2012 Travel Series No. 9: Country Side Tour, Tagbilaran Bohol

Travel Date: July 7-8, 2012

And I am back to Cebu for the nth time.  :-)  This time it was to accompany some friends who dragged me to be their tour  guide to Cebu and Bohol, which I obliged.

We took the earliest Cebu Pacific flight at 4 in the morning, that would mean waking up at 2am :-(  The  plan was to head straight to the Pier to catch a ferry to Tagbilaran.  Flight was on schedule.  We were out of Cebu airport a quarter before 6.  We reached the ferry at exactly 6am.  Bad news, the ferry was already full.  Ocean Jet ferries has the earliest trip to Tagbilaran at 6am with the next at 8am.  Super Cat's first trip is at 8am. 

Rather than sitting in the terminal for the next two hours, I dragged my troop to start exploring downtown Cebu.  This being their first trip to the Queen City of the South, a visit to Magellan's cross and the Sto. Nino Church is a must.  These attractions are just 10 minutes walk from Terminal 1.  I was somewhat happy that we missed the ferry since we managed to cover a handful of attractions in our itinerary.  After a hearty breakfast at Jollibee, we headed back to catch our 8am ferry to Tagbilaran.

Magellan's Cross

Sto. Nino Church

The Magellan's Cross and the Sto. Nino Church are located within the same compound fronting the City Government's office.

The altar of the Sto. Nino Cathedral

Viva Sto. Nino

Similar to the airport in Tagbilaran, there are a lot of tour providers at the arrival area of the Tagbilaran Port.  There are more peddlers outside of the terminal.  Standard rate is 2500 full day tour using a van, a car, an SUV - depending on the number of passengers.  The rate applies to a group of 3-4 and increases as more passengers are added.  I negotiated for 2000 once I got outside the terminal I was offered 1800 - got quite a good bargain.

The tour will cover all the major countryside attractions in Bohol.  Our first stop was at the Tarsier Conservation Center.  I was told by our driver cum tour guide that there are now only two places where the tarsiers are kept for viewing - and in both cases, in their natural habitat.  An improvement from way back in 2009 where these gentle creatures were captured and put into cages for display.  Entrance to the Center is 50 pesos, the ticket comes as a postcard - another innovation of the Tourism Center in Bohol. Just hope they have one for the Chocolate Hills :-)

The gentle tarsiers of Bohol

It was nearing noon and our tummies were rumbling so instead of going straight to see the Chocolate Hills, we change route to the Floating Restaurants in Loboc.  350 buffet lunch in a floating restaurant that cruises along the Loboc river, complete with entertainment - singers in the restaurant, and folk dancers (kids and old folks) along the river.

A hefty serving of seafood

Each raft cum floating restaurant will make a stop in one of the tree performance raft along the river

The Loboc River, since it's the monsoon season expect the river to be brown in color 

En Route to Chocolate Hills, the Man-Made forest that stretches over a kilometer

Chocolate Hills, the main attraction of Bohol

Baclayon Church, established in 1518

Sandugo (Blood Compact), located along the hi-way near the Baclayon Church, is a reminder of the friendship between the Spaniards and the natives when the former arrived in the early 15th century

By 6pm we were on our way back to Cebu to catch our 8pm flight.  In Cebu, a brief stop over at the Islands Souvenirs Pasalubong Center just across the Magellan's Shrine.

TIPS for this ITINERARY:
1/ take the earliest flight out of Manila - Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Zest Air, and AirPhil Express offers flights as early as 3am.
2/ but if you intend to visit Cebu and Bohol, either take a Manila - Tagbilaran flight, ferry to Cebu, then Cebu - Manila flight (vice versa)
3/ Ocean Jet Ferries offers the earliest crossing from Cebu to Tagbilaran at 6am, Super Cat's earliest departure is at 8am.  Crossing the Bohol Strait will take +/- 2 hours.
4/ do not worry if you did not book a country side tour beforehand.  there are a lot of providers when you reach either Tagbilaran airport or the jetty.  Standard rate is 2500 for 3 people or less.  haggling is allowed and encouraged :-)
5/ take the Tarsier Center then the Loboc river cruise so that you don't go hungry for the rest of the tour.
6/ buy Pasalubong along the way, prices vary by 5 pesos depending on which attraction you get them.
7/ if you have more time in Bohol visit and stay a night or two in Panglao, see previous posting for suggested itinerary.

