their homepage says so...
and I think it is just being true to itself...
The motor ride took us about 30 minutes from our place in Alumbong, Panglao to Dao, Dauis. The trickling heat of summer almost burnt us like barbecues. I thought the ride will not be that long, but I think I miscalculated again ( I usually do) the distance.
Yes, the Bohol Bee Farm specializes in culturing bees, making local artifacts, and organic food.
Since we we still have to tour the countryside of Bohol that day, we weren't able to try their hilot sessions but we our tastebuds were able to get a treat from their hot, hot, hot menu.
1. Puto Maya't Tsokolate
2. Honey-glazed Bangus
3. Ginataang Alimango
4. Organic Salad
Takam na takam talaga si kwanghui...
Masarap?
If you are planning to go to Bohol Bee Farm, just ask the friendly locals for directions as it is quite hard to locate the place.
BOHOL BEE FARM
Ms. Vicky Wallace
Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol
+6338.5022288
+63917.3041491
vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bohol Bee Farm
Monday, June 16, 2008
Bohol Road Trip
Bohol's countryside has actually more to offer than just pristine beaches and dolphin watching. The main feature of Bohol is not their beaches, but the world famous Chocolate Hills, a one of a kind geological landscape, and the previously smallest primate in the world, the tarsier.
On our 4th day in Bohol, we went road tripping, the commuters way. It was fun and, at the same time, tiring. We road a jeepney, a bus, and a habal-habal (motorcycle). Here are the sights that we saw during our road trip....
1. Chocolate Hills, Carmen
It took us 2 hours from Panglao to Carmen, Bohol. First, we took a jeepney from Panglao to Tagbilaran, Php20. Then, we took a bus to Carmen, Php55. When we arrived in Carmen, we took a habal-habal (motorcycle) to a viewing area, which is actually one of the chocolate hills. The ride costs us Php20.
2. Butterfly Garden
Entrance Fee: Php20
Typical Butterfly Garden
3. Loboc River
4. Tarsier Visit
5. Loboc Church
Unfortunately, we weren't able to take a photo of the famous Baclayon Church as we were already running out of time and also, as a courtesy to other passengers.
See it to love it!!!
Read More: Behold, Bohol
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Dolphin Watching and Fish Feeding in Bohol
During our island tour, we have experienced to watch the Dolphins swimming in the sea upclose and feeding the fishes in the marine sanctuary in Balicasag Island.
Oh yes, I have seen dolphins in the sea numerous times during my sea trips but not as close as what a rigged boat can give.
To my excitement, I can't help but to exclaim "WOW".
View it below.
Bad thing though, it seems like our guide is in a rush as he did not pursue to spot more swimming dolphins at that time as he wants to proceed to Balicasag immediately. Also, the dolphins look like kawawa kasi everytime their bodies appear in the water, the bancas hurry up to their location and it seems like they are so disturbed by the motor running in the waters...
When we were in Balicasag Island, I never expected that we will be see and feed different kind of fishes!!! And I mean it...
My friend was sooooo amazed that he can't help but say, "It's so Amaziiiiiiiiiiiiing..."
He is kinda taong gubat but, anyways, this one is unforgettable as I was able to capture it through my underwater camera...
The whole Island Hopping Tour: Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island, and Virgin Island, costs only Php1,500 ($34). Once you go to Balicasag Island, you need to have ride a small banca with a guide that costs Php150 ($3.50) per person and if your tour doesn't include snorkels, you can rent them at Php150 ($3.50) each also. These can be hired in the island itself.
If you are planning to go to Panglao and do the same adventure, here are my tips:
1. Wake up early!!! Dolphins can easily be spotted around 6:00 am til 10:00 am. The boatman and the tour guides will pick you up on or before 6:00 am as it takes 15-20 minutes to go to the sea where the dolphins are. This was our problem on our 2nd day as we were too lazy to wake-up that's why we postponed our tour on the 3rd day.
2. Ask your boatman to take time to spot the dolphins. Some boatmen will proceed to Balicasag immediately and doesn't have the patient to give you more experience with the dolphins...grrrrrrrr...
3. Balicasag Island does not offer just good snorkeling but fresh seafood and sightseeing as well. Nagpapicture pa kami sa monkey dun.
