HeartinWander: Visayas

Panglao Island

By h3artinwander - May 25, 2020

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Boracay – a place everybody is dreaming of. It is where fun, excitement and adventure meet relaxation, tranquility and serenity. Everything you ever wanted in a perfect vacation is found here. White sand beach, seaside palm trees, breathtaking sunset view, vibrant nightlife, adrenaline pumping activities and the list goes on and on.

There is no doubt that Boracay is recognized and hailed as the best island in the world. It is extremely famous and popular tourist getaway. It is the world’s top destination for vacation and relaxation.

Who would have thought that stepping into this paradise would come true? Yes you heard it right. Even for us Filipinos, Boracay is so near yet so far. It is only in our dream way back to the time when the plane tickets are still so expensive for us. And, going to this place is just an imagination for people like us who can't afford to visit. We also have this in mind that going to this island is a "dollar" place. Yes, a dollar place since most tourists are foreigners, so for us, everything in this place is expensive.

Then the time has finally come that there is peso fare! A moment we have all been waiting for. As poor travelers, of course it is our chance and so we grab the opportunity. If you are lucky and quick enough, you can get the plane fare like us for about one thousand pesos or below.

We got our ticket for as low as Php496. Such a real bargain, right? Note that during peso fare, the travel period is usually six months to one year from the booking period. The good thing about this is that you'll have ample time to prepare for that dream travel and you have something to look forward too.

Since it was our first time visiting this paradise, here's just our quick peek of what the new Boracay based on our experience during our visit.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two ways of getting to Boracay Island, either via Kalibo airport or Caticlan airport.

In our case, since the promo of Cebu Pacific is Cebu to Caticlan, we arrived at Caticlan airport. It is less hassle compared via Kalibo airport. Note that if you arrive at Kalibo airport, you'll need to travel first for 1.5hrs or 2hrs going to Caticlan Jetty port before reaching Boracay Island. But of course it’s all up to you, if you don’t mind having extra adventure, opting to take the Kalibo route would never be a problem.

Upon arrival at the Caticlan airport, you will see Boracay transfer stalls, which you can get for Php700 per person that includes van, boat/environmental and terminal fee, E-trike going to the hotel. We chose this package since we have a senior citizen onboard on this trip. But of course, you can opt to do it on your own.

From the airport, a van transported us going to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal. Upon reaching the Caticlan Jetty Port, you can follow these steps.

1. Look for the registration area. You will be asked to write down the guests' names. This is to monitor the number of tourists on the island.

2. Inside the jetty port, you are going to present the proof of accommodation or hotel booking.

3. After verifying your hotel booking, it's time to proceed to the boat. Since there are a lot of tourists during our visit, we need to queue up before entering the boat. The travel period going to Cagban Jetty Port is approximately 10 -15mins.

4. Right after the boat ride, an E –trike is waiting for us in the waiting area, which takes us to our hotel.

That's how our journey was going to Boracay Island. Finally, we are stepping now in the paradise of the Philippines for the very first time.

ACCOMMODATION

There are plenty of hotels on the island which you can choose from the internet. In our case, since we don't want to walk far from the seashore, we decided to choose La Carmella de Boracay, which is just a beachfront and located at station 2.

We booked this in agoda.com if you want to check it out.

As I've heard, this hotel is the oldest on the island. It is noticeable since they have an old building and at the same time new buildings fronting with each other. Plus, they have a swimming pool fronting the beach seashore, which is best in the afternoon if you love chasing the sunset.

THINGS TO DO

There is a whole bunch to do in Boracay. It’s all up to you. If you just want to chill and relax, then swimming and strolling around would be a great choice. And oh, never forget the sunset or else you will miss one half of your life. If you are into food trip and bar hopping while on a vacation then there’s a lot of restos and bars to choose from but if you are the adventurous type, and thrill and excitement pumps you up then you can try parasailing, paraw sailing, stand up paddleboarding and banana boat. Sadly, in our part we only had an island hopping since we don’t have enough time.

Island Tour

While enjoying the sunset in our first afternoon, some people approached us asking if we would want to go to an island hopping. I guess that’s how business is being done there. And so we chose this package of Php1300/pax with the following inclusion: Island hopping with lunch and helmet diving. The island-hopping includes Puka Shell beach, Crocodile Island, Snorkeling in Ocean Cove, Lunch at Tambisaan beach. Sounds a great deal but what excites me most is the Helmet Diving. Oh I just can’t wait to experience this heart-stopping activity.

Puka Shell Beach

Our first stop is located in the Northern part of Boracay. This is one of a kind beach. The coconut-palm line, coral and shell sand beach and the captivating blue water will surely hypnotized you.

Crocodile island

We got to see this bunch of island that looks like a crocodile from afar, but we did not stop. For sight-seeing only.