2012 Travel Series No. 8: Baguio City

Travel Date: June 23 - 24, 2012

It was a totally unplanned trip to the Summer Capital.  The last time I was in the city of Pines was two years ago, when I had to "break in" my car - lunch in Baguio.  It was one foolish trip, 10 hours of drive and I did not even stay for 2 hours.

This time around, I took the bus.  Let the professionals do the driving courtesy of Victory Liner in Cubao.  No worries since a bus leaves for Baguio every 30 minutes.  The drive took longer than expected as the bus had to take 3 stops along the way, the 4 hour drive took almost 6 hours - left at 8 and reached Baguio at 2.  It was a butt-painful ride.  Next time, I'll drive :-)

It was 2 in the afternoon when I reached Chalet Baguio.  It's a relatively new hotel with 3 floors going down from the lobby and two floors up, and is owned or must be a tie up with Dulcinea restaurant.  There are two single beds and a day bed in each room.  I like the toilet very much.  Very well interior decorated.  The window provides a refreshing view of the mountains and opens up to allow the chilly air to enter.

The hotel is a good 15 minute walk to SM Baguio, Burnham Park, and Session Road.

Chalet Baguio Hotel

There's nothing really much to tell about this trip, the usual sightseeing within the city center along Session Rd. and Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View, Baguio Country Club, and the usual places.

Baguio Cathedral

The altar of the Baguio Cathedral

The Lagoon at Burnham Park

A trip to Baguio would not be complete without taking a bike ride along Burnham Park

Don Henricos Pizza, the old restaurant has been transformed into a more modern ambience

The Mansion in front of Wright Park

200 pesos for a few minutes of horseback ride

Mines View Park

There are a number of huge St. Bernard's for photo op.  Was told that the original SB died a few years ago.

The Grotto

By 2pm the following day, I called it a weekend and hopped on a bus back to Manila.  A full day stay in Baguio well worth the trip anyway :-)

2012 Travel Series No. 7: Pearl Farm, Samal Island, Davao

Travel Date: 2-3 June 2012
Destination: Pearl Farm, Garden Island of Samal, Davao Del Sur

Pearl Farm Resort at Kaputian District of the Garden Island of Samal, Davao Del Sur has the reputation of being posh, exclusive, and expensive.  Maybe rightly so.  However, every single centavo spent in the resort is well worth it.  Let me share the account of "the best" vacation getaway I have ever had so far.

I booked the usual 4:20AM PAL flight from Manila to Davao City.  This is my third visit to the city in less than two years.  But this time around, I was most excited.  A dream come true to finally visit and bask under the pristine waters, fine white sand, and all the luxury that Pearl Farm Resort has always been known for.

Two weeks before "d day", I booked an overnight stay in a "Samal House" for 5,500pesos (from the regular rate of almost 8,000pesos) via agoda.com.  The most affordable accommodation is the "Balay" houses located at the hilltop with picturesque view of the sea followed by the Samal House, then the Samal Suites, and so on.  Visit the Pearl Farm website for more details of their rates and accommodation. I chose the "Samal House" since these little bungalows on stilts are directly located by the seashore (more on this later).

The room reservation thru agoda.com came with airport transfer to the Marina and sea transfer to the resort (vice-versa).  Hence, it was a breeze from the airport to the Marina where guests are welcomed before being ferried to the resort.  The Marina is about 10 to 15 minutes from the airport.  The first ferry schedule is at 8AM so I had plenty of time to take pictures at the expanse grounds of the Marina.

A Welcome Note to all guests

The main entrance to the Marina

The ferry schedules to the resort are 8AM, 11AM and 2PM.  The ferry schedule from the resort to the Marina are: 6AM, 10AM, 1PM, and 4PM.

