Showing posts with label farm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farm. Show all posts

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.

June 26, 2025

Father’s Day Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villas

Last year, we only watched a movie to celebrate Father’s Day; this year, we had two celebrations. First, we had Fishing at Caylabne Bay Resort with my in-laws, and for my family, we had a Staycation at Ybonita Farm and Villas.


Actually, when we were at the Palm Beach Resort, we already discussed this trip and the only question lang is, saan kami pupunta? So in our family group chat, we are just sending suggestions, and I suggested the Ybonita Farm and Villas. It just so happened na lumabas siya sa newsfeed ko, and I saw their Group Getaway Promo. And nagkasabay pa nga kami ng sister-in-law na nag-inquire about the promo. 

Group Getaway Promo for PHP36,999 

Overnight stay at Yvatan Villa 
Sandbar Tour (Balsa rental fee only) Balsa Entrance fee, Balsa Parking Fee not included 
Binalot Lunch for 10 pax (Boodle Bilao) 
Dinner Set Meal 
Bonfire and S'mores Kit 
Plated Filipino Breakfast (Special Homemade Longganisa, Danggit, Egg, Fried Rice, and Freshly brewed Kapeng Barako) 

Additional person is PHP2,800.

For our family outing, we usually book a resort or private pool, so I told them, parang okay na rin yung package since may Sandbar Tour and Bonfire. There is also a free animal feeding activity at the resort. We’ve been to different farms na rin, and I already blogged about them except the South Farm in Panglao, Bohol. I will share about it when I post our 4 Days in Bohol series. Ybonita Farm and Villa is the recent farm that we visited. 

South Farm Panglao Bohol 

We booked this promo for 11 people, and to confirm the booking, full payment is required within 24 hours. They also added an Ecology Fee of PHP30 per person. I sent my proof of payment and valid ID. When we visited Nawa Wellness Calatagan, sa kiosk kami nagbayad ng Ecoclogy Fee.

Three days before our trip, I sent them the guest list, our preferred schedule for activities, and the menu for lunch and dinner. 

Sand Bar Tour - 10AM 
Animal Feeding 4-5PM 
Dinner - 6-7PM 
Bonfire - 7:30 - 9PM 
Breakfast - 8AM 
Secret Garden Slot - 8-10AM 

Our first activity is Sand Bar Tour, so I told them that we would arrive between 10-11AM. The first group arrived before 10AM, and we arrived after 10AM. My mom told me na nakalagay na daw sa van nila yung lunch, so in my mind, wow, on time sila. 

Sandbar Tour 9-3PM

One staff member guided us to our Sand Bar Tour. We arrived at the Hava Resort. We paid PHP50 per person for the entrance fee + PHP100 parking fee per car. Upon arrival, we filled out the Balsa Manifest Form, and after several minutes, off we went to our Balsa. The balsa has a life vest for each person.

Sandbar Tour Rate:
PHP4,500 for 10 persons
PHP350 extra person



On our way to the sand bar, we had lunch na rin kasi 11AM na, and we were a little bit disappointed when we saw the food. We paid for 11 people, but they only prepared for 10 people. Sa amin pa lang kulang na yung rice, drinks and utensils, paano pa kami makapagshare ng food sa boatmen. Good thing na may dalawang pack yung Ensaladang Mangga, and I brought cake so may nashare kami na food sa kanila. Actually, the vegetable on my invoice is Pinakbet, so I was surprised when I saw Ensaladang Mangga. 

Boodle Lunch (PHP650 per person): Chicken Adobo or Grilled Liempo, Pinakbet, Grilled Fish, Rice, Dessert, Drinks



If ever you avail this package, make sure to bring your extra utensils, paper plates, or if you want na magkamay, yung disposable gloves. Wala din kasi serving spoon yung packed food nila. I was thankful that we had paper towels and wet wipes na dala. 


Moving on, after eating, we started swimming na. I had no idea na ito pala yung Little Boracay in Calatagan na popular online. It was funny because hanggang dito marami nagtitinda ng food, drinks and souvenirs. We only stayed for 2 hours and went back to the resort for check-in. 


