Bohol City Panglao-Dauis Tour

     Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines and situated in the heart of the Visayas. It would take you an hour via airplane from Manila to get here.

     We went to Bohol last May 2010. For most of us, it was our first time to visit the place. And I tell you, it's all worth it!
      You wouldn't be impressed on how Tagbilaran Airport looks like. It doesn't tell much of what the place has to offer to tourists. This should be something that the local government should improve on.
We were fetched by our tour guide/ driver/ tatay named Kuya Dodong (that's what he prefers to be called). His real name? Jeconias D. Ursos, Jr. Now you have an idea why he prefers to be called as such. You would know it was him because he would be bringing his banner with your names on it!
After the fetching and resting stuff at our hotel, the tour began. Our first day was basically a getting-to-know-the-town trip. Kuya Dodong drove us around the city and to some scenic spots.


FIRST STOP: Dauis Church

Dauis Church

A surprising beauty at the back of Dauis Church (Photo by: Angie Pacay)

     It seemed an ordinary church when we had our first glance at the Church. Yeah, for most it was a typical church. What has made the church so special (aside from its age and history) is the Cartesian well inside it. Yes, it has a well inside that used to supply water to locals around the church. But for now, it is no longer used since it is seated just in front of the altar. At the back of the church, there is a spacious venue where at night, tables and bands are set for tourists.

The well inside Dauis Church

     At daytime, you can have your group picture taken as shown below since the view and the lighting are both perfect ! :)

SECOND STOP: BEE FARM

Welcome to Bee Farm

Unexplored beauty of the Bee Farm

     Unfortunately, there were so many visitors in the Bee Farm when we got there that we even decided not to go to the farm anymore. As an alternative, there was this store in the farm with so many cool stuff like bags, souvenirs, purses and others that you might want to visit while waiting for your tour guide. There was also a restaurant at the back of the store. Just  follow the trail leading to taht and I am pretty sure you'll get there hehehe. The restaurant was facing the South China Sea. The view was relaxing. The sound of the waves were really comforting. And the smell? It was a salty breeze! lol




THIRD STOP: Hinagdanan Cave

     To get in to the cave, you have to use the stairs that lead a few meters below the ground. It wasn't that hard really to go down because there would be guides who'd assist you. Opps, the steps were not that wide so be extra careful.

way in

     Inside the cave, you could feel the cool wind blowing. There was this part in the cave which I call the "photo-op wall" where everybody should strike a good pose. And I say, it is a must! As your camera flash gets started to work, you would notice that wall was accented with patterns and figures similar to hieroglyphics. Personally, I think that those were only made for tourist attraction.

photo-op wall

    As you walk down the cave, a very quiet lake with very cold water would welcome you. Some dared to swim into it, but not me. For us, it was an extraordinary chance to have our pictures taken! :)

Way out

     Travel tip: Most souvenir items in Hinagdanan Cave are cheaper than those in other places.


FOURTH STOP: Shell Museum

     Yeah, may be it's not your kind of place. Museum. Boring. ZZzzzzZZzzzzz.
     Well, it doesn't look like one. Check this out.

Jaw!

     It was kinda late in the afternoon when we arrived at the Shell Museum. Unexpectedly, there was no power supply in the town.

Lots of stuff made from shells

    There was a huge collection of shells of all sizes, colors, kinds, texture, and origin. The shell collector was really accommodating and knowledgeable. He collected the shells himself from different oceans in the country.
     Among all the shells in the museum, one little surprise caught our attention when the guide led us into a smaller room. There, through the help of his flashlight, we saw the smallest shell in the world!

Smallest shell in the world!

LAST STOP: Bayoyo

     We were not so sure why this last stop was included in our itineraries. One thing for sure, it melted our hearts away.  I don't know, perhaps most of us felt like sorry for Bayoyo's situation. He hardly speaks. He couldn't communicate. He was like a baby. Literally, a baby. You would hear a little sound coming from his throat but you would understand any word.
     Some of us were familiar with Bayoyo, the dwarf. He was already featured in different shows like Jessica Soho and Rated K. His sister entertained our group and accommodated a few questions about Bayoyo.  
     Perhaps, tourists are asked to come by and see Bayoyo to see what we can do to help him and his family.