Just take one of the free yellow shuttle boats near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.

60 s video clip

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.

Related links:
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)

The typhon Urduja which had hit Philippines a bit more than a week ago and also just the other day, it was the Severe Tropical Storm Vinta which struck in the Northern Mindanao. We here in Bohol were lucky, we had just a couple of days with rain. Today, the day after the storm Vinta, it was sunny, clear and very hot weather here in Bohol. Our thoughts are with those who suffered so hard from these disasters.

We did this tour in a relaxed pace but expect to allow a whole day for doing this depending on how many of the attractions you like to experience.

A 60 s video clip showing the Chocolate Hills

Related links:
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)

We are all used to Christmas decorations before Christmas, right? But at this house in Dumaguete, they take the Christmas decorations to the extreme. I have never seen anything like it, except maybe on movies. This house is just 5-10 minutes walk from the Silliman University and the entrance fee is 25 PHP / person.

​This is the Dr. Rico Absin’s house, a former anesthesiologist in his late 50s. He has created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration. This is actually his private residence and it’s well known as the Christmas House in Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. ​​In December his house will be the brightest and merriest, illuminating the quaint old house which he has dwelled in most of his life and in which he now occupies alone after inheriting it from his parents.

​For me it’s a little bit surreal to see all this and it raises some questions. Who is Dr. Absin? And why is he doing this year after year. Inside the big house which of course was full of Christmas decorations in every room and corner, there were also many personal things which like proved that someone actually was living there. For example there were lot’s of old photos from different episodes of his life, from his younger days until now.

​It has become an annual custom for this Doctor to share his blessings during the season to some 300 less fortunate children in the city which he throws a party for their benefit. He never forgets to wrap up gifts to be given away and makes sure that not one child leaves without getting any. Also a member of the City Tourism Council, Dr. Absin holds benefits and fund raisers for this particular cause.

Related links:​
Tarbush, a story of love​
The boulevard in Dumaguete​
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Rizal Boulevard or more commonly known as just the Boulevard is the heart of Dumaguete. ​It's here everything happens. I love to stroll here specially in the evenings when the air is cooler and you can feel the ocean breeze. Many they are doing their exercises here as well, jogging and walking back and forth the boulevard. Some days of the week they arrange Zumba open for everybody brave enough to participate. 

​The boulevard’s stretch is immediately visible when coming into the Dumaguete port via any sea vessel. From the white lamp posts lining up the stretch to the stately trees swaying with the sea breeze, Rizal Boulevard holds a big part in the city’s provincial charm and has become a very popular landmark.

A lazy afternoon at the boulevard. (60 s video clip) 

Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete City was named after the great Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, marking it as one of the historical sites found in the city. It has been said that he had made a brief visit and took a stroll here before departing to the neighboring island of Dapitan, Dipolog City where he was exiled for four years.

​​Rizal Boulevard is definitely one of the city’s best loved places. It has become a landmark as well as a venue for leisure and recreation.

Related links:​
Tarbush, a story of love​​
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

In 1571 to the end of Spanish rule in 1898, Intramuros was Manila. It's also known as the Ciudad Murada (Walled City) because of its most famous feature: a nearly three-mile-long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district. 

History and mystery are built into the two and three-quarter miles (around 4,4 km) of walls that surround the old capital of the Philippines. The first wall, built in 1570 was made of logs. Today the construction bears evidences of many builders and widely differing plans of defence.

When wandering around in this area and reading about all those important historical events which took place here you get a feeling of humbleness. There have been so much pain and sacrifices inside and around these walls of Intramuros. For example, Jose Rizal the national freedom hero of the Philippines was imprisoned here. He was later executed in Bagumbayan (now known as Rizal Park) just outside the walls of Intramuros on December 30, 1896. Or in 1945, during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino and Japanese forces, where so many soldiers paid the ultimate price and Intramuros was almost completely destroyed.

Fort Santiago, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. Although the fort sustained very heavy damage during the 1945 Battle of Manila, several key portions of the compound were subsequently restored. It's now considered a major landmark and one of Manila's most popular tourist attractions, partly because José Rizal - the national hero of the Philippines - was imprisoned here prior to his execution on 30 Dec 1896. The Rizal Shrine, a small museum dedicated to his life and work, is housed in a restored section of one of the fort's former barracks. 

During World War II, Fort Santiago was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army. They used the dungeons as prison cells for captured Filipino and American soldiers. Around 600 bodies were found inside these dungeons and they probably died of starvation and suffocation on the very last days of the Battle of Manila.

Nearest train station: LRT1-Central Terminal
Or my personal recommendation, get off at United Nations Avenue and then take a 10 minutes nice walk. You will pass the Rizal Park and among others the National Museum of Fine Arts, which both are well worth visits.

Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila​
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila​
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial​
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery​
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park​

The cemetery is beautifully located with impressive views over the lowlands to Laguna de Bay and towards the distant mountains. The area is so quiet and you can wander around and contemplate over the soldiers who lost their lives in the World War II. When you see all the headstones and the names it really calls for reflection over the madness of war.

Compared to the Manila Chinese Cemetery which was like a maze of different styles and colors this cemetery is strictly organized and minimalistic with the headstones in perfect order. They are aligned in 11 plots forming a generally circular pattern, set among masses of a wide variety of tropical trees and shrubbery.

Normally I used to deny the services of a guide. Who needs a guide when you have a smartphone and Google? But sometimes however, I have to admit that hiring a guide can be really useful. The Manila Chinese Cemetery is roughly 5.4 hectare. So it's a big area and it's like a maze in there so in order to find the highlights you might need some help. I was lucky to meet a guide who was nice and knowledgable and told me many good ​anecdotes about the cemetery. He charged me 600 PHP for one-hour walking tour. As an option you can also hire a bicycle (per hour P100) to get around the area.

