Bohol Honeymoon: January 2006

Mico & I got married last Jan 15, 2006 and we chose to go to Bohol for our Honeymoon. It was originally planned as a 4days/3nights vacation through Philippine Airlines Palakbayan Promo. The PAL Palakbayan Promo was a package tour offered by PAL which already includes Airfare, Accomodations and Airport Transfers. The packages they offer are reasonable; I think we paid for about P20,000 for 2 pax and its good because you dont really have to worry anymore on how to get to and from the resort.


I'm not so sure if PAL still offers the same packages but just in case, here's their website: www.philippineairlines.com/


It was almost 5 years ago so I'm just trying to recall the experience. It was first out of town trip after Mico and I got married. I was already 3mos pregnant that time but still very excited to wear my 2 piece swimsuit!!! :) We were very excited to get to the airport on the date of the flight, I checked the tickets for our departure time and was shocked to find out that I got it all wrong. If I'm not mistaken, I thought our flight was at 9am while it was supposed to be at 8am. So we were on our way to the airport around 730am so its already too late!!! We had to rebook our flight the next day since no more flights are available, sad thing about it was that we lost 1 day/1night that we originally paid for and we had to pay additional for rebooking fees and all!!! Super Badtrip! I know Mico was already upset but he cant show it since I was pregnant, he was just laughing at me when we got home since I was super disappointed with myself for missing on it.


So anyway, I made up for it by making sure we wont miss our flight the next day.... We finally got to Bohol, I think it took around 45mins from Manila. At the Bohol Airport, we already have someone waiting for us from Bohol Beach Club, all we needed to do is to find that person and he will bring us to the resort.


Bohol Beach Club is a good place to have your Honeymoon, its quiet, secluded and peaceful, unlike the busy shores of Boracay, Bohol Beach Club's shore is as nice, sands are fine and waters are clear and you can have 1 nipa hut or hammock for yourself whenever you want!!!

The Resort

The Shore

The Beach

The rooms are clean but not as nice considering their rates. They usually rate around P3000-P4000 per room per night inclusive of Breakfast, so you'd expect great ammenities. As far as I can remember, they didnt have a mini ref inside the room and no cable TV.

However, their buffet menu is great! Starting from Breakfast to Dinner! Or maybe I liked it very much because I was already pregnant and my appetite was really good that time. I always look forward waking up in the morning for their Buffet Breakfast which just costs P350 (that was way back 2006). Since we had free Breakfast meal, we just added around P150 each to upgrade to buffet, not bad at all!!! Their lunch and dinner on the other hand costs P500 per person. If you love seafoods, you can opt for the Seafood Platter from their Ala Carte menu, I remember it was just P400 good for 2. You can save a lot from it!!!

Daddy loves to order buco juice everytime we travel, he thinks it looks good in pictures.

We just spent the whole of our 1st day by the beach, reading books, swimming and sleeping on the hammock (at least for me since I was pregnant), i loved to sleep! Nothing beats lying by the beach, waiting for the sunset with your favorite Fruit Shake holding hands with the one you love... sweet :)

Bohol Beach Club owns the whole stretch and there are no other resorts in the area, meaning you cannot bring in food from the outside, you really have to order everything from the resort, its a little costly...

For our Day 2, we opted to go on a Day Tour of the City. Since we didnt know anything about Bohol, we got the City Tour package from the resort for just P500 per head. They have available cabs to drive you around the tourist spots in the area.

First Stop - The Very Famous Chocolate Hills! It wasnt chocolatey when we got there, but there were indeed a lot of hills, the view was nice and weather was cold. Its a little tiring to get to the top of the Hill to have a good view.

Bring your driver with you to take your pictures!!!

Next Stop - Hanging Bridge.. I dont know why we went here, I dont remember the story about the bridge anymore... But we took a picture anyway...

Hanging Bridge

Then to - Loboc River! Its nice there, usually tourists ride on a Banca where you can have your lunch and go from one end to the other of the river. Since I was pregnant, we didnt try it, we just ate on one of the restaurants in the area. Their buffet meal was just around P200-P300 if Im not mistaken.

