Showing posts with label Bohol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bohol. Show all posts

Friday, 25 April 2014

Resto Review: Jasz Bar and Restaurant, Panglao Island

We stayed in a hotel along Alona Beach on our last night for us to experience its night life. Alona Beach was dubbed as the Boracay of Bohol but for some reason I don't feel like it should be praised as that. Yes, the sand in Alona Beach is almost same as Boracay but its night life is not at par at all. Or maybe there was not much tourist around to make it much of a party place.

There are lots of bar and restaurants along the beach but most of them offer live singing performances and not the usual disco bars you can see in Boracay. Although there was one that had its grand opening on that night we were strolling just beside the Bee Farm branch. Unfortunately, it was not yet open to the public that night. So we settled to eat and drink at Jasz Bar and Restaurant because there was a performer singing our type of music there.

We availed of their Buy 1 Take 1 Cocktail Promo. I ordered their Mabuhay Alona and hubby ordered the Melon Fizz - both for Php 200. The Mabuhay Alona is a mix of rhum, mango liquor, pineapple and orange while the Melon Fizz is a mix of vodka, melon and sprite. Both were quite strong on the alcohol side, their supposedly fruity sides were unnoticeable.

After having a shot at their cocktails, we just opted to buy a bucket of Lemon Flavored San Miguel beers. Bucket of 6 beers are sold at Php300-350.

For our dinner, we ordered the Eat Jasz Special Pizza (Php 495). The pizza was based in carbonara sauce and was overloaded with lots of toppings. It had mushroom, olives, ground pork, ground beef, ham, pepperoni, bacon, bell peppers, hotdog and boiled eggs sprinkled with cheese. And it was a mouthful. I got really full in the stomach just having a slice. But what we didn't like about their pizza was that the dough was not properly cooked, making the pizza quite soggy. It didn't looked like it was cooked in an oven.

We had take-outs after our meal here. It was one quiet and fulfilling night just hanging around with just my husband. I'm not sure if we're ever to come back in Panglao Island in the future, but when we do I hope their mode of transportation to and from the city be improved. Till next time (",)




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Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Accommodations in Panglao Island, Bohol

The first two mentioned are the ones we have stayed in during our trip in Bohol. Rest of the items are other affordable options that are near the beach.

1. Cherry's @ Home

Cherry's @ Home is the cheapest accommodations I can find in Panglao Island priced at Php 1,000 only per night for single/double occupancy.

Pros:
  • Cheap accommodation
  • Free WiFi connection
  • Well-maintained beddings and pillows
  • Refrigerator
  • Cabled TV
  • Safety deposit box
Cons:
  • No breakfast
  • No food nearby
  • No hot shower
  • Salty water supply
  • Air-condition is too small for the big room
  • No Queen bed room
  • Long walk to Alona Beach

They have a sister hotel named Cherry's @ Home Too Inland Resort which is nearer Alona Beach but their room rate starts at Php 1,450. Rate includes complimentary breakfast and free use of their swimming pool.

Cherry's @ Home Too
Mobile No.: 0908-8921412, 0949-7172333
Email Address: reservation@cherryshome.com

2. Aquatica Beach Resort

We wanted to explore night life in Alona Beach on our last day in Panglao Island, so we decided to transfer to another accommodation along the beach. After several inquiries along the beach, we settled for Aquatica Beach Resort. Their room rates start at Php 1,500 for air-conditioned rooms and Php 1,000 for fan rooms.

Pros:
  • Located along Alona Beach
  • Free WiFi connection
  • Cabled TV
  • Air-condition is okay
Cons:
  • No hot shower
  • Salty water supply
  • No cabinets
  • Beddings are not maintained (found holes in it)
  • Pillows are not comfortable (uneven fillers)
Aquatica Beach Resort
Manila Tel. No.: 02-741-1779
Bohol Tel. No.: 038-502-9350
Email Address: aquadole@yahoo.com

3. Alona Garden & Dae Jang Guem

Their cottages can be found at the back of their Korean restaurant which is steps away from the beach. Rates start at Php 999 per night. No TV. With free WiFi.

