The SULU Archipelago!

My first travel to Tawi-Tawi was via ship from Zamboanga City Port and I haven't felt any excitement because it was my first to go to the province. My perceptions were very different until I started to talk to strangers inside the ship. Their comments was really different on what I heard in the news and print medias. The travel lasted for 16 hours and half of it was spent in sleeping. We passed by the SULU ARCHIPELAGO upon reaching the province of Tawi-Tawi. Seair flights during that time was stopped due to some aircraft standards that until now they haven't resumed their operations to Tawi-Tawi. That is the reason why I took the ship instead. 

I was happy to know that there where already available flights to Tawi-Tawi by AirPhilExpress the second time I visited the place (at present,CebuPacificAir has already flights to Tawi-Tawi). I'm also glad to know that flights are in the morning because I know that Islands within the Sulu Archipelago are magnificent. Upon take-off my camera was already prepared and ready to capture beautiful aerial sites. Below are pictures I took during my Zamboanga - Tawi-Tawi flight. Enjoy! 

These Islands are great and very comparable to some beautiful known beaches in the Philippines. If and only if this part of the country is very safe for tourists and locals, surely people will flock and build communities here. 

Pangangan Island CALAPE, BOHOL

It was stormy season in Metro Manila when I and my officemate decided to go to Pangangan Island Calape, Bohol for field work. It was a risk that we will ride a boat around the Island during high season of monsoon. 

It was a bit cloudy with slight rain around Metro Manila during our departure from NAIA Terminal Three. I was wishing and hopeful that the weather in Bohol is not the same as in Metro Manila.   

Bohol is a Province and an Island that has so much to offer. It has a lot of activities and perfect for unwinding. It has nice beaches, dive spots, extreme sports, nice views and etc. It has also an easy access from Manila, Cebu and Davao. 

There's a new flight by MidSea Express from Davao-Bohol v.v. check the website for details: http://www.midseaexpress.com/

I will go back to Bohol and search new places to unwind. 

Flight 5J 617 bound for Tagbilaran.

Bohol's rehabilitated highways. No more rough roads around Bohol. 

Rows of Indian Trees, some parts are Acacia Trees. 

Calape Town Proper

The Calape Church, not as old as other Bohol Churches.

The Causeway to Pangangan Island.

Cottages within the Causeway

It looks like an abandoned lighthouse. This is the boundary if the Marine Protected Area in Calape. 

We stayed at Treasure Island Beach Resort in Pangangan Island. They have several choices of food, good food. We ordered more on sea foods which it cost so much in big cities. But in Treasure Island the price is affordable. Look for Maam Blessy owner of Treasure Island Resort: 09165569382. If you want to relax and unwind for few days, for me, Treasure Island Resort is perfect for you. 

Sunset view from Treasure Island Resort

Treasure Island Cottage

Aerial view of Pangangan Island

The Great MAKATI Skyline!

The whole stretch of Makati Skyline.

 I was invited by my officemate to have tea or coffee at her condo and I was struck by the view she has on her living room. Thanks for the invitation Makoto!

Another view of Makati Skyline.

It looks like some sort of first world skyline.

New York? Hong Kong? Shanghai China? I don't think so.

The tallest building being built at this this generation.

The Great BOHOL

I was Cebu-based and there were many times I tried to visit BOHOL! Time, budget and effort won't allow me. But during my Travel in the Visayas, Bohol is on my top list. It's like all people around me had been to Bohol.  

Bohol, a great package for tourist. All in one: from Landscape to Seascape; Flora to Fauna, Food and People. 

Upon arrival at Bohol Port, there are many people offering for package tours. All tours are of the same stops and price. The usual price is 1,500.00Php. Two days in Bohol is already enough unless you beyond with your adventures. 

I have decided to take the tour the next day. I was surprised what I saw outside my hotel room.

Moonset at 5:30am

Insider Tip:

You may contact Kuya Jun at +639196457427 or contact my Boholana friend, Sky for more information.

The BOHOL Package Tour:

First Stop: "The SANDUGO" 

The statue of Datu Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi symbolizing the Treaty of Friendship between Spaniards and Filipinos. 

The SANDUGO Statue. As if I was part of the Treaty of Friendship!

Second Stop: "The BACLAYON CHURCH"

The Church of Baclayon remembers us how old the Christianity has been introduced in the Philippines. There were also old Churches in some parts of Bohol as well as in the Visayas Region.

Exterior of Baclayon Church 

 

Interior of the Church

Insider Tip: 

Make a wish during for first visits on Churches. -a tip from a friend, Hannah-

Third Stop: "Philippines' Greatest SNAKE"

It is a Python Snake and it is recorded as the biggest snake in captivity. There is a human-snake too who performs Whitney Houston in Live! 

Biggest Python in captivity.

Insider Tip:

Make sure that the snake is full upon entering its cage.

Fees: 5.00Php - access road, 10.00Php - entrance

Fourth Stop: "Philippines' Smallest Primate: TARSIER, Tarsius syrichta"

The Phillipine Tarsier was known as the World's Smallest Primate but there are articles stating that it's not.

Tarsius syrichta

Insider Tip:

Do no over-stressed them, they are endangered.

Fees: Only Donations

Fifth Stop: "LOBOC RIVER CRUISE"

The Loboc River Cruise is very popular since it is not an ordinary cruise. It's like a fine-dining in a floating restaurant, in the middle of the river with 360degrees view of rainforest. Food is great at 450.00Php.

Loboc Church

The cut-Bridge: the construction was stopped because the Church will be demolished if pursued.

Floating Restaurants and floating raft with the dancing ladies. 

The tip of the river cruise.

Insider Tip: 

Be there by lunch time to make sure food is freshly served. Bring extra money for extra charges like government taxes and so on. Kindly refer to Bohol Official Site for more info.  

Fees: 450.00Php - buffet, 100.00Php

Sixth Stop: "The BUTTERFLY FARM"

There are several species of Butterflies are on site. 

Different types of Butterfly Pupa

Learning Macro-Shot

Insider Tip:

Learn macro option to capture great shots. 
Fees: 25.00Php

Seventh Stop: "MAN-MADE FOREST"

It is a 2-kilometer ride covered with Mahogany Trees. The trees have grown better than those in the wild. 

The Man-Made Forest

Eighth Stop: "The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS"

It was raining when I get there so I had to wait until the rain stops. While seeing the view, I was wondering how these things had happen. I always remember when I was a grade-schooler, "Chocolate Hills" is always on discussions about "Ang Mga Anyong Lupa ng Pilipinas". At that age, it's like always a dream of seeing Chocolate Hills in person.    

The GREAT CHOCOLATE HILLS

Upon leaving the View Deck in Carmen

Insider Tip: 

Do not visit during rainy days, you won't enjoy the view. There were no covered walkways to the top of viewing deck. 

Fees: 50.00Php

Aside from these stops/adventures, Bohol has still lot of things to discover. Danao Adventure Park offers great deals for extreme adventurers such as the bungee-like adventures aka Plunge. The beach type of person could go to Panglao Island and other neighboring Islands for great Beach adventure. I had visited Panglao Island but only in few hours at dinner time. I wasn't able to capture great scenery in Panglao but my friend Sky (Under the Sky) wrote about Panglao and her adventures: Paradise called Panglao Island.

I will make sure to feature Danao Adventure Park and Panglao on my next visit in Bohol. 

Videos for PHILIPPINES' BEST BEACH DESTINATIONS: CORON and EL NIDO

CORON PALAWAN

Coron Islands

Feeding Frenzy at Siete Picados

EL NIDO PALAWAN

Viewd from Og's Pension House

Amazing Rock Formations