We are calling the Boholanos from all over the world to share with us their travel tips. In this way, you can help Bohol's economy through the income generated by tourism-related activities.Bohol on a Tight BudgetMay 24, 2007
By Lito Cinco
Business Mirror
BOHOL is known for its 1,268 Chocolate Hills, its world-famous tarsiers and, lately, for the white-sand beach of Panglao Island.
The island province has been catching up fast with other regular tourist destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. And perhaps this is the reason why the price for enjoying Bohol’s attractions has been going up.
Still, for visitors on a tight budget, there is no reason why they cannot enjoy this beautiful place as long as they are willing to trade luxury and convenience for money, which is what this writer, his wife and teenage daughter did when they went on a three-day jaunt to the place.
Lodging places
ONE of the basic costs of traveling is lodging. Bohol does offer a lot of choices, depending on your budget. It is very practical to stay in the capital city of Tagbilaran, where there are also good hotels and pension houses. In our case, we stayed at Vest Pension House, a small but comfortable and clean place in Tamblot, just 10 minutes away by tricycle from the airport, the Island City Mall and the downtown area.
For the three of us, the room costs P1,300 per day, though you can make do with smaller pension houses below a thousand bucks. Tricycle drivers or taxi drivers can help you canvas for a place. My daughter and I extended for a day and stayed at a pension house which was walking distance from the airport for only P900.
Food
FOOD prices are cheaper in the provinces than Manila, provided you will not go to the pricey restaurants. It is even more economical just to buy food from a fast-food chain like Chow King or KFC and bring it to your room.
Transportation
FROM the airport, instead of hiring a car or a taxi, it is cheaper to ride a tricycle, which costs only P100 going to Tagbilaran. The flagdown rate for a cab is P35 and double the rate if you are going to Panglao or other out-of-town destinations. We also asked the rate for car rentals for out-of-town destinations. They charge P500 going to Panglao, at least P1,500 to Loboc, and between P2,500 and P4,000 to Chocolate Hills.
If these are a bit steep, try the buses and jeepneys, which is what we did. We took the jeep going to Loboc for the river cruise. The fare was P25 per person. The bus fare to Chocolate Hills in Carmen was P55 per person. A public van to Carmen, which would pass by the Chocolate Hills, costs P70 per person.
Where to go
FOR the Loboc River cruise, we paid P600 per boat for about an hour. There are floating restaurants that charge P250 per person, including lunch, but no one will stop you from packing your own lunch to save a little money.
This cruise is for those who just want to relax and look at the beauty of nature, the river’s crystal blue water, the forests, the green mountains and the twin waterfalls that feed the river. Loboc also has tame tarsiers that are already familiar with people and can even be touched, fed, even perch on your shoulders for photo sessions.
Just a few kilometers away from the river boat stations, one can also stop by the Loboc Tour Park in Candabong featuring a native restaurant, caged tarsiers and a 300-meter-long carabao ride that goes into the forested area at the back of the park.
Taking a habal-habal ride, an ordinary motor bike that usually accommodates three passengers, we went a bit further to visit a cave in Kaenok, Upper Bonbon, that is newly opened to the public. Habal-habal is a native word for mating animals, and that is how this ride got its name.
This is a three-chambered cave that is easily reached from the highway because there is a hundred meter-plus-long man-made trail going there. There is an entrance fee of P25 per person. What we missed, though, was the opportunity to visit the newly opened Extreme Adventure in Danao, about three hours away from Tagbilaran. From what the provincial tourism people told us, the outdoor adventure includes river tubing and river kayaking over the clear and calm waters of Wahig River; rappelling, caving and mountain trekking.
Of course, you have to pay for it. A one-night, two-day package costing P2,700 a person will already include transportation, accommodation, meals, guides, cave entrance fees and other incidentals. A minimum of six persons is required per package.
Another alternative place for nature-trekking that is nearer to Chocolate Hills would be the Sierra Bullones, an ecotourism nature adventure.
We also asked how much was a package for whale and dolphin watching on Pamilacan Island off Panglao, and were shocked by the P1,900-per-person price quoted by a tour operator. Local people, however, told us we can rent a boat in Alona Beach and spend maybe a thousand bucks for the boat rental. But for lack of time and money, too, we passed this one up.
You don’t have to break your piggy bank to enjoy Bohol as long as you know how to get by and around using public transportation, staying in pension houses, and eating in local eateries. Enjoy your stay.
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