We decided to visit Phuket for our birthday month, September. It has been a long dream of mine to visit Phuket, and finally, we can. Luckily, our reservation at Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao is still available. We booked that resort in 2019, and I am so grateful to the management for still keeping our booking open.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
My husband's home town is in Bohol, Philippines, and there is no way that we will not visit his birthplace during our vacation in the Philippines. So, we packed our bags and headed to Bohol, Philippines.
Bohol is an island located in the Visayas, and we spent almost 2 weeks there with his family, eating local foods and seeing the incredible places Bohol has to offer. In this blog post, I would like to share my experience swimming on the beautiful beach of Dumaluan Beach Resort and our road trip around Bohol.
Dumaluan Beach Resort
One of the best ways to have fun with your family is at a beach picnic, and when I researched before we came back to the Philippines the best beach for families in Bohol, it all pointed me to Panglao. I have mixed feelings about Panglao because it is an expensive area, and I am not confident I can afford anything there.
Luckily, I saw this post about Dumaluan Beach Resort, which is private but has cottages, white sand, and crystal-clear blue water. Without a second thought, I messaged the Dumaluan Beach Resort on Facebook. Below are the rates:
FIRST ROW / BEACH FRONT Cottages
Php 1,500.00 - 7am to 5pm SUN-SAT (day use)
Php 1,500.00 - 5pm to 10pm SUN-SAT (midnight use)
SECOND ROW Cottages
Php 1,500.00 - 7am to 5pm SUN-SAT (day use)
OVERNIGHT USE starts at 6:00PM to 6:00AM
Php 2,000.00
*may subject to change without prior notice
First, I really love the idea of cottages; it's such a Filipino tradition. I remember when I was young, every time we went to the beach, we always rented a cottage for our whole family and brought our own food. Those memories are so fun, and having a cottage on a beach picnic with your family feels organized, comfortable, and affordable.
I also love the idea that the Dumaluan Beach Resort cottage fee includes the entrance fee and grilling station; it's really affordable. However, they really recommend making a reservation in advance because they have a limited number of cottages and cannot guarantee that anyone can have a spot if they just walk in.
From Carment to Dumaluan Beach Resort, it took us 2 hours of traveling with a van. My father-in-law knows a guy who can send us there and take us back home for 3,500 PHP. It's honestly far, but once we get there, everything just makes the travel worth it. It's private, so it's clean and well maintained. The sand is pure pearl white; the beach, Oh God! I cannot emphasize how amazing and wonderful the water is.
The beach is crystal clear blue, the air is so breezy, and it's not crowded, maybe because it's weekdays? I'm not sure, but I'm loving the whole beach trip.
We paid 1,500 PHP for the first row cottage. The cottage is not like those cheap cottages; it is clean and looks new, and each cottage has its own garbage bin. The area has a karaoke room, a mini-store, a shower room, a toilet room, and a grilling area. All of this is so affordable at just 1,500 PHP. Unlike going to a resort in Panglao and paying a luxurious amount of money, you will get the same beach and sand.
We really enjoyed our time at Dumaluan Beach Resort, especially our son, Aryl, who loves the water so much that he cried if we attempted to take him out. But in the end, we need to, because he's soaking up too much under the sun, and needs his nap time. He slept very peacefully, maybe because of the sound of the waves and the fresh, breezy air.
Planning our Road Trip in Bohol
Before you jump to the exciting part of this blog, let me share with you some important details that will make you realize why our expenses for this trip are a little bit expensive, though Bohol Island is really expensive.
We did not stay in Tagbilaran City or the Panglao area; these places are very popular or touristy areas for tourists. We stayed at my husband's family home in a province in Bohol, a little bit close to the famous Chocolate Hills in Carmen. So, if I hire a van for a day tour, it will cost me a minimum of 3,500 PHP, which is honestly a lot. Well, it's actually reasonable since the tourist spots in Bohol are not close to each other; you have to travel a minimum of an hour to get from one place to another.
Then we decided to ask my husband's uncle if he could lend us his pickup truck; we would just pay a minimum fee, pay for the gasoline, and, of course, pay for the driver. Nobody knows how to drive a car in this family, not even me, so we have to ask my husband's other uncle to drive for us in exchange for a budget friendly fee. It's a good thing he agreed, as did the owner of the truck.