Mobile No.: 0917-707-7780
Email Address: babo020712@hanmail.net

4. Trudis Place Resort and Restaurant

Located along Alona beach. Rates start at Php 2,000 for single or double occupancy with complimentary breakfast. With free WiFi. With hot and cold shower. With cable TV.

Mobile No.: 0928-346-3780, 0917-487-4230, 0923-201-5260
Email Address: gerlin16@yahoo.com

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Bohol Pasalubongs

There are lots of Bohol shirts sold at Php 99 each just outside of the Hinagdanan Cave entrance.

But if you want more quality (thicker fabric) shirts, you can buy them at an RTW shop located on the ground floor of Buen Bella Pension House building. Shirts here are sold at Php 130 each. You can also find key chains, magnets and other souvenir items here.

Bohol is also well-known for their peanut and ube products, calamay (priced at Php 40 above) and honey products from Bohol Bee Farms. We bought our pasalubongs at BQ Mall's grocery. There are lots of peanut products to choose from but our personal favorite was Star Peanuts which was also cheaper than Peanut Kisses. Peanut Fingers tasted the same as Star Peanuts it just comes in a different shape.

Peanut Kisses 7's Php 9

Star Peanuts 25g Php 8, pack of 15's 25g Php 118

Peanut Fingers 30g Php 8, pack of 15's 30g Php 118

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Tuesday, 22 April 2014

A Walk in Tagbilaran City

We had one free day to roam around Bohol's capital, Tagbilaran City.

There were lots of people going about with their daily lives. Tricycles are also abundant in the city. A ride will cost you a flat rate of Php 8 going to anywhere in the city. Convenient way to travel especially on hot summer days.

We took a tricycle going to the St. Joseph Cathedral. The St. Joseph Church is one of the oldest churches in Bohol. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1798 then later re-built during the 19th century.

Fronting the church is Bohol's Rizal Plaza which has miniature chocolate hills displayed. Locals and tourists sat on benches to feed the pigeons.

If you want to learn how the Chocolate Hills came to existence, you may want to view the National Museum just across the plaza. You can learn about Bohol's history, their livelihood and their ecosystem here. Entrance fee is only Php 10.

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Bohol Sea Tour

Sea Tours in Bohol normally starts at Php 1,500 per boat which is already good for 4-6 persons. But since tourism is low in Bohol it looks like you can actually haggle the price to as low as Php 1,000. Try strolling around Alona Beach when the sun sets and you will be surprised that there will be people offering you their tours at really low prices. We got ours at Php 900! Snorkeling masks included as a package.

Alona Beach

The day before our scheduled sea tour, we strolled along the white sandy beach of Alona just before the sun sets. The beach stretches for 1.5 kms and borders by rocks on both ends. Its sand were fine but not as fine as that to Boracay's.

Balicasag Island

Sea tours start early around 6 AM to be able to see the dolphins swim near Balicasag Island. We departed from Alona beach quite late around 7AM because unknowingly we were waiting for two more tourists to join. Luckily we were still able to see the dolphins swim in groups, many of which were still babies. They were so cute. Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures of the dolphins.

After watching the dolphins swim around for 15 minutes, we started heading towards Balicasag Island which is one of the best dive and snorkeling sites in Bohol.

The sandy shell shore of the island is lined-up with make-shift stores offering visitors seafood to be cooked while we are away for snorkeling. Be warned that prices are really expensive. You will be charged Php 500 per kilo for any seafood plus Php 100 for each viand. We ordered half a kilo of their Jack Fish and a buko for Php 75.

When in Balicasag Island, you will also be approached by a resident guide to do the snorkeling. Snorkeling costs Php 200 per head. Your guide will lead you to a smaller boat where you will be taken to the snorkeling site which was declared a marine sanctuary. Water shoes are also offered for rental because the snorkeling area is surrounded by hard corals. We opted to skip renting the shoes and used our slippers instead.

Truly this island is a really nice snorkeling spot as there was a diversity of marine life in it. I can rank this one as second best from our Coron snorkeling experiences. What's unique about our snorkeling experience is that we get to see bigger fishes like Mackerels on the cliff of the reef. Scary yet fascinating!


