Trip Lang #21 - Bohol Bonding Day 3 & 4

July 21-22, 2015

The country side tour in Bohol was fun but what I was really looking forward to was the activities for our day 3 in the province. Beach please!!!

The day after our Bohol country side tour was solely dedicated for beach bumming. We paid a Balicasag Island tour and water activities. It was before sunrise when we were brought to Alona Beach where a boat was waiting for our dolphin watching trip.

The tour didn't disappoint, we saw a lot of dolphins in the wild chasing their food. Since they move so fast, the supposed to be "dolphin watching" became "dolphin chasing". We were literally chasing them to get a closer look at what they do. I was like a kid seeing cotton candy for the first time... all smiles (just see the video at the end of this post).

When we had enough of chasing the dolphins, we decided to go to Balicasag Island where we were scheduled for an hour or so of snorkeling. We also ordered some grilled fish with rice and coffee for breakfast (super expensive but had to stock up for a day of fun!!!).

They have different areas to snorkel, the fish sanctuary, turtle sanctuary, and the area where huge clams shells can be seen. You pay different amount per area if you want to visit them. We've chosen to stay at the fish sanctuary cause the water is shallower than the other two (if you're not yet aware, we don't know how to swim! lol!)

One of the locals served as our guide. He has this small paddle boat that took us to the edge of the coral reef. Different kinds of fishes can be seen and the best part you'd ask? You can feed them!

We swam (more like float) for an hour till we can't swim no more. Though we enjoyed snorkeling so much because of the beautiful creatures in the water, it was not a walk in the part, if you must know. On our way back to the shore, I choose to just hold on to the side of the boat ("katig") while our guide pushes it back. That's when I saw a turtle eating freely on the seabed. Such a magnificent creature!

By the time we were back, my sjcam battery died so I wasn't able to take photos of where we stayed to have snack. Freshly picked buko juice served with straw and spoon for the coconut meat. Some locals were also selling souvenirs so I got one refrigerator magnet with Balicasag Island written on it.

Next, another 30-45 minutes boat ride to Virgin Island. The very first time I was there, it was super deserted. Now, they have Padre Pio's statue and a tourism office in the island. We tried to reach the tip of the sandbar but it was so tiring because the tide was already high plus it was so hot. So after a few photos and a good 30 minutes, we travelled back to Alona Beach.

It was already lunch time so we scouted for a place to eat. Also, I needed another sarong so I bought one with an awesome design and wore it the rest of the day.

We found a restaurant that serves freshly grilled seafood. What better way to eat them than using your bare hands, so we indulged. Food trip to the nth level. #seafoodDiet (when I see food, I eat it diet. Gets?)

It was a whole afternoon ahead of us so we planned to just find a place we can beach bum lazily. There was this beach front resort with restaurant that looks nice, it's called "Oasis Resort". Even if we just finished lunch, we ordered nachos, beer, and margarita.

Pretty much we did nothing the entire time but talk about so many things. After we've finished eating everything, we walked towards Hennan Bohol where we stayed for another drink and took a nap on the beach chairs until sunset. There were people walking around offering massage and stuff so it was not really the serene atmosphere that I was looking for. Nevertheless, the view's awesome.

It was already dark when we reached Natura Vista. We ate our dinner and went to bed. Yup, our last night in Bohol. We are flying back to Manila the following day but our flight was scheduled in the afternoon so we have enough time to visit the nearby resort and Hinagdanan Cave.

The morning sky was grey and rain was in the air but it did not stop us from going to Hinagdanan Cave. It was a few minutes walk from the resort. One of the staffs guided us to short cut going to the location. We went through backyards of the locals and practically middle of nowhere before we found the main road heading straight to the cave.

We paid the entrance fee and passed by a narrow passage to the cave. It was humid inside but the place was well lit because of scientists conducting a research on the different creatures found inside. The water looks very inviting but we didn't bother to jump in afraid we might disturb what they were doing.

The walk back to the resort was an adventure because it was just the two of us. Not sure if we were able to find our way back but we braved it anyway. Luckily I was able to keep track of some major details of the places we passed by and the locals were very helpful so we reached the resort in no time.

It was almost lunch so we asked one of the resort staff to accompany us to the Panglao Nature Resort and Spa (PNRS). It was our last stop before going back to Manila so we made sure to make it worth it. The PNRS has a manmade islet which serves as another ground for parties and any other activities for guests. 

