I HEART bohol!
Trip Start
Feb 19, 2009
1
Trip End
Feb 20, 2009
Where I stayed
Bohol, Visayas, Philippines
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My brother and our co-SFCs Dean and Iza saved up for a quick overnight vacation in Bohol in February 2009. We would have stayed longer if it weren't for the conference we were attending in Cebu. After months of searching for the perfect resort to stay in on Panglao Island, we decided on Alona Tropical Beach Resort. For such a photogenic resort, the prices are surprisingly humane. I have never seen European-style red brick walls, distinctly Filipino capiz windows, and native bamboo and nipa accents blended in such architectural harmony. For a budget resort, Alona Tropical provides enough privacy, as only few visitors were there during our stay, and mostly foreigners. The layout of the cottages and rooms is not congested. Every corner of the place is simply photogenic!
Sunrise on the beach is a photographer's dream come true. The many rock formations on the east end provide a dramatic backdrop for the sentimental soul.
The crystal-clear waters and fine white sands are what catapulted Panglao Island to world fame in the 1990s. Dolphin-watching, snorkelling, and diving packages are also available. Just watch out for the spikey starfish and sea urchins seeking refuge in the seaweeds at lowtide.
For the hungry tummy, the resort offers a wide array of both Asian and European cuisines. but if you're on a tight budget, meals can be bought for P30 to P50 a few meters outside the resort.
Affordable tours of the province's famous tourist spots are offered by drivers right at the Tagbilaran airport. Be sure to negotiate with the driver who will also be your tour guide. Resort-booked tours are much more expensive.
Sites to visit:
1. Blood Compact Site
2. Baclayon Church
3. Chocolate Hills
4. Bilar Manmade Forest
5. Loboc River Cruise (have an eat-all-you can lunch here; the onboard band is awesome)
6. Loboc Church
7. Tarsier
8. Butterfly Center
9. Hanging Bridge
10. Python
11. Bohol Bee Farm
12. Hinagdanan Cave
13. Balicasag Island
Because of our short stay, we weren't able to go to the last four destinations. But what we experienced at Bohol, especially in Alona Tropical, is enough for a lifetime of memories. Besides, there's always a next time.
