Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak
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Alona Beach where everything happens

Alona beach together with Chocolate hills and the Tarsiers might be the most popular tourist attractions here in Bohol. If you come to Alona beach you can expect many restaurants, lively nightlife and many other tourists to bond with... and of course a white sand beach.

And hey, don’t forget to watch video at the bottom!
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Kids playing in the sand

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There are palm trees here also

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You are always welcome at the Outback Grill

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Which one would you like to have for dinner?

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Sometimes it’s hard to find parking

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If you don’t like to walk and if you don’t have your own motor bike you will probably end up in a tricycle.

An afternoon when we visited Alona Beach
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Going to Apo island

​When you get visitors all the way from Sweden, what can be better than show them the little pearl of the Visayas, Apo island. Apo island is probably most famous for its sea turtles. Wednesdays is a good day to go there because it's market day at the Malatapay market just near the port for Apo island. There will be many locals going back and forth Apo island and the market so it will be easy to get seats on a boat. Facts about how to get there, fees etc see here >>>
Sea Turtle, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Apo Island is known for its many sea turtles.

The Rollin Pin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

It was empty at the Rollin Pin today where I had my breakfast.

Knives, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

They have everything at Malatapay market...

Dried fish, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Dried fish

Livestock, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Here the livestock market. 5 PHP to go in there.

Fisherman with his catch, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The fisherman with his catch

A short clip showing the lively livestock market

Never sit under a coconut tree!

Instead of hiring a boat we had arranged a transfer through Liberty lodge where we were going to stay. We shared the boat with two other tourists and some locals. We were waiting over an hour for the boat to show up and get ready for the trip back. When we patiently were sitting there waiting we suddenly heard big THUMP! A big vicious coconut had fall from the palm tree and hit the woman in the striped t-shirt. She was very lucky since she wasn't hit in the head. The woman fainted by the shock and was carried away by some helpful people. Obviously she missed the boat but I guess, at least she survived the incident with just the fright and some minor bruises. 
The port, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A few minutes after this pic was taken the woman in the striped t-shirt was attacked by the coconut!

The port, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Unloading and loading our boat.

On our way to Apo island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Finally on our way and I managed not to get sea sick!

Liberty Lodge, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Liberty lodge and our room was at the very top of the building.

Liberty Lodge, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We had to climb many stairs to get to the Top 1 room.

View from our room, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Our view from the room was not bad. We paid 3700 PHP for one night with the extra bed included.

We were lucky, we swam with the sea turtles

We arrived at lunch time so we had the afternoon for snorkeling with the famous sea turtles. At first we didn't see any of them but later on we were lucky. That time of the day it was relatively many tourists and the snorkeling guides were busy towing around tourists who were not able to swim and snorkel by themselves.
A video clip showing the sea turtles

Life is wonderful

In the afternoon most of the tourists went back to mainland and only those who would stay over night were still on Apo island. After dinner we went up to the lighthouse at the top of the island and enjoyed the sunset. At 10 PM the electricity was shut down in order to conserve energy and the whole island got totally quiet. It was an almost surreal feeling to sit there on our balcony star gazing and contemplate about the all the wonderful things in life.
Going to the lighthouse, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

350 steps something and 600-700 m to walk to the lighthouse.

Lighthouse, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The lighthouse and the new construction at the top of Apo island.

Sunset, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The view from here was very rewarding.

Sunset, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sunset at Apo island.

A compilation of pictures from our trip

Don't expect to sleep long in the morning

At roughly 4 AM the first rooster was calling good morning. Even the dogs were still sleeping at that time. 30 minutes later all roosters on the whole of Apo island were calling good morning together with the dogs which were barking. I guess they were also awakened by the roosters. 6 AM the boatsmen started up their boats. The good thing was that we took an early breakfast and plunged in the sea snorkeling before all the tourists were coming from the mainland. Time goes fast when you enjoy so already at 1 PM it was time to take to boat back again. 
Going home, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

After 24 hours on this beautiful island we were heading back to mainland.

The budget

The budget for us on this trip was:
​A double room with an extra bed at the Liberty lodge 3700 PHP with three meals included.
600 PHP per head back and forth with the boat, ask Liberty for the transfer.
100 PHP an environmental fee upon arriving to Apo island.
28 PHP with bus from South Terminal in Dumaguete going there.
​20 PHP with jeepney going back to Dumaguete.

