Breathtaking Bohol

Waves crashing along Alona Beach

This has post has been long overdue. Actually, I have forgotten to post about my trip to Bohol until I found time to clean up some space on my camera's memory card (I know,  it's been ages!). My trip was actually a rediscovery on how beautiful my country is. Amid the smog and pollution of Manila, there lies a little island in the Visayas that boasts of a beautiful and scenic countryside, quiet and pristine beaches and wonderful, friendly people.





I was feeling sick on the way to the docks of Cebu but I wouldn't let that get in the way of seeing Bohol. I didn't have time to drop by Shamrock so I could let my boyfriend taste Cebu's famous otap but found some in the stalls of pier (only, it was quite expensive compared to buying it from the store).

Quiet and tranquil Alona Kew

Onboard supercat, I fell asleep and woke up to dark clouds and a little drizzle spattering the windows of the ferry boat. We met our driver Tatay Dodong at Tagbilaran port and he drove us to our accomodations at Alona Kew Beach Resort. On the way, he regaled us with stories about the island. That's when we decided that we will hire him as our tour guide for our countryside tour the next day. ^^



Furry beach bums

We didn't waste time in exploring the beach upon our arrival at Alona Kew. Even meeting a few beach dogs lounging and napping by the beach. Compared to the noise and parties of Boracay, the beaches of Bohol are quiet and ideal if you want to relax and enjoy some peace. Like on most beaches, you will find some ladies offering massages, manicure and pedicure right there on the beach.

Blood compact memorial

The next day we had our countryide tour. We visited the blood compact site and the actual place where the ship of Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez De Legazpi docked. Our guide even took us to another place where he said the ships were actually docked. He said it is not really open to the public because it is owned by the owner of Alone Kew Beach Resort.





 

Next, we were off to see the tarsier sanctuary. They don't charge any entrance fee but there is a box where they accept donations (they use it to buy food for the tarsiers, so if you visit, put in a lot! ^^, ). It was great to catch them before they doze off. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to touch them because they easily get stressed. One of the guides pointed to us some of the female pregnant tarsiers.  I also went to the gift shop to buy some tarsier headbands for my nieces, which I find really cute.

Chocolate Hills

Next stop are the world-famous Chocolate Hills. It was a bit sunny when we got there, and the climb can be very tiring. But the view when you reach the top was amazing! For first time visitors you have to ring the bell on top for luck. The climb down was a litle steep so it's important to be extra careful.









We had our lunch at one of the floating restos. They served a lot of seafood so boyfriend did not eat much(",). But he did eat the the pork and chicken. There was a singer onboard who sang songs from each country to the delight of guests who came from Japan, China, Korea, US and of course. It was nice sharing meal on a moving vessel and seeing pretty sights.




Our second to the last stop was the Baclayon church, the oldest in Bohol. You cannot come in the church if you're wearing a short skirt or shorts. But they have some shawls you can tie around your waist if you want to go inside. They also have a museum that houses priests' vestments that dates back to Spanish colonialism, old religious statues, old furniture and a lot more. The guide even took us to an area on the second floor where the rich and affluent families sit during masses. We felt we were transported back in time. Who knows, some plots were hatched within those very walls.





Our last stop was pasalubong shopping. We got those sugar-free coffee mixes as well as peanut kisses. Then back to Alona Kew and lounge at the beach with a good book.

We had dinner by the beach that evening. It wasn't crowded so the ambiance was really nice and relaxing. The next day we went back to Cebu. We will definitely come back and stay longer in Bohol. ^^