Bohol (Philippines) - Life at the Beach!
Life at the beach is always portrayed as perfect and carefree. Such was the experience during our holiday in The Philippines. We had decided to visit the country famous for its many islands and white sand beaches. Our travel was scheduled for August, for which our bookings had been confirmed in April. This was many years ago. My husband was very keen to experience diving at the archipelago. However, I was afraid of water. Period! On second thought, to say I was 'afraid' would be an understatement.
It was only during our previous trip to the Tioman Islands (Malaysia) in March that I had kicked a fuss during snorkeling, creating a horrific experience for everyone on board the boat. Water constituted what I would call my "fear factor" (primarily drowning). Following the Tioman venture, when Sai suggested a diving trip to The Philippines, I promised myself that I would accompany him and take the challenge head-on. I took compliance leave of a fortnight to learn swimming in June (yes, I actually did). Once I was partially comfortable with swimming, I took a plunge (pun intended!) and signed up for diving. Fast forward to July, and I was an open water-certified diver. In hindsight, it's incredible to realise I could achieve what terrified me the most. But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Little did I know I would be an example, myself.
August was upon us, and we were readying for our flight to Cebu. We were packed and ready for yet another feather in our cap, a life-changing experience. To say I considered it as participating in a reality show would probably be an exaggeration, the excitement level, with a tinge of nervousness, sure did make it look like one!
We were a group of seven. We landed in Cebu at 5am, with our ferry to Bohol scheduled for 8am. By the time we reached ashore Bohol and checked in to our bungalow in Panglao beach, it was lunch time. The commute was largely smooth (despite many changes). We opened our bungalow door and, lo and behold, the Alona beach was just outside. A clean white sand beach, with crystal clear turquoise water. If 'bliss' could be visualised, this came closest!
We stayed at independent properties called ISIS Bungalows (hopefully, they will consider changing their name). But a pretty little property with beautiful surroundings.
We were excited for lunch with chilled beer by the beach. This was the stuff that dreams are made of. Having spent the afternoon relaxing at the Alona beach area, we departed for sightseeing at Bohol at 3pm. We hired a vehicle that could accommodate eight passengers. We visited the famous Blood Compact Monument, Chocolate hills, Baclayon Church, Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc river cruise, concluding the eventful day with sumptuous dinner.
We rose early the next morning (Day 2), ready for our long-awaited adventure. It was our first ever open water diving day. Excitement was at its peak, giving us an adrenaline rush. We had hailed the services of Sun Divers company to take us to Balicasag Island for our diving activity. They provide equipment as well as allot a professional diving coach who is well-versed with the surroundings underwater.
We had a huge catamaran cruise to ourselves as we set sail towards Balicasag. En route, we saw wild dolphins jumping happily in the water, a sight not to be missed. The clear blue water and perfect weather made it the ideal condition to experience diving. Our 1st dive was at Balicasag island, which was a normal descend. Slight slope underwater and we saw many clown fish, angel fish, variety of other colourful fish, and the sea krate. I remember trying to steer clear of the snake (using my fins, of course) even though the reptile was inside the bush at a distance of at least 3mts away. What added thrill to the sight was a huge giant turtle. It was our 1st diving experience, and also the most memorable. I came out of water thrilled. As luck would have it, I had struck another point off my 'fear factor' list — I was no longer hydrophobic.
Our 2nd dive was from a cliff, in the same region where we descended and saw a variety of colourful fish and corals. This was an unusual sight, with the vision still fresh in my memory. Other friends (who don't dive) indulged in snorkeling, an activity quite pleasant in itself.
Lunch was served on board.
We wrapped up diving and headed back to Alona, reaching late afternoon. Quickly after a shower, we headed to the beach to view the sunset and for dinner. Alona beach during the evening is a lively place. One can witness locals offering massages, rebels holding live bands, clattering of beer bottles (in the form of cheers) and lighted lanterns sparking joy on every individual's face. The day concluded with us sharing the mic with the rebels in their live band. Coincidentally, the rebels love Bollywood music and sang a few tracks for us.
Oh yes! We also spotted a sea krate on the beach, which created quite a bit of panic among the tourists. Fun fact (well, not so fun): A sea krate bite results in death in just 8 seconds? Yes, it is extremely venomous.
On the third and final day, we checked out after breakfast. We headed to Hinagdanan Cave — a limestone cave with a mini lake inside. One can actually plunge into it and enjoy a dip in fresh cold water. After completing the visit, we headed to the ferry terminal for our transfer to Cebu. The ferry takes close to a couple of hours. Upon arrival at Cebu, we headed towards the airport for our flight back to Singapore. It was the end of a trip, but the beginning of a new-found confidence to actually travel and dive, to get a view of the beautiful marine life.