After snorkeling, we went back to the island to have our early lunch. Even though food are expensive there we still wanted to buy some to help the locals there as we believe that tourism is their main livelihood.

After taking some relaxing time in Balicasag Island, we are off to the Virgin Island. It took around 30 minutes to reach the island but sadly the tide was high that time that the sand bar was still submerged in water.


Lined up along the sand bar were several bankas and stalls selling coconut, banana-Q, and urchins! I got the chance to try eating a sand dollar urchin at Php 20 a piece (you can haggle for it to be at Php 10 each). It was slimy but I especially liked their spiced vinegar to go with it.
Sand Dollar Urchins
Stalls selling fried bananas. Yummy!
Giant Sea Urchins! These are the ones used in Unagi sushi
We took our time strolling in the island's fine white sand in bare foot. The Virgin Island was called so because there was no inhabitants there, but from the looks of it - I think it will soon become a resort because there were several workers there constructing a building.

When in Bohol, don't fail to experience their Sea Tour - it's definitely worth it. If you still have time, you may also want to swim with the Whale Sharks (Butanding) in Oslob - this tour is also available in Panglao Island at Php 2,000.

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Resto Review: Payag Restaurant, Bohol

Payag Restaurant is a famous Chicken Inato restaurant in Bohol. We were not able to go to their Tagbilaran City branch while we were staying in the city - luckily they have a branch just outside Alona Beach. This branch is only open on specific times in the morning and late afternoon.

They offer unlimited rice for their chicken meals: Jo's Chicken Inato Php 105, Pork BBQ Meal Php 79, and Super Inato Combo Php 127. You may also want to try their other specialties like Binakhaw (Kilawin with mayo) Php 115 and Sizzling Gambas Php 185.

Since we want to try both their chicken and BBQ we ordered their combo and both were delicious. But after taking several bites into the chicken, I realized that it was kind of salty or maybe it was just the soy sauce.

We ended our meals with their Halo Halo (Php 75 - not sure with the price) which is also available with coconut at Php 95. They will provide a container of sugar for you to add according to your liking. Their Halo Halo had camote, beans, bits of langka, tons of jellies and topped with ube ice cream then sprinkled with crispies. Perfect way to end a meal in one hot summer day.

Payag Restaurant is definitely a go-to place for affordable and fast meals when in Bohol.

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Monday, 21 April 2014

Resto Review: L'Elephant Bleu, Panglao Island, Bohol

L'Elephant Bleu Restaurant was ranked #2 in "Ang Pinaka-Yummy in Bohol" list so we had to try out their food even knowing that it may be expensive.

We walked our way to the restaurant and one would probably miss it if not for the bright blue elephant sign along the road. The exterior of the restaurant was dimly lighted, anyone would think twice to come in thinking that it might be closed.

The restaurant was cozy and rustic with wooden furnishings. They even have a mini courtyard where you can lounge in their sofa.

Most of the items in their menu are alien to us so we asked our waiter for food suggestions. I don't recall the exact names of the menu items though because I was not able to take a picture of their menu.

For our appetizer, we ordered their Mixed Tapas (Php 180) which is Spanish for appetizers. We don't know what's in it but we both loved it. Their greens and tomatoes were fresh, bruschetta were crispy and whatever toppings it had was so savory.

And for our main course, I ordered their Chicken Cordon Bleu (Php 280) while my husband ordered their specialty for the day, Prawn & Garlic Pasta (Php 420).


Their serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu was huge. I can even suggest this one good for sharing. The side vegetables were buttery and tender (I don't like the string beans though because it was stringy). The fried potatoes were flavorful. As for the chicken, its breading was quite tough for me and cheese inside was still firm. I was kind of expecting the cheese to be oozing out once I cut it.


And finally, the Prawn and Garlic Pasta also came in huge portion. The penne had just the right firmness and the prawns were sumptuous. The tomato-based sauce however was not garlic-y as we expected it to be. This dish was surprisingly expensive because of the tiger prawns.

