Yes, I love to travel. I love going to places and trying new things. I said to myself before, "Makapunta lang ako sa Puerto Princesa, Bohol at Boracay, kuntento na ako sa ganda ng 'Pinas". But then again, that was before! When I saw how pristine Bohol's beaches are, (Alona and Dumaluan Beach in Panglao) I realized that those places are only three of the thousand majestic places in my country. AND I promised myself that I will, as much as I can, as long as I live..try to visit ALL the stunning places of my country to my heart's content.
Frankly, it wasn't my plan to visit Bohol 2 months after I visited Puerto Princesa last year. Why? It's simple, I just don't have the money for the expenses! Good thing, I have the greatest mom who lends me cash (the typical utang na hindi na binabayaran! hahaha)
Enough with the intro and on with the story...
It was August last year when I was invited by my office colleagues to join their much planned escape at Bohol. Since I really love to travel and I wouldn't want to be left behind once they tell their stories, I joined them. We're booked August 25-27 via Zest Air. We planned the cheapest itinerary possible and contacted the best deal for the accommodation and the city tour.
Before I move on with the blog, let me first share to you our misfortune. Yen's luggage was mistakenly grabbed by someone else in Tagbilaran airport. We were supposed to be fetched by Kuya John Ray before lunch but since Zest Air's flight was an hour delayed, and we had to take care of the lost baggage, we were way too late for our first day itinerary. Good thing, we managed to visit all the places on our list. (except for Prony the huge python which I personally wanted to see).
We arrived at the airport an hour early only to find out that our flight will be delayed. But, of course we didn't want to spoil our trip so we thought of it as a good photo opportunity at the airport.
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kulitan while waiting for the flight |
After a while, the plane arrived and we proceeded to our designated seats. It was only a short 45minute plane ride to Bohol.
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photo op muna before umakyat |
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talking about the fresh air of Bohol |
It was past lunch when we left the airport. Since all our tummies are starving, we dined at Jo's Chicken Inato. Food is good, serving us with chicken inasal and grilled pork bbq, the Boholano's way.
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Chicken inasal, Pork BBQ, Buko Pandan and Leche flan |
Kuya John Ray suggested we visit Chocolate Hills first because its the farthest. On our way to the ever famous hills, we passed by the manmade forest (a 2km grandeur with Mahogany trees).
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stretch of Mahogany trees |
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tall shades |
Truly, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol is an amazing work of art by God's wonderful hands.
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So far, keri at worth it naman ang entrance fee |
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Glimpse of the hill sa byahe |
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more than a hundred steps to reach the view deck |
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with sweetie |
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oo mahangin sa taas! |
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just picturesque! |
After satisfying our eyes and hearts with the magnificent view of the hills, we proceeded to our next itinerary which is visiting the smallest primates, the Tarsiers. There is no entrance fee here, but you have to give some donations.
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i really wanted to cuddle him!!!
This small primate is described to be shy and nervous that's why the caretakers don't allow the guests to touch it (or else it will commit suicide). They are nocturnal and they hunt for insects at night. |
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in all fairness, sakanya lang nakipagtitigan si tarsier! |
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group pic with the tarsier |
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with our guide kuya kulet |
The next stop was the butterfly garden. Ate Marilyn and Michelle were the only people who are interested with meeting and playing with the butterflies, so the rest of us just waited outside and contented ourselves buying pasalubongs.
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i think you have to pay 10.00 for the entrance fee |
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satisfying themselves with the butterflies |
(btw, mura mga pasalubong dito sa butterfly garden! from the key chains and shirts, i bought 2 colored shirts for my dad for only 320, ref magnets for 50pesos each, and ung mga key chains, 20pesos each.)
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bilihan ng pasalubong outside |
On our way back to the city, we stopped by the Loboc River for some photography. We didn't have the privilege to dine at the popular Loboc River Cruise which offers buffet yummies due to budget constraint.
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itong trip na ito ang pinakamalakas maka-friends forever! haha |
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Loboc River |
I was a little frustrated when everyone else decided to call it a day. Why? Because I haven't met Prony the Python yet! But since its getting dark and our guide told us our travel time from the city to Panglao will take us an hour, I just accepted my dissapointment. BUT since Kuya John Ray is super kind, he brought us to a small zoo with a big (not as big as famous Prony) python. (Keri na 'toh, atleast makakakita at makakahawak ako ng python!)
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super persistent kami ni Mich to meet Prony, kaya pinagtyagaan na namin 'tong pinsan nya kuno |
We proceeded to a mall in the city to get Yen's luggage and to buy everything else we need (food, etc.). We were actually advised that delicacies of Bohol is bought cheaper in the groceries rather than buying it on stalls. True enough, I only had 580.00 slashed on my pocket for a complete pasalubong for family and friends.
Expenses of the day: