One Fine Day in Bohol

October 23, 2010 (Manila - Tagbilaran - Manila)

Plane Fare: XXXX Pesos

Guided Tour: 600 pesos

Spending one fine day in Bohol with me, myself and my new found friend Tricycle Driver (Allan): PRICELESS!!!

I arrived Tagbilaran 9:15am and left at 1:55pm on the same day.

I was the first to leave the plane when it landed and  right after I left the airport, drivers were zooming from every direction. 

My first plan was to have lunch by the beach - alone- in Panglao Island.

An annoying tricycle driver insisted that I go with him for 250 pesos one way. (So that's 500 pesos for a roundtrip to Panglao Island). I said it was too expensive since it was only 15-20 minutes away from the airport.

In short, I did not get his services.

Fortunately, Allan overheard the haggling and after I rejected the first driver, he approached me and told me he can drive me for 400 pesos roundtrip.  (He was kind enough to ask permission from the rejected driver first)

I immediately said okay because he was too nice. My instincts told me that he will be a good companion for this trip. (and I was right! Ha!)

On our way to Panglao Island, he was telling me about some tourists who went to Bohol and mentioned that he took them to different places in the island.

Since this is my first time in Bohol, why not ask him to drive me around instead?

So, I changed my plan and I told him to bring me anywhere he thought I would like!

First stop: HINAGDANAN CAVE

Entrance Fee: 15 pesos 

Tricycle Parking Fee: 5 pesos

The stairs going down the cave was steep and you have to watch your head as you climb up/down. Bats were everywhere. Just mind your steps and ignore the flying bats :p

There was a number of light bulbs inside the cave so you don't need to bring flashlights.

I saw a group of young men jumping off the edge of the rocks to dive and swim in the hazy water. Be careful as it can go up to 12 feet deep. The water is hazy due to mixture of freshwater and seawater, just like the Twin Lagoons of Coron. Swimming is allowed because the water is flowing freely from certain points; otherwise, it won't be allowed :)

By the way, this is all that you will see in the cave. Nothing more! 

I think I stayed there for less than 5 minutes just to take pictures.

Next stop: BLOOD COMPACT SITE or SANDUGO

no entrance fee

Located at Barangay Bool was "a marker that identifies the spot where Datu Sikatuna, a native Boholano chieftain, forged a Blood Compact with Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain, for the purpose of fostering friendly relations between the two countries. The Blood Compact on March 16, 1565 is considered as the first “Treaty of Friendship” between the brown and white races." - travelsmart

Next stop: BIGGEST and LONGEST PYTHON IN CAPTIVITY

Entrance Fee: 10 pesos

Tricycle Parking Fee: 10 pesos

This famous python is said to be 14 years old. The owner claims that this is the world's biggest and longest python in captivity. Everyone is free to have their pictures taken. The owner herself is inside the cage, willing to take photos of guests with her "pet." No extra fee is required but donations are appreciated.

Aside from the famous python, there are other animals in the vicinity, also worthy of picture taking. These includes flying lemurs, eagles, monkeys and other kinds of birds.

Next Stop: LOBOC RIVER

A lunch at the Riverboat Cruise is a must in Bohol. However, I needed to go back to the airport by 1pm so I decided not to have lunch here because the ride will take 45 minutes to an hour. Buffet lunch cruise is around 350-400 pesos per person, which includes barbeque, fruits, etc. Some also provide entertainment like musicians serenading you while you dine and enjoy the view.

Next Stop: TARSIERS

NO ENTRANCE FEES (by donation only)

There are plenty of places in Bohol that offers a personal experience with the smallest primate in the world.

So if you happen not to be able to get a good picture with a tarsier, just ask your driver to bring you to another tarsier stop. Most were along the road going to Loboc River Cruise. 

My first encounter was with the wild tarsiers at Kinapa-an Kingdom. They kept on jumping from one branch to the other so it was impossible to get a good picture with them.

Luckily, Allan was kind enough to bring me to different tarsier stops so I can take a better picture of them and with them.

Just a note: Please refrain from touching the tarsiers as they get stressed. They are not used to being with people and held in captivity. It is known that when they get too stressed out, they commit suicide by banging their heads on the branches or walls. *sigh* Also, please do not use flash photography so you won't blind them.

Last Tourist Spot: BACLAYON CHURCH

Baclayon church is the oldest church in the country. 

"Both in the external and internal portions of the church are various interesting relics and artifacts dating back to the early 16th century, which have now been placed at the Baclayon Museum." - travelsmart

Unfortunately, I was not able to take a glimpse of what's inside because they were on lunch break!

Baclayon Church Lunch Break: 11:45am - 1pm

Baclayon Museum Lunch Break: 11:45am - 1:30pm

I truly had a wonderful ME TIME!!!

Allan was super nice so if anyone is planning on going to Bohol, just contact Allan!!Don't worry, his uncle has a van that could take group tours :)

ALLAN (Bohol Tour Guide)  - 0910-912-6655

There are plenty more things and sites to see in Bohol so I have to go back with my friends next time :)

- Chocolate Hills

- Danao Adventure

- Dolphin Watching

- Loboc River Cruise

- Baclayon Church