Snorkeling in Ocean Cove

Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities in island hopping. The best thing about it is that you can see the wonders underwater.

In this place, you’ll be able to see the seagrass, colorful grass and you’ll meet plenty of school of fish.

Tambisaan Beach

We had our lunch on this peaceful island. There are people living in this area. I must say they are so blessed to have a tranquil place and a beautiful beach to hop on to whenever they want.

They serve some Filipino food. It was quite good so far.

Helmet Diving

This is the highlight of our activity. Helmet diving is one of the most popular activities on the island.

This will let you experience walking on the ocean floor at 17 feet below the sea. And get amazed by the colorful school of fish near you. Best for swimmers or non-swimmers even without scuba diving gear.

This activity involves going to some kind of big boat that floats in a center of the sea. You can see equipment to be used just like oxygen. This oxygen connects to each helmet which will help each person breathe underwater. The helmet is heavy, but once when you're underwater, it only weights more or less 2 kilos.

Before you can go down below, there are some safety precautionary that you must need to follow. One of these is the hand gesture, just like the okay sign, thumbs up, and camera sign. Okay sign is when everything is fine. Thumbs up sign when you want to up because you are not comfortable. For a camera sign you wish to have a photo. Speaking of photos, Milky's Water Sports will take you a photo and video underwater, which you can have a copy afterward.

I must say that this is one of a kind experience that you must not miss while on this island.

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The Philippines

Bohol Countryside Tour

By h3artinwander - April 09, 2020

Bohol is widely known for its majestic Chocolate hills and peculiar endangered Tarsier. Little did we know that this small island has so much more to offer. In fact, you need extra pages for your to-do list in this amazing, beautiful island.

It was our very first time to visit this place in Central Visayas. In our case, our point of origin is from Cebu City. For us to get there, we need to ride a ferry going to Tagbilaran Pier. By the way, the port of Cebu City is located at the Pier 1 CPA Building.

As much as possible we want our trip to be hassle-free and convenient that’s why we decided to buy our ticket beforehand. Thankfully, Ocean Jet Ferry can be booked at Klook at Php 550 each. In this case we don’t need to fall in line just to get a ticket. As we reach the pier, we can go directly to get our boarding pass.

It is stated in the boarding pass the seat number, name, date, time, and other information.

It was a cozy experience riding the Ocean Jet Ferry. We just slept the entire travel. Hehe

For this trip, we decided to get a Travel and Tours that can take us to the tourist spots of the place. We booked at Bohol Cheap Package Tour, which is recommended by our colleague. They have a Facebook page if you want to inquire about them.

This is the package that we have chosen:

3D2N Package Tour with Accommodation @Alona Grove Tourist Inn, which includes free breakfast.

The activities included are Countryside Tours, Dolphine Watching, and island hopping with snorkeling, Panglao Island Tour, and Roundtrip hotel transfer.

Note that the rate may vary depending on how many persons. For us, it's Php4,995 since we are a group of three (3) persons.

By the way, they fetch us from Tagbilaran Pier and then proceed to our Countryside Tour.

Here are the places that we visited in Bohol.

Tarsier Sanctuary

Never in my mind that this creature is such a cutey animal. In this sanctuary, they have at least five living tarsiers.

We learned that they are nocturnal animals, which means they are active during the night and sleeping during the day. And they are sensitive, especially in the flash of camera and noise. It can trigger stress for them. When this happens, they will commit suicide. They will bash their head in a tree trunk. With that, we need to be quite as much as possible so we cannot disturb them.

Chocolate Hills

This is called Chocolate Hills since it will turn brown like chocolates during dry season or summer.

According to Google, there are about 1260 hills, but there are maybe as many as 1776 hills spread over an area of 50 square kilometers.

Before reaching the top view of the chocolate hills, we need to hike up the long stairs for us to see the stunning view of each mountain.

It was definitely worth the hike. Amidst the scorching heat of the sun, we still enjoy the fantastic view.

Bilar Man-made Forest

This forest composes of Mahogany trees that draw the tourists to visit. It has a long winding road that makes it a more picturesque spot.

Don't miss this instagrammable place when you visit this island.

Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge

Another famous spot when you talk about Bohol tourist destination.

This bridge is crossing Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, going Sitio Wawod of Barangay Lobgob.

Before you can enter, you can see that they display the history of the bridge, so you will have an idea about it.

This bridge was initially built with just bamboo and rope, but now they added steel cables for stability and durability.

Walking into this bridge is quite shaky and bouncy, but I bet as an adventurer as you are, you will love it. It will just add extra fun!

Loboc River Floating Resto

Our tour guide brought us to the Rio Verde boat for our lunch. They served buffet lunch with Filipino food on the table, it was good.

At the bottom of the tour, you will be able to meet and greet the Aeta. One of the indigenous people in the country. They sell some souvenirs which you can buy if you want to.