Getting Up Close with the Tarsiers
We decided to see the Tarsier first on this trip. There are a few Tarsier conservatories in Bohol, so it's quite confusing; there is one in Corella and one in Loboc. Yes! You read it right. Before we went back to the Philippines, I did my research about the entrance fee, and Google answered 80 PHP, but when we arrived at Loboc Tarsier Conservation Center, it was actually 150 PHP. I don't know; maybe the one that Google referred to was way back years ago, and the conservatory area updated their entrance fee; who knows?
Anyway, what is Tarsier? Tarsiers are small primates that are native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their large eyes, which are roughly the same size as their brains. Tarsiers are nocturnal and arboreal, meaning that they spend most of their time in trees and are active at night. They have long, slender fingers and toes that help them grip onto branches and move quickly through the forest canopy. Tarsiers primarily eat insects, but they have also been known to eat small birds and reptiles. Unfortunately, tarsiers are endangered due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Image Source: Vice |
The conservatory area has a very strict rule: no loud noises or flashy cameras because they can startle the tarsiers and disrupt their natural behavior.
When we went inside the conservatory area, the area was not that wide open; it's a narrow cement trail. It looks like a mini jungle; I was honestly expecting a zoo or mini zoo, but it wasn't. It's literally trees and leaves, with the small Tarsier hanging on the branches. They are very small, with big, round eyes. At first, it's hard to spot them because they like to hide in the leaves, but the staff in the area is trying their best to pinpoint where the tarsier is.
Is it worth visiting? For those who have never seen a Tarsier in person, yes, it is out of curiosity. But for those who are visiting Bohol for the second time, I think they should skip it.
Short Stop in Bilar Man-Made Forest
I really wanted to include Bilar Man-Made Forest in our itinerary because it's the only photo stop in Bohol where you don't need to pay any entrance fee; however, the twist is that you need to risk your life.
Bilar Man-Made Forest is a beautiful and unique attraction that offers towering mahogany trees that line the road, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for taking photos and enjoying nature. However, it's important to note that the road through the forest is narrow and winding, which can be quite dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Despite this, many tourists still choose to stop by Bilar Man-Made Forest for a quick photo op or a peaceful stroll through the woods.
And we did stop and take our family picture in the middle of the road; it's a quick pose.
Enjoying the Sikatuna Mirror of The World
This is actually a new attraction in Bohol. Sikatuna Mirror of The World is a theme park and botanical garden with a miniature version of famous architectural attractions around the world, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and many more.
It is located in Libjo, Sikatuna, Bohol, with an entrance fee of PHP 150 (Adults); PHP 50 (children below 3 feet); and PHP 120 (Senior Citizens and PWDs). And by the way, there is an environmental fee of 20 PHP per person required by the Local Government Unit (LGU).
The place is really big and wide; the moment you entered the gate, there were a lot of spots to take photos. Yes, correct; the only activity you can do inside the Sikatuna Mirrir of the World is take photos, group photos, and selfies; there are no rides or even a restaurant or store inside. I highly recommend bringing your own water and umbrella, especially if you are visiting on a hot day. It is very hot, and there is not too much shade in the park; it's really wide and open.
My family really enjoyed going around the park and taking pictures while I just sat in a corner where there was shade. I didn't want to be the unhappy traveler here. It is just too hot, and during that day I had a cold. And plus, I actually already saw this kind of theme park in Pattaya, Thailand, called Mini Siam, with the same attractions: replicas of famous buildings around the world. So, I wasn't that excited to immerse myself in that moment, but the place is indeed a very beautiful park. Our driver had been there many times, and he recommended visiting in the afternoon until night because it is much more beautiful with all the lights.
Visiting the Historic Baclayon Church
The only architecture that I really want to see in Bohol is their Catholic churches. I've read and seen on the internet how amazing their ceilings are, the paintings, and the history behind them. One of the churches that caught my attention was the Historic Baclayon Church. It is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines and has been standing for over 300 years. The church is a perfect example of Baroque architecture, with intricate carvings and details that are truly breathtaking.
Unfortunately, the church was closed when we got there. In fact, I was very surprised to know that the church in Bohol closed its doors when not in use. The church closes during the mid-day and quite early in the evening.
I highly recommend including Baclayon Church in your itinerary and double check its opening times. Though I've never seen the inside of it, I'm pretty sure it is worth visiting, especially for a historical fan like me. And, on my next visit to Bohol, I will make sure to go there during its opening times.
Time for Lunch
It was already lunchtime, and we stopped at a small open restaurant ( carenderia). We did not opt for the Loboc River Cruise and Buffet because it was out of our budget. According to Google, the Loboc River Cruise and Buffet cost 850 PHP per person, and we are like more than 10, so it was not ideal for us. Again, on our next trip to Bohol, I will surely try this.