Not included in our budget, but available if you need it: Rent of life vests (when snorkeling), renting a table ( to put your stuff), snorkeling gear and snorkeling guides. 

​Going there:

Take a jeepney from Dumaguete city centre, around 20 PHP. Tell the driver to let you off at the Malatapay Market in the town of Zamboanguita, around 40 min from Dumaguete. Go down to the shore and rent a motorized boat that will take you to Apo island. The round-trip boat ride costs 2500 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 3000 (good for 6 passengers) or 3500 PHP (good for 8 passengers). Solo travelers may join other groups, and share the costs for the boat rental.

​Or you can let the lodge arrange with the transfer as we did on this trip.
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Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We came and they went. Btw this was the pool which was not suitable for bath.

The unknown pearl

This is one of the more unknown hot sulphur springs in the area around Dumaguete. The place is located remotely in the rainforest so expect no shops, changing rooms or comfort rooms here. The hot spring basically consists of five pools where one of the pools is not suitable for bathing due to no maintenance. So that leaves us four pools, where another one is by far too hot, more suitable for boiling egg. So what remains are three pools with hot, medium and a little bit cooler water. The water is not clear but I guess it depends on the minerals... hey this water is volcanic and comes directly out from the mountain after all! The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!
Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

In some places the water was so hot so you burned your feet when stepping in it!

Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The water was not clear but I guess it was due to the minerals from the mountain.

Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The pools from upper left clockwise: far too warm, medium warm, luke warm and warm.

Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The medium warm pool suited me perfect. The water had a small scent of sulphur.

Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs.

Going there

​The sulphur Baslay hot springs are accessed along a bumpy road 10 km off the main highway, best accessed by motorcycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). When you drive south from Dumaguete, pass Dauin proper and when you see the Blue Pearl Minimart you turn the next available road to the right. Then go the bumpy road 10 km until it ends in a turnback. From there follow a cemented path with steep stairs down to the river for about additional 10 min. Expect it to be steep and slippery at some points.
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Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sipalay is famous for beach resorts with astonishing views and the mythical Sugar Beach.

Going by scooter to Sipalay

We decided to make a road trip on the scooter to Sipalay. The distance is roughly 180 km from Dumaguete to Sipalay one way. Either you can go along the coast which is a little bit longer and with more traffic or you can take the way through the mountains and Pamplona. We decided for traversing the mountains. The road was in very good condition, incredible beautiful and not much traffic. 
Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Well equipped with shades, helmets and face masks we were ready to go.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We traversed the mountains and passed Pamplona.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The mirror is the girls best friend.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sometimes we needed to ask for directions.

The video shows the first stretch going from Dumaguete to Bayawan. We ended up having a huge barbecue dinner at Maricel's place.

We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway

On our way we were surprised by heavy rainfall so we decided to stay overnight in Bayawan. We arrived like drenched cats at the sleepy little C & L Top View Inn centrally located. It was a nice budget hotel with a simple filipino breakfast included.
Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Quick stop for a quick bite!

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Yes I never eat ice cream... Huh?

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The way to a woman's heart goes through her stomach...

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Hey! Noo picture now... I haven't had my breakfast yet!!!

The video shows glimpses on our way to Sipalay and from the Jamont hotel. We also tried to get to the Sugar Beach but instead we ended up in the beach next to it. 

Sipalay

We stayed at Jamont hotel downtown. It was near to the market and near to the beach. We had a nice spacious room and they served good coffee in the restaurant. Later we went out to look for the Sugar Beach that we heard so much about. The road going there was a little bit tricky so eventually we ended up at the beach next to the Sugar Beach. It turned out we had to take a boat the last bit to get there. But time was late and it was beginning to be dark so we skipped it, for this time.
Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We stayed at the very nice Jamont hotel.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

You could buy all basic ingredients for Filipino cooking of this lady.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sniffing on shrimp paste, smells bad but tastes good in cooking!

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

New Sipalay Government Center, the building was impressive but they had forgot to asphalt the road going there...

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sunsets are for free in Sipalay.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Small smiling faces

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone is eager to have her dinner...

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Our search for the Sugar Beach ended here...

Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort

The next day we went on beach resorts safari. First we visited Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and then Perth Beach Resort. Both are located south of Sipalay, easy accessible if you have a scooter. Perth Beach Resort is famous for its pool with an incredible beautiful view overlooking the archipelago of islands. Both of these resort offer nice and simple accommodation to very reasonable rates.
Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The hanging bridge going to Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

View from the observation deck at Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nice views everywhere

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We met the smiling beer man on the bridge.

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The breathtaking view from the pool at Perth Beach Resort

The video shows our beach resorts safari with clips from the beautiful Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and from the pool of Perth Beach Resort with the totally astonishing view (!) overlooking the whole archipelago of islands.
Downtown Sipalay. The Sugar Beach is located north and the resorts we visited are located south of downtown.
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With more than 30 degrees and a distance of totally roughly 8 km back and forth, where some stretches were pretty steep uphill, would probably be considered as a good exercise. Right? Yes, for sure! We went to Puncak Tanawan today. The purpose was to get some kilometers in our legs. A real bonus was that this place is incredible beautiful and quiet coz it's far from the bustling city of Dumaguete. I really enjoyed it here today. The technical details of hiking Puncak Tanawan is covered in an earlier post: Hike the Puncak Tanawan

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Hey! Don't forget to check the video clip at the end!
Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone was obviously really enjoying every step she took! Or hm was it in pain...?

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

On rare occasion I can smile for the photographer hehe

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

In one moment it's clear and in the next it's cloudy

Carabao, Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

One of the big guys was roaming around here

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We were lucky this day, we hadn't any rain

Combo Meal, Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

At the summit there is a kiosk where we bought the Combo Special Meal. Just 120 PHP for two.

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The view from here is breathtaking

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A table for four

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Heading back downhill was worse for our legs than going uphill. But we had the sun in the back so we could really enjoy the scenery.

A short compilation of our exercise up to Puncak Tanawan
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A little girl's own way to enjoy an ice cream, that's happiness to see. But for the mom in charge I guess the feeling is somewhat double-edged. The happiness is mixed with trying to avoid a total mess which is of course often is inevitable! But for me as a photographer, I could just sit, relax and observe.

​Hey! Don't forget to watch the short video clip at the end! 
Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Ube and vanilla ice cream... yummy!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Mom don't worry... I will not mess up

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Ouch! Here we dropped the ice cream...

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

But the help is never far away

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Mom is always there with a great patience... most of the time

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Now we are back on track again

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Baby wipes every parent's best friend

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

No baby wipes is necessary here!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

It could have been worse

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Done!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Heey... I want more! I want...

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Fruit vendor, Bananas, Sibulan, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

You should buy the fruits from the vendors on the streets instead of the supermarkets. It's cheaper, more fresh and you exercise your negotiating skills.

Veggie guy, Bananas, Sibulan, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is the Veggie guy and he has his fruit and veggie stand just outside Sibulan. You can buy fresh buko juice there, only 15 PHP each.

Bananas, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Did you know this? That red bananas help combat nicotine withdrawal by fighting off the side effects, and reducing nicotine cravings.

Fruit vendor, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

One of many fruit stands in downtown Dumaguete

Sunset with a plane, Panglao, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Can you see the plane?

Sunset with boats, Panglao, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Good night boats sweet dreams...

Me in the pool, Tierra Alta, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone said: Oh my, don't look like a crocodile! Ehh... what am I suppose to answer on that?!

Tambobo bay, Keep our beach clean, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is a concern for everybody everywhere!

Dauin, Guy jumps from a boat, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Imagine if you were able to fly... how fun that would be!

Dauin, Guy jumps from a boat, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Walking down the road

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You know how girls can be sometimes, right? Yes moody, and then as a guy you better stand down hehe.

Girls and the motorbike, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The girls and our new space ship

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A very affordable place 

GK Coffee Shop, Entrance, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Entrance to the coffee shop

GK Coffee Shop, The Lobby, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Lobby of the RM Guest House

GK Coffee Shop, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nicely decorated

GK Coffee shop nicely decorated

GK Coffee Shop is located beside the lobby of RM Guest House. It's conveniently near the place where I am currently staying for the moment. So yesterday when it was raining, instead of taking the motorcycle to downtown I walked to The GK Coffee Shop  instead. The place is nicely decorated and has warm and inviting colors. 
GK Coffee Shop, The Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The menu is nothing out of the ordinary