Next Stop - Visiting the Tarsiers!!! They're cute and nice!! We took some pictures!! They dont move a lot though..

Philippine Tarsier

Finally, Bohol Cathedral - It was a very old Church, I think they said its the oldest church in the province. They had a small museum inside. Its always nice to visit a church when you go on vacation. They say when its the first time you visit a church, you can pray and wish for something and it should come true...

So we spent the entire day going to these places and we got back to the resort just in time for a little rest and dinner...

We just spent our last day by the beach since we were scheduled to check out 12nn for our flight at 2pm. The airport is 1 hour away from the resort.

Should we had more time, we wanted to visit Panglao Beach, they said its nice there. Its like Boracay with a lot of Resorts along the stretch. It would also be nice to snorkel but I was pregnant that time so I wasnt comfortable doing that...

It was a very relaxing vacation after the very tiring and stressful wedding preparations...

We enjoyed our Bohol Trip very much which embarked the start of our common passion for travel!!!

Amazing Davao!!!

We recently went to Davao last Sept 22-25, 2010 for our usual Quarterly Vacation to get away from the stress at work and just be able to have quality time together. I had this trip booked way back in April on a tip of my friend who then works for Cebu Pacific. She informed me that they were offering Seat Sale that time so I hurried to get my PC and check the internet for the best promo. I was surprised to see Davao was also on sale, THAT SELDOM HAPPENS!!! We got our ticket for just P1700 Round Trip for the 2 of us already!!! Isn't that wonderful!!!

Here's the link for Cebupacific Website: http://www.cebupacificair.com/

I suggest you subscribe to their email notifications so you can receive mails should they offer seat sale.

After I booked the flight, I tried to research on the best places and activities to do in Davao. We've always wanted to go to Pearl Farm so accomodations was no longer a question. All I had to do was to check on their website for their rates and packages. I wasnt surprised to learn that their room rates are not very affordable, but there's no compromising with my husband, it has to be Pearl Farm or else he wont go!!!

So anyway, I reserved for Pearl Farm by calling their Reservations Office, the reservation officer reserved the room for me for more than a month without making any payment yet. I only paid for the 50% reservation fee 1 week before our trip. I originally booked for the Hilltop Room since its cheaper than the Samal Houses. It costs P4200 per night, just for the room and transfers, no meals yet. Here's their website: http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

When the month of September started, I was counting the days, I was too excited and as anyone who's planned to go on vacation, I was too lazy to keep on coming to work... My only motivation is that if I come to work everyday, I'm getting closer and closer to my vacation...

Finally, here comes Sept 22 - Our flight was scheduled at 4am and so we had to wake up as early as 12:30am to prepare. We dont want to miss our flight like we did 2 times before (it was my fault anyway)... The flight from Manila to Davao was scheduled for 1hour and 45mins but we arrived earlier. The pilot was able to make it in just an hour and 30mins so we were at Davao Intl Airport around 530am and was able to check out before 6am. At the airport, we took a cab at the metered taxi stand, its cheaper and just the same thing anyway. On our way out from the airport compound, security asked for our Last Name, apparently, Mayor Duterte wants all tourists to be accounted for and taxi services checked so in case you left your belongings, you can go to the Police and check who your driver was...

We got to the Pearl Farm Whaft in about 20mins with P120 cab fare. We waited there and had some sandwich for breakfast. The whole area has free Wifi Connection so we didnt get board at all. At 730am, we were boarding the boat going to the resort.

Mico posing for a picture at the Pearl Farm Wharf...

More pics on his FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=209507&id=547267382

After about 45mins of boatride, we saw the famous Pearl Farm Parola, and we got very excited. Finally this is it!!! Its so peaceful and beautiful!!!



The Famous Pearl Farm Parola

The resort looks wonderful, the staff are so accomodating. We were refreshed with a Watermelon Shake as their welcome drink. Then we were ushered to our Hotel Room right away. I love it there, they know exactly how to treat their guests like royalties!!! They have a shuttle service to get around the whole resort and its nice because they are using eco-friendly vehicles, i think they were using rechargeable batteries for it...

