2011: My Travels by the Numbers

Inspired by an article from StarStudio mag,

Travelling isn’t just about seeing the sights; its also about a  whlot lot of numbers, too!

These highlight my travels for the past year.  I truthfully acknowledge everything and everyone who made all these possible – to my team who allowed my leaves, to all my accommodations and airlines, to the drivers (airline, trains, boats, cabs, buses, tricycles), to the tourist guides, to those who accompany me in every step, to my newly found friends and to my family for allowing me on this addiction – thanks!

To all the challenges, for all those times of getting lost, of losing patience – lessons have been learned.  To the awesome scenes, to simply walking in the fields and seashore, to all the memories – all will be kept in my heart.

And praises to Almighty God for the safe travels I had and will have in the future.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Metro Centre

From Panglao, we decided to have an overnight stay at Tagbilaran - we booked for a Superior B room at Metro Centre. We had a very good stay here.

Place: MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center
Address: C.P.G. Avenue, Tagbilaran City Bohol 6300, Philippines

The hotel lobby is well lighted, they already have Christmas decorations.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Botanika Tarsier

Destination: Tarsier Botanika (Philippe Tarsier Recreation Inc.)
Location: Km.16 Hoyohoy Tawala, Panglao, Bohol
Website: www.philtarsier.com

From Alona, we took a tricycle (150php) for a 15 minute ride going to Tarsier Botanika.

The entrance fee for non-Boholanos is 500php, then it is 300php for the locals. We got a discount for my mother since she was born in Bohol. The fee includes a 2 hour guided tour over the featured sites of their 7 hectare farmland.

First attraction is the line of flowers, orchids and bonsai collection.

Next, the animal area - they have monkeys, a lot of species of birds and some reptiles. They also have a horse training area, but the rider should provide himself full gear before they can rent a horse.

I like their small reclining Buddha surrounded by a small pond, water lily and hyacinth – feels like I’m in Bali or Thailand.

Their Grotto is so unique for me, it is made of shells.

They also have conservatory with paintings, plants and café in one.

Another thing I’m proud of this place is the very well maintained art gallery – that is divided to Asian, European and Modern or Futuristic themes.

They are still constructing the ocean view restaurant upon this writing. But food at that their small cafe is very delicious - we ordered spaghetti bolognese and margarita pizza.

The reception room also offers products that are locally made with export quality.

There is no other way out, and we already requested our tricycle driver to pick-up us to go back at Alona Beach.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: San Agustin Church

Destination: San Agustin Church
Location: Panglao, Bohol, Philippines

It is December 08, Feast Day of Immaculate Conception. From Alona Beach, we took a van (200php) going to the church. The 6:30am mass is in vernacular language. The church has very beautiful ceiling, but I cant deny that these now looked old by time.

Going back at Alona, we hailed for a tricycle at the street (100php). If it was not available, we can opt to go first to the mercado (wet market) to find the tricycle.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Bee Farm

From Alona Beach, we took a tricycle and ride for less than 20 minutes (400php), it is a smooth ride at first while we are in the main street, then had this shaky ride on the very rough road.

It is raining that afternoon and there are no guided tours available because of the rain - too bad! But since there is no tour, there is also no entrance fee - yehey! But, the entrance fee is just 30php, its affordable for the tourists.

They have rooms available for accommodation which range from 2500-9000php per night. They have several locations for cafes and restaurants. Some were overlooking and some can be on a small banca.

Here we tasted their Champorado with Carabao's milk (80php)

and the organic ube and mango ice cream (80php) - which I really love.

Do not under-estimate the place, we had a long walk, stiff stairs and ended a bit tired.

Before we leave the place, we spent sometime on their shop and they have this sample comfort designed with bee theme.

On closing, we visited a Bee Farm without seeing the bee - as the care taker said, bees are more aggressive and would likely to bite people during rainy weather.

2011 December: Philippines: Bohol: Alona Beach: Lost Horizon Hotel

Our flight from Manila is delayed by around 30 minutes due to busy departure schedule. Travel time going to Tagbilaran is 1 hr and 5 minutes. "Your flight is not complete, without the Fun Games," - I won a tumbler for being the first one to raise a family picture.

We already booked the airport transfer from the hotel, it is 500 php from the airport to Panglao for about 30 minutes without traffic.

On our previous trip, we stayed at Dumaluan beach. Now we are staying at Alona beach – specifally at Lost Horizon Hotel. We booked the Modern Standard room for 2500php/night, plus 400php for the additional person. We opted not to get the extra bed as the queen size bed is enough for the three of us. I'm very satisfied with the place, good sea and pool view from our room. It is well lighted and I like the glass wall. The bed is soft and with clean sheets. The room has electric thermos, cups and complimentary coffee set and bottled water. Also, has a television with less than 30 cable channels (diversed from English, Korean, Macanese, etc.). They also provide a cabinet with hangers, table with monoblock chairs, refrigerator and full body mirror. The bathroom is spacious, well provided hot and cold water, and offers basic toiletries and towels.

Lost Horizon Beach Resort
Location: Alona Beach, Tawala, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Email:losthorizonresort@gmail.com

Bohol, Philippines

Travel Date: February 26 - March 04, 2006

Destination: Bohol, Philippines

We took Philippine Airlines going to Bohol. From the airport, we rented a van going to Catigbian Town. The land travel lasted for almost 2 hours with no traffic. Here are the places we have visited for a stay of less than 1 week in Bohol.

We have visited Sagbayan Peak, where two hills were connected by stairs.
View from Chocolate Hills Deck in Carmen town.

We tried a river cruise in Loboc River. You can choose between a smaller boat which can go to mini falls and a bigger boat that offers lunch.

This is a church near the drop off station in the river cruise service.

In Maribojoc town, we have visited Punta Cruz Church and the Light Tower.
In Panglao, we stayed in Dumaluan Beach Resort (http://www.dumaluanbeach.com/faq.php). Aside on swimming in the beach with white sand, they also have outdoor swimming pool. There are standard fan rooms and family air-conditioned rooms you can choose from. Their sheets and pillows are clean. Food is not a problem since they also have a restaurant.
Complete your Bohol trip, by watching the sunrise in Panglao Island.

Thanks to my family and relatives who have welcomed us during our stay in our hometown.

Date Visited: 2006 February