Exploring Hinagdanan Cave
After our sumptuous lunch, It's time to burn those fats. Our next destination is Hinagdanan Cave. The cave is one of the hidden gems of Bohol Island. Located in the municipality of Dauis, the cave is an impressive natural wonder that should not be missed during your road trip around the island.
This is another funny and shocking moment. When I bought the entrance ticket, I was very confident that it was only 15 PHP because I had Googled it beforehand. When I asked the lady how much it was, I was surprised that it was 60 PHP and not 15 PHP. If you decide to swim inside the cave, you have to pay 100 PHP.
Going inside the Hinagdanan cave, the stairs are very steep, so you need to be very careful going down. And inside the cave, it is very slippery, and the atmosphere inside the cave is cool and damp.
A stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years will greet you as you enter the cave. One of the attractions of the Hinagdanan Cave is its underground lagoon, where you can swim in crystal-clear water while taking in the natural beauty of the cave. The water is cool and inviting, making it the perfect place to cool off after a long day of sightseeing.
It's really inviting to take a dive in the lagoon; however, as much as we wanted, we didn't have enough time, and we have little kids. I highly recommend trying to swim in the lagoon. The 100 PHP fee is worth it.
Hiking Up the Chocolate Hills
We really made sure to visit the Chocolate Hills on the last of our trip because it was already late afternoon and not hot. And it was the best decision we had; going to Chocolate Hills in the afternoon is so refreshing.
Chocolate Hills is located throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan. The hills are a geological formation of over 1,200 cone-shaped hills that are spread over an area of 50 square kilometers. They are called Chocolate Hills because, during the dry season, the grass covering the hills turns brown, giving them a chocolate-like appearance.
When we arrived in Chocolate Hills, we did not pay for the entrance fee because my husband's family resides in Carmen, and locals who live in Carmen are not required to pay. However, I did my research, and the entrance fee is 80 PHP. We had to hike up a winding path amidst lush vegetation to reach the top of the hills. The hike was difficult for me because, honestly, the stairs are very high and it was very tiring, so I needed to take a moment to catch my breath. It took us about 30 minutes to reach the top. When we arrived, there was a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and the town of Carmen below. The panoramic view was definitely worth the hike, and we spent some time taking photos and enjoying the scenery before heading back down.
Is it worth the visit? Yes, it is; just make sure to visit the Chocolate Hills during the afternoon.
Key Takeaways
I highly recommend visiting Dumaluan Beach Resort. It is much more worth visiting if you are bringing your family and planning to stay a whole day.
And for the Bohol road trip, always make sure to bring extra money because you will never know how much you will need it. As I experienced, all the entrance fees I researched were wrong.
Overall, Bohol is a great destination for those who love nature, adventure, and relaxation. Just make sure to plan your itinerary well and bring extra cash for unexpected expenses.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Wednesday, April 5, 2023
Me and my partner really love to travel and we don't have any plans to stop now that we have our baby, maybe slowing down. One of the family travel vloggers that I admire the most is Flying The Nest. They travelled to different parts of the world with their baby and they made it happen so if they can do it why not us right? We tried travelling to nearby places, we don't want to overwhelm our child with all the travelling struggle. We started going to a nearby island and then to Bangkok, it's just a two hours drive from where we live. During these short travels and overnight, I conclude what my baby needs and also it may help you what to pack when travelling with a baby.
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
They say preparing your Hospital bag is like having a staycation, but honestly speaking I don't get the point of bringing a small suitcase and a huge box full of baby stuff. I also saw so many videos on Youtube that they brought a lot of things to the hospital and ended up not using them because the hospital already provided the baby's needs. I also saw Kryz Uy's video with her hospital bag she only packed basic things for her and her husband as far as I remember she only packed a few items for the baby. Luckily, I have a colleague at work who had labour in the same hospital that I'm going to so I asked her many things about her experienced, so here's my "What's in my Hospital Bag".
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
I’ve been eyeing Hotel Indigo Wireless Road Bangkok for a while now since I saw their promotion “Stay Vibrant”, I was fascinated with their photos on social media, especially the city view. I always wanted to see a perfect view of Bangkok with its high rise buildings and Hotel Indigo Wireless Road Bangkok has it all. However, I missed their promotion so I decided to wait for their new one and luckily I got their newest deal, Seventh Heaven Indulgence. They always have something new to offer every month.