Before the squatters climbed the fences to get in. Until the 1960:s, many families employed grave watchmen to stay at the mausoleums around the clock. But when the guards started bringing their families to live on the grounds, the practice was banned. Although the squatters no longer spend the nights at the cemetery, the caretakers and their families find it a nice place for a picnic, and even a nap. They stretch out on the cool marble floors or even on top of the crypts. 

 According to my guide, if the children died before their parents, they were not going to be buried together with the parents but separately at another place in the cemetery. But there were some cases of married men who happened to have had a mistress who was buried together with him and his wife in the same mausoleum! My guide showed me an even weirder example, where a married man and his mistress were dead and consequently they had been buried together. But the husband's wife was still alive and the wife had already got her designated resting place set up beside her husband and his mistress when the time was ready for her!

Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila​
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila​
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial​
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery​
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park​

The scenery inside the market is chaotic.  The selling and buying takes place under lively and loud forms. Specially the pigs were protesting wildly when they were transfered to their new owners or maybe to the slaughter house. Screaming like a pig got a new meaning here. By the way who wouldn't (?) if you were in their situation. 

This pig had no intention to volunteer The pigs got some water to cool off Tied up and waiting Not only livestock It's not only livestock for sale here, there are also ​assorted meats, vegetables and fruit stands and ukay-ukay stores which sell used clothing imported from foreign countries. You can also find dry goods, like handmade bolo machetes, clothes, shoes, toys, etc. Then last but not least, deliciously barbecued meat, like for example lechon baboy (pork meat). But remember, like all markets here in the Philippines, the Malatapay market opens very early already around 5 AM and if you are not there by 10 AM or so, you won’t be getting the good BBQ! ​There are some places along the seaside where you can get the fish or meat you have purchased cooked to a nice meal at the cool, breezy beach. A carabao and its handler patiently waiting A truckload of goats How to get there Malatapay Market is located in Zamboangita, Negros Oriental, around 30 kilometers south of Dumaguete. For those taking the public transport, you can find jeepneys to Zamboangita at the bell tower in Dumaguete City or near the Robinson's Mall. If you are going to Apo island you will pass Malatapay market on your way down to the shore. Yeah, the scenery is chaotic as this video clip will show Scream like a pig gets a whole new meaning here The atmosphere in the market is lively and noisy Related links:​ Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete​ Going to La Verna with the girls​ Happy birthday Jas​ ​Sexy mama The Japanese Shrine​ Shopping spree​ Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​ Outing with the girls​ Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay​ A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream​ Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​ Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​ The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love​ The boulevard in Dumaguete​ Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!

When you are going down to the shore to rent the boat you will pass the Malatapay Market. The market is open on Wednesdays and the entrance fee is 5 PHP. Among other things they have a big live stock market here. It can be worth a visit if you have the time. It's lively and noisy and be prepared, some animals are not treated very good. Lava instead of white sand ​The main beach where you have the sea turtles is nothing special. Yes, a little bit crowded with small huts where you can rent equipment, eat and relax. There is no white sand, the ground consists of lava so the beach is a little bit rocky. But hey, it’s in the sea you experience the sea turtles, right? Apo Island tourist office where you pay the environmental fee 100 PHP The beach from where you snorkel to experience the sea turtles Divided in three different areas ​The sea near the beach is divided in three different areas. First the common area where you can snorkel freely. Of course if you are lucky you can spot the sea turtles here also. The second area is only allowed for snorkeling with a guide. It's here you are supposed to swim with the sea turtles. The third area is intended only for the sea turtles so no swimming is allowed there.  ​I saw several sea turtles ​I was lucky, I saw several sea turtles. Some of them were really near the shore line feeding on the algae in the shallow water. Others were farther out. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals in this relatively limited area. There is another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing.  Another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a few minutes walking from the port. ​​So what’s my conclusion then? I didn’t see any garbage on the beach. It was not crowded but of course there were other tourists roaming around the place. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals to see in this limited area. And yes, it’s definitely a beautiful scenery around the island specially if you visit the light house. Next time I would like to stay for at least a couple of days so I really can explore the island.  ​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. ​Fees: Upon arrival, head to the tourist information office and pay 100 PHP. It’s an environmental fee, which will be used to maintain and preserve Apo Island. You need also to pay 300 PHP to a tour guide (good for 4 people) at the tourist assistance center. You’re not allowed to enter the protected area where the turtles swim without a guide. An additional 300 PHP if you like a table to put your stuff when you are in the water. 100 PHP for a snorkel and mask and 100 PHP for a life vest.  A 60 seconds video clip: Related links:​ Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​ Outing with the girls​ Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin Road trip to Sipalay​ A day of exercise The fine art of eating an ice cream​ Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​ Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​ The Christmas House in Dumaguete Tarbush, a story of love​ The boulevard in Dumaguete​ Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines) Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Grab a pedicab to Sibulan from the wet market in Dumaguete. Fare PHP 12 per person. Get off at Sibulan near the port. From there take a Habal Habal to the drop off point for Puncak Tanawan. Expect to pay the driver of the Habal Habal around PHP 30-50 per person. Total travel time from Dumaguete to the drop off point is around 40-60 minutes depending on the traffic. From the drop off point you will hike for around 90 minutes before you reach the Puncak Tanawan.

It's relatively steep uphill but nothing special if you are relatively fit. Height over the sea level is around 750 m. Once at the summit, you will in clear weather be rewarded with an astonishing view over the sea and the nearby islands. There is like a little café where you can buy water, coffee and biscuits if you need to refuel some energy. With some coffee and bisquits you can then enjoy the quietness and beauty of the nature.

Related links:​
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​
Outing with the girls​
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay​
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream​
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love​
The boulevard in Dumaguete​
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines