Showing posts with label Panglao. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panglao. Show all posts

July 27, 2026

Day 4: Last Day in Bohol - Tagbilaran to Manila

A Slow and Relaxing Final Morning in Bohol
 
Our last day in Bohol had finally arrived. Since our flight back to Manila wasn't until the evening, we still had enough time to explore. We considered visiting a few more places, but in the end, we chose to slow down and simply enjoy everything the resort had to offer. Looking back, it was the perfect way to end our trip.


 
The morning greeted us with cloudy skies, but the weather didn't stop us from making the most of our last day. We had an early breakfast because our complimentary Glass Bottom Boat Ride at The Bellevue Resort started at 8:00 AM.



 
Complimentary Glass Bottom Boat Ride at The Bellevue Resort
 
Although we arrived on time, we had to wait for our turn since we were the second group in line. The boat ride lasted around 20 minutes and gave us a glimpse of Bohol's colorful coral reefs and marine life without having to get into the water. It's a great activity for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the sea but isn't comfortable snorkeling.





After the boat ride, we spent the rest of the morning enjoying the beach and the pool. Since check-out wasn't until 12:00 noon, there was no need to rush. We simply soaked in the peaceful surroundings, appreciating every last moment of our stay.


A Surprise Birthday Celebration at The Bellevue Resort
 
After checking out, we left our luggage at the concierge and decided to have lunch at the resort. With plenty of time before our flight, we enjoyed a leisurely meal and even ordered dessert.


I had brought my husband's birthday cake topper with me, planning to use it for our dessert. Little did I know that the staff had noticed it. A few minutes later, they surprised us with a complimentary birthday cake, complete with a lively birthday song, tambourines, and even a dance performance. Around seven staff members joined the celebration, turning an ordinary lunch into one of the most memorable moments of our trip. It was thoughtful, heartfelt, and something we'll never forget.
 
Flying Home from Bohol
 
After lunch, we relaxed in the lobby while waiting for our airport transfer. We left the resort at around 5:30 PM and headed to the airport, where we bought a few last-minute pasalubong before making our way to the boarding gate.



Our flight was delayed, so we didn't arrive home until after midnight. It had been a long day, but it was the kind of journey that leaves you happily exhausted.
 
A Meaningful Return After 17 Years
 
Returning to Bohol after 17 years reminded me that travel isn't just about revisiting places; it's about experiencing them with the people who matter most. My first trip here marked the beginning of a chapter with my husband. This time, we returned with our son and family, creating new memories together.
 
The island has changed over the years, but its beauty remains timeless. As we flew home, we weren't just bringing back souvenirs; we were carrying home stories, laughter, and memories that made returning to Bohol even more meaningful.
 
Read: 4 Days in Bohol
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July 24, 2026

Day 3: Panglao Land Tour, South Farm & Abatan Firefly Tour

Almost two decades ago, planning a trip wasn't as easy as it is today. Travel information was limited, so most of the time I would simply book a flight and hotel, make a list of places I wanted to visit, and figure everything out once I arrived.
 
During our first trip to Bohol, we only had three days to explore the province. Because of our flight schedule, we only had one full day for sightseeing, so we squeezed both the Bohol Countryside Tour and a Day trip to Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa into a single day.
 
When we returned to Bohol two years ago, I made sure we had more time to explore at a relaxed pace. I already shared our Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour + Mirror of the World, and now it's time to share our Day 3 itinerary featuring the Panglao Land Tour, South Farm, and Abatan Firefly Tour.
 
I booked this tour through a local travel agency because the Abatan Firefly Tour wasn't available on Klook at that time. As of this writing, you can now conveniently book it online.
 
Firefly Watching with South Farm Tour
Bohol Countryside Tour with Firefly Watching
 
Panglao + Abatan Firefly Tour
 
Panglao + Abatan Firefly Tour: PHP1,700/person
South Farm: PHP198/person
 
Total for 5 people: PHP9,490
 
Panglao Church and Watchtower
Hinagdanan Cave
Dauis Church
Abatan River Firefly Tour
Dinner stop at The Buzz Café Abatan (meal at guests' expense)
South Farm
 
We were a group of five and paid PHP1,700 per person for the tour, plus PHP198 per person for the South Farm. I added South Farm to our itinerary.
 