Upon arrival, the staff directed us to our villa. They allowed us to check in 20 minutes before 2PM. I already submitted our guest list online and ID, pero pinasulat ulit sa logbook nung staff, and picture of my valid ID. 

Yvatan Villa 





Here is the Ybatan Villa, inspired by the houses in Batanes. We’ve been to Batanes na rin, so may similarities nga yung design. There is a water dispenser, a TV, a radio for communication, and wifi. The rate is PHP 21,505 for overnight. 

We checked the towels and toiletries, and kulang ulit, so we requested for towel and pinarefill namin yung empty shampoo and body wash. After that, I messaged them to inform them that we paid for 11 people and only received food for 10 people. We received an apology and were given two options, one is a refund, and the second choice is to add items na lang daw. 

I chose add items na lang pero I am not sure kung may na-add ba na extra pansit and smores kit since may pansit canton naman kami talaga sa menu and hindi ko rin alam kung ilang smores kit ba ang binibigay sa group getaway promo nila. Also, there is free wifi but it is not working and ilang beses na nila inayos pero magkakaroon saglit then mawawala ulit. So yung movie bonding na mga pamangkin ko, hindi na nangyari.

Animal Feeding 

Animal Feeding is at 4PM and is free of charge. 


Dinner Set Menu 

We always eat early dinner, so we expected na 6PM talaga yung dinner since may bonfire kami na 7:30PM, but we started eating na past 7PM. Our menu is Bulalo, Kaldereta, Crispy Pata, Buttered Shrimp, Pancit Canton, Rice, Soda, and Leche Flan. 


Slow yung service because the staff travel from the kitchen to our villa back and forth, hindi ito malapit ha. So sana may transport service yung staff para hindi sila hirap magpabalik-balik. 

Bonfire and Smores 

After dinner, we informed them about our bonfire, and the staff advised us na sabihan na lang daw kami kapag ready na. We started our bonfire at 8:30PM, so we have marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Quiet hours are from 10PM to 6AM, so we only have less than 2 hours to enjoy the experience. 2 Smores Kit yung nareceived namin.

PHP450 - Bonfire with Smores Kit (good for 3 pax) 




Breakfast 

Breakfast is 8AM, and we’re thankful that it was on time. We had longganisa, danggit, egg, fried rice with coffee or juice. 


Secret Garden Pool 

Yvatan Villa has no private pool, but we can visit the Secret Garden to try their dipping pool. Lulubog ka lang talaga. Hehehe!We only stayed until 10AM so we could check out early. 


Overall, we still enjoyed our Father’s Getaway at Ybonita Farm and Villa. Kahit kulang yung food and late nagstart yung dinner and activities kasi mabait naman ang mga staff and masarap ang food. Memorable yung Balsa and Bonfire experience. 

January 24, 2023

A Quick Visit to Old Grove Farmstead

I thought our Da Nang Vietnam Trip would be our last trip for the year 2022 because I know that I would be busy preparing for the holiday season but I spoke too soon. My grandmother-in-law was in Laguna for a vacation so my husband decided na ipasyal ang kanyang lola. After what happened to our family in the past, we knew that “Life is short” and “The memories we make with our family are everything.” so despite our busyness, we tried to squeeze a trip to the farm, 

“The memories we make with our family are everything.” Candace Cameron Bure 

I would normally suggest a Tagaytay trip kaso nakailang punta na kami doon and our last trip with my grandmother-in-law was Balay Dako so I need a new destination. For the past few years, I’ve been seeing Old Grove Farmstead online, and my brother and sister-in-law also visited this farm during the pandemic; the review is “Okay lang” so when we booked this place, we have no expectations at all. 


Old Grove Farmstead offers day trips and overnight trips. For day trippers, it is by reservation only and there is a limit on the number of guests per time slot so you can choose whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mga nakailang palit din kami ng schedule because fully booked na yung mga napili namin na time slot. Fortunately, my husband and my son were on vacation so we can change dates. 