The Marina

The pool at the Marina

Spacious lawn facing the sea

One of two big boats of the resort that ferries visitors between the resort and the Marina (v.v.)

The Pearl Farm gong

After almost 45 minutes of crossing Samal Strait, I was greeted by the famous landmak of Pearl Farm - "The Parola" (lighthouse, although this one is made of bamboo).  The parola serves as the docking station of all passengers.  Upon alighting from the boat, we were greeted by Maranao music (gongs) and the friendly and warm smiles of the staff.  Welcome drinks were served followed by a 10 minute orientation and presentation to get to know the facilities and familiarize the map of the resort.

Pearl Farm's iconic "Parola"

"The Parola"

10 minute orientation - a must!  Freebies are given away via raffle

Getting around the resort

The resort was fully booked, hence, rooms were only available by 2pm.  There were four lucky groups whose rooms were ready - guess it wasn't my lucky day.  To maximize time, I hopped on a motorbike negotiated for 500pesos to visit Hagimit Falls and the Monfort bat cave.

First stop, Monfort Bat Cave - named after the owner.  It is about 40 minutes ride from the resort since it is located at the eastern side of the island.  Good thing the roads are newly paved, less dust.  Monfort Bat Cave is a Guinness World Record holder for the cave with the most bats of a single colony (fruit bats).  Entrance fee is 40pesos.  A brief orientation is conducted by "Emery" - the "drag queen of the bats".  One actually walk on a slope to a gaping large hole where viewing of the bats can be done.  There are four such holes with varying sizes.  The smell can be nauseous so bring a handkerchief.

The Guinness marker

The Monfort cave bats

After a brief stop for lunch in one of the roadside canteens, we headed off to Hagimit Falls.  Been here in December 2010 but I just could not get enough of the cool cascading waters of Hagimit.  Entrance fee is 40pesos.  There are more huts and bungalows now to accommodate overnight visitors.  No worries about the over 200 steps going up and down to the main falls because there is a cemented path to make the trekking easier.  There was a good crowd that day but there are a number of pools and mini waterfalls for everyone.

Hagimit falls in all its splendor

I had the main falls all for myself

Weird but the crowd would disperse whenever I move in...hmmm

10 feet plunge with strong under current

By 2pm, I headed back to the resort and finally got a peak of the Samal House - it was just gorgeous.  The small bungalow room is sitting on water (literally).  The sliding glass door faces the sea that gives a full view of the island across, the turquoise-colored sea, the sunrise, and the sunset. It has a balcony where fish feeding can be done anytime. How cool is that? :-)  The room has two single beds joined to make one queen size bed, a small flat screen TV, a mini-fridge, air conditioning, intercom, and a separate toilet and bath.  I did not bother to check if there was wi-fi connection, who needs it anyway?

Samal House - the best accommodation in the resort

Samal 9 - official residence :-)

Basic amenities include a small flat screen tv, and a mini fridge

The bed. It's actually two single beds.

Toiletries.  Yes! I took them home as souvenir - very Filipino :-)

The soft bed was calling me to slumber, so I give in.  It was almost 8pm when I woke up with a rumbling tummy.  The  "Maranao" restaurant offers dinner buffet for 1,100pesos.  I ordered chicken pork adobo, pakbet, and 1 cup of rice instead - all for 500pesos.  Serving size is good for 2-3 person :-)  Two guys (one on the keyboard and another on sax) serenade guests.  They play jazz, R&B, pop, ballad until 9pm.  After a hearty dinner and lounging by the pool side - I called it a night.

The following morning, I woke up at 6 and headed off to enjoy the beach.  Nothing really compares to the fine sands of Boracay but no complains here.  Fish abound even near the shore.  There is no need to go deeper just to snorkel.  Since it was high tide, I decided to snorkel near the Parola.  Lo and behold!  Fish of different sizes, shapes, and colors abound.  There were four giant clams and two baby clams, maybe the only giant clams left from the old pearl farm.  Oh yes, it's Pearl Farm because the Florendos (the owners of the resort) used to grow and culture South Sea pearls in the resort.  I took a full 6 minute video of the underwater scenery.  I would have loved to take more but my battery gave up on me and I forgot to bring a charger :-(.  Anyway, there is always a next time.

