Bohol (Stay Forever series)

...A coastline fringed by gentle coves and white sand beaches,16th century watchtowers and Baroque churches, world-renowned dive sites, a black coral forest...1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills (the Chocolate Hills, the only ones of their kind in the world)... a sanctuary for one of the world's smallest primates -- the tarsier.

Sounds like a tropical oasis? It is.
And it's known the world over as Bohol.


It nests 700 kilometers south of Manila and is about 70 kilometers southeast of Mactan Island. The province is composed of 47 municipalities and one city, Tagbilaran, its capital.

Visitors interested in tarsier watching can see the primates in their natural habitat, up the hills of Corella. Guests focused on diving can head straight to Balicasag, one of the best and most popular dive sites in the province. Cabilao, on the other hand, is famous for the hammerhead sharks that swim in groups around the pristine waters.

Large sized marine life that come in all shapes and colors are very common in Bohol, so go snorkeling. And of course, my personal favorite-- whale and dolphin-watching. Boat rides for this awesome activity are scheduled in the early mornings so make sure to book in advance. You might also want to alot a day for a tour of Bohol's different attractions. Your hotel can help you with guides-for-hire listings.

We stayed five days / four nights at the Alona Palm Beach Resort. Beautiful, beautiful, place. If you want to really relax on your next vacation, plan a trip to Bohol and expect a laid-back retreat brimming with enigmatic charm.

No late night parties or drinking sessions, no loud music... only days of serene swims, good food, lounge chairs and umbrellas...under the sun, on the sand, by the crystal clear waters

Bring a book, don an ipod. Leave your mobile phones and planners at home.

Can you,

will you,

be tempted?