We didn't swim in the ocean but we soaked in the infinity swimming pool while waiting for our lunch to be served. I had a nap under a tree and it was so peaceful.

The food was served at around 12 noon. A bit pricey (since it is a luxury resort) but the food was great. I ordered a plate of Sinuglaw (sinugba-kinilaw a must try) and a grilled platter with pork barbecue, grilled squid, and grilled tuna. I KNOW! Mouth-watering!

Too much for beach bumming and relaxation. All good things must come to an end. We had to go back to Manila that afternoon and have to face again the reality of work, traffic, and never-sleeping-life-of-the-metro.

Here's a video of our Day 3 & 4. Enjoy!

Trip Lang #13 - Boracay - A Trip for the Graduate Day 3 and 4

The third part of our Boracay trip is scribbled below. You may check out Day 1 and Day 2 if you haven't seen those posts yet.

So here's day 3.

We started our day with a light breakfast of bread and cheese spread we bought from a local store. The resort offers free coffee in the morning so we took advantage of this. After eating, we headed to the front beach and started another beach bumming. Our tour for the day was scheduled to start at 1PM so we have enough time to swim and soak up the sun.

This time we stayed in the water until our skin hurt. The view was very stunning that all of us can't get enough of it. I mean, look at those pictures! Ain't that one heck of a view? Swimming... swimming...swimming...

It was around 11AM when we finally decided to put a halt on swimming and go back to the resort to clean up. Then, we were back at Michaela's to eat our lunch. A simple rice with munggo, menudo and adobo by the beach. A bottle of soda after meal have completed our savory feast.

Around 1PM when we started walking towards Kuya Nonoy's post in station 2. We were greeted by Gab who have guided us throughout the tour.

Our first stop, ATV ride with Truck Art. A quick orientation and safety instruction on how to maneuver the vehicle was done before the tour started. I was nervous about the thought of driving an ATV on a highway at first but hey, what do you know! I was a natural! I easily got the hang of it and it was smooth driving from then on.

The destination of our ATV tour was the Ocean Tower View Point where you could see the whole island of Boracay. Going there, we drove on a paved road and were presented with a nice view of the ocean along the way.

We asked a lady to take a picture of us three by the tower's entrance. I thought there was some lift to get us on top but there's none so we had to climb our way up. It's kinda extra challenge walking up the steep stairs. So I had to pose my victorious pose when I reach the last step and to the platform.

We were welcomed by a fiber statue of Doreamon overlooking the ocean. A few more metal stairs after and we were on top of the tower along with other tourists, most of them Koreans. There are two telescopes on the tower (both were defective), a customized chair for taking pictures and there was this photographer who will ask you to strike a pose and tell you that pictures will be available on the tourist desk below. Later we found out that they charge a huge-jaw-dropping amount of four thousand pesos for these picture packages!!! A freaking huge and unreasonable amount! Oh well, it's more fun in the Philippines because of this, I guess.

We stayed for 10 minutes checking out the whole place before we started descending back to Truck Art terminal. Our next activity was Sky Cycling. A total workout ride! You have to pedal your way through the track under the scorching heat of the sun. Boom instant sunburn!

Next, the 3D museum where they feature painting that would look like you're part of it when picture is taken. Different paintings can be found inside, from cartoons, animals, Santa Clause and even Pacquiao.

We followed up our museum tour with a quick visit to the small aviary found in the same place. They also have this humongous-domesticated-friendly monitor lizard you can carry for a photo shoot.

The final activity of the day is the adrenaline-pumping zorb ball. From where the Truck Art is located, we traveled about 10 minutes to reach Zorb Park Boracay. When we get there we saw several Korean nationals climbing towards the platform where the big ball is being launched. They have two type of going down the hill, wet and dry. A person will be strapped inside the ball for the dry zorbing and for wet, the inside of the ball needs to be filled with about two buckets of water.

So yes, we went back to station 2 dripping wet after the zorb experience. It was so much fun and tiring at the same time. The third night marks our last night in Boracay so we went back to the resort to change and then checked out what's for dinner at Michaela's.

Day 4

The following morning, Southwest was scheduled to pick us up by 1PM for our travel back to Caticlan. We spent the whole morning looking for souvenirs and pasalubong. We went from D'Talipapa to D'Mall to find things to be brought home.

We mostly chilled through the rest of our time in the resort while waiting for Southwest. It's time to go home. Our vacation had ended. However, I know that it's not our last in Boracay. I'll be visiting the island again. When? I'm not sure but what's definite is I'll be back. Solo, with friends, with my partner...
Who knows!

