Beautiful Bohol

Bohol is one of the best quick adventure escapes outside Cebu City. It is an hour trip by fast craft ferries like Ocean Jet, Weesam or Supercat. Bohol is gaining to be the top tourist destination in the country because of its stunning white sand beaches, azure blue waters in Panglao, Eco-tourism thrills and the famous tarsiers.

From General Santos, I reached Cebu around 1pm and headed directly to Pier 1 for Ocean Jet (OJ) Passengers. I have availed of the incredibly low fare of P400 return ticket from Cebu-Tagbilaran, Bohols’ Capital. This can be availed if you booked a ticket 1 week before your departure but you can also avail of the P300 return if you book in advance 2 weeks before your date compared to the P800 return outright purchase. I have also inquired that Supercat offers P300 economy class return. However, OJ has the most number of trips to the island of Bohol thats why its more convenient. They charge P50 for rebooking. 

This is not my first time riding OJ ferries, the last time was in Bacolod. Be sure to tell the taxi driver you are on Pier 1 as there are many harbours in Cebu. 

When you reach Tagbilaran Port, they have tourist information center with friendly staffs to answer your questions. You dont have to worry about your tour because right outside the terminal, there are lots of operators offering cheap tours around Bohol countryside, the price may range from P1800-P2400 on a sedan type car or a family van. In my case, me and my friends already pre-arranged a group tour the following day. 

Our first day iterinary was to visit the beautiful island of Panglao, home of the Bohol Beach Club and a number of pristine white sand beaches and diving sites. Panglao is situated 18 kms from Tagbilaran City. The cheapest, yet the most uncomfortable but fun way to get there is through mini-buses and jeeps. To get there, from the ferry terminal ask a tricycle to drop you to Bohol Museum where the terminal is located. Tricyles usually charges high especially when they know you are a tourist, in my case I paid P20. There are also lots of ATM’s and fastfood stores in Tagbilaran, you can drop anytime. 

That was infact the most uncomfortable ride to Panglao, the bus was very small, packed with people and mostly school children going home to Panglao but definitely the most enjoyable trip. Everytime I travel, I always want to feel or immerse myself on how the locals move around especially using public transportation. Although there are taxis that charges upto P500 and tricyles around P150 for a direct and convenient way for transfer to Panglao but I still chose to use this transportation. I love to interact with the locals, interview them and make friends. The ride here costs only P20 to the mercardo or market. 

My friends booked at Dumaluan Beach resort, a cheaper beach destination in Panglao with white sand beaches. It is close to Alona Beach and Bohol Beach Club. We got a room for only P1800 good for 4 and an additional 2 foam beds for our 2 friends at P150 each. 

I reached Panglao’s mercardo or market place almost 6PM. One local told me that there is direct minibus to Dumaluan Beach resort. So, I rode again habal-habal (motorcycle) to Dumaluan from the marketplace. The ride was rough as we head towards a shortcut where the new Panglao International Airport will soon rise. Finally, I reached Dumaolao Beach around 7PM. The ride was fun and affordable at P50. 

Finally, my friends and I finally met together. Tomorrow will be a great day!