GK Coffee Shop, The Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

But the prices are reasonably

Reasonably prices

They offer the usual stuff to reasonably prices. I ordered beef tapas with rice and a caffe latte. I specifically asked if they make the latte without sugar. Yes it should be without sugar. But when I got the latte it had a sweet taste as if they had added sugar despite all. My beef tapas turned out to be a small portion but the taste was good.
GK Coffee Shop, Caffe Latte, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

My caffee latte

GK Coffee Shop, Beef Tapas, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Beef tapas, small portion with a good taste

Conclusion

You get what you pay for I guess, so no complaining here. Since the prices were very affordable you might not expect miracles, right? But if I specifically ask for an unsweetened latte, then I expect to get that. So of course next time I will think twice before I order a latte or maybe I need to ask twice instead just to be sure... hehe.
Rating:
​1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
3 Food 
4 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere
Gk Coffee Shop
Crossing E Rovira Dr and National Highroad
Bantayan, Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 
915 110 3114
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Review of The Tres Bistro

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The Tres Bistro

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This particular day, a Sunday it was closed

Classy touch

I really don't know how to characterize The Tres Bistro, but I guess maybe a combination of Italian and Filipino food I would say. It's located not far from the Silliman University 5-10 min by motorcycle from Rizal Boulevard. The ambience here is nice and welcoming and the interior has a classy touch.
The Tres Bistro, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Classy touch

The Tres Bistro, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The decor is nice and stylish

The Tres Bistro, Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog
The Tres Bistro, Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A mix of Italian and Filipino

Italian and Filipino style

The Tres Bistro offers different kind of meat, pastas, soups and salads in an Italian and Filipino style. They usually have many guest so obviously it's a popular place.

Pasta ​Tres Putanesca

When I was there a couple of days ago I ordered a Chicken Cordon Bleu but since it was not available I finally ended up with a pasta instead. It was the Tres Putanesca, spaghetti with meat sauce, anchovies, olives, mushrooms and capers. The portion was not really big for me, I could have eaten more since the pasta was very delicious. The spaghetti was "al dente" and the meat sauce had a rich and tasty flavor and had not the sweet taste which is so common here in the Philippines. On the other hand the two slices of garlic bread served together with the pasta had a rubbery and hard texture. 
The Tres Bistro, Complimentary, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A complimentary starter

The Tres Bistro, Pasta, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Pasta Tres Putanesca

Conclusion

The food was great aside from the two slices of bread. Despite the two slices, my impression was that they use good and genuine ingredients for the food. The service was ​meticulous and they had more stuff on their menu that I would like to try. So I will definitely come back. I would have given a 5 for the food if it hadn't been for the two slices of bread accompanying the pasta.
Rating:
​1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food 
5 Service
5 Value
5 Atmosphere
​The Tres Bistro
Tubod, Hibbard Ave.
6200 Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
​Phone: +63 35 422 9507
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Review of Dayview Tourist Home

Dayview Tourist Home, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Dayview Tourist Home

Strategic location near the port and the airport

Dayview Tourist Home is an anonymous little pearl located just in between the Tagbilaran Ferry Terminal and the airport. Just a few minutes ride with tricycle from both which makes Dayview ideal as a starting point for Bohol.
Dayview Tourist Home, Front desk, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The front desk

Dayview Tourist Home, Entrance to our room, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Our room was nr 11

The best internet ever so far!

Dayview Tourist Home is not a fancy place, there is no beach, no pool and neither a fantastic view. But the place is new, fresh and very clean. The bed was equipped with a spring mattress. Our room had both AC and fan. Breakfast was not included but it didn't matter because you have the Cogon market around the corner where you could buy whatever you want. And last but definitely not least, according to my experience they had the best internet connection so far in the whole of Philippines! Yes you heard right. A stable and powerful connection where you could upload and download heavy files. For some that doesn't matter but if you are working online that's worth its weight in gold.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fresh and very clean budget accommodation with a central location with good WiFi and if you don't mind taking the motorcycle going to the beach and other attractions this is the place for you. On the other hand, if you like to have the beach just outside the door, near to restaurants, bars and discos this is not the place for you.
Rating for the accommodation:
​1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
​Dayview Tourist Home
269 Lamdagan Street, Barangay Cogon,
6300 Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Phone nr: +63 917 512 8163