`

Trip Lang #13 - Boracay - A Trip for the Graduate Day 2

So this is my post about our Day 2 in Boracay. If you haven't seen our Day 1 post, you may view it here: A Trip for the Graduate Day 1

As mentioned on my Day 1 post, we got a packaged tour amounting Php2500 per person. We decided to split the activities for two days so we can enjoy each of them and not be pressed for time. Day 2 had been scheduled for all the water activities in the packaged.

We started our day with a sumptuous breakfast at the Orchids Resort's dining area. All of us stuffed or tummies with heavy meal so we have enough energy for the this days activities.
 
Our guide was scheduled to pick us up around 7AM. When breakfast was finished, we stayed and waited for him at the resort's entrance where we busied ourselves preparing our underwater gadgets for the photo ops. Our first stop, Crocodile Island where we snorkeled. A 15-20 minutes boat ride from station 3.

Gallons of salt water intake and an hour after, we felt weary of diving and swimming. We climb aboard our banka and head to Puka Beach. Along the way our boat man showed us Manny Paquiao's rest house.

Puka Beach is another gorgeous beach to visit in Malay, Aklan. The water is as clear as the main Boracay stretch although here, you'd find that the sand is more composed of Puka shells fragments than sands. Nevertheless, this beach has an orgasmic view.

About an hour more of swimming and beach bumming before we head back to station 3. That's the end of our island hopping activity. I know, it's not really island hopping because there were only two beaches that we were able to visit. Unfortunately, due to the rough situation of the sea on the other side of the island, we were not able to go cliff diving that day. Bummer!

Next on this list was helmet diving. We waited about 15 minutes after we're back in station three. What were we waiting for you'd asked? Our guide. He was missing. Hahaha. After several minutes, he was rushing towards us. Our speed boat has arrived. It'll bring us to where the helmet diving platform is located.

A few minutes later and we reached the helmet diving platform. Have tried this before so I wasn't so ecstatic about it. A quick briefing and down the 12 feet deep water we went. As expected, the pressure we felt going down was very unpleasant. As instructed, swallowing and holding your breath can equalize the air pressure in your ears so that's what we've done.

Here's a video of us feeding a school of colorful fish.

We didn't head back to the shore right away. Our speed boat needed to catch a banka where one helmet diving personnel was aboard. The term speed boat spoke for itself. The hell was really freakin' fast!!! After the unpleasant feeling of dipping in the water, I wasn't ready for an adrenaline rush! Just see how my face looks like on the video.

See.. Ain't that crazy? So upon reaching the shore, my knees were trembling. But... I camouflage it with a smile. A stop over at Shingley's office to get our CD then we hunted for a place to eat lunch. On our way to back to station 3, we passed by Akira Resto Bar where a few foreigners were eating and drinking. We decided to eat our lunch here.

The food we ordered were tasty and very budget friendly. The resto bar is recommended for all backpackers.

It was around 1:30PM when we head back to the resort to rinse up and rest. We took a nap and woke up around 3:30PM so we can still catch the Chatime promo. Our plan was to simply relax on the beach and wait for the sun to set.

We were not disappointed. The sunset that we were waiting for didn't take long to unfold before us.

We were supposed to go to station two to find something to eat for dinner. However, just behind where we were hanging out was a local store grilling different kinds of meat and fish. I had the boys checked it out and it was just perfect! Grilled liempo, catch of the day, hotdogs, chickens, etc... Food that are great to eat by the beach. They also sell local beers and the prices were for locals. Beat that for a budget meal! We found a place to eat for the remaining days in Boracay without stressing our pockets.

After eating, a few cocktails and bottles of beer, we decided to star gaze on the shore. The sky was clear and there were lots of stars that night so our timing was perfect.

This is how we do it! Star gazing in Boracay. lol!

It was around 11 at night when we decided to wrap our second day up. Tired. Soar. Exhausted. These words described how we felt with all the activities we have all through out the day. Nevertheless, the fun and sunburns mixed together were awesome. We went to bed with happy faces.

Trip Lang #13 - Boracay - A Trip for the Graduate Day 1

My brother Ron has been one of those kids who repels academic stuff. He's more of a street-smart-person and had problems finishing high school due to his different outlook in life. My mother would always talk and try to make sense out of him, lure him back to school but to her frustration, my brother never did until something happened that forced us to send him back to Sultan Kudarat, our home town. There he stayed with our cousins and had no choice but to go back to school.

