8 Things you should not miss in Bohol

 

1. Snorkel or Free Dive in Balicasag

Swim with colorful marine creatures at the Balicasag Marine Sanctuary. You may content yourself with just snorkelling or you may free-dive towards the deep but beautiful abyss of a steep coral wall.

 

 

2. Play chase with dolphins

As if enjoying the attention, the dolphins play chase and sometimes do synchronized leaps above the water surface for all to see.

 

 

3. Run in Virgin Island

The sand bar is interestingly shaped like a crescent and can stretch to 1 kilometer. During high tide, shallow water partly cover the sand and create a wonderful scenery. 

 

 

4. Bask in the Sun in Panglao

With one and a half kilometer stretch of white sand and shallow water to boot, it is ideal for beachcombers and families alike.

 

 

5. Eat a Sea Urchin

Considered as a delicacy in some parts of the world, for only Php10-20 a piece and fresh from the ocean, you can try it raw with vinegar. The taste is really not that bad, but as they say, though it may be loved by many, it is also disliked by almost as many.

 

 

6. Visit the Philippine Tarsiers

This shy nocturnal animal is about the size of a human fist, making it one of the smallest primate. What makes them extra adorable or weird for some is that it can rotate its head up to 180 degrees. Despite their protection status, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has granted special limited permits for their display for study purposes and for tourists to see them up close.

 

 

7. Stand in the middle of the road or do a jump shot in Man-Made Forest

Located along the borders of Loboc and Bilar, the man-made forest spans 2 kilometers. The dense rainforest that line the winding road provide an interesting backdrop for a fun jump shot.

 

 

8. Enjoy the breeze in Chocolate Hills

There's really nothing better to do on top of a hill than to enjoy the fresh breeze on your face. There are over a thousand hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. The hills turn to brown during the dry season, hence the name. You may choose to view them either in Carmen (also called Chocolate Hills Complex) or in Sagbayan (called Sagbayan Peak).

 

 

Bohol certainly has more to offer, but the ones listed above are the ones that travellers should place on top of their itineraries. 

 

 

 

*** This list is merely the author's preference.

 

Skyline: Los Angeles

 

Although Los Angeles is known more for its beautiful residents (read: celebrities) and its many tourist attractions such as Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Hollywood than it is for its skyline, it is still a beautiful city worth seeing from above. One of the locations to get the best view of the "City of Angels" is from the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. At night, the lights of the city seem to stretch to infinity.

 

 

 

 

You may not see hollywood stars or real stars in the sky, but the radiant city lights below will surely make up for it.

 

 

*** I was lucky I even got decent shots as I didn't have a tripod on this trip. Enjoy!

 

 

 

A Charming Tagaytay Weekend

Tucked in Tagaytay's gentle rolling hills are small secret gardens.

Take your family to one of these charming gardens for a much-needed respite from the chaotic life in the metro. One such place is Nimfa's - my Mom's friend. For now, it is only open to family and friends as well as friends of friends, but I'm sure there are others in the area.

The combination of the organic ingredients (picked from their gardens), cool weather, and fresh environment make up for a relaxed and laid-back feeling. (Meals are served as part of the package. You do not need to go out.)

There are several chapels and retreat houses all around the city that are perfect for those seeking solitude.

You may even stay for the night in a chic cottage just like this.

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The place is relaxing, the food is great, and the owners are really nice. I wish we were friends so that I can take you there. :)

  

 Rates:

Php 700/head (special rates for families and big groups)
For an additional Php 300, guests can enjoy a full day access to a Country Club and its facilities which include golf, bowling, swimming, badminton, spa, tennis, billiards and more. Php 250 of the guest fee is consumable.

  

Hangin Gardens
Tagaytay Bed & Breakfast
• Aimee Escasa
• (046)4834630
• (0919)4373121
• (0922)5391759
• http://mahangingarden.multiply.com/

*** Wasn't able to take a picture of the dinner spread. Everyone was digging in. I didn't want to be left out.

Highlands Steakhouse

Highlands Steakhouse serve one of the best steak and barbecue in the metro. They import their meats abroad and their veggies are fresh. Although the prices are a little steep for ordinary Pinoys, the reasons listed below make up for it. With special mention are the juicy and grilled-just-right steaks.

1. classy interior

2. private

3. complimentary bread 

4. hefty serving of meat heaven

 

6. log cabin ambience

7. nice details

8. great view

Make it your go-to restaurant for special occasions. It is not only value for money, you also enjoy a perfectly macho meal. Carnivores and even non-meat eaters will love it.

Highlands Steakhouse, click here for the menu.
2/F Unit 213 Entertainment Mall,
SM Mall of Asia, Bay Blvd.
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 556-0768

Hours of Operation:
monday to sunday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sprinkles Beverly Hills

 

 

Sprinkles Cupcakes is a cupcake bakery cafe that started in Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hills store is just a few blocks from Rodeo Drive. Hence, this may be the cheapest thing that you could buy within a 5km radius. Priced at $3, you’ll often see a line outside their doors.

