Date of Travel: September 15-17, 2024
Airline: Philippine Airlines
Airfare: Php 3,926.00
This is my first family trip, and I couldn’t have been more excited to travel with my parents and sibling. Bohol is often hailed as one of the best travel destinations for family vacations, so we decided to spend our time there from September 15 to 17. I was initially hesitant about the dates I chose, considering that September marks the rainy season, but we decided to go for it anyway. Our flight was scheduled for 9:50 am, departing from NAIA Terminal 2, and we arrived early at around 6 am.
As we waited for boarding, I was relieved that our flight wasn’t delayed. Prior to this trip, I had researched potential travel agencies, as I believed a private tour would make our experience more enjoyable. It can be quite challenging to switch vehicles frequently when traveling with older family members, so I wanted to ensure our journey was as comfortable as possible.
I booked with Bohol Wonders Van & Car for Rental. It turned out to be the most budget-friendly option I found, and they offer a complete set of tours tailored to your preferences. The cost was Php 7,375.00 per person for a 3D2N stay (note that this doesn’t include the side trip I added to Danao Adventure Park—check out my blog under the Adventure category for more details on that). For inquiries about available tours, you can contact Mr. Noel Gundaya at 09776207450.
We arrived in Bohol around 10:30 am and immediately called the contact number of our driver. He picked us up quickly since he was already on standby at the airport.
Our tour began right after we were picked up, allowing us to head straight to our accommodation after the scheduled tour for some much-needed rest.
Our first stop was Bohol Bee Farm for lunch. While the menu items were a bit unfamiliar and on the pricier side, we opted for dishes we recognized—chicken, back ribs, and salad. The servings were generous but quite expensive, with most dishes accompanied by red rice. Fortunately, the food was delicious, and our total bill came to around 1,500-2,000 pesos. After lunch, we explored the farm and indulged in their famous ice cream, choosing the durian flavor, which was both delicious and well-known.
At Bohol Bee Farm, visitors can immerse themselves in a rustic, eco-friendly environment filled with lush gardens brimming with herbs, flowers, and organic vegetables used in their dishes. The farm also features cozy dining areas with stunning ocean views, a handicraft shop, and an ice cream station offering unique, locally inspired flavors.
After strolling around and soaking in the atmosphere, we took a family picture out front. Next, we headed to Dauis Church, although the weather wasn’t cooperating; it was overcast and starting to drizzle.
Dauis Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a stunning Spanish-colonial church in Bohol, celebrated for its intricate blend of Gothic and Byzantine architecture. The church features breathtaking frescoes on its ceiling, a historic bell tower, and a miraculous well inside that locals believe possesses healing powers.
After exploring Dauis Church, we made our way to Hinagdanan Cave. This captivating limestone cave is characterized by its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, along with a beautiful underground lagoon that reflects the natural formations above. Visitors can wander through the cave’s pathways, take a dip in the cool waters, and enjoy the serene atmosphere created by its unique geology. The descent down the narrow stairs can be a bit challenging, so if you’re with older individuals, it’s important to assist them, as it can be slippery and somewhat dangerous inside. Although we didn’t swim due to the crowds, the chill of the water was definitely noticeable.
Next on our itinerary was the Shell Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of seashells and marine life exhibits that highlight the ocean’s diverse beauty. Visitors can admire intricate shell displays, learn about various shell species, and discover the ecological significance of marine ecosystems. Inside the museum, a knowledgeable tour guide shares fascinating stories about the history of the displayed shells, enriching the experience for everyone.
After visiting the Shell Museum, we made our way to the Watch Tower, also known as the Tarsier Sanctuary. This historical structure, built during the Spanish colonial period, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and coastline, making it a popular spot for photography. Originally serving as a lookout point to guard against pirate attacks, the Watch Tower stands as a testament to the area’s rich history.
We took more pictures, but the wind was quite strong, and it seemed like a storm was approaching. Nevertheless, we were happy to enjoy the beautiful scenery while it was still relatively bright.
Following our time at the Watch Tower, we headed to our accommodation. We stayed at Siman Panglao, conveniently located just a short walk from the center. We noticed a lot of Koreans in Bohol, happily exploring the streets. Once we arrived at our accommodation, we took some time to rest. The place was spacious and perfect for a family stay, and I highly recommend the room we had.
While we were relaxing, my sibling and I searched for a nice restaurant for dinner—somewhere picturesque for our photos. We ultimately decided to dine at MOSA. We left for dinner around 6 pm, having wrapped up our first day of touring by around 3 pm.
MOSA is a charming restaurant in Bohol, known for its vibrant and aesthetic atmosphere, along with beautifully designed interiors that make it a popular spot for photos. The menu features a variety of delicious local and international dishes, offering a delightful dining experience complemented by stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
My sibling and I took plenty of pictures because the restaurant was truly beautiful, but we ordered first. They provided a tablet menu, and while the food was a bit pricey, the servings were large and absolutely delicious. We paid around 1,600 pesos, but it was definitely worth it.
After dinner, we decided to take a stroll. Our driver had mentioned that there would be a fire dance at the beachfront that night, so we headed in that direction. Walking along the beach was enjoyable despite the strong wind, and the numerous vendors added to the lively atmosphere. When we found the fire dance, we moved closer, but the crowd was overwhelming. We managed to squeeze in, but they were asking us to order from a restaurant, which appeared to be hosting the event. We opted not to order and continued our walk instead.
We took a tricycle back to our accommodation for just 150 pesos. Once we returned, we settled in for the night, resting up for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
