An Angel In Bohol's Memories of Palawan

                      Someone ask me what kind of blog I have. I said it is a "travel blog". Then he asked what other places in the country that I visited. I answered, I've been to quite alot of beautiful place in the country like Cebu, Boracay just to name a few. He asked  if  I've ever been to Palawan and I said yes and it is a beautiful place. Then he said why don't you blog something about it...and I was like "why not?"

                     And so to the "random stranger" I met while on a ferry ride to Bohol, I am writing the blog this for, that you "requested". Although this blogspot is all about Bohol, It is my pleasure to write something about Palawan, a place I "dreamt" of going and had been fortunate to visit. Enjoy our country, enjoy the warmth hospitality and remember the smile of the Filipino People. And thank you for saying so much beautiful things about the Philippines. You make me proud of our country even more.

*Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River is definitely a  "must-see" . It is now among one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. It is infact the second largest sub terrain river in the world. Entering the underground river is quite scary for someone who is afraid of the dark for it can get really dark as you go farther inside the cave. Armed with a giant flashlight with a boatman that serves to be your tourist guide as well, beautiful and majestic formed stalactites and stalagmites inside the famous underground river awaits you. 

                   

Inside the Underground River

*Island hopping at Honda Bay

30 minutes drive from Puerto Princesa City it is a must to include Honda Bay Island Hopping tour in your itenerary.The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs and fabulous beaches. Each Island has its own beauty, charm and character that thrills every local and foreign visitor. 

Me with the islets of Honda Bay in my background.

Had the chance to visit three of the islets found in Honda Bay.

Snake Island is a famous island that shaped like a snake Tounge. It also famous for its crystal clear water and white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells.

Pandan Island.
      Is a one captivating island of Honda Bay. Named after Pandan Trees that are numerous in the island. With this pictureque shot below you will agree why I describe it as "captivating", it sure looks like a post card pic.

(photo courtesy of my good friend, Martin Arroyo :-))
   

 

Starfish Island. Another white sand island that is found in the Honda Bay group of islets. It is named for the numerous variety of starfish found in the island.

And yes, I found a couple of starfish! :-)

Lu-li Island, Lu-Li derive from the word “lulubog-lilitaw” a floating and sinking Island and visible only during low tide. Lucky enough to visit the islet during the low tide season that gave us a chance to "drop" by. :-)

 

*Sabang  is beach village that is near to Puerto Princesa Subterranean RIver NAtional park, if you will visit, you will sure pass it. It is actually  the entry point to the river.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort

    Is a resort in Sabang. The beach is not "white sand" but it is still worth of  a place to visit.

             

*Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa is nestled in the tropical waters of Honda Bay, northeast from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. 

It has its own version of "infinity" pool...

A nice way to spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach...

Dos Palmas resort interior...

And I can't wait to go back to see this. 

El Nido 

             There is something about "Palawan" that makes the place one of your wish as a travel destination in the Philippines. Recently Palawan has dislodged Boracay as the best island for international travelers, based on a recent survey conducted by New York-based Travel+Leisure magazine.  

    

              Considered my self "blessed" to visit Palawan and yes, I would not mind going back! The memories of this one beautiful island will always be with me, in my mind and in the heart of a "traveller" like me. 

Explore Bohol and fall Inlove with it too!

                                                        

                         Bohol is in the heart of Central Visayas, it is the 10^th largest Island in the Philippines. Some say that it is the ECO-CULTURAL TOURIST  destination  but for me nothing describes Bohol perfectly than this “GOD”S LITTLE PARADISE”  because it sure is! You know when they say that a mall or a commercial complex could be a one stop shop,  well I can compare Bohol to a “one stop vacation destination”, because it has A LOT to offer.  

Here are the reasons why I love Bohol.

*If you love the beach, Bohol has Panglao Island.  Four km out of the city proper of Tagbilaran City connected with bridges. It can equal  Boracay’s white powdery sand beaches, resorts are plenty here with a scenic view of the Mindanao Sea, Negros and Siquijor province.  But many more islands can be found if you are just willing to travel and explore Bohol and IT IS equally beautiful. Balicasag Island is famous for its marine sanctuary and place for snorkeling and diving. Pamilacan Island is famous for dolphin watching around its waters throughout the year and is a popular diving site for experienced divers.   

The Shoreline of Panglao Island

   
Picturesque shot

Pamilacan Island

      
Catch a Beautiful Sunrise while dolphin watching at Balicasag Island

Of course I'll have my "moment" ha ha

           

*If  you like the Country Side feel, a tour of Bohol's laidback country side will take you to its famous Chocolate Hills. It is one breathtaking work of nature indeed, with one thousand two hundred sixty eight (1,268) hills which turns green during rainy season and brown during dry season, that looks like “chocolate” thus derived the name “Chocolate" Hills.  

