Trip Ko Lang

Tierra Azul Beach Resort

We were tourists on a budget and so finding a decent place that is within our budget is our main concern.  Tried to look online for resorts in Panglao Island and only Tierra Azul is the cheapest resort we saw.  At first they offered us the standard room for 2 at 1,500php with breakfast, additional person is charged 300php.  We planned to get 2 standard rooms for the 5 of us but then they gave it to a group who had deposited earlier and offered us the dormitory room for 8 at 2,000php per night with free breakfast.

Tierra Azul breakfast area

We arrived in Tierra Azul around 6pm or 7pm after our whole day tour in Tagbilaran, Bohol.  Here’s a quick review on the good and bad points about Tierra Azul which we experienced during our stay.

Good points

-          Friendly staff

-          Free breakfast, food is good.

-          Room, bed sheets, pillows are clean.

-          Free use of towel, soap, and tissue.

-          It is true that they are 20 steps away from the beach.

-          Situated in part of Panglao Island where there is night life.

Outside Tierra Azul

Bad points

-          Water interruption.  We experienced this twice – (1) when we arrived, we had to take a shower but unfortunately no water would come out of it and so we had to ask for a bucket and dipper. (2) Morning on our last day, no single drop of water would come out of the faucet; we were not able to take a bath before heading to the airport.

-          Problem with door lock, broken window, and no proper lights outside and within the vicinity.

-          Narrow hallway on the 2^nd floor.

-          Aircon not in good condition.

-          Room locks and surroundings do not look that safe.

I would advise you to stay in Tierra Azul if you are on a budget trip and you just need a decent room for sleeping and a place to put your stuffs.  But if you are on a serious vacation and you want a relaxing beach experience better find another resort that is a bit expensive and with better accommodation.

Tierra Azul beach front

TIERRA AZUL BEACH HOUSE
Alona, Danao, Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Tel # +63385029065
Telefax # +63385000694
Mobile # +639128952165 / 09085401784

Welcome to Buko King Hanging Bridge

Can you see the welcome sign? Haha. I believe this hanging bridge is owned by Mr. Buko King himself. But unfortunately, we were not able to meet him in person, maybe next time. Anyway, we paid an entrance fee of 10php per head before we can cross this hanging bridge that later made me think if 10php was worth to risk my life… just kidding.

The hanging bridge was a long walk for me because it was not easy to walk in those bamboos; it was shaky and still made me feel shaking even if I had already stepped on real cement floor. Though I also enjoyed it because it was another new experience for me; a scenario that made me faced fear and a memorable happy/scared moment with my friends while crossing the bridge. Here’s a picture of it and I’m proud of this shot cause it was not easy to take a shot of this hanging bridge while you’re on it, good thing my hands did not went along my body shakes. Hehe.

Hanging Bridge

On the other end of this bridge, souvenir shops were situated. There were just few stalls but with lots of products and interesting stuffs for your pasalubongs (stuffs to bring home for our loved ones). We were able to buy some Bohol shirts, key chains, wooden bracelets and other Tarsier stuffs.

On our way back, we had to cross the bridge again while carrying our pasalubongs… added challenge for us. Haha.

Souvenir shops

Buying pasalubongs

Man-Made Forest

It was just a week ago, Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced a dreadful typhoon which almost submerged the whole city.  Typhoon Ondoy left the country with numerous devastated houses, dead people and traumatized survivors.

I know I’m having this entry for Bohol’s Man-Made Forest but I feel it is timely to relate it with the recent mishap which gave me valuable insights on nature and people.  I must say that I greatly admire the people in Bohol who have helped in planting these trees and their goals in participating in this kind of activity.  Tree planting is one way to take care and sustain nature for longer years which we all know would benefit us in many ways.  I can’t help but wonder if ever we had a similar man-made forest here in Manila, could it somehow alleviate our troubles and spare us from disasters?

Man-Made Forest 2

Now, I’m more aware of what can happen if we neglect and abuse our nature, in my own little ways, I want to make a difference, contribute in caring for the environment and hoping my simple blog make you aware that it is not too late to act on it. 

Man-Made Forest 3

Bohol Man-Made Forest can be reached on the way to Chocolate Hills, our van just stopped on the side for awhile so we can get some shots on the amazing Man-Made Forest, a fruitful labour of the Boholanos.

Man-Made Forest 4

Simply Butterflies Conservation Center

Early this year, I had a chance to visit a butterfly sanctuary in the own home of Prof. Jumalon, a notable butterfly enthusiast in Cebu. Simply Butterflies Conservation Center is the extended sanctuary of it in Bohol.  The place can be considered as more established tourist spot because of its well maintained place and facilities compared with  Jumalon butterfly sanctuary which is just a simple home of the Jumalons converted to a museum-like but with very informative tour guides.

We arrived late afternoon and this was our 3rd to the last stop for our day tour. Entrance fee is 20php per person.

As you can see in the first image above, this is the lobby where they had a mini souvenir shop and snack bar. And will definitely remember their yummy home-made ice candies we bought for only 20php; I had the buko pandan flavor, it was just like a delicious salad, frozen and in plastic. We had a tour guide the “Kuya” in flowery polo who briefed us with quick facts on the butterflies we saw and other displays in the area.

I’ll be honest, I did not really joined the group tour and did not listen that much to our “Kuya” tour guide because I was so impatient and eager to move around to take pictures of butterflies and the place. And thought that I already learned much about butterflies in my visit in Cebu from Ms. Jumalon’s very, very detailed and educational tour.

Though, I was struck by these mating butterflies, it was my first time to see something like this and we were also lucky that these butterflies were in real action. Haha.  According to “Kuya” tour guide, mating of butterflies can last for 24 hours or more and I have a proof that no one can disturb them because they were still intact even if they were placed on my arm or anywhere you want to put them. Interesting, ah?

Mating Butterflies

Yes, you can put the butterflies anywhere you want, just like this photo. Butterflies all over me… ;P 2 on my head and 2 on my arms, nice, ah! It was fun, their feet were a bit tickling but manageable for a quick photo shoot. Also, I remembered a fact from Ms. Jumalon that butterflies will come and stay on you if they smell something pleasant but I guess this scenario is contradicting because I can assure you that I was 99% fragrant-less.

Our butterfly invasion was worthwhile. We had lots of fun in taking pictures and mingling with Bohol butterflies.

Butterflies overload

Butterflies in Action

Butterflies in Bohol

Stairway to the Top

After our relaxing break by the Loboc River, day trip continued and next stop was Bohol Chocolate Hills. It was a long drive compared to the stops we had in the morning and so we had some time to snooze.  Finally, we arrived after almost an hour drive, there was a gate and a road going up where we passed through and paid the entrance fee of 10php each.

Kuya Roy (tour driver) just dropped us because he had to park somewhere else and we would just ask the management to call him once we were done.  To reach the top and get a sight of the Chocolate Hills, we went up a flight of stairs with mini steps that made it a bit hard to go up and tiring. (See above photo)

Once you reached the top, this is the breath-taking view of the Chocolate Hills. (See below photos) There were a lot of tourists at that time so we had a hard time taking our pictures without anyone on the background. Hehe.  Also, there was a booth which handled all souvenir pictures; you can have a shot flying on top of the hills, touching a hill with your finger or whatever funny pose you like to do.  Their prices were reasonable and you can even have it printed on shirts. 

Nothing much to do in this spot but 3S, sight, shot and savour the wonderful Bohol Chocolate Hills.

Chocolate Hills

Chocolate Hills 2