Bohol 02/18 – 02/19

 

After much contemplation and discussion, we reassured ourselves that we could not physically see everything in the Philippines and finally made a decision as to where to go next. Man, it was a tough one. No matter where we go, it seems we can't go wrong. The fretting comes from missing out on all the other areas we don't have time to explore. We could have easily stayed on the island of Luzon, which is where Manila is located, and gone to see rice terraces, caves, mountain, volcanoes and still had time to hit up some islands and gone surfing. I really wish we had two more months to do the Philippines justice. But, because we were still a bit wary from our Sapa experience and the forecast looked rainy and foggy up in the Cordilleras (northern Luzon mountains) we decided to head south, a bit off the tourist circuit, and hit up a few islands with some less famous mountains and volcanoes packed into a small area. First stop was Bohol island.

After a short plane ride to Cebu City, we hopped on a ferry to Tagbilaran on Bohol. The ferry was very strange. We had to put our luggage through security like at the airport. They played a move (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) after a short prayer on the television and snacks were dispensed just like on a plane.

We finally made it onto the island after dark and headed to our hotel of choice only to find out that they only had an “executive suite” available which was a bit out of our price range. Ugh. After much squabbling, we decided to take it because the nearby accommodations were too scary looking. The following morning we searched for another hotel, but apparently Tagbilaran is home to some of the crummiest hotels. We had actually made it to the most decent one and were excited to learn that we would be able to downgrade to a regular room for our second night. Also, the food at this place must have been prepared by some secret master chef because we had the best soup and most delicious chicken and pork adobo, a typical dish of marinated meat in vinegar and garlic

Having sorted out all the annoyances of travel, we headed out to Bohol's Chocolate Hills. It was a good two hour drive out to the hills, but through some of the most beautiful rural settings. We passed through villages, rice fields, forests, and hills. The Chocolate Hills are a sea of almost identical hills formed from the uplift of ancient coral deposits. They're called Chocolate because they turn brown in the dry season. The drive was definitely worthwhile as the hills were amazing. They kind of looked like a grassy, green moonscape.

Forested road to the Chocolate Hills.

On the way back I practiced riding the motorbike since the country side was almost completely deserted. Peter is usually the one who drives because I am too scared of traffic. We also stopped at the Tarsier Research and Development Center to see Tarsiers in their native habitat. An endangered species, the Tarsier is a cute and cuddly primate with huge eyes. It's much smaller than I had expected, about the size of my fist. I wanted to give it hugs and kisses, but apparently they don't like that, their bones can be easily broken if you pick them up, and they have very sharp little teeth which they like to bite with.

The Tarsier.

Rice fields and lush tropical foliage.

Water Buffalo.

Friends from the road.  As usual in SE Asia,
safety is of utmost importance.

Tagbilaran traffic as seen from our motorbike.

The Bohol rickshaw is a motorbike with an added seat that is
extremely small, barely enough space for two,
plus a cover.  They look like a funny little cars
and each has a special message like "In God We Trust"
or "Glory to the Son of God" and "I Love God Above All".