan, Carmen and Sierra Bullones in central Bohol. Each hill rises 30 to 120 metes above the surrounding plateau. The hills look like chocolate drops when the grass turns brown, hence the name. Two of the hills have been developed into a resort with youth hostels, cottages, a swimming pool, and tennis court.
Also on top of one is an observation deck 213 concrete steps. In the dry season when the grass is dry, the grass become chocolate colored, because of that, the name "Chocolate Hills". The loveliest time to see the Chocolate Hills is early in the morning, so you can see it in the sunrise!
Itinerary: Day 2
I suggest you travel by hired car/van. You may also opt for a cheaper mode and hire a multicab. The car/van is more comfortable and faster, though. The trip to Carmen is more or less 2 hours from Panglao thus better start the trip at 8 am. You may skip the first two stops, i.e., Blood Compact site and Baclayon Church or you may spend 10 minutes each. At the Baclayon church, you will see the oldest church in Bohol. There is a museum but you have to leave your camera and cell phone at the front desk. Next the towns of Loay, Loboc (dont stop there yet and do it on your way back), Bilar (see the man made mahogany forest) and Batuan. There is a long and winding road between Loboc and Bilar. You will reach the Chocolate Hills by 9:30 am and stay there for an hour. On your way back, another trip under the mahogany forest then ask the driver to take a detour to Sevilla if you want to see the hanging bridge. Ask the driver to take the interior road, instead, and you will pass by the towns of Sikatuna and Corella. The interior road has some portions still under rehabilitation, hence some rough roads. You will see the rustic and bucolic side of Bohol, the lush mountain and forest and the laidback community.
Note:
There’s another place where you can view the Chocolate hills in 360 degrees perspective that is in Sagbayan peak mountain resort. The entrance fee is P10. You can dine at Café Baudillo-- the glass walled cafe sits atop an elevated hill overlooking the teardrop-shape hills as far as the eyes can see. In addition to that you can also gaze the far-off blue sea that separates Bohol from the island of Cebu. A truly captivating creation.
Busay Falls Loboc River Cruise
If not straight to Loboc river and cruise. It would be better to take your first cruise though around 10-11am regardless of the tour operator there that provide food cuz the first cooking would be much prepared than the 2nd and 3rd cuz they would have more time to prepared (but if not you can try River watch or Riverside floating restaurant) The river cruise will end when you see Busay Falls.
Or otherwise you can opt for the Night River cruise. To date there’s 15 boats operating at night and every Friday and Saturday there’s a special presentation at the Loboc Children’s Palace. The presentation is a 30-piece brass band ensemble composed of Grade 3 to 4th year high school students. This is an initiative of the town’s LGU, to provide free training and musical scholarship to deserving students for them to secure college scholarships. It was a great treat to listen to the talented brass band. What a great way to end the night!
Visit this link for info about Loboc River night cruise
Tarsier at Corella Sanctuary
Then ask the driver to take the interior road, instead, and you will pass by the towns of Sikatuna and Corella. The interior road has some portions still under rehabilitation, hence some rough roads. You will see the rustic and bucolic side of Bohol, the lush mountain and forest and the laidback community.
When you reach Corella, insist on seeing the Tarsier Sanctuary where you can see tarsiers in their natural habitat. This is a must.
Tarsier, at Corella Sanctuary
You will then pass by Tagbilaran City on your way to Panglao. Ask the driver to take the Bingag route and have a short stop at the Hinagdanan cave. If you have kids, pass by Daks Zoo.
Hinagdanan Cave at Bingag
Hinagdanan Cave was accidentally discovered when the owner of the area was cleaning decaying branches and found the hole. Throwing a stone into the hole, the owner heard a splash. A ladder was then built to get to the inside of the cave. Hinagdanan, in fact, means “laddered” and the cave took its name from the man-made ladder used to get to the caves interior.