Snorkeling at its best underneath the Parola

One of 4 remaining giant clams in the resort

After a little over an hour I headed off to the infinity pool.  The resort has two pools but most prefer the infinity pool in front of the Maranao restaurant.  I called it quits as the sun's heat slowly creeps.  I headed on back to the room, showered, changed and went for a sumptuous buffet breakfast.

The infinity pool in front of the Maranao restaurant

Breakfast was delicious.  The main spread is of Filipino dishes.  Although there is the typical continental breakfast of bread and jams and also some salad, congee, a few dimsum, dessert - lots of fruits.  It's well worth the price.

A hearty breakfast

After breakfast, I took a speed boat to visit Malipano Island.  The most expensive accommodations are situated in this island including the rest house of the Florendos. It's about 5 minutes crossing and when the tide is really low, one can cross via a sandbar.  Malipano has two stretch of beach, one on each side.  The villas are on the northern side fronting Talicud Island.  The rest house of the Florendos is on the western side of the island.  The villas are very exclusive including the beaches - the place is so private and serene.  The only downside is that one has to make the crossing to the main resort for food and all other sports and recreational activities.

Traveling to Malipano Island in style - via a speedboat

The chapel in the middle of Malipano Island

The Malipano Villas - exclusively for the filthy rich

The garbage dumper cleaning the shore

The main beach at Malipano Island

Jump shot!

Relax in the many hammock in Malipano Island

By 1130, it was back to the resort.  Prepared for checkout and by 1pm, I was headed back to the Marina.  Since my flight was not until 6:20pm, I headed to the city but there's nothing much to tell there.

My visit to Pearl Farm was the best vacation I had ever had - so far.  Even if I don't get to visit the Carribean, it's OK since I already had a glimpse and a bite of how it looked and felt to be laying on the Carribean shores - and maybe even better.

A visit to Pearl Farm is most recommended.  They have day tour packages, which includes sea transfer to and from the resort, a buffet lunch, use of the pool and other amenities.

I will definitely come back to this piece of heaven on Earth.


SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
1/ Book the earliest flight from either Philippine Airlines, Zest Air, Cebu Pacific, or Air Phil Express
2/ Book accommodation through agoda.com since the site offers the best rate.  Check asiatravel.com as well, and compare.
3/ Airport pickup is included if it's agoda.com. Inquire from the rent a car counter for your ride to the Marina.
4/ Lounge and relax at the Marina while you wait for the 8AM ride to the resort.  There are four scheduled transfer in a day.  An alternative is go to the Sta. Ana wharf in the city and get a boat ride to Samal Island.  Or check the ferry station at Sasa Wharf to Samal.  From the ferry station in Samal take a motorbike ride to the resort.  Negotiate with the driver.
5/ Travel time to the resort is about 45 minutes.  If the room is not yet available, take a side trip to the other tourist attractions in Samal.
6/ Take a motorbike ride.  Negotiate with the driver.  A good deal is 500pesos for two persons in one bike.  This will take you to the Hagimit Falls, Monfort Bat Cave, and Maxima Resort
7/ Each attraction has an entrance fee of no more than 100pesos.  The city now charges 5pesos for Environmental Use Fee (EUF) for each of the attraction.  So that's a total of additional 15 pesos if you intend to visit all three.
8/ Enjoy all the amenities that the resort has to offer - snorkeling, kayaking, cross to Malipano island or just simply lounge by the shore.
9/ Check out time is 12noon.  First ferry schedule to the resort is at 6:30am, then 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
10/ If you have more time explore Davao City.  NOTE:  Will write about Exploring Davao City on a separate article.

NEXT ADVENTURE: June 9-10, Cagayan De Oro and Iligan (hopefully I won't cancel)