A Big Leap To Panglao

I've always had somebody to plan a trip for me and I've always traveled in big groups. So taking this Panglao trip is my bravest leap! It may not be a big deal to others but it sure is a great deal to the shy and coward me. :) Though it is not completely going out of my comfort zone because I've been to Bohol twice in the past making the place kinda familiar but still. It is, however, my first time in Panglao.

I planned the trip months before and did lots of research. :) I was half nervous and half excited or... one third nervous and two-thirds excited for a better approximation. Hihi. Taking new routes, figuring out directions, reading the map, asking and talking to locals, seeing the same things with different eyes were few of tons of things which I was thrilled about. Actually it was not just thrill. It was an ecstasy... a peaceful ecstasy.

How to get to Tagbilaran City, Bohol from Cebu City: Tubigon Route

• Cebu City Pier 3 to Tubigon, Bohol 3pm (1 hour for Php280, Starcraft. Terminal Fee: Php10. Ticket was purchased in Pier 1) Note: There are other fast crafts traveling directly to Tagbilaran City (Ocean Jet: 2 hours, Php520 including terminal fee; and 2Go. Bookings can be done online. I just opted to take the Tubigon route for a change and lesser expense.
• Tubigon Port  to Bus Terminal (Tricycle: Php8, 10 mins). 
• Tubigon Bus Terminal to Tagbilaran City (Bus: Php70, 1 hour)

I stayed in Tagbilaran for a night. I forgot the name of where I stayed. I was supposed to stay in Nissa Travelers Inn but it was fully booked. Luckily, there was another inn across the street. The next day, I took a little tour around the city.

Province of Bohol Capitol Building and the church across it

Then a country side tour (for the third time).

The Blood Compact

Tarsier Conservation Area (Entrance Fee Php60)

The Amazing Chocolate Hills (Entrance Fee Php50)

Loboc River Watch (Php450 with eat-all-you-can lunch)

I heart Loboc. Food, music, river cruise, What is not to love? It was the most fun part of my day.

I hired a tricycle for this half day trip for Php1000. It was the most unwise decision I made because I was offered a car for the whole day and the price was even discounted to Php1700 from Php2000. Had I figured out earlier that a tricycle could be so slow, then I would have accepted the car offer. The only reason I settled on the tricycle was because the price was just right within the budget. Oh well, I forgot to use my common sense. Haha! Budget matters could blind my rational thoughts.

• Loboc River Watch to Jeepney terminal - walking distance
• Loboc to Tagbilaran City (Jeepney: Php25, 30 mins). 
• Tagbilaran City to Alona Beach Panglao (Jeepney: Php30, 20 mins). 

The highlight of this weekend trip started. The main event included sleeping, eating, beach bumming then sleeping and eating again. Haha! I loved that kind vacation - just chilling out.

It was my first time in Panglao so I chose a very comfortable resort. I bumped into Isis Bungalows while searching the web and oh boy, was I blown away! It was the closest thing to my Santorini dream. The white bungalows drove me crazy. I booked their cheapest room for Php2000. I knew it was a splurge for a budget traveler me but I convinced myself it was worth it. It was right in front of the beach. The landscape was beautiful. The place was peaceful. The staff were very friendly. And please believe me. Their "houses" looked way too better in person.

Alona Beach was at its best during high tides. I exclaimed, "Amazing!" a thousand times. I stared at the blue and green canvass and I was in deep gratitude. Thank You, Father for this amazingly beautiful blessing. It was the perfect way to culminate my birth month.

Life's a beach!

Alona Beach, Panglao, Bohol

 

I found an accessories haven on my way out of Alona Beach. Love! :)

Torn between waving a "Hi" and finding balance. Hehe

• Alona Beach to Panglao Jeepney terminal (Habal habal: Php20, 10 mins)
• Panglao Island to Tagbilaran City (Jeepney: Php30, 20 mins)
• Tagbilaran City proper to Port (Tricycle: Php50, 15mins)
• Tagbilaran City to Cebu Pier 1 (Ocean Jet: Php520 terminal fee included, 2hours)

“I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.”

 -- Lillian Smith

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.  

--Wayne Gretzky