Friday, April 17, 2009

Panglao Island vacation with Pia!

It was five years ago when I first learned about Panglao Island. I think it's through one of those Wow Philippines campaigns by then Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon. I remember telling Setsu that we will visit Panglao Island in two years time and setting up a piggy bank intended for 5 and 10 peso coins I'll save for that purpose. I even labeled the piggy bank Wow Panglao. I can't remember what happend to that piggy bank but one thing is certain, it didn't serve it's purpose.

Panglao Island

But just the same, we were able to visit Panglao Island recently and stayed there for three days and two nights. This trip is actually my gift to Pia for receiving the Most Outstanding Achiever award during their moving up ceremony.

Pia's first flight
We took the Cebu Pacific flight to Tagbilaran City and Zest Air on our return. Fortunately, there were no delays and any untoward incidents, like that of Rujohn's. Pia enjoyed the flight and I'm no longer worried about our next travel this coming June. we're planning to go to Hong Kong!

Bohol Countryside Tour
When we arrived at Tagbilaran Airport around 7.30 am, our driver/guide was already there waiting for us. He is so accommodating and flexible that we really enjoyed the Bohol countryside tour. If you are planning to visit Bohol and needs transfer arrangement or wants to have a countryside tour, too, I highly recommend Dodong. You may contact him at mobile no. 0917-3040253.

Baclayon Church



Baclayon Church - a 16th century stone church with lost of religious relics. This church is considered as one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.

Chocolate Hills




We climbed one of the chocolate hills and feast our eyes on the breathtaking view of haycock hills, considered one of the wonders of the world. More pictures here: Chocolate Hills Philippines.


Butterfly Conservation Center Bohol





Butterfly Conservation Center - This is so far the best butterfly garden I have seen so far. Highly recommended for children.



Tarsier Bohol

Tarsier Sanctuary - see the smallest primate in the world in a sanctuary along the Loboc River.


Floating Restaurant Loboc River
Floating Restuarant at Loboc River - buffet lunch while taking a leisurely cruise in Loboc River for P300/head


We were supposed to visit more destinations but there was a heavy rain shortly after our lunch so we just decided to go to Panglao Island and check in at Hayahay Resort, were we reserve a room for two nights.

Panglao Isaland
You can't complain about Hayahay Resort's rooms beacuase they are really great. However, they don't have their own swimming pool, which Pia prefers. Fortunately, there are resorts nearby with swimming pool which we were able to use with just a minimal fee.

The following day, we woke up early for the scheduled island hopping, which includes dolphin watching, snorkeling at Balicasag Island and swimming at Virgin Island. Unfortunately, Pia didn't enjoy the island hopping that much. She is uberly worried that our boat might sink. She even requested that we pray more than a couple of times. But overall, Pia enjoyed our Panglao Island vacation very much!

2 comments: