MiStIQUIJOR

Hu-waw Philippines!

No! That queasy feeling is not because of the one-hour ferry boat ride to the island. And let's just say you are not drunk either. It's simply that one of a kind feeling - of goosebumps, butterflies in the stomach and that tingling sensation you get when you are trying to hold your crap and then a cold draft passes by, - all rolled into one.

Yes now, thhhat feeling.

It's YOURS to explore

Upon arrival on Siquijor, one notices that the place is not a usual tourist destination. Although there might be no transportation junction in this country void from Madam Gloria's Wow Philippines campaign banners, blinding commercial advertisements seen in famous destinations cease to exist. Instead, rust and chipped paint color the the pier and the sound of distant silence lurks. Siquijor gives me that one of a kind feeling where, time stops, spirits roam and Animism becomes a forced religion as earth's manna will come knocking down your door.

Nothing. Nil. Zip. Shall I say more?

Thanks to the logic behind economics, prices at Coral Cay Resort are very much reasonable. For 800Php you get a fan room, queen-sized bed (the real size definition and not those malnourished bed size claims often said by provincial over-night 2star hotels), dark wooden interiors, pure and clean whites from tiles to beddings. Instead of dragging your lazy ass 50m further, you can opt to take a dip at the resort's pool or if you feel like taking an exercise, why not borrow their kayak free of charge!. Then paddle to Coral Cay's floating dock where you get to have the best view of the island on one side and the ocean horizon alongside with Apo Is. on the other.

*There are barely any resorts along the strip.


Apo island on the distance

The mighty Green Flash from Coral Cay Resort will be waiting for you at the pier ready for transfers.

Jonas

Besides the friendliest staff, there are additional shiny-happy-people residents from the resort.

Bingo and Mr. Crabs



Cantabon cave

Silence and tranquility may be a killer for some. R&R is very much available in Siquijor as recreation can be done via spelunking in Cantabon cave and taking a dip at the pastel blue waters of Cambugahay falls.

*Cambugahay Falls

I have been to almost every region in the country. From North all the way down South. Siquijor is by far the best island I have been to and comes second to none.

It's the type of place where time standing still meant that when the sun hit half-way down the horizon, dinner was to be served in an hour's time. The sun is about to rise when engine warm-up of tricycles and jeepneys start to buzz. Its quarter to seven when you see the young lady walking down the dust road with her basket of fresh vegetables bought from the market and 3pm strikes when the old man wakes from his afternoon siesta and sits by his rocking chair sipping his coffee. The island had its own biological clock and calendar. Monday meant seeing hugs and well-wishes at the pier as individuals head off to the city as they start the work week once more. Escalating Witching Festivities of enchantment signaled Black Saturday. Siquijor is a living being. It's alive.

*photo by Michael Sieberath - Von bremen
** triptayo Siquijor was done in Jan. 2005
***also posted in TripTayo

BOHOLidays

Hu-waw Philippines!

Alona beach*

Located in Panglao island, Bohol, Alona beach is its main strip of white sand. Alona Kew provides one of the budget friendly places to stay.

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The loboc river cruise is a complete feast for the senses. As the stream tugs you down the river, let's hope you're not color blind since different shades of green paint the facade. From the river to the coconut trees to the passing boat man's banana-leaf hat, there is no need for that so-called 'certain shade of green'. The tropical weather takes part in setting the mood. After mother nature sprinkles the river with scattered five-minute rain showers, sunshine comes into play as it seeps through the coconut tree canopy and the scent of wet-earth tingles the nose. The water twinkles like stars. Birds whisper songs, voiding the need for mp3 players. Although there is beer served on the boat, let yourself feel the natural enchantment reek from your pores thus completing the fiesta on all five senses.

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Although it may be part of the tourist itinerary, it is possible to hire your own boat for around 4,000-6,000Php and it even comes with a lunch buffet meal. In addition, in exchange for additional cash, there are other platform-boats that include a group of serenaders. Always remember that the bigger the group, the cheaper the rates fly.

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rockstar Wanda


Tarsier

The postcard shot of the chocolate hills is just the tip of the iceberg

On the road leading to the tourist-shot spot, already, a smorgasboard of chocolate sizes and shapes. All the way to the horizon, until where your eyes can see. So why waste time and try to get your I'm-so-vain-solo-picture in the same viewing deck as everyone else, when you can just head down the road and see the other less popular hill spots. Just ring that bell, head down the steps and spread out; there is plenty for everyone.

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The tour around Bohol can be done in one single day. It's now up to you how long you want to stare at the acid-laced sunsets along the beach strips of Panglao island.

*photo by Michael Sieberath - Von bremen
**photo by Annie Lastrilla
***posted in triptayo

Balicasag Island

Hu-waw Philippines!

Balicasag island

Another one amongst the thousands of diver's-paradise islands. Balicasag island is about an hour away from Panglao island in Bohol.

The island has just one operating resort.

Now chose your vice.

If you conveniently find yourself drunk by noon, it would be nice to rest and take a walk around the island. After a leisurely 20-minute stroll and 3 spliffs later. . .

you hear nothing but the sea breeze lulling you to the nearest beach cot

or you can always decide to take a dip

power up on a four-legged blue star

and then you will find Nemo

*posted in triptayo