Bohol-ific Long Weekend

Chocolate Hills!

We planned our trip to Bohol before the announcement of the August long weekend. But, we just initially booked a plane ticket and almost forgot to reserve a place. Just as we thought, almost all the resorts, hotels, and even rooms for rent are fully booked. Good thing the receptionist from Cherry Homes resort thought that we already reserved a room when we just inqiured :P So, I just had to pay the confirmation deposit.

San Pedro Church along Loboc River

The place was clean and just walking distance from the beach front. It has a pool and jacuzzi which operates from 8am to 10pm. They also offer an airport to hotel service and vice-versa. We also decided to coordinate with their receptionist to get a package tour. Given that we just have 3 days and two nights to enjoy Bohol, we just chose two types of tours: the Panglao Island tour and the Country side tour

San Agustin Cathedral

Panglao Island Tour:

The tour guide slash driver brought us to the Baroque churches in Panglao. The tour also covers a visit to the famous Hinagdanan cave wherein tour guides are 'hyper' in a 'kalog'-funny type of way. But, I must say the cave guides are used to serving foreign clients as I was impressed with how they speak and relate to guests, even if at times done jokingly. :P We also had the chance to visit the Nova Shell Museum where in the  "shell expert" is very knowledgeable on the economic worth of shells :) I personally enjoyed the Bohol Bee farm as it offers everything in organic style which reminds me of Tagaytay's Ilog Maria. It is just that the bee farm is larger and even has a resort and a restaurant.

Blood Compact Site

Country-side Tour

Second day made us experience the tour that brought the things we just read in books to life. It offered both scenery and history as we went to the famous Blood Compact site and Baclayon church. We had our lunch - buffet style (500php with entrance fee included). This is while we cruise the romantic Loboc river. Tourists can choose one of the cruise boats offering buffet meals and the schedule they are most comfortable with. We chose the Loboc Village boat ride. Initially, guests are a bit annoyed due to the long waiting time. Apparently, some arrangements confused guests due to the unexpected volume of guests by the crew. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy the premium option of the boat ride because of the luscious view of  greens and calming river cruise. Never mind the lack in the variety of food as i was able to enjoy their Mais con Hielo and Fresh Fruit Selection. Plus, the premium boat ride option gives guests more space as less guests are allowed to the boat compared to the others.

In the afternoon, we were able to see the smallest mammal.. the cute tarsier! Glad to know that there are people who care for these species which are considered endangered. Visiting guests should keep in mind that following the rules in the conversation area would help improve the conservation of these animals. Aside from the tarsier, the province is famous for.. Chocolate Hills. The lovely topographical gift of the province is such a hit to domestic and foreign  guests. As our Social Studies books would say, the hills really change colors on an enchanting way of nature. The tour guide also brought us to the Hanging Bridge in Loboc and Bilar Butterfly Garden for some photo ops and tour. He was also kind to let us drop by the Shiphaus (20 pesos entrance fee) which offers a feel of a ship inside a house.

Bohol Bee Farm's Honey-made Organic Ice Cream (Php 30)

We are considered blessed to have this trip push through and the province's tourism did not affect Panglao and nearby towns. We are blessed to have this Bohol-ific weekend as we discovered the variety of things to do and see in  the province. Danao and other parts of Bohol should be visited next! :)

Travel Thoughts:
- Cebu Pacific flies to Tagbilaran twice a day
- Alternative route to Bohol is via Cebu City. Then, fast craft trip to Tagbilaran port
- Panglao Island is connected through a bridge to the main island of Bohol
- Cherry's Homes Too Inland Resort (one of three cherry homes resorts in Panglao) offers room accommodations for as low as 1.3k php to 3k plus php depending on the features of the room and the number of people with free breakfast. Contact: cherryshome.com
- Panglao Island Tour costs: 1,500 php for a car service and tour guide (good for 1 to 4 pax)
- Country side Tour costs: 2,000php
- Note that tour guide costs do not include entrance fees
- For affordable ihaw-ihaw along the beach front, try Long Horizon's restaurant
- Alona Hidden Dream Grill is more pricey but has generous servings for some of the viands offered

Loboc River