Since my flight to Bohol was at 8am, I took the most practical way of going to the airport – riding the MRT from Quezon City and then a taxi from Taft Avenue. Despite the number of transfers, I still arrived early at NAIA3. At 7.30am, we were asked to board a bus going to the plane. We were stuck inside the Cebu Pacific plane for almost one hour due to the air traffic. The airport at that time could only accommodate limited take-off and landing. It was unfortunate that my flight was delayed because it meant that I barely have only a few hours in touring the island.
Upon arrival in Bohol , the hotel car service failed to pick me up at my desired time and wanted me to wait for 30 minutes more at the airport, which I declined. I had no choice but to take the motorcycle with a former workmate from Bohol to bring me to the Buen Bella hotel (0918.5297742). Fortunately, it was cloudy that day and that the hotel is only 10 minutes from the hotel. I complained to the receptionist about the hotel car service and she readily apologized for the miscommunication between her and the driver. Together with my officemate, I went to two malls: BQ for souvenirs and Alturas for the cheap local shirts. Immediately after our lunch, we proceeded to Mag-aso falls in Antequera. The travel was fast since we rode the motorcycle but since it rained in some areas, we had to make a few stops along the way. We paid 20 pesos as entrance fee to the falls. I enjoyed the view of the falls surrounded by trees and the water appeared nature green as if camouflaging its adjoining environment. After taking photos, I immediately asked that we go to Panglao Island. On the road, we stopped at the town to check if there were local products available for sale. I found out that products can be seen on a Sunday, which was their market day. It almost took an hour drive to go to Panglao. I noticed the improvements in the Alona area resorts. I still like though the old Alona where only a few establishments available in the area. I simply do not like the idea of the beach front having lots of chairs and tables lined up. We had a simple merienda along the beach far away from the crowd. And, I couldn’t help but reminisce the old Alona Beach when it was tranquil and where one can easily find a spot to read and relax along the beach. From there, we went to the bee farm where I bought some local products made from honey and other local produce. The products were a bit pricey since they were organic. On the way home, we went to Our Lady of Assumption Shrine Parish church in the town of Dauis. I went around to check their museum and shop. The staff gave me a bottled miraculous water from the well inside the church. Apparently, it is being given free to church visitors. Before the day ended, I went to buy more souvenir items. The following day, I woke early and found it difficult to speak with my hoarse voice. It could be due to the rain exposure the previous day. As I passed by the reception of the hotel, old familiar faces of staff greeted me with a smile and said, “Ang tagal n’yo nang hindi nakapunta dito (You haven’t been here in a long time).” I frequented this hotel in 2007 when I was working wit a non-government organization. It was already 8am when I asked the driver to bring me to the airport. Hopefully by next year, I shall return to Bohol as it is one of my favorite places in the country. Visited last October 2-3, 2010
2 Comments
Regina
4/13/2011 08:59:54 am
Thanks for the tips on where to go in Bohol! :-) I hope I can cover as much tourist spots when I go there this May. Can you make a sample itinerary for me...hehehe
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Alain SantosTraveler, Landscape Photo enthusiast and Nature-Lover Archives
May 2020
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