At Sagbayan Peak....I'm on top of one of the chocolate hills :-)

*Lunch at Loboc River while being serenaded and a relaxing scenery of green and rolling coconut trees on both side of the river. You can view the relaxing panorama while cruising and being served buffet native lunch while being serenaded of local songs. Now that is a sure relaxing way to enjoy your lunch!

Loboc River's floating "restaurant"

 Busay Falls at the end of the river cruise

*Then a quick stop to spot the smallest monkey  known as the Tarsier. The smallest living primate in the world, measuring  4-5 inches long with its tail longer than its body. I consider myself “lucky” to be able to have a “close encounter” with these cute little tarsier. Back in the days when you can still touch them and have a picture with them as close as this.

Now sadly, gone are the days where you can stop and spot the tarsier along the country side, since their population is decreasing they have to be “protected” …..they are now in protected conservation places like Loboc Conservation and Corella Bohol.  It is a place where tarsiers can live in their much natural habitat and not be “bothered” by humans. It is a fact these cute little primates are “suicidal” when stressed and they are nocturnal animals which means they should be sleeping by day, now with tourist “fascinated” by them come to see during day time and take pictures of them with camera flashes, the poor little creature are greatly stressed, that might explain why  their population is decreasing. Nowadays tourist who like to see these "fist size" animal will have to “search” for them in the forest, with a help of a tour guide…now that is one “exciting” search.

*Walked the hanging bridge at the Sipatan Hanging Bridge. Experience the excitement of crossing a bridge that is made only with bamboo with the waters of Loboc River below.

With this ala "National Geographic" shot

*I must say that one of my favorite, is passing the Bilar Mahogany Man Made Forrest. It's a 800 hectares of land area covered by mahogany trees plantes by the locals. For me everything will stand still the moment you "enter" or passed by the road covered by the mahogany trees. The atmosphere suddenly become cooler as the sun being blocked by the mahogany tree branches that "kissed" and sway high above...it is like entering in a different and enchanting world!

Enchanting Forrest. 

I'll have my moment....ha ha 

*If you area “history buff”, Bohol is also famous for its century old churches like Baclayon Church (known to be the second oldest church in the Philippines) and Loboc Church. There are numerous caves around the province that will tell you alot of the place history. As with other places in the Philippines,Bohol yearly celebrates Sandugo Festival  (a mardi gras parade) held in commemoration of the blood compact between Philippine's Rajah Sikatuna and Spain's Miguel Lopez De Legaspi.

Exterior of Baclayon Church

The century old Baclayon Church had become more "famous" with image of the Italian saint Padre Pio that started to form on one of the church pillars...spotted by a Japanese tourist while taking a picture of the church exterior walls, it had since then become a "must see" especially for religious devotee that says it is a "mystery" for such an imprint to appear on the church walls  (just take a closer look at the walls of the church in my background).

*One of the reason why I love Bohol is that it always come up with new things to offer to its visitors.

For an “Adrenaline Junkie”, Bohol now has a lot to offer to satisfy one’s craving for “extreme” adventure. I tried it myself, twice for the zip line Gotozon…zip line between two mountains over looking Loboc River down below.

Now if you are more into “more extreme” so to speak, you can try Danao Extreme Adventure, where you can try the following activities: Sui-slide Zip line, the fear and excitement inducing known as The Plunge , 15mm rappel, root climbing, kayaking and caving just to name a few. For more information about the extreme adventure activities offered at Danao,  visit their website at: http://www.eatdanao.com/.

(photo courtesy of http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com)

*Bohol is also famous for its numerous falls. Mag-Aso Falls in Antiquera is one of Bohol's kept secret. It's almost two hours drive from the city but I can say that the long drive is worthy if this would be your destination. 

And we will have our moment :-)

                           These are just some of the reasons why I fell inlove with Bohol. Why I kept coming back and why I “choose” to stay here in this paradise. There are many many other places that I haven’t included yet on this blog…like Bohol Bee Farm, Alona Beach, the butterfly sanctuary, its many falls and caves. If you visit you might find a lot more reasons to love the place than I do. Some says it’s not just the place or  the atmosphere but others like the warm hospitality of  the Boholanos. While Im here I am meant to “explore” Bohol more, I am excited to go to the places that locals say are even more beautiful than those of the more famous destination so to speak. I, for one can't wait to share it to you through this blog.

                             Truly  the Philippines is a beautiful island country and Bohol is one of them.