Bohol

Beyond Chocolate Hills, there are lots of places to Role in Bohol. 

1. Take Selfies with Tarsier- One of the most adorable and smallest primate in the world yet considered to be nocturnal feeding itself with insects. An animal having big wide eyes that seems to eat u out if u disturb their sleep. Only in Bohol that u see them closer since its kind is already in extinction. 

2. Leap at Chocolate Hills- This is the top tourist spot in Bohol. Atleast 1268 and more "chocolate kisses" scattered on 50 sq km land area. These coned or domed shaped hills are actually made of grass covered limestone. They turned green on rainy season and brown in summer. 

3. Alfresco Lunch in the River- After a half day of touring, indulge yourself on a sumptous buffet lunch on one of the floating restaurant in Loboc River. Feed your stomach with their local cuisine, Feed your eyes with the rivers surrounding and they will feed your soul with harmony as they serenaded u during your stay. 

4. Swing Your Hearts Out- A bamboo bridge was made thats hangs  25meters high above river. Feel the thrill as u walk and swing, its not everyday that u encounter a bridge and a swing at the same time. 

5. The Church is Ruined but Our Faith is Not- The oldest churchin the country, Baclayon Church os now a ruins after an earthquake hit Vizayan Region in 2013. Structures of the old church was made of corals and is quite impossible to rebuilt again using the original materials. But as they say with the faith we have, Baclayon Church will rise again in God's perfect time. 

6. Enchanting Man Made Forest- On your way to Chvocolate Hills, this forest in Bilar will welcome u first. Trees uniform in height bending on each other, enchanting bird sounds, coolness that hugs u tight, and fresh air coming from these mahogany trees are great. Isnt it good to help Mother Nature. 

7. Get Tanned in Alona- One of the white sand beaches in the Philippines are found in Panglao, the Alona Beach, named after a local actress Alona Alegre. The wide beach area amd shoreline is consisting of beach resorts but is quite cheaper comparing to Boracay. Blue sky, aquamarined waters, ocean horizon are very much inviting for u not to dwell in its beauty. The beah is also alive at night time. Party goers dances with fire dancers, live bands warms the cool sea breeze area. The restaurats in the area alos offers wide range of seafood to choose from. Forget your diet, your on a vacation. 

8. Be Thrilled with the Dolphins- Take an early boat at Alona Beach and go see dozens of dolphins swimming gracefully in the water. These cute mammals will jump out of the water for your eyes' delight. 

9. Amazing Balicasag Island- A Sea-Heaven. A perfect creation of its Creator. A long stretched marine sanctuary and believe me I have never seen a wall under the sea but there is, separating the sanctuary from the deep blue sea. Corals, corals and more corals. Thousands of them that u never thought existed: heart-shaped, table corals, cabbages and brainy ones.  School of fishes of different species and colors, I never thought that rainbow would be under the sea as well. Addition to this is the collection of giants clams been taken care of of the Balicasag Divers. A must see haven. 

10. Be mesmerized with Virgin Island- A tropical oasis in the middle of the sea with white powdery sand bar which is only exposed during low tide. Its shallow water can take your stress out. 

As they say, Let us Rock and Roll in Bohol. 

Taal Volcano Crater via Calauit/Secret Trail

A volcano within a volcano, an island within an island. Confusing! That is the Taal Volcano situated in the middle part of Taal Lake which was formerly the mother volcano. One of the active volcano in the country located in Batangas. It is also known as the smallest and lowest volcano in the world standing 1020 feet above sea level only. 

There are 3trails to hike the volcano but only one leads to the crater lake and that is the Calauit Secret Trail located at the southern part of the island, reachable via boat ride for 40 minutes. Passing the panoramic view of Taal Lake on the right and dominated by Mt. Maculot on the left. 

A small village is the jump off point. One should register for the groups name. Horses are also available but its quite pricy since the trail is twice far from the normal trail. For hikers, the climb is longer, steeper, dustier and slippery. That is why balancing on the horse is quite hard too. 

First half would be with the scorching heat of the sun. Since the trail area is wide open with few grasses and cassave plants only until u reach the view deck. A stunning 360 degree view of the inner crater seeing the "caldera" of the volcano with its Vulcan Point Island in the middle. 

From the view deck, the next hike would be cooler though much slippery due to the dust and rock mix up. Tall trees sorrounds the hiking trails til u reach the summit point. The Inner Crater. 

Dont expect a steaming and boiling water lake yet. Instead a green and warm lake would invite u for a quick dip which is hard to resist. The inner lake is surrounded by vulcanic rocks of different colors, from black to gray, orange to yellow to red. 

The real volcanic action is found few meters away from the lake. An area where a strong scent of sulfur is present, where one can see a steaming hot sulfuric fumes and boiling water that can actually cook an egg and light thunder sounds would be heard. Whoaaah..signs of volcano's activeness. 

Trekking the Calauit Secret Trail is a new adventure for people seeking something fun, exciting and new. 

Oslob

Oslob has gained popularity in tourism since 2011 and  booms yearly. Thanks to these World's Largest  fish known as Whale Sharks. They are named Tuki or Butanding by the locals. These gentle giants may grow from 20feet and up. It has gained interest for travel enthusiasts who wanted adventures and excitements. 

Seeing these big whales graciously with mouth opened as big as 5 meters will give chills to your bones thinking what if its mouth swallowed u whole. But dont worry, Butandings are very harmless sea creatures feeding from  plankton and small fishes in your fascination. Swimming, snorkeling and observing them under water is with a direct supervision from the local tourism officer. 

Barangay Tan-Awan  is 10km away south from the port area where sighting of Butandings are open. Upon arrival, u will be ask to register and be given short briefings on what to do and not to do upon your encounter with the giants. Small canopy will bring you to the crystal clear water where glimpse of these friendly mammals are visible. The area for watching them is 20 to 30 meters away from the shoreline. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are provided to keep up close to the creatures. But be sure to follow the allowable 5meters distance. For it will be harmful for them to be touch and for your safety as well. Remember its massive weight and the fury of its tails.

For those who are afraid to swim, you can hang on your boats bamboo floater.  A safe position that allows u to see and get close to the whalesharks without worries in swimming.

Dont just imagine the whalesharks. Be there! Experience the surreal feeling. And later on be proud that u have swam with one of the most fascinating creatures in the Philippines.