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
It's been a long time since my last travel and as much as I wanted to travel outside of the country or to another province I still have anxiety. But, to overcome this anxiety I must face the "new normal" of travelling in baby steps. One of the safest ways to travel is to do camping, you have your own little private area, not too crowded, and slow activities. But where? I stumbled upon on the Internet this beautiful lake in Sriracha an hour and a half from Pattaya (where I currently live), Lake View Resort.
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
It's been quite some time now since my last staycation, I think it was in February and I needed something new experience. I've always seen these amazing Siargao vlogs of David Guison and Angelique Manto. And like boy! I needed that Island vacation, however, it's quite hard to travel these days outside Pattaya, Thailand (where I'm currently living). So I decided why not bring the Siargao or island vacation vibe here in Pattaya.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
We are so excited to travel again as Thailand already allowed locals and Expats to travel again around Thailand as long as we are not in risky places. I really wanted to travel outside Pattaya or farther away from Pattaya but I still felt hesitant and I felt anxious about travelling again. So we decided to take things slowly and travel to the nearest place first, we went to Kho Larn Island, cuz I heard there are new cafes in Koh Larn that are so interesting to visit.
Kho Larn Island or Coral Island is the nearest Island in Pattaya it will just take 45 minutes of ferry travel from Pattaya to the Island. I've already made Blog post about Kho Larn, you may visit the links below:
TRAVEL DIARY: KHO LARN ISLAND, THE PERFECT BEACH SITE: http://www.itsbeyondimaginations.com/2018/07/travel-diary-kho-larn-island-perfect.html
MYTH THE SPACE OF SECRET IN KOH LARN ISLAND THAILAND: http://www.itsbeyondimaginations.com/2020/03/myth-space-of-secret-in-koh-larn-island.html
THE NEW NORMAL OF TRAVELING IN THAILAND
Please be reminded that Thailand is very strict in implementing safety and health protocols for travelling. Make sure to have the Morchana app, wear a face mask all the time and proper handwashing or bringing your own alcohol.
When you are visiting places around Thailand including Kho Larn Island, they will check your temperature and you need to scan the given QR code in the Morchana app and of course, you have to wear your face mask all the time.
We took the ferry from Bali Hai Pier for only 30 THB and when we arrived in Kho Larn we rented a motorbike for a day for 250 THB.
1. Sea you again Kho Larn: The first café that we visited is a unique café that is not like any others. Their café theme is like comic 3D art everything in the café is painted even their food tray. I honestly like their 3D theme, so minimal and clean. I'm not sure if the owner's spent a lot with his/her café décor but I guessed he/she saved a lot instead of buying decors and flowers they just painted the decors on the walls like 3D painting, this is honestly wise in terms of cost containment but at the same time a unique idea. Their staff are so lovely as well, they are really hospitable and friendly. We ordered one mango smoothie and one burger, the burger really tastes good, the beef patty is so tender. I also adore their burger bun it is so fresh and soft. The mango smoothie is flavorful, not too sweet and not too bland, they really use the real mango fruit and not syrup. The most exciting part of Sea you Again Café is that they have a cute, furry and big cat. I'm not really sure if the gender is he or she but I'll just assume (hope I'm right) that she is a she. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Sea you Again in Kho Larn because it is really worthy to visit and I think the café is a perfect laidback place during the afternoon.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Chonburi has become one of the top destinations in Thailand, especially if you are in Bangkok, Pattaya, or nearby places. Chonburi has more attractions now to offer, from the glass bridge in Sriracha or what they called Wat Khao Thabaek; Bang Pu bird sanctuary; Grand Canyon Chonburi; and a lot more. However, Chonburi has an area of 4,363 km² and some of the tourist attractions are far from each other so it's highly recommended to stay overnight and it's ideal to stay in the beautiful sanctuary Patoey House.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
90% of my travels domestic or international I always opt the cheapest airline and most of the time it's AirAsia. AirAsia flights are in Don Mueang airport and 99% of their flights are always departing early in the morning, it is kinda difficult for me because I live in Pattaya, 2 - 3 hours away from Bangkok. So, I always stayed at Don Mueang airport a night before my early flight the next day, like my recent trip to Koh Samui, I stayed in the airport for at least 10 hours before my flight. I always wanted to stay in a transit hotel near Don Meung airport, however, I could not find any affordable, convenient, and relaxing place to sleep, until I discovered Don Muang Hotel.