Panglao, Bohol

For the sea tour, waking up at around 5:30am gives you ample time for a light breakfast and a leisurely walk to the  shore coming from JJ's Alona Panglao. Have coffee and breakfast at the eatery where the local tour guides and vendors hung out. The eatery is close to the Alona Kew resort.

I was Queen of the World! or the seas at least after seeing lots of dolphins

Approaching Balicasag island after Dolphin watching

the shore at Balicasag

the starfish that was so pretty we could not resist touching

the starfish that was so strange looking that only this person dared touch

snorkeling at Balicasag's sanctuary

feeding the fish some Swiss bread from the Swiss bakery

trinkets sold by the Balicasag locals

on sale, too, are colorful seashells on the sea shore

Balicasag island
Go snorkeling at the marine sanctuary. Food and souvenirs are also available at the island. There's a lighthouse too and you can go into the island to see it up close.

Balicasag Island lighthouse

At the island, there is what the locals call the "entrance fee." It was more of a fee for the boat ride to the snorkeling area rather than as entrance fee to the sanctuary. Going into the marine sanctuary requires transferring to a smaller banca so as to avoid destroying the corals.


Virgin island

Going around the island takes a few minutes. If your companions are too tired to go with you, they can take a breather under the shady trees.   

Virgin island's long stretch of sand (not my own photo)

my most expensive less than a spoonful fare of sea urchin Php 20.00

Tour Fee which includes Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Island, and Virgin Island costs Php 1,500.00
add-ons: Php 150.00 per person for the smaller banca at Balicasag island (aka the entrance fee)

              Php 150.00 for the snorkeling footwear
              Php 150.00 for the snorkeling mask (but we already had one so thank goodness!)

Boatman: Pedro Guioguio, 09267896646

Bohol is an island in Central Visayas that is truly and richly indeed a natural and historical wonder. Visit Bohol to experience the sights, sounds, and wonders of the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and the endearing Tarsier. Time to see for real the beauty that has long been just mere photos in our elementary textbooks. You can make the travel more budget-friendly by going in groups and divide room accommodation, and car hire expenses. Pack your bags, and your enthusiasm, and hie off to Bohol. Take at least 3-4 days for maximum enjoyment and don't forget, halong!