Allure Them All, Bohol!

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is two-hour away from Cebu by a fast craft or five-hour travel by a ship. If you are from Cebu, Leyte or any neighboring town, you can explore Bohol for one whole day.

Several transportations are offered in Bohol so you can tour around the place and see all its enticing tourist spots. You can have fun travelling around Bohol by riding a habal-habal (motorcycle), tricycle, car or van.

The mode of transportation you are going to use is up to the number of the travelers. For a single person or two, I suggest you rent a habal-habal. However, habal-habal is only available in Carmen (the place of Chocolate Hills). From Tagbilaran, you ride a tricycle to Dao terminal for 10 pesos fare. Then from there, ride a bus that will take you to Carmen for a fare of 50 pesos. Don’t be shy to tell the driver or the bus fare collector your destination. The bus will stop right there and then as what you have wished for. You can take a habal-habal again going to the Chocolate Hills or you can just walk if you want. You are going to pay 50 pesos for the Chocolate Hills entrance fee.

For the travelers of three, you can rent a tricycle in Tagbilaran for your tour with a rental fee of 1200 pesos. If you are going to travel in a group of four or up, you can rent a car or van. The rental fee of the car is 1800 to 2200 pesos and 2000 to 2500 pesos for the van.

Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, Loboc River, Man-made Forest and Panglao Island are the five main destinations you should visit and experience.


Chocolate Hills is the number one pride of Bohol. All tourists should not miss visiting this wonderful site. This is called Chocolate Hills for its color turns to brown during the dry season. Chocolate Hills is found in Carmen, Bohol which is a two-hour away from Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital.


Tarsier is the smallest monkey in the world. It is a nocturnal animal. The camera flash is being turned off if you are going to take pictures since it can affect the primate’s eyesight.


Loboc River is the famous river in Bohol. You can see the beauty of this river if you are going to cruise. In Loboc River, there is a Floating Restaurant where you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal as you sail amounting to 350 pesos including the entrance fee.


Man-made Forest is also one of the attractions in Bohol. It is planted with Mahogany trees. This forest serves as the habitat of the wild pigs, snakes and many other forest animals. When you pass by this forest, you will feel the coldness of the atmosphere.


Panglao Island is found at the other side of Bohol. From Tagbilaran City, you can reach Panglao for a minimum of 45 minutes. You need to take a tricycle to Bohol Museum and ride a jeep that will take you to Panglao Island. In the island, there are many beaches you can choose from. If you are on a tight budget, Dumaluan Beach Resort is a good choice. You will savor the clear water and white sand for a payment of 25 pesos as entrance fee.



If you still have time, you can also explore other beautiful places and experience the fun adventure in Hinagdanan Cave, Simply Butterflies, Forest Camp, Hanging Bridge, Blood Compact, and Baclayon Church.

Bohol, Philippines
June 2010
With Mama and Alma

Alone in Baguio

My first travel adventure was when I traveled alone to Baguio. Like some of the first time travelers, I felt scared at the beginning. However, since this was what I wanted to do in life, I had successfully overcome my anxiety.

I went at the Victory Liner Bus Station in Kamuning, Quezon City. The bus to Baguio would leave at 12 midnight and it would reach the place at 6 in the morning. I could not remember anymore the bus fare, but maybe, it was not lower than 500 pesos.

I arrived at the Summer Capital of the Philippines at six in the morning of April 2007. When I arrived in Baguio City, I felt really scared and worried. Only then I realized that it was Friday the 13th plus I was a graduating college student. According to some superstitious beliefs, something bad would happen on Friday the 13th. On the other hand, a graduating student would be prone to accident that might cause injury or death. This thinking scared me most. I even tried to ride in a bus again and went back to Manila. But then, there should be no back-outs. I should overcome my fear.

I stepped out from the bus and started my journey. As I walked outside the bus station, I could feel the cold wind. I bought “taho” so I would feel warm. I looked for Baguio Resident’s Hall (BREHA), a dormitory in UP Baguio (UP students usually have discount here once they show their UP ID). I paid for one night stay in this dormitory. I was alone in the room. Again, I was scared because Baguio had been known as a home for ghosts and other spirits. But then again, I should overcome my fear because this was what I wanted to do in my life (I keep on reiterating this to give me confidence).

I left my baggage in the dormitory and began my exploration. I strolled around Baguio so I would be familiar of the place. These were the places I had seen:

1) UP Baguio Campus. As a UP student, I should not miss the chance of visiting the UP Baguio Campus and seeing its oblation. The UP Baguio Oblation is smaller than the oblation in UP Diliman. It is color black, and it stands on a structure surrounded by flowers and plants.


2) Sunshine Park. On the way to SM Baguio, one would passed by a small park called Sunshine Park. There are colorful flowers and lush plants here that make you feel relaxed.


3) SM Baguio. Baguio is also popular because of its ancient collections. During graduation in UP, we wear Filipiniana costume. I scouted for this Filipiniana costume in SM Baguio because I knew they had the nicest Filipinana. Yes, they had the most wonderful costume, but it was very expensive. I then texted my mom and informed her that we would just buy the Filipiniana costume in Manila.


Those are the places I have visited in Baguio City. I still plan to come back to see the other tourist destinations I have not visited before.

Baguio City, Philippines
April 2007
Alone