Overall, we'd love to come back to have their Mixed Tapas again and maybe try out their other dishes.

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Buen Bella Pension House, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

On our first day in Bohol, we decided to stay within Tagbilaran so that we can explore their city and also to be able to buy pasalubongs as well. After several hotel comparisons, we have finally decided to stay at Buen Bella Pension House for a night.

Buen Bella Pension House is located at 26 Miguel Parras St., Tagbilaran City.
Image from Buen Bella website


Room Rates:
  • Single - Php 800
  • Twin - Php 950
  • Deluxe Double - Php 1,100
  • Executive - Php 1,300

Pros:
  • Free transport to and from airport/pier (Tagbilaran pier only)
  • Complimentary breakfast included at a Tapsilog Store located on the ground floor (which is also open 24hrs)
  • Air-condition is okay
  • Hot and Cold shower
  • Cable TV
  • WiFi is okay
  • Wholesale souvenir shop is located just below the building
  • Alturas and BQ Mall is just nearby
  • Room rates are affordable
  • They offer tour packages

Cons:
  • No complimentary water (which contradicts to what was indicated on their site)
  • Beddings are not well-maintained
  • Pillows are not comfortable, its fillers are not even
  • Only their Executive room offers a Queen bed

Cellphone No: +63918-5297742
Email Address: info_buenbella@yahoo.com.ph

* Price posted is based on our 2014 trip. Contact them directly to inquire for their latest rates.

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The Bohol Country Side

We arrived in Bohol from Cebu via MV Star Craft ferry bound to Tubigon port. We chose Tubigon over Tagbilaran port for the following reasons: cheaper fare (Php220 instead of Php500), shorter travel time (1 hour instead of 2) and more sights can be seen on the way to the city. One disadvantage though is that van rentals may be more expensive but there are actually lots of cars and vans waiting in the pier offering country side tours for as low as Php2,500 depending on itinerary.
Cebu Pier Terminal
MV Star Craft Ferry
Even though there were other cheaper tour options available, we still chose Kuya Tatsky's services mainly because their itinerary included both Bohol and Panglao sights. Kuya Tatsky's country side tour is priced at Php2,100 for a car which is good for up to 4pax. But since we will be arriving in Tubigon port, we were charged an additional Php600. No matter, it was worth it since taking the route starting from Tubigon will allow you to pass by other cities and churches in Bohol like Tubigon, Clarin and Sagbayan.

1. Sagbayan Peak

We started our tour at around 8:30AM - our first stop, Sagbayan Peak. Sagbayan Peak is not normally included in any country side tour (you would be charged an additional fee) but since it was on the way from Tubigon to Carmen, our driver suggested us to visit the site. Entrance fee to the park is Php 30.

The Sagbayan Peak has a viewing deck (which was still under construction when we visited) where you can see several chocolate hills.

On the right corner of the peak, there's a kiddie town that has statues of cartoon super heroes.

You can also see tarsiers on the foot of the peak without any fee. Unfortunately, there was only 1 tarsier there. According to the caretaker, rest of the tarsiers escaped through a hole in the net.

Note: If Sagbayan Peak be fully operational in the future, you can actually omit going to Carmen Viewing Deck and the Tarsier Conservation Center saving you on entrance fees.

2. Carmen Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck

The Carmen Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck was one of the areas affected by the earthquake last 2013 - this is evident when you reach the top of the deck. The marker on top of the view deck is no longer upright and not all side railings are intact.


The Carmen View Deck is still the best place to view the chocolate hills because majority of them are here. Entrance fee is Php 50.

Warning: You have to climb 200+ steps of stairs to reach the viewing deck.

3. ShipHaus

The ShipHaus is one of the newest attractions in Bohol located in Poblacion Norte, Batuan. It is a ship-shaped house owned by Capt. Gaudencio Dumapias who was a successful mariner. Entrance fee is Php 30.

Upon entering the house, you will be greeted with an attendant dressed in a sailor's uniform. Our attendant was kind enough to take pictures of us on each corner of the house. It was like having a prenup! He even provided us with sailor hats for our props.

The ShipHaus' rooms/cabins and its roof deck are available for rent.

