Bohol

For many reasons, Bohol is like an emerald. More than its shape and color, the island is notably precious and priceless. When I first went to Cebu, it was part of my itinerary to visit Bohol even for just a day. I asked Vem to accompany me. Kind enough, she went with me considering that she's been into the island several times already.

We started very early. As much as possible, we tried to catch the earliest ferry bound for Tubigon port. We also made a ticket reservation at SuperCat terminal for the last trip of that day coming from Tagbilaran City. We need to be back in Cebu by night. Vem still had to work and I've got a flight to Davao by 4AM.

Good thing, we were accommodated on the first trip. Travel time was about an hour. We chose to start at Tubigon so we can maximize our time by not going to and fro on the same road. So from north, we would go south across the island then go west to Tagbilaran which would be the endpoint of our trip. (see map)

While in the ferryboat, we just didn't stay where we sit. We roamed around to every compartment including the navigation deck. We were so fortunate that some of the mariners happen to be Davaoeños as well.

We arrived at the port past 7. From there, we rode a public bus en route to Sagbayan Peak. The place was not overly crowded. Maybe because it was newly-constructed and haven't been heard by many tourists yet, or maybe, we were just too early. Hills at this part of the island are not so many. Unlike the ones we commonly see on pictures, mounds here are scattered and limited in number. But the view was good enough to amuse our eyes. Air was also fresh and cool. Other attractions include butterfly sanctuary and swimming pool.

But what got our interest most was their Lomboy tree (Java plum). Fruits were many, ripe and looked to sweet. We couldn't help ourselves that we really climbed it to get some. Of course, we asked permission from the caretaker. Vem was outrageously outstanding. She went too high while I was only few feet from the ground, how could she?

Anyway, from Sagbayan we hired a motorcycle to take us to our other destinations. It was a good deal. Next stop would be the Chocolate Hills Complex at Carmen. While on the road, the weather got bad. It was raining intermittently. But we didn't care. It actually added fun and excitement. Yeah, there was really fun because later on, the motorcycle engine blew up and we were doomed. We stopped at the shop for like a quarter of an hour before the journey continued.

Upon arriving at the complex, we went directly to the viewing deck but it wasn't that easy. It's a long way up. They say its 214 steps to the top. But it's alright, we're still young, alive and kicking.

The long steps to the viewing deck.

When we reached the peak, I then made my sakdal jumpshot, weee!

Time to hit our next destination, Loboc River. On our way, we passed the man-made forest and the mini "sanctuary" of tarsiers in captivity.

We arrived at Loboc past noon. We were just right on time to fill the remaining seats of their floating restaurant. We're river cruising!

It was an entertaining and hunger-relieving excursion to Busay Falls. There was singing, and dancing, and binge eating. I also noticed pictures of celebrity once on-board the floating resto---a very good marketing strategy.

Afterwards, we went to Loboc Museum. The wooden walls looked so old and weak that with just one touch the whole building would be broken.

We still had much time before going to Tagbilaran and so we went to Bohol Bee Farm Cafe that sells ice cream of unusual flavors and pastries made of fruits and veggies. We ordered squash cake, and malunggay and lemongrass ice cream served in a honey cone, yummy!

We're now on our way to Tagbilaran. But before we arrived at the city, we had a short stop at Sanduguan Monument aka Blood Compact Site.

It was still 4PM when we set foot to the island's capital. Our scheduled trip back to Cebu is 6 so we still have an hour to buy some pasalubong. When we went to the port, a turn of event happened.

EXTRA
We noticed a number of angry passengers cursing aloud. The reason? The ship encountered some mechanical problems, therefore not good to sail, therefore our trip was cancelled. Very nice! I so love SuperCat. As I mentioned, Vem had to go to work and I had a flight. They could've provide us another vessel, but they didn't. Worse, the next trip would be early morning the following day.

I was so hopeless and frustrated that I even asked a friend from Cebu if she knew someone who owns a chopper to pick us up. I know it's crazy and I know it would be expensive but I just don't know what to do at that time.

Then here came a van driver suggesting that we proceed to the other port, Tubigon, which is more than an hour away. And there should be at least 10 of us. Well, what we were doing in the next few minutes were convincing other passengers to come with us so we can leave. And yes we did.

We only had peace of mind when we get there and sat inside the cabin as we sail back to Cebu. What a very unforgettable experience! Despite it all, I always treasure my journey in Bohol.

Photo credits: Vem