I was expecting the same tour driver from our previous day tour, so I was surprised when the travel agency assigned us a different driver. Our hotel pick-up was scheduled for 2:30 PM, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy The Bellevue Resort before heading out.
 
Morning at The Bellevue Resort
 
We had an early breakfast, spent some time swimming, and enjoyed lunch before our afternoon tour. We skipped the resort's complimentary activity that day since it was mostly designed for kids.
 
Breakfast at The Bellevue Resort
 
The breakfast venue has been moved to the al fresco area where the Luau Night Buffet is held. The buffet selection was different from our previous visit and had fewer dishes, probably because it was a weekday and there were fewer guests.




Swimming at the Resort
 
We spent the rest of the morning relaxing by the pool and enjoying the beach before our afternoon tour. We availed of the complimentary use of a kayak.



 
Lunch at The Bellevue Resort

I will share our food trip in a separate post.  


 
Panglao Land Tour + South Farm + Abatan Firefly Tour
 
Our tour officially started at 2:30 PM. It was quite hot in the afternoon, but we were excited to explore Panglao.
 
Panglao Church and Watchtower
 
Our first stop was Panglao Church, also known as St. Augustine Parish Church. Built during the Spanish colonial period, the church is one of Panglao's oldest landmarks and is known for its beautiful coral stone architecture and peaceful atmosphere.


Beside the church stands the historic Panglao Watchtower, one of the tallest watchtowers in Bohol. It was once used to guard the island against pirate attacks and now serves as a reminder of the province's rich history.
 
South Farm
 
Our next stop was South Farm, an eco-tourism destination that offers a relaxing countryside experience. The farm features gardens, farm animals, horseback riding, and interactive activities that are perfect for families with children.
 
The entrance fee includes a PHP50 consumable voucher, which we used to buy drinks after exploring the farm. Guests can also enjoy free animal feeding and complimentary horseback riding.
 
If you're looking for a quiet place away from the busy beaches of Panglao, South Farm is a nice addition to your itinerary.




 
Hinagdanan Cave
 
Next, we visited Hinagdanan Cave, one of Bohol's most popular natural attractions.

This limestone cave features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a naturally lit underground lagoon with clear but greenish water. Compared to the cave we visited at Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa during our previous trip, Hinagdanan Cave is much larger.
 
Visitors can swim in the cave's pool for an additional fee, but we decided to simply admire the scenery and take photos.


Dauis Church
 
Our last stop before heading to the firefly tour was Dauis Church, officially known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.
 
This centuries-old church is famous for its beautiful ceiling murals, historic architecture, and miraculous well located inside the church grounds. Many devotees believe the well has healing properties, making it a popular pilgrimage site in Bohol.
 
Even if you're not religious, the church is worth visiting for its peaceful ambiance and historical significance.


 
Abatan River Firefly Tour
 
We finished the land tour earlier than expected, so we arrived at The Buzz Café Abatan with more than an hour to spare before the firefly tour began.
 
The boat tour starts at 6:30 PM, since the fireflies are best seen after sunset.

The tour takes visitors along the Abatan River, with three designated stops where fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees. Seeing the trees sparkle naturally in complete darkness was a unique experience and one of the highlights of our Bohol trip.
 
Photography is quite challenging because flashlights and camera flashes are strictly prohibited to avoid disturbing the fireflies. Sometimes, it's better to simply put your camera down and enjoy the moment.
The boat ride lasted less than an hour, and since it was already late, we skipped dinner at The Buzz Café and headed back to The Bellevue Resort.




When we returned to our room after 8 PM, another surprise awaited us: a complimentary serving of Biko as our midnight snack. We didn't receive one on our second night, so I suspect it may have been delivered to our previous room after we transferred.

