World's smallest mammal tour in Bohol

Bohol is an island in central Visayas, Philippines. My journey began with a 2 hour boat ride from Cebu City in Cebu Island to Taglibaran Pier, the capital of Bohol.

From the pier, I took a tricycle to the hotel in Taglibaran. It is a small town with few eateries. One of the things that I like about Taglibaran is the cheap massage in the public park. Basically one can get a shoulder and head massage for only around USD2 per hour on the public bench. My friends and I went there for 2 consecutive nights for a public massage!

The key highlight in Bohol is watching the world's smallest mammal, Tarsier in Tarsier Sanctuary. Tarsier is a shy little mammal hanging on the tree. Unfortunately, not many are left and it was disappointing to only manage to spot just 1-2 mammals in the sanctuary. 

Shy Tarsier

The tour was followed by a boat cruise and lunch on boat along Loboc River with live bands. It was a relaxing ride with natural village views where we could see villagers bathed and washed in the river. 

Cruising along Loboc River

Stand up Paddle

Lunch on board

Next, the iconic and unique Chocolate Hill , where one can climb on the stairs to viewing platform to enjoy the surrounding Hersey Kiss Chocolate lookalike of Chocolate Hills. The hills are shaped in triangle, a typical isolated hill shape in clusters. We explored both the viewing platforms of Chocolate Hills, the viewing platform in Carmen and Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan for amazing 360 degree surrounding view.

Chocolate Hill

View from Carmen Peak

View from Sagbayan Peak

The popular tourist spot in Bohol is Alona Beach in Panglao Island, where one can take a boat ride for island hopping and just stroll along the beach for a wonderful sunset evening. We took a public transport in a jeepney that was jam packed for about an hour to reach there. We went for island hopping from the beach, to Balicasag Island for snorkelling and Virgin Island with white, long sandy bar for sunbathing. The beaches are super white with fine sands that can hurt the eyes in a bright sunny day. I remember the boat ride was choppy that I was wondering if we were surfing on the sea with the water splashed violently. In the evening, many people hang out at the tables along the beachin Alona, enjoying the sunset with a drink. What touched me in the evening was the experience of riding a tricycle back to Taglibaran in a pitch dark road and the rider had to bear the burden of 3 adults in his tricycle as he was earning a living, riding in pitch darkness with rain. 

Balicasag Island

Virgin Island

Alona Beach

Happening scene during sunset

Before I left the island, I took an adventure by taking a public transport from the city to the rural village for a stand up paddle along Loboc River, where we had a boat cruise the day before. It was my first stand up kayaking experience.

After the adventure, I took a bus back to town in the outskirt of Taglibaran to explore the local market and local shopping center nearby. To my surprise, a cinema movie ticket cost nearly 5USD! The local market reminded me of the past back home though.

Bus station in Taglibaran outskirt

Coke in glass bottles

Charcoal iron - memory from the past

A rare sight of firewood sales these days

I have always love to explore Philippines as the Pinoy (Pilipinos) are friendly and places are amazing with natural landscapes especially mountains. The only thing that I don't crave is the food as I think Pilipino food lacks vegetables and variety which I may be wrong... Yet I enjoyed travelling in The Phillipines!

St Joseph Cathedral in Taglibaran

River view from Hotel in Taglibaran

Koh Tao - Gate to Diving Heaven

Koh Tao is a tiny diving heaven located on the far east coast of South Thailand. If you think Phuket is full of westerners, Koh Tao is no exception, with the difference that could be far more young backpackers who come here for the sole purpose of learning diving, instead of partying. 

It is told that Koh Tao has one of the world's cheapest diving lesson spots. A discovery diving lesson is Koh Tao could cost only as much as USD300? If you are not into diving as myself, fret not. There are vantage point places to explore. 

Mae Haat Pier

Upon reaching the jetty early in the morning at 5am after a sleepy boat ride, I checked into my hostel. The town is centered around the jetty. One can rent a motorbike to explore. I explored on foot instead. I walked from the jetty toward the south to the viewpoint called John Suwan viewpoint. It is a short hike from the bottom. What a beautiful sandy beach and blue sea down under! 

John Suwan Viewpoint

Later, I explored the nearby Freedom Beach and Taa Toh Beach connected via a narrow concrete footpath. The beaches here are less popular but more relaxing with less crowd.

Freedom Beach

Cement  footpath connecting Freedom and Taa Toh Beach

Taa Toh Beach

Taa Toh Beach Viewpoint

On 2nd day, I joined a day of  snorkeling and island hopping trip. The most impressive island is Koh Nang Yuan, an island consists of 3 tiny islands joined by 2 white sandy strips. We could hike to the lookout point to have an awesome island view across. 

Koh Nang Yuan

Vantage viewpoint

The the last day, I walked from the pier along the narrow lane flanked by restaurants and shops on both sides to the popular Sairee Beach. The beach is behind the shops on the left. Sitting at one of the seaside restaurants, enjoying Pad Thai (Thai style fried noodle) and coke under the breeze overlooking the vast sea was a blessing. Strolling and resting along the beaches is a luxury experience. 