It was such a relaxing experience. You can breathe fresh air. Enjoying the captivating view of the river. And, feeling the music with the live band on board. A must-do when you visit the place.

Bohol Python and Wildlife Park

The world's largest captivity python snake named Prony was placed in here back when she was still alive.

Prony was a superstar snake during her time. She even has a Facebook fan page. She was named after her captor, whose name is Sofronio Salibay. We just saw her skeleton during our visit that has been displayed in the area. And, it was the longest skeleton we ever have seen.

Butterfly Garden

This place is connected with Bohol Python and Wildlife Park. During our visit, we haven't seen the butterfly since it was raining and they cleaned the area where the butterfly stays. But it doesn’t mean we missed the fun. We are having fun! There is this Ate who have skills in photography, which can turn you into a butterfly in your pictures.

Baclayon Church

This church was built during the Spanish era. The oldest church made of coral stone in the region. One of the oldest in Asia and foremost among the best-preserved Jesuit built churches in the Philippines.

Blood Compact

Located in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This monument was made to honor such an important event that took place on March 16, 1565. This event is commonly known as "Sandugo" to seal the friendship between the two races. It was performed by the two most important persons of Philippines history – Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Datu Sikatuna.

And that's a wrap. Your visit to Bohol wouldn't be complete without seeing those beautiful places.

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The Philippines

Oslob and Badian Adventure

By h3artinwander - December 11, 2019

On the second day of our adventure in Cebu, we headed to the South part of the city. Off to the famous Oslob whale sharks where an up-close encounter with the world’s largest extant fish species is made possible and of course the promising Kawasan Falls where the turquoise blue waterfalls awaits us.

Before reaching Oslob, you will pass through first the Boljoon Church. This is also known as Nuestra del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church. According to the Cebu Tourism website, this is the oldest remaining original stone church in Cebu and is relatively well-preserved. And according to our tour guide, this was robbed before but was returned, maybe because they were haunted by their conscience.

Another church that we visited is the oldest church of Oslob, the Immaculate Concepcion Church located just a few minutes away before reaching the whale sharks site. Beside the church is the Cuartel Ruins built to house the Spanish troops that were assigned in Oslob. When you’re personally in the place it seems like you are in Athens (but we haven’t been to Athens).

After our church hopping, let us go now to the main purpose of our trip to encounter the whale sharks. Before going to the area, they have a registration were we paid Php550, after that, we need to listen to the orientation dos and don’ts. Because of excitement, the only thing that we remembered from the orientation is that they prohibit using the sunblock lotion because it contains certain ingredients which is harmful for the whale sharks.

Right after the orientation, we get our gear for snorkeling and then wait for a few minutes for the boat to arrive. The boat will bring us to the area, which is just seconds away from the sea shore. It was just actually so close to the seashore. And then with a blink of an eye, I have finally able to swim with the LARGEST FISH I’ve ever seen in my life!

Being not so used to snorkeling gear and having just the basics know-how on swimming, I was having a hard time watching them. It’s so disappointing that I’ve got no best capture together with them.

Note that they only allotted 15mins to 20mis of snorkeling, so better make the best out of it.

Right after our face to face encounter with the lovely, massive fishes, we headed directly to the place where I’m so so so excited to experience which is the Kawasan Canyoneering. I’ve always seen many great photos of this place on Instagram and I always wanted to experience it personally.

Going there, it takes almost 1 hour from Oslob to Badian. We reach the place where our guide resides, and they greeted us with a warm welcome. We registered and paid Php1,000 each. They prepared us a gear like a safety helmet and sandals for a hike. After our gear preparation, we rode the habal-habal for about 20mins to reach the orientation area.

Orientation is done, and the adventure begins!

We need to hike for about 15mins before reaching the very first cliff, which is 5 feet high. The weather is cloudy but humid, and the sweat is on. As we approach the falls, you could hear the relaxing sound of the water stream, and it was so calming.

After walking for about a minute we FINALLY reach the very first water and jumping spot. The water is so tempting that you wanted to plunge yourself into it right away but of course we follow the fall in drama thing since we were not the only group who were there.

And there it goes jumping through the staggering cliff 20ft, 30ft, and 45ft was crazy as I say. Sadly, I don’t have enough courage to do it. However, I tried twice the swing in which will drop you to the turquoise blue water and the sliding forward and backward style which I had so much fun. But for me, the best part of the adventure was to witness with my own eyes the stalagmites and stalactites.

It was such an awesome, breathtaking, and adrenaline pumping experience we had. If you are an adventurous type of person, this experience is definitely yours!

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Panglao Island

Boracay

Bohol Countryside Tour

Oslob and Badian Adventure

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Boracay

Bohol Countryside Tour

Oslob and Badian Adventure

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