 

 

 

While the cupcakes are yummy, the store has become a tourist destination in itself. Tourists flock to the store in hopes of sighting hollywood celebrities.  The craze started when Barbara Streisand gifted Oprah Winfrey with them and Oprah liked it enough to share them with her studio audience. And you know how everything Oprah touches turns to gold, the cupcakes became a hit and other celebrities followed suit.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sprinkles Cupcakes, click here for the menu.
9635 Little Santa Monica Blvd,
Beverly Hills, CA.
(310) 274-8765

Hours of Operation:
monday to saturday 9am - 7pm
sunday 10am - 6pm

 

10 Local Trips inspired by Hollywood Films

We have to admit; the latest blockbusters we see on the big screen create lasting impressions on us and may even inspire us. For us travellers, it can even motivate us to recreate those scenes enough to make us want to pack our bags and travel. Since not everyone has the resources to book flights and head out into the world, here are 10 local trips that inspire to explore our own backyards.

1. Harry Potter: Batanes

Batanes closely resembles Scotland with its wind-swept hills, boulder-hemmed shore, and limestone houses. Don't forget to bring your own magic wand! Read more ...

2. The Beach: El Nido/Coron

Find your own secret beach in El Nido in Palawan. The place is said to be the inspiration of Alex Garland's novel that was made into a film. Coron shares the same topography - secluded beach amidst an imposing limestone cliff. Read more ...

3. Eat, Pray, Love: Iloilo

Spend a week in Iloilo and leave a different person. Eat batchoy (noodle soup), pray in century old churches, and fall in love. After all, it is the City of Love. Disclaimer: You will not find Javier Bardem and James Franco there. Read more ...

4. River Runs Wild: Pagsanjan Falls

Enjoy the rapids on your way to Pagsanjan Falls. Unlike Meryl Streep, you won't need to do the paddling yourself because local professional paddlers are available to take you upstream and against the flow of the tide for a minimal fee. Read more ...

5. The Mummy: Mt. Pinatubo

Expect dry heat just like the desert. But unlike the desert, Mt. Pinatubo is not barren nor arid and desolate. And unlike Brendan Frasen in The Mummy, there are no mummies here. So, you can freely enjoy the 4x4 ride or hike all the way to the crater of the most destructive volcano eruption back in 1991. Read more ...

6. Cast Away: Concepcion

Choose from among Concepcion's 16 hidden gems and bask in the sun for hours end with no one in sight. Read more ...

7. Survivor: Caramoan

Caramoan's isolation and beauty made it a favorite location of the international franchises of the reality game show ”Survivor.” Create your own challenges à la Survivor and imagine yourself returning to the wild. Read more ...

  

8. Pearl Harbor: Corregidor

The ruins of Corregidor will make your imagination run wild. Go back in time during the Japanese invasion of Pearl Harbor. Explore this historic island turned tourist destination and touch the bullet holes in the walls of the ruins. Read more ...

9. Water World: Balicasag, Bohol 

Swim with colorful marine creatures at the Balicasag Marine Sanctuary. You may content yourself with just snorkelling or you may free-dive just like Kevin Costner towards the deep but beautiful abyss of a steep coral wall. Read more ...

10. The Proposal: Nagsasa Cove

Imagine yourself as Sandra Bullock while your boat approaches Nagsasa Cove. The mountain and the pine trees almost look like something from an Alaskan Architectural Digest, minus the natural stone house and the snow capping the tip of the mountain. Read more ...

With over 7,107 islands and with a uniquely varied topography, there is absolutely no need to go far because the Philippines has it all.  Summer is here, go outdoors and make your own blockbuster travel experience!

Panglao Accommodation: Dumaluan Beach Resort II

One of two choices of places to stay in Panglao Island, Bolod Beach is a great choice for those looking for a peace and quiet vacay. (Alona Beach is the other choice.)

Dumaluan Beach Resort fanrooms are strategically located right smack in the center of Bolod Beach. It shares one of the best stretch of sand with Bohol Beach Club.

If you are not maarte/choosy/delicate with your accomodation, get a fanroom. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh air, you can also view the beach without leaving your cottage.  Tip: the fanrooms are not published in the resort's website, specifically ask for them when making a reservation.

The beach right in front of the resort is not the best, but jump to the side of Bohol Beach Club and you get one of the best in the country. This is because just behind the line of fan room cottages is the Bohol Beach Club. That means, you can swim or walk your way to the other side without having to pay the entrance fee.

Room Rates are as follows:

Fan Room - Php 1,000/night - good for 2 persons
Standard Aircon - Php 1,300/night - good for 2 persons
Superior Deluxe - Php 2,150/night - good for two persons
Deluxe - Php 2,600/night - good for 2 persons
Executive Double - Php 3,500/night - good for 2 persons
Executive Family - Php 4,500/night - good for 4 persons
Executive Beach Front - Php 4,000/night - good for 2 persons
Junior Presidential - Php 5,000/night - good for 2 persons
Dumaluan Suite - Php 7,000/night - good for 5 persons

VERDICT:

Good: nice beach. beach front. a live band plays every night at the resorts main restaurant.
Bad: fanrooms do not have en suite bathrooms. not a lot of food choices in the area. fanrooms do not have sockets, but you may have your gadgets charged at the bar for a minimal fee. 

Dumaluan Beach Resort II
Bolod, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
• (+63)038-5029092
• (+63)917-8834888
• resort@dumaluanbeach.com
• http://www.dumaluanbeach.com/