Back to what I'm saying, when you arrive there, you can see a lot of vendors selling fresh fish like in Dampa Seaside. You will just pick a fish you want to feast on and they will cook it for you, ala paluto in Tagalog, or in French, ala carte.
4. Visit the old and the new tower in Balicasag. It is will just take a few minutes
to reach these towers. Just make sure that you will not get lost along the way, like we did. :(
5. Take time to chill in Virgin Island. Boatmen don't like to spend more time in Virgin Island and they would even do the maang-maangan look as if they don't know that Virgin Island tour is included in the trip. Ask the boatman to bring you there and hang your hammock anywhere and chill....
Then, forget about the boatman...kidding
Enjoy tripping!!!
Bow...
Read More: Behold, Bohol
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Alona Beach and Virgin Island
At first glance, Alona Beach is like mini Boracay... the long stretchy coral beach and the side-by-side resorts and restaurants...Though the main difference is that Bora has the paraws while Panglao has the white boats scattering in the whole beach front...
Honestly speaking, don't expect much that its sand is as fine and as white as Bora's. Nevertheless, this is still a fine beach getaway which can give you a little privacy compared to what you can get in Aklan's little island.
Alona Beach maybe the most famous beach in Panglao or even in the whole Bohol Island but there are more beaches with private resorts in other parts of the Islands but most resorts and action happen here. So, if you are with your friends, wants to mingle with other tourists, want to enjoy the beach straight from your room without getting into a motorbike, the best location is Alona Beach.
I had a great time while I was there. The beach, the people, the food, the marine sanctuaries, the motorbike rides, and a lot more...First day, we were so tired that I just slept the whole afternoon and went out at night...what a waste of time, ayt?, but you can't blame me as I just got back from a chaotic busy week before the trip...
The next day, I continued being bum by having my massage on the beach that costs only Php250 and Mary the therapist is kind and good in her field. I recommend Mary. Yes, I do.
On the third day, that's when a lot of activities happen... We went dolphin watching, snorkeling in Balicasag Island, and a tour to Virgin Island with it's spectacular sandbar that can only be seen during low tide. Island Hopping cost us only Php1,500 including the snorkels as there were only 2 of us. I recommend Abeth as he is nice and he can give you a good deal compared to other guides. If you are planning to go island hopping, you just ask for him and he also gives country tours worth Php1,800 to Php2,500.
When I was in Virgin Island, I felt total exclusivity. It seems like the whole island is yours and you can hang your hammock anywhere you fancy and just chill...chill...chill...
I wish I had a bit more time but we have to keep on moving as we need to go and see the countryside as well.
Hope you can put Panglao as your next destination to go...
Location: Alona Beach is located in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.
Getting There:If you are from Manila, you can get a plane to Tagbilaran, Bohol airport. Once there, it takes another 20 minutes from Tagbilaran to Panglao Island. You can arrange a pick-up from your hotel that costs around Php600 or take a taxi on your own that costs around Php300-Php400.
If you are coming from Cebu, you can take fast jets like Ocean Jet, SuperCat, or Weesam Express. This costs around Php400-P570 and they have seasonal promotions. Travel time takes about 2 hours.
Where to Stay?:Accommodations ranges from Php1,500 to Php25,000 depending on the resort that you will be staying. A popular midrange resort is Alona Kew White Beach. You may also have the option to check the resorts once you are there so that you can choose what fits for you as some good-priced resorts are not listed on the web.
Where to Eat?:It will be easy for you to check the restaurants at night that during daytime. If you are looking for a place to have your breakfast or lunch, it will be either, you check the resorts' restos or the carinderias. Anyways, food is not too pricey and fish is always fresh.
I will definitely come back here again...
Read More: Behold, Bohol
Friday, June 6, 2008
Back from Bohol
I just got back from my 6-day trip to Bohol and Cebu...It was really awesome and I'm still in a vacation mode....At the same time, I can't wait to go back home as I'm missing my own bed and I have to wake up to the reality of getting my ass to work, face my day-to-day responsibilities, and my life...
During my vacation, I was able to experience a lot of Firsts...
1. 1st time to snorkel in a marine sanctuary
2. 1st time to go dolphin watching
3. 1st time to test my camera underwater and I loved my camera even more... ;)
4. 1st time to see a tarsier...they are sooo cute and adorable...
I'm really missing a lot about my vacation and I can't wait to share more of it...
I highly recommend BOHOL to travelers...A must-see place!!!