4. Bohol Habitat a.k.a. Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

The Bohol Habitat is a conservation center for butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects located in Bilar. Entrance fee is Php 50.

You will be accompanied by a guide upon entering the center. He will introduce to you different types of butterflies, moths and other hoppers and their life cycle. Sounds boring, right? But not in this center because your guide will definitely make you laugh all throughout the tour. I appreciate how they made the tour interesting by adding humor to it.

Note: Don't fail to try their ice cream! It was oh-so-yummy and in unique flavors too!

5. Bilar Man-made Forest

On the way to the Tarsier Conservation Center, you will be passing through a man-made forest in Bilar. The dense forest of mahogany trees stretches up to 2 kilometers. The forest came to exist through a government-led reforestation project.

Here's your chance to take as much selfie pictures as you want.

6. Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area

The Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area is a six-hectare woodland area housing one of the world's smallest primates, the Tarsiers. Entrance fee to the area is Php 60.

You will be walking through a portion of the woodland area where you can see the cute tarsiers in their natural habitat. You are not allowed to go near them nor touch them. Flash photography is strictly prohibited.

7. Laoy River Cruise

They say one has never been to Bohol if they have not experienced the river cruise. As per our driver's advise, we took the Laoy River Cruise instead of that in Loboc because according to him their receiving area was damaged by the earthquake.

The Laoy River Cruise offers two buffet options: High End priced at Php 500/head (Php 260 for 4-6 y.o.) and Regular priced at Php 392/head (Php 206 for 4-6 y.o.). The main difference for these options is their menu. The cruise took at least an hour with a stop over at an Aeta tribe. You can see little Aeta children holding a baby crocodile while others climb coconut trees then jump into the deep-green river.

If it was up to us - we would gladly skip this attraction because we believe it was overpriced and the food served during the cruise was substandard. You can already admire the beauty of the river beside the road or over the bridge going to Tagbilaran.

8. Prony the Python, Alburquerque

Prony was caught in Alburquerque town as was claimed to be the largest snake in captivity. Unfortunately, Prony died last August 2013 but its remains can still be viewed in this zoo. They also showcase another live python named Prony The Second. Entrance fee is Php 25.

Note: Watch Marimar, a gay comedian, perform his funny lip-sync here.

9. Baclayon Church

The Baclayon Church is declared as a National Historic Treasure and is considered as the best preserved in the region. Sadly, the Baclayon Church was greatly affected by the 2013 earthquake. The church includes a museum which is still operational at an entrance fee of Php 50.

10. Monument of the Blood Compact / Sandugo

The Monument of the Blood Compact (Sandugo) is one of the historic sites in Bohol. The monument portrays the blood compact performed between Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol and the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to seal their friendship. However, where the monument stands is not the real location of the event. The real location can be seen along the way from Baclayon to Tagbilaran and is identified with a marker.

11. Bohol Bee Farm

The Bohol Bee Farm is popular in Panglao Island for their organic restaurant and farm produce. It is also a cliff-side resort with access to the sea. But their beach here is not sandy, if you want to go to a White Beach you will have to commute to Alona Beach. Guided farm tour is available at Php 30 per person.

Note: Don't forget to try their Malunggay-flavored ice cream, also available in Tomata flavor.

12. Dauis Church

A snapshot of Dauis Church in its current condition since the 2013 earthquake.
 


13. Hinagdanan Cave

The Hinagdanan Cave is a small limestone cave in Panglao Island with a deep lagoon inside. The cave is adorned with large formations of stalactite and stalagmite. Entrance fee is Php 25.

You will be accompanied by volunteer tour guides to introduce to you the wonders inside the mini cave. And you'll be amazed at how good they are in setting up your cameras to take pictures inside the dark cave.

The cave is naturally lighted by two holes in the ceiling allowing sunlight to get inside. On the ceilings of the cave, one can also find lots of birds nest. There are also murals in one of the walls of the cave.



Car/Van Rental Contact: Kuya Jesser "Tatsky" Cubero
Sun 0922-367-1051, Globe 0915-794-5556, Smart 0912-747-2737

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