|
WHY: Balicasag Island,
southwest of provincial capital Tagbilaran City, has long been a
popular diving
destination with European scuba divers looking for spectacular coral
formations (Black Forest, Garden Forest, Cathedral Rock), including
hundreds of species of reef fish: lionfish, snappers, basslcts and
clownfish. Here you'll also find rare critters like frogfish, purple
fire goby, leaf fish, and the ornate ghost pipefish. A recent
eeo-tourism program that turned whale shark hunters into spotters
has attracted dolphins and whales to feed and breed in the waters
surrounding Pamilacan Island. As a result, new and
trendy resorts with chic decors, fabulous food and invigorating spa
services on top of diving and dolphin-watching sessions have
recently sprouted in Panglao Island, a favorite tourists' nesting
and jump-off place to Bohol's myriad of attractions.
YOU SHOULDN'T MISS:
The Loboc River Cruise isn't Bohol's top tourist draw for
nothing. Fat your lunch of grilled fish, prawns, pork, and
steamed rice aboard a barge decorated for a town fiesta. And while
you admire the blue-green water of the river and the refreshing
tropical landscape,
enjoy the music of a local guitar ensemble playing folk songs. If
you are lucky, you can catch the multi-awarded Foboc's Children
Choir performing in the nearby Foboc Church, one of the oldest
models of Baroque architecture in the country. If you're a die-hard
culture buff, you can take a day-tour that can baptize you in the province's
Catholic church art and architecture, a few dating back from 17th
century.
WHERE TO STAY: Alona
Palm Beach, Tel (6338) 502 9141, email: hifo@alonapalmbeach.com.
Wide manicured lawns, tennis and basketball courts, Alona's
fresh water pool, and romantic poolside dining of scrumptious Swiss,
Italian, Thai, and Indian dishes. Rooms start from
US$87. Ananyana Beach Resort, Tel (6338) 502-8022, email: info@ananyana.com.
A Bali-inspired resort in Doljo beach that offers spa treatments
by Thalgo. You'll love taking showers in the oriental garden
bathroom decorated with ceramic [lots and plants. Rooms start from
FJS$87. Bohol Beach Club, Tel (6338) 411 5222 to 24 /
Website: www.tambuli.com.
Exclusive long white-sand beach with sun beds and cogon
sunshades. Perfect for honeymooners or families that want to get
away from it all. Rooms start from FJSS55. Panglao Island Nature Beach Resort,
Tel (6338) 411 5989 /Website: wwir.panglaoisland.com.
We love the fact that everywhere we go - our room (even our
bathroom), the restaurant, the infinity pool, the artificial islet
with a bar and a saltwater pool - there is a lovely view of either
the foliage or the sea. What wc love to do best is to watch the
sunset from the terrace Jacuzzi. Rooms start from US$125. Sun
Apartelle, Tel (6338) 502 9063, email: info@sunupartclle.com.
Apartment rooms with big beds and a kitchen. 'Fry an evening dip
in the pool carved near a cave. A bit eerie, unless you're feeling
"batty." Run by a cheerful German couple who can make
recommendations for your first German dinner from the rotating menu.
Best value for money -rooms start from US$40.
-WALTER C.
VILLA |
|