On the Shuttle going to our room...


The room was great!!! Clean sheets, fresh towels, King Size Bed facing a sliding door with a view of the beach. The toilet looks neat and the mirrors were huge!!!! I just love it!!!

Towels decorated as swan on our bed... Cute...

After unpacking our stuff, we urgently went down to get to the beach and take more pictures... Daddy cant wait to take the famous Parola Shot... Trying hard to be a professional photographer... He tood great pictures though...

More pictures on his FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4914845&id=547267382&ref=fbx_album#!/album.php?aid=209511&id=547267382&page=7

The beach wasnt as great as Boracay but it doesnt matter, its a lot more peaceful and you can hear every sound of the waves. We enjoyed swimming until we got hungry for lunch... a VERY HEAVY LUNCH since we only had sandwich for breakfast...

We ate a lot!!! From 1230-230pm!!!! Although they charge a bit expensive for their food, that lunch was worth it because we were very very hungry!!! Anyway, their Buffet meals costs P750 for Breakfast, P950 for Lunch and Dinner.

So it was supposed to be mirienda time when we finished eating so we didnt spend much for snack, just ordered the usual Fruit Shake for me and Ice Cold Beer for Daddy before Sunset. Anyway, they offer 50% off on their drinks from 4pm-6pm at the Parola Bar so not bad at all!!!

We went back for a shower at our room to get ready for Dinner, of course we cant help it, we ate a lot again!!! They had a Stir Fry Station where they have fresh Seafoods that you can choose from!!!!

We ended the day very full, happy and excited for our Day 2 in Pearl Farm!!!

We woke up early the next morning for our Breakfast. Mico enjoyed another buffet meal but i opted to just have my usual oatmeal. The night before, I realized that I wasnt able to withdraw our money from my ATM and so we were planning to head back to the main island through the resort's usual Ferry Boat. They have scheduled trips back and forth. But I thought of checking with Front Desk first if they have Electronic Payment System and of course they do!!! I think they have everything that you need! :) Even hired Nannies to watch out for your kids on an hourly rate.

For Day 2 we planned to go to Malipano Island, its a small island just right in front of the resort also owned by Pearl Farm. There's a big rest house which I think is owned by the Resort Owner and some more Villas for rent which is good for group outings. It has a mini golf course and an area where you can hold events... Good for Beach Weddings... :)

The hammock was perfect, I read my book while Mico was swimming and roasting himself. The weather is great, as per the staff of Pearl Farm, the area is typhoon free so its sunny all year round! Meaning, its best to go during lean season (July-September) because the rates are cheaper but you still get to enjoy the sunny weather!!!

Malipano Island Beachfront

 

Sleeping on the Hammock...

More pictures on my FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=92482&id=1490456452&page=2

We went back to the main resort around 1pm after we received a call from my mom saying that Migo (my son) was having slight fever, good thing they visited. Just a tip to parents who are travelling without their children, please leave their healthcard with the Yaya or to whoever will be taking care of your children while you're away. That way, they can immediately bring them to hospital without worries on the bill. Thats what I did, so I was relieved that he just needs some paracetamol. Although, I had to check on him every so often.

Back in the main resort, another wonderful feast is waiting for us!!! Buffet Lunch again of course!!! That same afternoon, I had the most soothing massage. It was really really great! The resort has its own spa, still the rates are a little expensive but still affordable. The therapist I got was really good!

