My Mom's been telling me she wants to go somewhere with the entire family so as soon as receiving Air Asia's seat sale announcement last August 2015, I immediately searched for our family's chosen (late) Summer 2016 destination - Bohol!
It's my first time to travel with my Mom, Brother and Boyfriend via airplane (my Dad was not able to join since as a dog breeder he cannot - and could not - leave his dogs at home for a long period of time 😐) and I must say it was quite exciting! We were a little bit anxious that it might rain a lot since it was already June but thank God the weather cooperated with us - the sun was pretty much out for the entire duration of our much-needed vacation!
We left Manila at exactly 7:30AM (no flight delays, yay!) and arrived Tagbilaran Airport (Bohol) few minutes before 9:00AM.
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| Touchdown, Bohol! |
Our car rental (and driver) is waiting right outside the airport, holding a board with my name on it. Kuya Tatsky's Car Rental and Tour Services was referred to me by my officemate. It was a hassle-free trip for me and my family since they already have fixed the itinerary for both Countryside and Panglao Island tours. All you have to do is to hop on to their clean and comfy ride and enjoy Bohol!
Kuya Tatsky Car Rental and Tour Services
Mobile No.: 09223671051 (Tip: Call/text him at least 2-3 months before your trip to get your slot!)
Fees as of March 2016 (Vios car with driver; up to 4 pax):
Countryside Tour - Php 2,100
Panglao Island Tour - Php 1,700
Island Tour (Balicasag and Virgin Island round trip boat ride) - Php 1,600
Note: These exclude entrance fees, but do not fret as each destination only costs roughly Php 10-50/head
(USD 0.2 - 1/head)
Since we arrived early, our driver recommended to proceed immediately with the Countryside Tour. Here you will experience what Tagbilaran, Bohol has to offer.
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| Our first stop: Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary! Php 50/head (USD 1/head) |
According to our driver/tour guide, there are two (2) existing tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol and this is the less crowded one. The other site is where most travel agencies bring their guests as it follows the conventional route to the different tourist spots in Bohol. Our driver took the "unconventional" route so as to avoid the crowd, love it!
Upon entering the facility, we were welcomed by the ushers who gave us a few instructions/rules before entering the area where the tarsiers are located. The first and most important rule would be to keep your voice low as possible since the tiny creatures easily get stressed in a noisy environment. Also, flash photography is prohibited.
There's a trail where tourists can walk around, silently, but the tarsiers are too small to find. Good thing the ushers are all around the area pointing you at the exact location where they are currently resting. I think we're able to see around 3-4 tarsiers before we were guided back to the exit. We felt the travel time to the sanctuary was longer than the time we stayed inside to watch the tarsiers - or maybe the "be quiet" rule just made the trip very limiting?
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| Next Stop: Man-Made Forest! Free of charge |
This is where we discovered that our driver/tour guide can also be our photographer! The place is so nice for some instagram-worthy pictures with some thrills added since you have to run to the side of the road when you hear a vehicle approaching! Talk about buwis-buhay!
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| Our driver was kind enough to shoot us individually, even asking us to sit down on the road! Too bad I was wearing a skirt that time! |
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| Next Stop: Chocolate Hills! Php 50/head (USD 1/head) |
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| I have to warn you though, it's a long climb to the viewing deck! Make sure to bring your own bottled water! |
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| Other side of the deck, the hills are not that visible though. |
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| Oh, did I mention that it was our anniversary trip too? Happy 2nd, my love! 💕💕💕 |
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| It was so hot that when we passed by the Shiphaus we just asked our driver for some photo ops instead! I think you may tour around the house for a fee. |
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| Next Stop: Butterfly Conservation Center. Php 30/head (USD 0.6/head) |
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| There are ushers inside that will guide you around, and take some nice pictures with the butterflies! |
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| Next Stop: Hanging Bridge! Php 10/head (USD 0.2/head) |
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| My Mom and Brother decided to stay in the car so it's just me and my love this time! |
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| And finally, buffet lunch at Loboc River Cruise! Php 550/head (USD 11/head) |
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| Performance by the locals |
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| Next Stop: Baclayon Church! Php 50/head (USD 1/head) |
After the big earthquake struck Bohol last 2013, most of the historical churches (over a few centuries old) were severely damaged. Three years later, the local government is still trying to repair and rehabilitate these churches.
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| Last Stop: Blood Compact Shrine! Free of charge |
After the tour, our driver dropped us off to our hotel - Villa de Gloria - in Panglao. We headed towards our villa, had an early dinner and good night rest for our next adventure in Bohol!
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| Sunset watching with my love to cap off our amazing 2nd year anniversary in Bohol! 💑 |
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