Bohol Island hopping FUN experience

When we visited Panglao Bohol for the first time (September 2011) we were not able to experience island hopping activity due to lack of time, so for our second visit we made sure that we will experience this one of a kind activity by this time. So for our 3rd day in Panglao Bohol, we were scheduled for an island hopping tour comprised of Dolphin watching and snorkeling at Balicasag Island. We took our breakfast as early as 5:00 in the morning because our call time with the boatman was 5:30 in the morning. Alonaland resort arranged our Island hopping tour for 1500 good for 6 to 8pax. Before that morning we already prepared our “Baon” because we’ve already researched in advance that food in the island is so expensive. We brought with us water, eggplant, salted egg, tomatoes and marinated pork chop.

Island hopping with Seen 7

Sunset Panglao Island

It was 6 in the morning when we set ourselves in the water and started chasing dolphins. Good thing, there were already dolphins in the area when we arrived. Our boatman said that there are season that dolphins are not visible so we are lucky enough to see them in the wild. The catchy thing about this activity is that Dolphins only appear in the surface of the ocean for a few seconds and then instantaneously disappear without warning. But it was so fun seeing them in their habitat realizing that they were just few arms away from us. Some dolphins even share some exhibition moves to us. We felt like we were kids playing hide and seek with the cutesy dolphins and the feeling was so extraordinary.

Dolphin watching in Bohol

Dolphin watching in Bohol

Dolphin watching in Bohol

Dolphin watching in Bohol

Dolphin watching in Bohol

Here are some video clips from our dolphin watching activity:

After an hour of chasing the dolphins, we headed to Balicasag Island to snorkel and have our brunch.  Our boatman advised us to rent not only some snorkeling gear but some aqua shoes as well because the shore is covered with sharp coral pieces and we can encounter sharp rocks in the snorkeling area.  To reach the snorkeling area one must ride a small boat (fits 2-3 person) that will be paddled manually by a guide. We paid an additional 400 per head for the rental of snorkeling gear, aqua shoes and small boat ride. We stay in Balicasag Island for almost 5 hours including our lunch time, a proof that we really enjoyed our snorkeling activity. Who would have not enjoyed seeing the rich marine biodiversity of Balicasag Island? The water of Balicasag is so clear and you can bring bread or biscuits to see see different kinds of fishes of different color and sizes. What I really love about this activity is the calm and shallow water (about 4 to 5 feet) where you can find the marine sanctuary. You don’t really need to be a good swimmer to fish feed and sneak at the corals. But if you are a good diver you will surely enjoy the barred area (with buoy) because underneath is a ravine and a tunnel where divers pass by.

Balicasag Reef Bohol

Balicasag Reef Bohol

You can just stand to see colorful fishes - Balicasag Reef Bohol

Ravine - Balicasag Reef Bohol

After the tiring activity we enjoyed our lunch in a picnic table with our “baon” and an additional menu we bought from the island. 

After eating, we rest for a while then enjoy the island. We planned to go to Virgin Island but our boatman warned us that it’s already high tide and the sandbar is not visible anymore so we decided to go back and enjoyed the rest of our day in the pool area of Alonaland Resort.  We really enjoyed this day especially the snorkeling activity where we saw how protected marine life in Bohol province. It was indeed a sooooo worthy day!

balicasag island

Us on a paddle boat - balicasag island

Us on a paddle boat - balicasag island

BOHOL rising from the rubble

Part 2 of our Bohol invasion was a Countryside tour comprising of different beautiful spots in Bohol province. Despite being hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 2013, it’s obvious that Bohol is rising from the rubble. It’s business as usual for their tourism as they needed it the most during this trying time. Alona beach resort arranged our tour for 2500 good for 6 pax or more depending on the capacity of the tourist van. Please allot an additional 300pesos for all the destination’s entrance fees.

Some of the attractions we visited are as follows:

1.      Tarsier Conservation Area

This place is where Boholanos preserve the endemic species called Tarsier. It was very noticeable that the said earthquake had great effect on the species as their numbers were obviously reduced. Hopefully that these tarsiers will adjust the soonest.

Bohol tarsier

Bohol tarsier

Bohol tarsier

Bohol tarsier

Bohol tarsier

Bohol tarsier

2.      Man – made forest

This is my favourite spot in Bohol after Chocolate Hills because it is very refreshing here and you will be amused on how the trees are arranged perfectly. Taking picture in this spot is quite thrilling because you need to look out for passing by vehicles.

Stunning Manmade forest of Bohol

3.      Sipatan Hanging Bridge

Even if it’s my second time visiting this place, I’m still thrilled crossing this bridge. If not with the affordable “pasalubongs” sold at the end of this bridge, I will not attempt to cross, haha.

Sipatan Hanging Bridge Bohol

Sipatan Hanging Bridge Bohol

4.      Chocolate Hills

Seeing the damage created by the earthquake, it’s really heart breaking. You will notice that some hills have cracks and small landslips scarring their sides. The viewing deck was still off limits and the bell has been destroyed.

5.      Loboc River Cruise

Our favourite part of the tour, buffet lunch while cruising the Loboc River. Good food + good song + beautiful view = A perfect buffet experience

Loboc River

Loboc River

Loboc River

Loboc River

Loboc River

Buffet Lunch (Loboc River)

Loboc River

Enjoying our buffet lunch at Loboc River

Loboc River

6.      Loboc church ruins

Of all the tourist spots in Bohol, this is the most painful. It was so sad to see century old church in that form; broke into pieces. The good thing here is this iconic church is now under rehabilitation. Sadly, what was left after the earthquake is this.

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

Loboc Church Ruins

7.      Blood Compact Site

This was our last stop for the countryside tour. The monument of the momentous  “Sanduguan” happened in Bohol between Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, to seal their friendship as part of the tradition. The downside of this spot is the fixers in the area who will take pictures of you without your permission and afterwards they will charge you for the photos they shoot.

Blood Compact Site Bohol

Blood Compact Site

Blood Compact Site Bohol

Truly, Bohol is a wonderful province. Despite the 2013 earthquake, tourist industry is now back on track, surviving. Bohol is getting back on its feet after the deadly quake. No earthquake can break the resiliency of Filipino people.  #BangonBohol