It was a good way to end the day, but Daddy said he got a good deal with some of the staff from the kitchen. He got an affordable seafood package for dinner so we have to go!!! While I was resting he went to check if our food is all set. Well, thats what he said he will do.. I was surprised when "Femi", one of the Guest Relations Officer knocked on our door and said that our food was ready.. I was wondering, why didnt you just call? So anyway, I just prepared the Laptop and the camera, then she was still there waiting... I was thinking, this is too much customer service!!! So as I walked out of the room, she handed over a stem of red rose and said "Maam, pinapabigay po ni Sir Michael..." Hahahaha!!! So my husband conspired with some staff to surprise me!!! I just thought that maybe he wanted to be sweet and thats it, but as I went down the stairs, another staff handed over another stem of rose!!! So I was already laughing my heart out because thats the first time Mico planned something like that, he usually cant keep secrets so most of the time, I dont get surprised anymore!!! Until we reached the restaurant, Femi said, "Maam this way po"... leading me to the romantic dinner table by the beach... Oh my God!!! This was what he was planning the whole time he was talking with the "kitchen staff", I was really laughing loud, very very very surprised!!! I didnt see it reflect on our bill since he paid for it himself... :) It was the most romantic thing he's done for the past 5 years of being together!!! 

Dinner by the Beach Pictures

We werent ready to leave Pearl Farm yet so we opted for a late check out, we took the 4pm boat going back to Davao City. On our 3rd day we just cherished the resort and all of its facilities. The Malipano Island, The Infinity Pool, The Restaurant, The Beach... We had a great time in this resort, the best vacation we've had so far.

Although we didnt want to leave Pearl Farm, we know that we still have to experience the Beauty of Davao City! We checked in at My Hotel, it was very affordable, just P995 for 1 night, and just in the heart of the City.

Here are some of the places we went to:



Philippine Eagle Center

Philippine Eagle Center is about 45min-1hour from the City. You will find there the Monkey Eating Eagle named "Kabayan". Its huge!

Durian Experience - Durian is everywhere! You can get it from the Market or along the highway like we did. Since we're already in Davao, it just makes sense for us to taste Durian. For some fear factor experience. The truth is Mico and I didnt really like it. But at least now we know how it really tastes.

Deca Wakeboarding Park - just 20mins away from Philippine Eagle Center. We just checked the place since we are into wakeboarding. We hated that we dont have enough time to actually wakeboard. Not a lot of people coming here yet so you can really enjoy! They were on a promo and it just costs P500 for a whole day pass!!! Sayang...

Davao Crocodile Park

Davao Crocodile Park - its a mini Zoo! Lots of Birds, Crocs, Ostriches, Tigers, Snakes and a lot more!!! Entrance is at P200 per head inclusive of entrace for Butterfly Garden. Its just in the same area.

Here are some more pictures of the Butterfly Garden, Orchid Farm and Crocodile Farm: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=209506&id=547267382&page=3#!/album.php?aid=92475&id=1490456452

For the best affordable food:

Penongs - known for their Chicken Inasal. Less than P80 per meal!!! Just hail for a cab and ask them to bring you to one of their branches. All of their waiters are bald and you have to Clap twice to get their attention!!!

Jack's Ridge - its located on the top of the hill overlooking the city of Davao. We went for lunch but its better to come here for dinner.

For the best pasalubong:

Lola Abon - they have different kinds of durian candies!!! Free sample for buyers so you can decide which one to get. Ranges from P25-45 per pack. They also have durian Ice Cream and Iced Candy.

We also went to the Davao Museum - no entrance fee and its very informative of the history of the City. Also we dropped by to pray on one of the Churches, i forgot the name already.

For the entire City Tour, we hired a service, good thing he has Starex Van so it was very comfortable for us. He is very nice and he knows the history of Davao so he can tell you stories and all. Here's kuya Diego's number: 09274419709.

Some other places we werent able to go to

Eden Nature Park: http://edennaturepark.com.ph/main/

WhiteWater Rafting: http://www.ambothology.com/2008/05/23/davao-city-whitewater-rafting/

Mt. Apo - highest peak in the Philippines

If you really want to explore all tourist spots and activies in Davo, you have to give it at least 7 Days. At least 3 days in Pearl Farm, 1 Day in Eden, 1 Day Whitewater Rafting Trip, 1 Day at Deca Wakeboarding Park and last Day to go on a City Tour. Take the earliest flight in and the evening flight out so you can really enjoy your time!!!

I hope this blog will make you become interested to go to Davao and will help promote tourism especially local tourists!