We went there via Zest Air, landed at Tagbilaran a few minutes ahead of our scheduled arrival at a little past 11 AM.My sister who was in Bohol a few months ago arranged for us to be fetched and driven by the same person who drove her around Bohol before. We had brunch at a local Ihawan, similar to Mang Inasal, which served barbecued chicken and java rice.
Since the Panglao Island resort we booked was about 2 hours away from the airport, we had a leisurely drive along most of the tourist attractions we passed on the way.
We stopped and took pictures of the breath-taking view of the sea where The Blood Compact Marker was situated,(Quoted from boholphilippines.com: Tagbilaran, specifically the district of Bool, witnessed the forging of the first international treaty of peace and friendship between two nations of different race and creed. On that fateful day of March 16, 1565, Captain General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi of the Spanish expedition and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain of Bohol, sealed their friendship in a native ritual, the Blood Compact. As is the native custom at that time, the two sealed their friendship through the shedding of blood wherein both draw two to three drops of blood from their arms, mix the blood with the wine and then equally drank from the cup. Other historians say that the blood-wine mixture was divided equally between the two and then they both drank the contents up to the last drop.)
We also went to the Loboc River, instead of riding the boat where one can have a buffet meal and be serenaded by a choir made of local children, we decided to live more dangerously by going ziplining above a ravine. It took us several minutes to muster enough courage in buying our tickets, actually climbing to the platform, when we were finally over the treetops and saw the tiny river below, after we stopped screaming, we enjoyed it sooo much because we felt like flying...I enjoyed the cool breeze on my face and the different vantage point.We also had our photos taken as a souvenir of the experience.It was so exhilarating, I would gladly do it again!!!
After the adrenaline rush, we went to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary.They tiny primates were sooo cute, if the guides weren't looking and keeping watch, I would have taken one in my pocket.
We bought some souvenirs here. The Tarsiers were on trees on a sloping terrain, one of my Steve Madden slippers' strap broke, it was a good thing, our luggage was in the rented car's trunk so I was able to change my footwear.
Next stop was visiting Baclayon Church, the second oldest in the Philippines, which was built in 1771 and was finished ten years after during the Spanish Era.It's made of coral cut into blocks.Next door was the Baclayon Museum where antique relics where displayed.
We also went to the Pasalubong shop past Baclayon where we bought peanut kisses and other delicacies.
When it was getting dark, we visited another historical church, Daois, which was in Panglao Island.The church secretary helped us get a bottle each of the water said to be miraculous that came from a well around a spring that was spewing water near the altar.
The wide and grassy churchyard, where kids were playing soccer, had a lovely view overlooking the part of the sea separating Panglao and Tagbilaran.There was an al fresco restaurant that was built around centuries old trees. The lanterns emitted a romantic glow on the dining area and the sea.We both said it was a perfect venue for a garden wedding. The local craftsmen also sold their handwoven bags, hats and fabric in the restaurant's gallery cum souvenir shop.
When we arrived at Alona Beach, (the locals said Alona Alegre, a bold nymphet in the 1970's, shot some scenes there) where Lost Horizons, a dive-resort, we booked in, we were tired but satisfied with all the sights we already covered.
The next day we went island hopping. We brought our snorkels so we didn't have to rent ones. We also saw a group of dolphins playfully frolicking in the deep waters.
We went to Balicasag Island, for snorkeling. The waves were a bit rough then so I didn't dare venture too far out of the bay.
We also went by boat to Bohol Beach Club, the resort's pristine beach and clear aquamarine waters were featured on tourist posters and postcards, we just had to visit it.
We had a hearty buffet lunch there, we were only a handful Filipino tourists, mostly were from China, other Asian countries, and Caucasians.
We just lazed by the pool and their macrame hammocks, afterwards.
Next day, we took a tricycle to Bohol Bee Farm, where we enjoyed visiting the organic herb gardens and the flower beds for the bees.We also had a quick lesson on apiary and how honey was made.
Their gourmet shop was a foodie's paradise, with the unique ice-cream flavors and delicious honey-based food products. My favorites were the honey-basil spread, honey-mango spread and freshly-baked breads which we brought home as pasalubong.But I must never order the ginger ice-cream again, which was too spicy for my taste. Next time,I'll stick to fruit flavored ice-cream and veer away from spice or veggie based ones.The view of the sea from the cliff was really awesome, we took lots of photos, there were busloads of Asian tourists who were enjoying the view.Then we ate a salad made from flower petals, and some other yummy dishes.
Next time, we might book our rooms there.