My husband inquired and booked via Facebook messenger. A 50% downpayment (bank transfer) is needed to confirm the reservation and it is not refundable. They have different rates for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We visited during weekdays and here are the rates. 

Old Grove Farmstead Rates Weekdays 

Package 1: Farm Visit with Breakfast 
PHP750 - Adult 
PHP550 - Kid (3-7 yrs old) 

Package 2: Farm Visit with Lunch or Dinner 
PHP950 - Adult 
PHP700 - Kid (3-7 yrs old) 

Package 3: Farm Visit with Breakfast and Lunch 
PHP1470 - Adult 
PHP900 - Kid (3-7 yrs old) 

Package 4: Farm Visit with Lunch and Dinner 
PHP1,750 - Adult 
PHP1,000 - Kid (3-7 yrs old) 

Breakfast time slot: 6:30AM - 9:30AM 
Lunch time slot: 11AM - 3PM 
Dinner time slot: 5PM to 9PM 

*Bringing in food, or drink or having it delivered is strictly not allowed. Charges will apply accordingly. 

We chose the lunchtime slot which is 11AM to 3PM. We paid PHP950 per person and which includes a self-guided tour, entrance fee, and lunch set meal. 

Day Trip at Old Grove Farmstead 

Upon arrival, we received a parking coupon and we went to the front desk which is located at the windmill for check-in and signing of the waiver. After paying the remaining 50% balance, we got a coupon for our lunch set meal. While waiting for our time slot for food, we started exploring the farm.


We visited a few farms in the Philippines na rin like Fun Farm at Sta Elena and The Farm at San Benito. Old Grove Farmstead is known for its windmill and red barn and some people said, it is like a trip to the Netherlands. Well, I have never been to the Netherlands so I can’t compare. 


Old Grove Farmstead is not that big so even if you have a limited time slot, it is more than enough for you to explore and enjoy the place. If you like taking photos and posting on Instagram, then this place is for you. Have a photo of the windmill, red barn, mand-made lake, hanging bridge, and more. 



They have a mini zoo here and if you want to feed the ducks and sheep, you can buy food for PHP100. We bought sheep food but my son and I were scared to feed the sheep with our bare hands. Takot kami makagat o madilaan ang kamay. Hehehe! Buti na lang game sina grandmother-in-law and hubby. 


In less than an hour, we finished touring the place so we just stayed in the garden while waiting for lunchtime. There is a playground so if you have kids, may ibang pang activity. 



Meals are served at Harvest Cafe, the restaurant is not that big because it only has 4 tables but they have more tables outside. But we prefer indoors and I like the interiors of the cafe + Christmas decorations. 


For the set menu, they have a separate menu for adults and kids. The set menu includes appetizers, soup or salad, dessert, iced tea, and your choice of the main dish. The menu varies but during our visit, we had Crispy Kangkong, Egg Soup, and Graham Dessert. We are a group of 4 people and we ordered the following. 

Prawn Thermidor - served with mashed potato and buttered crudites vegetable 
Rib Eye Steak - served with mashed potato and buttered crudites vegetables with mushroom sauce. 
T-Bone Steak - served with mashed potato and buttered crudites vegetables with gravy 
Batangas Classic Bulalo - local beef shank soup in clear broth, vegetables, potato, and sweet corn served with steamed white rice. 






The appetizer and soup were served in a few minutes but for the main dishes, we waited for more or less 25 minutes so if you are hungry, it is better to be early. The presentation of the food looks good but the taste is just okay. I tried the three dishes except for the bulalo and according to my husband, yun pa naman daw ang may lasa. Waah! Overall, we still enjoyed our quick trip to the farm even though we immediately went home after eating lunch. 



The Old Grove Farmstead 
Purok 5, U. Mojares Street Barangay Lodlod, 
Lipa City,4217 Batangas 
Call for Reservations: +639178952829 
E-mail: inquiries@theoldgrovefarmstead.ph
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