Sairee Beach

View from restaurant

Best drink to chill out on a hot day

Beautiful sunset

Red cloud

The most memorable experience was seeing a red cloud over the sunset as I was walking back to the hostel. It was the first time I have ever seen a beautiful sunset sky. Then, it was time to say good bye as I was preparing to board the slow boat trip back to Surat Thani at 10pm.

It is a long boat journey from the mainland port of Surat Thani and vice versa. The speedboat takes 4 hours while the overnight slow boat will take 7 hours. The advantage of overnight boat is we can sleep on the dormitory style double decker bed. It also saves the travelling time. The boat is a giant 3 story boat with toilet facilities. 

Luxury boat to Koh Tao from Surat Thani

Dormitory style bed on the boat

Besides the sightseeing, it was a memorable trip where I had a chance to chat with fellow travelers from other parts of the world, at the hostel and on the boat as we were leaving the charming island..

BEAUTIFUL GIGANTES ISLAND

GIGANTES ISLAND is pronounced as 'Hi-gan-tes' Island' to the local Illongos.

It used to be just a fishing village more than 10 years ago, until a friend suggested to a local to start a resort and promote the beauty of surrounding islands. Since then, many tourists have come afar to visit. But probably I was one of the only few Malaysians to have visited the island.

One the 1st day of my arrival, I walked instead of taking a motorbike along the east coast of Gigantes Norte from Gigantes Hideaway Resort where I stayed. Just a few hundred metres away, I chanced upon the locals peeling the fresh scallops at almost every household. Every local is as friendly as ever and is willing to strike a conversation even with a stranger. The same goes to the schoolchildren who would not hesitate to say Hello when seeing a stranger. After about 2 hours of walking, chatting and resting, I reached the iconic lighthouse. The lady in charge of the registration is also very friendly and offered her help to snap some photos of me. I had a wonderful hot cup of coffee from the cafe, sipping it slowly on the varandah, overlooking the sea. Then, I proceeded to a nearby beach to watch the beautiful sunset before I took a motorbike ride back to the resort. I had a delicious fresh scallop and fried fish as my dinner on 1st night





         






On the 2nd day, I joined a group of Filipino friends for island hopping. The first island we stepped on was the Bantigue Island Sandbar, where there is a wide stretch of sand and the water is clear for a swim. Next, the famous Cabugao Island, with the great viewpoint overlooking the sunny sandy beach with perking coconut trees. The 3rd island hopping destination is the Tangke Lagoon, an impressive lagoon with sometimes dried land surrounded by cliffs. There is even a spot for a cliff diving for those dare souls. 4th destination is a mini sandy beach know as 'Mini Boracay'. Finally the key highlight of the island hopping, the Antonia Beach, where a scallop is sold as 1 peso per piece. The minimum order is 100 peso, which comes in a tray. Besides enjoying fresh boiled scallop, one can even go snorkeling at a designated beach area. Our island hopping ends by noon.

In the afternoon, I walked to the nearby popular Baktiwan Cave, instead of taking a motorbike and a tour. It is a nice cave with some uphill climb and great stalagmites and stalactites. However, to explore deeper, it is recommended to go with a caving guide. As I was alone, I did not venture inside.


On the 3rd day, I took a motorbike ride early in the morning to another barangay (village), to hike a small hill called Mt Calvary of Isla Milagrosa. This is the hidden gem of the island for hikers. It is only 40 mins up for slow hiker like me and you will be rewarded with 180 degree view of the island with beaches. After resting for 1 1/2 hours, I decided to say goodbye as the sun shined brightly. Upon reaching the foothill, I decided to continue my adventure of walking, exploring the northern and western part of the island, before making a round trip back to the resort. As I walked, I discovered a quite new resort called North Coast Resort with a nice beach view. However, as with most other resorts, it was closed due to a typhoon that striked on 24 Dec 19, a month earlier that destroyed most houses. I also met a young newly married couple selling some snacks on the roadside, where I had an hour conversation with. As mentioned, the people here are truly friendly.

In the afternoon, I walked again to the lighthouse for a solitude hour, enjoying the seaview and feeling the breeze with the sun obscured behind. Then I proceeded to new extension of Gigantes Hideaway Resort nearby, to enjoy a final sunset view on the island.


As the people here are happy go lucky, fiesta is a must. Coincidentally, there was a 3 day fiesta in the barangay with non stop dancing from 9 pm till wee hours for 3 nights. That night was the first night, where children were expertly dancing with the hot boogie music, followed by adults later. My last night in Gigantes Island ended with some dance, chatting with the resort owner and a motorbike ride back to the resort where I stayed.


Tips:
How to go to Gigantes Island from Iloilo:
- take a van (260 peso including pick up from hotel) or bus to Bancal Port, 3-4 hours away
- take a shuttle speed boat from Bancal Port to Gigantes Norte (300 peso, 9.30 am and 4 pm), 40 minutes. The shuttle speed boat back from the island is at 7am and 2pm

Motorbike ride on the island: 30 peso one way

Island Hopping: 1500-2000 peso per boat (can share if manage to find other small group)


What I like about the island:
- friendly and helpful people
- crystal clear water, even at the backyard of the house
- cheap food and drink
- beautiful islands around
- relaxing, back to basic lifestyle