 
Tour Reminders:
 
Hotel Pick-up: 2:30 PM
Tour Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours
Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Bring extra clothes and a towel if you plan to swim at Hinagdanan Cave (swimming fee: PHP75/person).
Apply insect repellent before the firefly tour.
Since photography is limited during the firefly watching experience, simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the magical sight of thousands of glowing fireflies.
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July 20, 2026

Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour + Mirror of the World: Revisiting a Timeless Destination After 17 Years

 "Some places change over the years, while others simply remind you why you fell in love with them in the first place."
 
Seventeen years ago, my husband and I visited Bohol for the first time. It was one of those trips that stayed with us because of the island's natural beauty, rich history, and laid-back charm. Back then, we rented a car for only PHP 2,000 and explored the countryside at our own pace.
 
Fast forward 17 years, and we returned to Bohol, this time with our son and two senior citizens. Revisiting the island while creating new memories with family made the trip even more special. Since we'd already taken the classic countryside tour, we decided to add Mirror of the World, a newer attraction that wasn't around during our first visit.

Initially, I wanted to book our tour through Klook, but when I was planning this trip a couple of years ago, Klook had only limited options for the Bohol Countryside Tour, so I ended up booking through a local travel agency. It worked out well for our family, especially since we were traveling with two senior citizens and wanted the flexibility of a private tour.

As of this writing, Klook now offers several Bohol tour packages, giving travelers more choices depending on their budget and preferred itinerary. Some of the available options include:

If you're planning your trip, it's worth comparing these packages with offers from local travel agencies to find the one that best suits your travel style, group size, and itinerary.

For our group of five, we paid PHP 2,290 per person, which included:
 
Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
Tourist driver
Entrance fees
Buffet lunch at the Loboc River Floating Restaurant
Pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Tagbilaran City or Panglao Island
 
Since Mirror of the World isn't part of the standard countryside tour, we paid an additional PHP 1,000 for the van plus PHP 170 per person for the daytime entrance fee (or PHP 190 for the night tour).
 
Total: PHP13,300
 
Starting Our Day
 
Since we booked the morning tour, we made sure to have an early breakfast at The Bellevue Resort before heading out.


 
Our assigned tourist driver picked us up at exactly 8:30 AM from the resort. The day before the tour, the travel agency had already sent us the driver's details, making everything organized and hassle-free.

 
The entire countryside tour lasted for around eight hours, allowing us to visit all the attractions at a comfortable pace.
 
Our Bohol Countryside Tour Itinerary
 
1. Tarsier Sanctuary


 
Our first stop was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.
 
This was actually one of the biggest differences I noticed compared to our first visit 17 years ago. Back then, we visited what felt like a private garden where visitors simply gave a donation to see the tarsiers.
 
Today, the sanctuary is much more organized. It has designated walking paths, educational displays, and even museum-like exhibits where visitors can learn more about the Philippine tarsier before seeing them in their natural habitat.
 
These tiny primates remain one of Bohol's most iconic attractions. Visitors are reminded to keep their voices low, avoid using flash photography, and never touch the tarsiers since they are extremely sensitive to stress.
 
2. Chocolate Hills




Next, we headed to the iconic Chocolate Hills.
 
After 17 years, I was surprised by how much the area has improved. There are now more facilities and several dedicated photo spots for visitors.
 
While I appreciate all the improvements, I still have a soft spot for our first visit. Back then, there were fewer barriers, and we were even able to take those classic "flying broomstick" and jump shots with the Chocolate Hills stretching behind us. Those photos remain some of my favorite travel memories.
 
Since we visited during the summer, there were significantly more tourists, which meant longer lines at the different photo spots. If you're planning to visit during peak season, expect to wait a bit if you want to take photos at the most popular viewpoints.
 
3. Bilar Man-Made Forest
 
From Chocolate Hills, we passed through the famous Bilar Man-Made Forest.