By 4 or 5 pm, you will be back to Alona beach. Take a dip or simply rest by the sea. Note:
If you can arrange it and you fancy organic food, have your early dinner at the Bee Farm cuz of their breathtaking view, and try their spicy flower salad where else can you brag eating flower salad (**,) try their spareribs and honey glaze chicken (order in advance since the food takes time to prepare). They offer a unique and relaxing atmosphere…checkout their website at www.boholbeefarm.com (they are near at the gate of Bohol beach club)
The driver would also serve as your guide along the way. if you do not speak Cebuano, he will explain everything in English. They take their driver/guide vocation seriously. Take note that it is advisable that you talk to the driver of the van about the additional places you want to see, like Sevilla Bridge, Tarsier Sanctuary and Hinagdanan Cave. These are not usually included in the tour and if time would really permit, the driver would readily oblige. If he does, please do not forget to part him with your generosity. For them, it was not the extra income but they take it as an appreciation of what they have done. Cost: P1, 700-2,500 for hiring the car/van depends on the places, P50/person entrance fee, Chocolate Hills, P250/person lunch+ P50 entrance fee,Tarsier Sanctuary, P10/person entrance, Hinagdanan Cave. Just about the same cost if you will hire a jet ski and take a banana boat ride for two hours while you are on a beach
Balicasag Island
At night, Bohol is a quiet place and the province sleeps by 10 pm. There are some entertainment establishments in Tagbilaran City and Alona Beach but they usually close before 12. For me, it is no big deal if I sleep early or just enjoy the silence of the night. I want my vacation that way. If you take the afternoon flight, there is still time for some dolphin watching and snorkeling and watching the beautiful sunrise. You have to leave Alona Beach minutes before 6 am and the boat ride will be for 20-30 minutes or depending on the dolphins. You can stay dolphin watching as long as you see them. They somewhat disappear when the sun is up. Since you are in the middle of the sea, you can choose to visit the nearby Pamilacan or Balicasag Islands and do some snorkeling. I suggest Balicasag because it is nearer Alona Beach and the travel time is about 30-45 minutes. Your snorkeling may last for two hours or longer so long as you leave Balicasag at 10:30 to reach Alona Beach before 11:30. Check out time at 12:00 pm, you can ask and they always oblige, to leave your luggage at the resort office and take your lunch. Make sure that you leave Alona Beach by 2pm on your way to Tagbilaran Airport.
And wait there’s more…Bohol offer now an exciting new extreme adventure park in Danao
They have Sky ride, Plunge, Suislide, Root climbing, Caving, River trekking / kayaking /tubing and a lot more
For those interested heres their contact Info: Danao Adventure Park Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol, Philippines website : http://eatdanao.com Contact Persons
LGU-Danao - 507-3106 local 187 - eatdanao@ymail.com
Ana Loinda Saluan Mun. Tourism Officer - 0917-3021701 - alc_saluan@yahoo.com
Ma. Weina Saguid Tourism Operations Assistant - 0921-7594403
Whooaa..!!! Longest zipline in the Philippines (Extreme Adventure Tour in Danao, Bohol)
If you want to see and experience more, come back or stay longer and there are still so many wonderful things in Bohol waiting for you
Try these activities:
1. Have an up close and personal view of the world's famous chocolate hills while riding the ATVs!
Address: Carmen, Bohol
Phone: +6338 4160340
Directions: Beside the Chocolate Hills Complex parking area
Website: www.g1atv.com
2. Heritage tour
Visit this wonderful Churches and Museums.
Loboc Church Baclayon Church Albuquerque Church
Luz Ancestral Home Clarin Ancestral Home Dauis Church
3. Dolphin and whale watching at Pamilacan Island
The best season is from March to June, but resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round. Tours are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Pamilacan Island lies at the heart of the Bohol Sea. It was named as such from the word "pamilac" or harpoon, a large hooked implement that is locally made and used by the islanders to capture manta rays, whale sharks and Bryde's whales. The island, which is a 45-minute pump boat ride from the town of Baclayon, is composed of three sitios, one facing Baclayon, another amid an island and a third sitio on tishe southern coast.
4. Visit Mag-aso falls in Antequera
5. Nighttime Firefly cruise at Loay River
Evening tour begins with a gourmet organic dinner at the Bee Farm Restaurant in Panglao Island. After dinner, proceed to the Loboc River, either in Loay town or at the Loboc jetty, to board a pumpboat that will take you downriver at a slow, leisurely pace. Along the riverbanks, trees are festooned with the myriad lights of fireflies, some covering the entire foliage of the trees. This natural phenomenon has long been a local sight but organized tours did not come about until 2005 when it was recognized as a unique, wondrous spectacle, especially for city dwellers. During the migration season, you can even catch a glimpse of birds sleeping among the branches of the mangrove trees that line the river. Truly an awesome experience as only Mother Nature can present.