Things to see in Bohol:
1) Chocolate Hills
2) Blood Compact Monument
3) Baclayon Church
4) Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary
5) Loboc River Cruise
6) Bohol Habitat Conservatory
7) Hinagdanan Cave
8) Cathedral of San Jose
9) Cambuyo Rice Terraces
10) Dimiao Twin Waterfalls
11) Panglao Island
12) Alona Beach
Accommodation tips:
1) If you are travelling to Bohol, find accommodation on the Alona beachfront
2) If you have time, do a 2D-1N trip to Balicasag island and stay overnight
3) Insist on getting breakfast in your room
It was only during our previous trip to the Tioman Islands (Malaysia) in March that I had kicked a fuss during snorkeling, creating a horrific experience for everyone on board the boat. Water constituted what I would call my "fear factor" (primarily drowning). Following the Tioman venture, when Sai suggested a diving trip to The Philippines, I promised myself that I would accompany him and take the challenge head-on. I took compliance leave of a fortnight to learn swimming in June (yes, I actually did). Once I was partially comfortable with swimming, I took a plunge (pun intended!) and signed up for diving. Fast forward to July, and I was an open water-certified diver. In hindsight, it's incredible to realise I could achieve what terrified me the most. But as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Little did I know I would be an example, myself.
August was upon us, and we were readying for our flight to Cebu. We were packed and ready for yet another feather in our cap, a life-changing experience. To say I considered it as participating in a reality show would probably be an exaggeration, the excitement level, with a tinge of nervousness, sure did make it look like one!
We were a group of seven. We landed in Cebu at 5am, with our ferry to Bohol scheduled for 8am. By the time we reached ashore Bohol and checked in to our bungalow in Panglao beach, it was lunch time. The commute was largely smooth (despite many changes). We opened our bungalow door and, lo and behold, the Alona beach was just outside. A clean white sand beach, with crystal clear turquoise water. If 'bliss' could be visualised, this came closest!
We stayed at independent properties called ISIS Bungalows (hopefully, they will consider changing their name). But a pretty little property with beautiful surroundings.
We were excited for lunch with chilled beer by the beach. This was the stuff that dreams are made of. Having spent the afternoon relaxing at the Alona beach area, we departed for sightseeing at Bohol at 3pm. We hired a vehicle that could accommodate eight passengers. We visited the famous Blood Compact Monument, Chocolate hills, Baclayon Church, Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary, and Loboc river cruise, concluding the eventful day with sumptuous dinner.
We rose early the next morning (Day 2), ready for our long-awaited adventure. It was our first ever open water diving day. Excitement was at its peak, giving us an adrenaline rush. We had hailed the services of Sun Divers company to take us to Balicasag Island for our diving activity. They provide equipment as well as allot a professional diving coach who is well-versed with the surroundings underwater.
We had a huge catamaran cruise to ourselves as we set sail towards Balicasag. En route, we saw wild dolphins jumping happily in the water, a sight not to be missed. The clear blue water and perfect weather made it the ideal condition to experience diving. Our 1st dive was at Balicasag island, which was a normal descend. Slight slope underwater and we saw many clown fish, angel fish, variety of other colourful fish, and the sea krate. I remember trying to steer clear of the snake (using my fins, of course) even though the reptile was inside the bush at a distance of at least 3mts away. What added thrill to the sight was a huge giant turtle. It was our 1st diving experience, and also the most memorable. I came out of water thrilled. As luck would have it, I had struck another point off my 'fear factor' list — I was no longer hydrophobic.
Our 2nd dive was from a cliff, in the same region where we descended and saw a variety of colourful fish and corals. This was an unusual sight, with the vision still fresh in my memory. Other friends (who don't dive) indulged in snorkeling, an activity quite pleasant in itself.
Lunch was served on board.
We wrapped up diving and headed back to Alona, reaching late afternoon. Quickly after a shower, we headed to the beach to view the sunset and for dinner. Alona beach during the evening is a lively place. One can witness locals offering massages, rebels holding live bands, clattering of beer bottles (in the form of cheers) and lighted lanterns sparking joy on every individual's face. The day concluded with us sharing the mic with the rebels in their live band. Coincidentally, the rebels love Bollywood music and sang a few tracks for us.
Oh yes! We also spotted a sea krate on the beach, which created quite a bit of panic among the tourists. Fun fact (well, not so fun): A sea krate bite results in death in just 8 seconds? Yes, it is extremely venomous.
On the third and final day, we checked out after breakfast. We headed to Hinagdanan Cave — a limestone cave with a mini lake inside. One can actually plunge into it and enjoy a dip in fresh cold water. After completing the visit, we headed to the ferry terminal for our transfer to Cebu. The ferry takes close to a couple of hours. Upon arrival at Cebu, we headed towards the airport for our flight back to Singapore. It was the end of a trip, but the beginning of a new-found confidence to actually travel and dive, to get a view of the beautiful marine life.
Things to see in Bohol:
1) Chocolate Hills
2) Blood Compact Monument
3) Baclayon Church
4) Philippines Tarsier Sanctuary
5) Loboc River Cruise
6) Bohol Habitat Conservatory
7) Hinagdanan Cave
8) Cathedral of San Jose
9) Cambuyo Rice Terraces
10) Dimiao Twin Waterfalls
11) Panglao Island
12) Alona Beach
Accommodation tips:
1) If you are travelling to Bohol, find accommodation on the Alona beachfront
2) If you have time, do a 2D-1N trip to Balicasag island and stay overnight
3) Insist on getting breakfast in your room
Awesome write-up @tummyfulltravel. Keep sharing
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