Aug 23, 2010

BOHOL Countryside Tour .... Day 2 (Part1)

I  let Tatsky, our tour guide, plan our itinerary for our countryside tour this day. He picked us up 8am as planned, boarded his very comfy, spacious Hyundai Van and off we went to see BOHOL in a very relaxed mode.


Our first stop, BLOOD COMPACT SITE.

This monument commemorates the very first international treaty of friendship between two people of different race. Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna of Bohol sealed their friendship thru a blood compact or "Sandugo" as Boholanos termed it.

This significant piece of history is located in Bgy Bool, Tagbilaran City but according to our guide,  new found document and further research by the Spaniards showed that the actual site is not really here but in Loay, Bohol. We passed by that site as well and a marker was in place to put significance to that memorable spot.


BACLAYON CHURCH

A historical landmark and one of the oldest stone built churches in the Philippines, one needs to be properly dressed to enter the church and so we settled to just take shots outside although you can rent or borrow some skirts if you really want to get inside. There's also a museum located beside but since camera and picture taking is not allowed , we decided to just let it pass.

Look closely at the photos and you'll see a very strange and familiar image on the stone wall of the church, it looks like an apparition of Padre Pio. Real or just man-made, you be the judge!



PRONY and MARIMAR

Prony, the largest captive python in the Philippines together with Marimar, the drag queen who entertains tourists with his funny act makes an interesting tandem that surely made our trip a worthy visit.


TARSIER SANCTUARY

To see the tarsiers in their natural habitat, go to Corella where they are being taken cared of legally. This very cute and known to be the smallest primates is one of Bohol's best trademarks.

If only I can bring one home, I'd love to take care of them but Tarsiers are known to be suicidal when held in captivity especially when they don't feel happy and engaged. That's why it's better to leave them in their natural habitat and let their numbers grow.


LOBOC RIVER

It's a must try when you visit Bohol. An hour long cruise aboard a floating raft powered by a motorized banca with a lunch buffet of famous Boholano inspired dishes while being entertained by their singer and musician's performances is truly an enjoyable moment for us. Pick Riverwatch, they are the best among the rest, that's according to our guide. A fee of  350 pesos per head is all you need to shell out to experience this treat.
While cruising, you will pass by a stationary floating raft where your boat will dock for a moment to watch the performances of the colorfully dressed locals doing traditional dances.



 There's also a Hanging Bridge along Loboc River that has become a popular tourist spot as well.  It actually crosses the Loboc River but to get there you need to transfer to another location and then do the walk along the shaky but sturdy hanging bamboo bridge. At the end of the bridge there are souvenir shops selling the cheapest keychains, (that's what  I heard) and a buko station where you can have a refreshing healthy drink at a minimal cost. Its FUN!!!

Hanging Bridge
That's how our first half of the day went, the sun is at its highest at this point so we decided to take our time well, rest for a while before going to our next stop and climb the viewpoint site to see the famous Chocolate Hills.

To be continued ....  :-)


Aug 15, 2010

BOHOL, the 2nd time around ..... DAY 1

After 6 years, I came back to bring my family with me, that was my wish then when I first set foot in Bohol, I'm glad I made it happen. Bohol is one of the places in this country that's worthy of your next visit, warm people, numerous beautiful sights to see and plenty of activities to do, its truly a tourist haven.

If  Typhoon Basyang that directly hit Manila unannounced came one day later it would have coincided directly with our vacation but thank GOD, He didn't allow it and heard my prayers. The heavens cooperated and gave us clear skies that made our vacation enjoyable and memorable.

I've arranged our stay and tour in Bohol through the assistance of  our ultimate tour guide, TATSKY. He's popular in PEX and Girltalk forums, so I booked for his tour services as early as February to be assured of  his slot and I'm happy and more than satisfied, my folks really like him. He is worth more than how much he charges, promise! :-) Since he doesn't want his face to be revealed to his future clients and add mystery, I'll just let you peek into the man .... ^_^

popularly known as "Kuya Tatsky" (Smart # - 0912-747-2737)

We arrived Tagbilaran airport by 9:30am, picked up by one of  Tatsky's men then brought us to our booked accommodation at Dumaluan Resort 2  in Panglao Island. My planned itinerary for today is pure relaxation, enjoy the beach, perfect the art of doing nothing, smell the fresh sea breeze and eat.


The best thing about Dumaluan Resort 2 is that it shares the same shoreline as that of Bohol Beach Club while offering affordable rates. We booked 2 Superior Deluxe Rooms for 2,150 + each inclusive of buffet breakfast. Honestly, for that price, I couldn't ask for more. Food is ok, rooms are spacious, toilet has hot and cold water, swimming pool is clean and well maintained and the beach front is breathtaking. Also check out their mini zoo, the 2 talking birds near our rooms are so adorable, they'll greet you in the morning and reply when you ask them something. There's also Kiko Matsing and the Komodo Dragon sharing the same cage, you'll be surprised to see them very close and sleeping together. Their Standard Aircon Rooms that charges 1.3k a day, no breakfast included needs renovation though and the toilet has no hot water, which is a no no for me, so if you can afford to pay more get their Superior Deluxe Rooms and you'll be very fine.


After lunch at DBR2, having rested a bit, we walked to Bohol Beach Club which is just a few meters away  to spend the rest of the day there,  pay 350 pesos for each of us  for a day stay that includes dinner and the use of their amenities.


We opted to have ala carte dinner instead of the buffet, my folks are not heavy eater, me included. We ordered the seafood set menu which is more than enough for the six of us, service is excellent, food is average. Overall, it was a good idea to stay for a day at Bohol Beach Club, we had the most relaxing moment, frolicking in the beach and enjoying the best amenities that Panglao island can offer. A must I should say if you visit Bohol.

That's how our first day went, we slept soundly to get ready for the countryside tour that awaits us tomorrow, our call time 8AM.





 

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