Mr. Lars and I recently stayed at RedDoorz Jaz Hotel in Tagbilaran, a pleasant budget option with a convenient location. However, they don't offer breakfast. We recalled that Bo's Coffee Shop near the cathedral used to be a good choice, but it has since closed, leaving a gap for centrally located coffee shops serving breakfast. Fortunately, we discovered Figaro Coffee practically around the corner from Jaz Hotel, which has become our new go-to for a convenient breakfast.

​Figaro Coffee in Tagbilaran, Bohol is located at 37 C. Putong St and is open daily with slightly varying hours (typically 8 AM - 8 PM, but check their Facebook). They offer a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and all-day meals including Filipino favorites and sandwiches. Reviews often praise their coffee and some meals, though some inconsistencies have been mentioned.

As I was doing my road trip around Bohol I wanted to take the motorbike to the Bohol Highest Peak. Which by the way it’s not the same as Mt. Matunog which is the very top of Bohol. But the funny thing they are located in the same area and are also roughly the same height around 800 meters over the sea. But sorry to say, I failed!

​I was going out for a late evening snack. It was lively karaoke outside the gates. Verano Guesthouse is impressive with a 180 degrees view from the terrace. The neighbourhood outside Verano Guesthouse may look unsafe but it's perfectly safe so no worries.

​Paseo Del Mar Seaside Dive Inn. An affordable and beautiful located resort with sea view just outside the central Jagna in the southern Bohol, Philippines. The resort also arrange diving trips. A special thing with this resort is all the dogs and cats they have. So nice!

One of the highlights of my trip to Anda was the Lamanok Island Mystic Tour Experience. Exploring the island's intricate cave system, I was captivated by tales of ancient witches, shamans, and the mysterious rock paintings that adorn the walls.

Lamanok Island, dubbed Bohol's cradle of civilization, is known for its rich history and mystical caves. This uninhabited island features limestone cliffs, hidden waterfalls, white-sand beaches, and ancient burial sites. Local folklore and the presence of balete trees add to the island's mysterious atmosphere.

​It's certainly worth a visit to go here!

A day trip to Anda's stunning beaches and cozy eateries was the perfect way to spend the day. As the sun began to set, we faced a logistical challenge: fitting our group into a single tricycle for the ride back to Ubay.

​Meeting my friends in their house. As we go back to my hotel and then surprisingly we were invited to a birthday party!

Linaw’s restaurant,  I’ve been here a couple of times two years ago and thought it was time to catch up again with good food and the amazing view you get for free here.  

They have wide variety of everything to choose from. European, Asian and Filipino dishes with every kinds of meat and even crocodile for the brave ones. They have also a small selection of vegetarian dishes. When I get this kind of menu in front of me I tend to have a hard time to choose among all the delicacies. The menus down below is just a sample of what they offer. 

After some decision agony I decided to go for Tuna Sashimi and Tuna Provençal. Yes I like tuna. But to my disappointment they were out of tuna. That’s ok. But then again I had to go through the decision process but after some reading back and forth I finally opted for prawns with creamy tomato sauce. Instead of an appetizer which I thought of first I chose a dessert instead, Supreme Crepes. That would make my tastebuds very happy!

Linaw Pearl Restaurant is a part of Linaw Beach Resort which probably is a nice resort to stay at. I never stayed there though. The location of the restaurant is beautiful. To have your dinner there is like to have the front seat for an amazing sunset. The food was delicious and service excellent. Everything from the CR to the surroundings was nice and clean. One note about the surroundings though. Just very close behind the Linaw Beach Resort is currently a construction site where a new hotel is coming. It will be a large and high building which will not melt in in the beautiful environment like the Linaw Beach Resort do. Development is good but over exploitation is not. Just saying.

Bo’s Coffee Club in Tagbilaran is an institution for coffee lovers and others. It’s a life savior when you need a break from the bustling life outside and it comes with access to WiFi and clean comfort rooms as well. When I have been staying here in Tagbilaran it almost has felt as my second living room. 

There is one Bo’s located in ICM mall 3 km from the Plaza Rizal aka the City Square. The other one, this one is located at Plaza Rizal. Tagbilaran and not to mention Panglao with its new international airport is a very expansive area. New malls, restaurants and coffee shops are growing like mushrooms after a rain all over the place. So in this fierce competition, Bo’s still holding its position as the nr one coffee shop here in Tagbilaran.

Simply the best coffee in town. Deliciously unhealthy pastries and breakfasts. WiFi and clean comfort rooms. Nice and swift service. A good thing to know, is that the coffee they serve at Bo’s is grown and harvested locally here in the Philippines. So what are you waiting for??

Pungtod Island or now known as “Isola de Francesco” or Virgin Island, a seventeen thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. The island is also known by the locals as the “Hidden oasis”. It's easy to come here. Just take the free yellow shuttle boat near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.

One of the higlights is of course the long sand reef where you can take a swim or just enjoy the white sand and the beauty of nature. You should also challenge your taste buds with fresh sea urchins directly from the sea. Season with vinegar to taste. Then maybe it's time to visit the comfort room. Don't hesitate, it's clearly one of the nicest comfort rooms I ever been to here in the Philippines. So try it out! There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!

A 60 sec video clip showing the beauty of Isola de Francesco. The fruit in the video is ​Pandanus fruit.

Related links:
Pamilacan island Philippines​
​Snorkeling at Pamilacan island
Alona Beach, Panglao​
Where to stay in Tagbilaran, Bohol​
Day trip to Isola de Francesco​
The Hills​
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa  (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)