Exploring Visayas Part 3: Bohol

This is the last part of Thomas' trip to Bohol, Philippines..

---

Bohol, calm, rustic and the “tuk tuks” look like cardboard boxes on wheels. I am headed to Panglao island , that’s where you want to go for the beaches, the laid back life and great local food. From the ferry point , its about 30 mins drive to Panglao island and your point of reference is Alona Beach. It’s the happening place, clubs, hotels, resorts, beautiful each. Its not the longest stretch of beach , in fact, after Alona, the rest of the beaches on Panglao are in coves or short stretches but they are pristine, clean, quiet and there’s always a small resort or hotel to entice you to stay a little longer .

Well ,lets not forget Bohol, the main island because that’s where you go to see the Chocolate Hills. Its like those little Hersheys conical chocolates but way larger, just imagine over 1,700 of them stretched before your eyes. Take the LoBoc river cruise, where you will see performances of the villages staged on floating pontoons along the rive banks. Yeah, its commercial , touristy but its nice to see the villagers vibrancy, their warm welcoming looks, their colorful attire.

Then there’s the Phillipine Tarsiers, no bigger than our palms, yet when they are awake (at night) you’ll be lucky to see them due to “ grease lightning” speed.  So, you will see them in the Tarsier sanctuaries in the afternoon, where they will be slumbering, till some tourist wakes one up with a loud voice , hoping to catch them moving. Well they do but due to their speed , where are they huh ????? Oh, these little fellas can rotate their heads 180 degrees and if you think you can bring one home as a pet, they are known to commit “hara kiri” if they are moved from their normal habitat.

If you have the chance drop in to listen the Loboc Childrens choir, world famous but sadly not so well known in these parts. They performed for me in the Loboc church, ( their HQ) it brought tears to my eyes to see poor village children clad in slippers and t shirts sing with a resonance that reminds you of some of the best boy choirs from Europe. They were preparing to compete in a choir competition in Spain. I hope they win, for all their efforts including walking one hour to get home after their daily rehearsals in the church.

Finally, don’t forget the Baclayon church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Phillipines. You can also see all manner of ceremonial robes and paraphernalia used in the church from the 18th century.

Then its back to the ferry for my return to Cebu and flight home.

Did I tell you that the Bohol and Panglao smiles and warmth were even more engaging !!

Vietnam Part 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Trena, a Travel Executive from Paveway Explorer Holidays, shares with you about her journey to Vietnam.This is Part 1

I am definitely not in Singapore anymore.

Evidence 1: all the black wires hanging down,

Evidence 2: the large number of motorcycles along the road

Evidence 3:  the endless honking

Despite all these, Vietnam has changed a lot since the previous time I have been there 4 years ago, traffic in this vibrant city have certainly improved. Arriving there on Mid-Autumn allows us to see groups of young children playing in the parks and gardens, along the fountains.

During the half-day city tour I participated in, we went to visit the War Remnants Museum. Many ruins from the war, such as the vehicles and missiles, were left in this museum, pictures displayed on every wall, all revealing the terror and trauma of the victims of the war. A heavy feeling settled itself in our hearts and some wept, thankful that it didn’t happen in their country. It was truly a touching experience.

The next place we visited is the Reunification Palace. Incorporating fengshui in the architecture, this beautiful palace used to be the seat of the president and prime minister. Huge antique paintings hung on the wall of rooms filled with carefully crafted furniture and unique decorations. This place even has a dance room on the top floor and a helipad.

The French influence could be obviously seen when we went to visit the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. Standing tall and proud, this cathedral is located just next to the Post Office of Ho Chi Minh City.

One step into the Post Office and I was speechless. It was like stepping into a movie making set, think Harry Potter with boarder hallways.

                   

A well—known market in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ben Thian Market, with souvenirs and other products for sale. One of the must-buys in this market is the lotus seeds that Vietnam is famous for.  I watched on as the group I was with show off their skills when it comes to bargaining for the best price.

We then head over to Saigon Square, one of the more well-known places of shopping for the locals. There, I tried my hands on bargaining for an item but ended up failing miserably. Till now, I have no idea how are people able to successfully bargain for the products to the ideal prices. Bargaining is definitely a skill. Saigon Square houses many shops with products of popular brands such as forever 21 and Beats.

To be continued ....

Exploring Visayas Part 2: Bohol

Thomas, creator of Paveway Explorer Holidays, is an avid traveler and is always on the hunt for undiscovered destinations.  Here he shares his latest trip to Cebu and Bohol. This is the second part.

_____________________________________________________

Then it was off to Bohol, touted as the next Boracay. Oh, I hope not because Bohol is a true idyllic Phillipine island. I had to take a ferry, is it safe, will it be overcrowded, whats the security like?

I arrive at the ferry terminal, I check in my bag, my bags and I get sniffed at by a guard dog, I go through the metal detectors and I get smiled upon by the officers. Yep, they smile, these security chaps, in fact smiles come so naturally to the Filipinos, I was so impressed with the warmth and friendliness they accord you. In fact, the hospitality staff at hotels are heartwarming in their efforts to make you feel welcome.

Next I board the ferry, it’s a super catamaran, like the ones to Bintan island and I am sitting in the business class upstairs. This “super cat” is clean and super comfortable. It is 1 ½ hours to Bohol so I decided a nap was in good order, with no nightmares of security and overcrowding, and waking up just before we arrive at Bohol.