To cut the long story short, he was able to survive his remaining year in high school and finally become one of the graduates for the year 2014. To pay off his effort and for finally making our mother happy, I decided to treat him and my partner Alvin for a holiday in Boracay. I’ve been to this place before and have put up a post about that trip I had on 2012.

I combed the internet for the lowest fare I could get for his almost a month vacation here in Manila. Then I grabbed the Boracay package I was offered by one of my colleague, Khyle. Few weeks before our original trip schedule, we found out that there was a problem with our reservations. Khyle had to refund our money because the agency that was supposed to book our trip was “awesome” enough to NOT book it. Grrrrr… I know. What a pain. We felt it hardcore especially for Khyle who’s been in constant communication with the agency. I usually do my own reservations and create my own itinerary for my previous travels. It’s a first for me to trust a travel agency to handle and arrange my booking and the outcome was “great” and when I say great it means the opposite, not a good first impression.

So after the mishap, I scanned the net, made phone calls, send emails and text messages looking for the best price I can get for flight and accommodation. The plan was to stay in Boracay for four days and three nights.

May 4 – 7 was the selected date of travel. I filed for a few days of vacation leave from work and had to work half day on the day of our departure. After checking in online and printing our boarding pass, we headed to the airport for our 7AM flight.

We arrived ten minutes earlier than our ETA in Kalibo airport. A land transfer with Southwest has been booked prior so I just had to get our stickers for guest identification and we were off to Jetty Port in Caticlan. Due to lack of sleep, we all dozed off for the entire 2 hours of the trip. Upon arriving at Jetty Port, we paid for the terminal and environmental fee.

A nearly ten minute ride and we reached Boracay Island. Multicabs, (these are small vehicles that have the same purpose as tricycle mostly found in Visayas and Mindanao area) were waiting when we disembarked the Southwest vessel. Another ten minute ride for us to reach Boracay Station 3 where we started walking towards the direction of The Orchids Resort where we will stay.

We were too early for Orchid's check in time but they let us in the room anyway. It was almost lunch time and we were already starving to death so we quickly changed and head to station 2 to eat.

A few minutes of walk under the scorching heat of the sun (+ awesome view) and we were all exhausted before even reaching our destination. The plan was to eat at I Love Backyard BBQ but when we get there the line was never ending. We looked around and saw 888 Seafood Restaurant. Eating here was a bad idea I thought. The food we ordered was not delicious at all. I'm not sure if that's how they roll but what they served was not equivalent to its price, let just put it that way.

After lunch we started beach bumming. We walked on the beach towards the island's famous grotto and got some refreshing drinks along the way. Good thing we had brought a Nalgene container filled with ice and water. Saves us from dehydration and heat stroke.

I'll never get enough of this captivating view of Boracay beach. The fine sand, crystal clear water, the breeze... Lucky are those people who lived and see this view everyday. Though it would be more majestic with less people littering like ants along the shore. Hehehe... I wonder how this place looks like before it became very famous. It must have been very beautiful and serene.

The grotto was equally majestic. Swimming here felt like swimming in a pool because of its clear water that reflected the sky. This was something I never experienced the first time because it was the rainy season when I first had my vacation here.

When we were satisfied with all the walking, we decided to go back to the hotel and rest for a few hours to prepare for dinner and a night of drinking. I was ecstatic to find out that Chatime, my favorite cool drink, was having a buy 1 take 1 opening promo. We had a quick stop over to buy a few and grab some snacks along the way.

Another stop over was talking to one of the locals for available tours. We got one package worth 2500 per person. This package includes island hopping, snorkeling, helmet diving, zorb, ATV ride, skycycling and a tour within the Red Coral.

Of course, who would want to miss posing on the famous sand castle with "Boracay" sculpted on it? 

Not us.. 

Due to exhaustion, we decided to sleep the rest of the afternoon to recharge for the night. It was twilight when we woke up and prepared for dinner. We ended up drinking beer at Red Pirates.

After a few bottles, we walked to station two to eat a proper dinner. Our target, I Love Backyard BBQ. We ordered one of their set meals good for four plus an additional grilled longanisa.

About an hour after eating, with full tummy and rest-deprived body, we called it a day. This conclude our first day in Boracay.

I have to break our Boracay trip in to parts because we've done so much during our stay and putting it in one post is too ridiculous. So... Day 2 post, to come soon...