The Philippines: Part 3 - Bohol & Panglao islands

So, onto the famous Bohol island in the Philippines. Known for its Chocolate hills and the Tarsier monkey....

Arriving Via Ferry to the island of Bohol in Tagbilaran. We had accomodation booked closer to the main attractions about 30 mins tricycle ride away from the city. We were ripped of by a tricycle driver who drove us around for an hour and a half, then told us it was a quick trip and wanted a tip, which we politely declined..

The accomodation was in Loboc located right on the Loboc river, famous for its floating restaurants. It was beautiful, filled with plants of all kinds, vine walls, pot plants, bonsai trees, funky home made wooden furniture and mosaic tiled floors. We filled the afternoon by sitting overlooking the river and indulging into a few too many red horses.

The following day we rented a motorbike and off we went to explore everything the island had to offer. We saw the famous chocolate hills but unfortunately it wasn’t the most picturesque day you could ask for, and to be honest very over crowded with other tourists. We also stopped at a small conservation park and saw some pretty weird and wonderful animals including the Tarsier monkey, which is the cutest little monkey you will see. They are very delicate little things and are efffected by loud noises and are scared very easily. They are also monogamous which means they have one mating partner for life, and if one dies the other will commit suicide. Sad but true and a part of life for these little guys.

We also saw the man made Forrest which lines the road for about 20kms on the way to the chocolate hills from Loboc. There is mahogany trees which were planted in great uniform which is stunning to the eye now they have grown tall and straight. We stopped at a hiking trail and walked for a few kms taking in the raw and peaceful nature.

We came across a sign pointing in the direction of a waterfall along the road too called the Cabacnitan falls. It was a few kms off the main road along bumpy dirt roads but was pretty nice once we got there. There was no other tourist around so we had the place to ourselves! On the way back we took a wrong turn and came across an old hanging bridge that was used by locals to cross the river. I walked to the other side and back and it was extremely sketchy. Loose and broken planks everywhere. It had me hanging onto the steel cables most of the way! Almost made me think if the locals even used it anymore.

After a few days on Bohol we went down to the bottom of the island to a connecting island called Panglao. It’s connected by 2 bridges to the main island and a city called Tagbilaran. A nice little city, not too big, not too small. We spent a day there just looking around and even ended up watching a movie at the cinemas in a shopping complex. Which was quite refreshing to do something that reminded us of home. We didn’t actually do too much on Panglao apart from go to the Alona beach. Bit of a hot spot for beach front restaurants and bars and the beach itself is actually quite nice. It rained most days for a few hours so kept us at our accomodation reading books and playing cards. Which was nice for a rest!

On Alona beach We found an Aussie bar called the Birdwatchers. Being Australian ourselves we went in for a beer and met a true blue fair dinkum Aussie bloke by the name of Gary. The place hosts a circle bar which if you have never sat at one before your missing out! There is no private conversations as anyone can talk to anyone across the bar, it’s fantastic. Anyway, Gary was an old bloke who came to panglao twice a year to go diving, which is the main attraction of the place but unfortunately either of us don’t have our tickets. We had a great few nights on the beers with old mate Gary and if anyone ever goes to to the birdwatchers bar your in for a bloody good night.

We are on to Siquijor island next.

Cheers to Gary and cheers to the Philippines!