Even after all these years, driving beneath the towering mahogany trees still feels magical. The cool shade provides a refreshing break from the tropical heat, making it one of the most scenic stretches of the countryside tour.
 
Although it's usually just a quick stop, it's definitely worth taking a few photos.
 
4. Loboc River Cruise with Buffet Lunch
 
By lunchtime, we arrived at the Loboc River Cruise.
 
This remains one of my favorite parts of the countryside tour because you get to enjoy a relaxing river cruise while having a buffet lunch featuring Filipino dishes.



One thing I noticed that's new is the onboard photography service. Staff members take souvenir photos of guests during the cruise, and after the trip, you can choose to purchase digital copies, printed photos, or both if you'd like a keepsake of your experience.
 
As always, the live music, cultural performances, and peaceful scenery along the Loboc River made the experience enjoyable.
 
5. Mirror of the World
 
Since this was a revisit, we wanted to include something we hadn't experienced before, Mirror of the World.
 
This attraction features miniature replicas of famous landmarks from different countries, making it a fun place to explore and take photos.



 
Because we visited in the afternoon, it was quite hot. If you're planning to include Mirror of the World in your itinerary, you may want to bring an umbrella, wear comfortable clothing, and stay hydrated. Visiting later in the afternoon or during the night tour might also be more comfortable.
 
Despite the heat, it was a nice addition to our itinerary and gave us something new to experience after revisiting Bohol's classic attractions.
 
6. Baclayon Church



Our next stop was the historic Baclayon Church.
 
One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, it continues to impress with its centuries-old architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Having survived earthquakes and undergone restoration, it remains an important historical and religious landmark in Bohol.
 
7. Blood Compact Shrine


Our final tourist stop was the Blood Compact Shrine.
 
The monument commemorates the historic Sandugo or blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, symbolizing friendship between the Filipinos and Spaniards.
 
It's a quick stop, but it's a nice way to end the countryside tour while appreciating a significant chapter in Philippine history.
 
Back to The Bellevue Resort
 
After around eight hours of sightseeing, our driver brought us back to The Bellevue Resort.
 
After spending the entire day exploring Bohol, we took some time to rest before ending the day with a relaxing night swim at the resort. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.



 
Final Thoughts
 
Revisiting Bohol after 17 years reminded me that while destinations naturally evolve, the memories they create remain timeless.
 
The Chocolate Hills now have better facilities, the Tarsier Sanctuary has become more educational and organized, and attractions like Mirror of the World give returning visitors something new to experience.
 
Whether it's your first trip or your second (or even third!), The Bohol Countryside Tour continues to be one of the best ways to experience the island's history, culture, wildlife, and natural beauty in a single day. Traveling with our son and two senior citizens also proved that it's a family-friendly itinerary that's enjoyable for travelers of all ages.
 
Travel Tips for the Bohol Countryside Tour
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind before your countryside tour:
 
Dress comfortably. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, especially if you're visiting during the summer months. Some attractions require a bit of walking, and it can get quite hot in the afternoon.
 
Bring extra clothes if you're doing the ATV adventure. If you plan to add an ATV ride at Chocolate Hills, expect to get dusty or muddy depending on the weather. A change of clothes and washable footwear will come in handy.
 
Dress appropriately for church visits. Since the itinerary includes historic churches like Baclayon Church, it's a good idea to wear modest clothing. If you're wearing shorts, a short skirt, or a sleeveless top, bring a shawl or light cover-up out of respect for the church's dress guidelines.
 
Baclayon Church is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour falls on a Tuesday, most tour operators substitute another historic stone church instead. You can still stop by Baclayon Church to admire its exterior and take photos of the grounds.
 
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. We visited Mirror of the World in the afternoon, and it was quite hot. Bringing a reusable water bottle, umbrella or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen will make your tour much more comfortable.
 
Expect a full day of sightseeing. Our countryside tour lasted around eight hours, so it's best to have a hearty breakfast before your 8:30 AM pickup and keep some light snacks on hand, especially if you're traveling with children or senior citizens.

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