Bohol Beaches

Alona Beach for me is like a mini Boracay. There are many restaurants and bars along the beach strip. I know I have yet to go to Dumaluan. They say it's more peaceful there but the food is quite expensive since food establishments are few. Maybe next year.. =)

We arrived at Isis Bungalows around past 4 in the afternoon. It's a bit pricey but we had no complaints whatsoever. The room was spacious and neat, air conditioning was working perfectly, the bathroom was super clean and we all slept comfortably. =)

You can book for reservations here:
http://www.isisbungalows.com/en/reservation/index.html

We woke up early the next day to get ready for island hopping. It was drizzling when we got to the boat but thankfully the rain stopped.

First activity was dolphin watching. On our way there, I spotted this school of fish jumping off the water:

The sun was just rising when we got to the area where the dolphins are. 

I was a bit disappointed coz I was expecting the dolphins to be showing off and jumping around. They're pretty elusive. 

They say baby dolphins tend to show off more. Siguro mga oldies na dolphins na tong mga to. pfft.

After the dolphin watching activity, we then went on to Balicasag Island (declared as a marine sanctuary) where we also had our lunch. I must say this is one of the best snorkeling sites I have been to (I've experienced snorkeling in Coron and El Nido as well). The corals were colorful and there's a wide array of vibrant fishes. We left our things on one of the cottages and rented snorkeling gears and aqua shoes. I highly suggest you rent a pair of these coz the edges of the corals are very sharp and you might step on sea urchins. It costs 100 pesos for a pair. Two of my friends didn't go with us so they just ordered lunch for the group while my other friends and I went snorkeling. The manongs told us that we have to ride a small rowboat to get to the coral garden. We were able to bargain and avail the boat ride for 100 pesos. hihihi! 

rocky sands of balicasag island

beth

me =)

km

pau

After lunch we were brought to Virgin Island. This was my first time to see an actual sandbar. The view was amazing. Let my photos do the talking. =)

We had to leave early because Pau stepped on a sea urchin. Scratch that. Here's what really happened daw pala. According to Pau's very retentive memory, we were walking, nonchalantly in the beach, when suddenly, a huge wave spawned upon us (take note the water is knee-deep). Now, in the midst of an important decision, this heroic guy saved us but he was spiked in the foot by this huge pointy thingy. True story, people. haha! We were trying then to get across the water to the other sandbar near the mangroves. Too bad there were no aqua shoes available for rent unlike when we were in Balicasag Island. You may want to buy a pair na din if you're really traveling a lot and you're into snorkeling. 

We then went back to the resort and lounged by the beach while Ton and Tan put calamansi on Pau's foot.  So after our 'hero' got enough rest, we headed out for dinner. =)

Alona Beach

decided to take photos before dinner ;)

Jam, Beth, Km

live band

We had breakfast at Hayahay the next day before going to the airport. They serve a variety of local and international dishes. We spent 150-200 pesos each. Yum yum!

Goodbye Bohol! We'll meet again. =)

p.s. Please do not mind what Paulo said. He was just maybe hallucinating then. Haha! But seriously, if you step on an urchin, first aid is to pee on it or put calamansi.

And please don't tell Paulo I said that. :)

Bohol Land Tour | Part 2

For the second part of our land tour, we discovered more of Bohol's culture, intricately designed churches, and famous landmarks (plus a side trip to a zoo).

We first had lunch at the floating restaurant on Loay River. It was quite a relaxing & tranquil experience. I don't know why it reminded me of a Loony Tunes movie.. yung nasa swamp sila.. =P

So after the tiring 214 steps up towards the Chocolate hills viewdeck, we were able to rest naman, unwind and just enjoy the cruise while eating and sharing side stories. We were also serenaded by Manong with his own version of Bohol's country songs. Balik sa Bohol balik (balik balik)~ =)

The weather was very cooperative din. The sun was out but it's not too hot and it's breezy -- perfect for a boat ride with friends down the long and winding river... Joke lang. Di naman siya masyadong winding. =P

I think when you try to google Bohol, you'll find Loboc/Loay River Cruise in the top 3 list of things to do here. It's true that one's Bohol escapade wouldn't be complete without this. =) But I guess you're not paying for the buffet talaga but for the overall experience. I found the food typical lang kase.. Siyempre naghahanap na naman ako ng Sinigang. haha!

Here are several shots:

group photo from my friend's camera :)

I heard the cruise on Loboc River has a different attraction. I tried to research about it when I got home and found out that the cruise by the Loboc River route will end at Tontonan falls (not really a big fan of waterfalls -- except for Tappiyah Falls in Ifugao). I was then pleased we took the other one (Loay). Hehehe. The pictures will show you why. =) We pulled a stop when we arrived at this mini village. It's like a small community of Bohol natives living at the end of the river. If you take the Loay Cruise, you'll be able to see them. We then got off the boat and watched the natives as they entertain the tourists. There's fire dancing, singing, juggling and drumbeats in the background. They also let you take their pictures or you can have your pictures taken with them. One kid hurried up to me and asked for money after I took his photo. It made me wonder if they're actually doing this for a living na din.

After lunch we headed to the Albuquerque zoo which houses the largest python in captivity. The place is relatively small when you compare it with other zoos like Manila/Malabon zoo. There we were greeted by Marimar - the python's caretaker. He She danced and entertained everybody as she imitated Lady Gaga. She looked more like Marilyn Monroe though. 

We passed by several churches on our way to Panglao. Our final stop was at Daius Church. It's one of the most beautiful and sophisticated churches I've seen in the Philippines. At the back of the church is a vast area covered with grass. Also, you'll be able to see an amazing view of the sea. <End of our First Day in Bohol>

girlfriends are forever! <3