INCLUSIONS
Complimentary hotel pick-up from the following hotels:
· MetroCentre Hotel & Convention Center
· Bohol Tropics
· Bohol Beach Club
· Panglao Island Nature Resort
· Amarella Hotel
· Flushing Meadows Resort
· Alona Palm
· Alona Kew
· Amorita
· Dinner
· Admission and entrance fee
HOTEL PICKUP SCHEDULE
Pickup times are approximate. You will receive a precise pickup time upon calling to reconfirm your tour 24 hours before departure. Please be waiting in your hotel lobby 20 minutes prior to given departure time. Tagbilaran City Hotels: 5:30 p.m. Panglao Resorts: 5:45 p.m.
NOTE: This tour is subject to weather conditions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
· River boat Ride
· Firefly-Watching
· Admission and Entrance Fees Included
· Dinner
Tour Info
Times: Daily @ 6pm Running Time: 3hrs Guests must call at least 24 hours before their intended tour date to reconfirm their tour (Tel. No. 632-7527448). Office hours: 8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday and 8:30am-12:30pm Saturday -OR- After hours, Sundays and Holidays, please call +639189444899
6. Food trip in Bohol
· Mira villa restaurant and fresh sea foods - Gives the guests an option to pick their seafood choices fresh from the nearby seafood market and have them cooked inside the restaurant. The menu basically offers choices of different cooking methods. This provides the guests a wide selection for their dishes, as well as control over the quantity of the dishes served.
· Sinugba ni abdul: Chicken ati-atihan at Maria Clara St, Tagbilaran- This place is made popular in Tagbilaran City by its barbecued chicken. With meals priced around P200, you can bet on a great deal for great food. Other than the barbecue, diners will also enjoy their buko halo-halo for dessert and flaming sisig to add some spice on side.
· Payag Jo’s Chicken Inatog- If you're stuck in Tagbilaran City and are getting your craving pangs for chicken then you should hurry to Matig-a Street and walk through the doors of Payag Jo's. The chicken barbecue here is well renowned among the locals so you shouldn't miss that. Food is priced really cheap at less than P300 and it is quite all right to dig in with your bare hands.
· Original Osang homemade pastries bakery near Baclayon Church
· Paluto in Balicasag island
· Roderick and Viviennes Restaurant along Alona,Panglao
· Bohol Plaza Resort
· Jasz Restaurant at Alona Palm Beach in Panglao- This is one of the many dine by the sea theme restaurants you'll find in Bohol. The fresh seafood completes the scene here for JASZ Restaurant to give that cozy home like feel. The customers are treated to a nice homey tropical feel with sumptuous seafood with nipa and bamboo hut decorated ambience. The beachside tables become romantic at night as customers dine by candlelight.
· The Pyramid along Alona Tawala, Panglao-Plan a visit and inquire at info@alona-pyramid.com or call (6338) 502-9168 or try mobile number +63917-326-3743. This is a great place to eat when you're in Alona Beach. It is right along the waterfront giving you a good view of the blue waters and a whiff open sea breeze. The menu in The Pyramid is a mix of local and western cuisine. If you have a discriminating taste and would love to sample the best of both worlds then try their pork cordon bleu, clubhouse sandwich for a quick meal, calamares for a bit of local seafood, and sumptuous barbecue served hot off the grill. Meal prices here are below P400, which is around the average price.
· Garden Café- besides St. Joseph Cathedral, Tagbilaran-This restaurant packs a western theme. Take note that the waiters here are deaf and you are to write down your orders on an order sheet that comes with the menu. Diners will definitely come back for their mouthwatering steaks with onion rings on the side. The price of a meal in the Garden Cafe is less than P500, which is a good deal.
· Trudi’s Place- If you're trudging along the beach, enjoying the scenery, and are stuck with a shoe string budget then Trudi's place is the best choice while getting the best deals for a magnificent meal. If you find the beach area food in Bohol a strain to your budget then a meal worth around P160 for the same quality feisty dish you'll find anywhere else is a welcome treat.
· Oops bar-If you're looking for a place to hang out at night then head on to Oops Bar in Alona Beach. They serve an extensive menu of food and drinks so you'll surely find ones that suit your taste and your mood. Friday and Saturday nights come alive with live bands and a disco. They also have cottages that can be rented in case you want to escape the music and retire in comfort. Get ready to cough up around P500 for a meal and a wild night.
· Famous Peanut kisses-- This can be found in malls and all tourist attraction.
Let’s go and hop in with me to the beautiful Island of Bohol…