Live Your Best Lives
This article will introduce the recommended and memorable moments of your 7-day trip to the Philippines, and compile them into a guide for your reference.
After exiting the airport, walk straight ahead on your left to find the taxi stand. An airport staff member will give you a ticket. White taxis are cheaper. Tell the driver "by meter" before getting in, and show them the address directly; they usually know it.
You can buy ferry tickets from Cebu to Bohol in advance on Taobao. If you want to change the time, you can go to the ticket window with your passport to change it. You can also buy them directly when you arrive. They are usually available.
There's a 25P per person departure tax from Cebu to Bohol. Luggage fees apply—100P for our departure and 200P for our return. Smaller luggage is acceptable. Once in Bohol, there are plenty of chartered, shared, and tuk-tuks available. To Alona Beach, a shared ride typically costs 400-500, a tuk-tuk 300-400, and a chartered car around 700. Prices are negotiable.
Bohol Island can be explored in one day, including the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier, Python Butterfly, Man-Made Forest, and lunch at Lopo River, etc.
I will focus on introducing the tarsiers and not say much about the others. You can watch the tarsiers in a small park. There will be staff next to each monkey to tell you where they are. Because they are so small, they look like mice with big eyes, but many of them sleep with their eyes closed.
Before I went, I heard from friends who had been to the Philippines that the food there was hard to describe. As a foodie, I was afraid of starving to death, so I did some research in advance. Jasmine is more suitable for Chinese appetites. The owner is from Shandong. The location is on the edge of Alona Beach and can be found directly on the map.
Before you go, I recommend downloading Dianping.com in China because it offers free drinks and discounted dishes, which is a great deal. Recommended dishes include curry crab, pineapple fried rice, and squid rings; they're all delicious.
I highly recommend this island activity. Search for Molave Cove Cliff Dive on Google Maps. It's located in northern Panglao Island. We recommend renting a motorbike to get there; you can ask your hotel to arrange one directly. Our price was 600P for the rental fee, plus a 600P deposit. The gas will be provided, but you'll need to pay for shipping when you return the bike, depending on how much fuel you've used. Remember to bargain.
Because the location is relatively remote and it is difficult to get a taxi, there is a bumpy road at the end! If you hire a car, you must tell the driver to wait for you and take you back, because there are no taxis there.
You need to buy a 30P ticket here. There are toilets and showers inside, but the conditions are not very good. You can rent various equipment and life jackets. The height of the sea jump is said to be about 8-10 meters. Even those who can't swim can jump. You can jump with a life jacket or ask the staff to wait for you with a life jacket and snorkeling goggles below.
So there is no need to be afraid, you will float up as soon as you jump in, and there are many people around who can swim, and they will come to rescue you immediately if anything happens. It should be noted that you need to tip here, and you can agree on the amount in advance.
Tips:
Tips for jumping into the sea:
1. Be sure to go straight down and put your feet into the water first, otherwise it will be very painful.
2. Hold your mask and other equipment in your hand and put them on after entering the water, otherwise they will fall off. Or you can ask the people above to throw them down for you after you go into the water.
3. When jumping with arm circles, don’t lift your hands upwards, otherwise the arm circles will fall directly down when you jump.
The water quality is super good a little bit outside the sea, and there are not many people. You can see a lot of fish and corals and schools of sardines while snorkeling.
Note: There are rocks on the edge of the fault here, so don't hold on to them as they are very sharp. Please be careful. It is recommended that you rent fins if you can swim. It is great for taking photos and videos.
This clifftop restaurant isn't the one at the honey farm. Just search for "Tarsier Paprilka" on Google Maps, but the map isn't particularly accurate. Follow the directions and pay attention. Near your destination on the map, there's a gate with a statue at the entrance. Once inside, walk straight ahead and through the gardens until you arrive.
Because the restaurant is built on the edge of a cliff, the sunset is particularly beautiful in the evening. The restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seating. If you arrive a little early, you can choose your favorite seat. It's a super nice feeling to sit and watch the sunset, so I recommend going around 4 or 5 o'clock, taking some photos, and then sitting down to order and eat.
There are many things to do on Balicasag Island. If you are lucky, you can see many dolphins and snorkel underwater to see turtles. You can book a hotel on the island for a night in advance and spend the whole day. Please note that deep diving is not allowed in Balicasag to protect the environment.
Correct turtle chasing posture
After you see a sea turtle, float above it and wait for it to come up for air. After it comes up, slowly approach it so that you can be in the same frame with it!
The only accommodation on Balicasag Island is the Balicasag Dive Resort. It costs between 200 and 300 NTD, and the facilities are average. The standalone house faces the ocean, offering stunning views. Be aware that there are scheduled power outages and fresh water availability, but these aren't significant issues and are suitable for a one or two-day stay.
In addition, you can experience the local massage in the hotel, which is super cheap. It is very comfortable to sit in the pavilion facing the sea, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the sea breeze.
I highly recommend watching whale sharks. Although they are artificially fed, they are not kept in captivity. If you are brave enough, you can get closer underwater, but not too close. It is recommended to occupy the two feet of the crab boat after entering the water so that you are less likely to bump into people when taking pictures.
1. Visa, phone card, insurance, etc. can be handled in advance on Taobao! Philippine visa is generally no problem.
2. If you have arranged more diving activities, you can buy the three snorkeling tools in the country (renting them every time is not clean)
3. Be sure to prepare 2 or more swimsuits for easy changing
4. It goes without saying that you can also apply sunscreen and prepare long-sleeved shirts and long pants for sun protection.
5. Pay attention to safety. If you can't swim, please wear a life jacket.
6. Because the Philippines is located in the tropics, the vegetation is relatively rich and there are many mosquitoes. If you are afraid of mosquito bites, please prepare a mosquito repellent bracelet in advance.
Maybe you will be disturbed by various uncertain factors during the journey, maybe you cannot reach the remote places on foot, maybe you cannot feel the extremely beautiful scenery with your eyes, but every frame you feel is unique and beautiful.
