Philippines’ great outdoors

CEBU, Philippines ― There are many reasons to choose a resort island as a holiday destination. If one’s ideal holiday consists of reading books on the beach and swimming in the ocean, staying at a good resort will be the first choice. But for those looking for a more dynamic experience, staying on a remote island might leave something to be desired.

The islands of Cebu and Bohol in the Philippines have plenty to offer to satisfy travelers seeking a holiday that’s both relaxing and dynamic. The neighboring islands in the Central Visayas region have beautiful beaches, mountains and natural wonders that are home to rare species. The nature offers both relaxation and adventure to travelers.

Relax and have fun in Cebu

Cebu is a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. It’s especially loved by Koreans and Japanese travelers with its relatively short flight and easy access to beautiful beaches, water sports and a historic city tour.

Most of the resorts are located on the small resort island of Mactan, a few kilometers southeast of Cebu mainland. Leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind, one can enter the world of a luxury retreat that comes with relaxing spas, international restaurants and exotic bars.

The Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort on Mactan Island is a resort for families and individual travelers. Families with young children will appreciate its lagoon-shaped swimming pools, children’s playground and craft sessions.

The resort offers water sports, as do any others on the island. Among the many programs, the island-hopping tour is the best way to explore the vast Philippines archipelago. The island-hopping tour stops at three islands close to Mactan Island. The four-hour tour package, which costs $150 per group, includes a packed lunch prepared at the resort kitchen, guided snorkeling, snorkeling gear and entrance fees to private islands.

The tour starts at anytime, but beginning in the morning around 9 or 10 a.m. is recommended, according to the leisure center of the resort. Two experienced guides accompanied our tour ― Teting, with more than 20 years of experience in island hopping, and his cousin. At each stop, one is given 30 minutes to an hour to snorkel and swim in the waters off Gilutungan Island, Sulpa Island and Olango Island. The boat ride on a clear day offers a clear view to the long, narrow island of Cebu and Bohol.

Snorkeling allows one to explore the underwater marine life in the water off Cebu ― home to the world’s most diverse marine life and coral reefs.

To bring the fish closer, use some leftover rice from lunch. The cooked rice attracts schools of fish, which surround you until you stop feeding them.

There are frequent ferry services from Cebu to Tagbilaran, Bohol’s main city, which are about 90 minutes long.

Unique nature at Bohol

Bohol beaches are beautiful and unique, catering to various water sports, but the natural wonders in the countryside are also worth visiting.

The inland part of the island, which locals call the “countryside,” offers a glimpse of the unique biodiversity of the country ― rare animal species ranging from the world’s smallest monkeys called Tarsier to fireflies and butterflies are found here.

The “countryside tour” usually includes trips to the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Butterfly Conservation Center, a trip to Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River cruise and firefly watching in the Abatan River. A one-day tour including lunch is usually around $64 (2,700 pesos) to $100. 

The Tarsier Sanctuary is home to the Philippine Tarsier, a protected species. Tourists are allowed to enter a part of the 134-hectare forested area, home to some 500 Tarsiers. The shy, nocturnal animal is vulnerable to camera flashes and noise because most of them sleep during the day.

The famous Chocolate Hills, a geological formation with more than 1,770 hills spread over a vast tract of land, is where fun travel photos are shot. On top of one hill, one can view the panorama of the hills and watch tourists jumping to take fun photos using objects such as broomsticks, arrows and wings. Supermarkets and souvenir shops in Bohol sell small replicas of the Chocolate Hills ― the Peanut Kisses. The peanut cookies that resemble Hershey’s Kisses or, as locals claim, the Chocolate Hills, are a popular local snack. 

The river cruise along the Loboc River is a scenic ride along the lush tropical forest that includes coconut water, a lunch buffet and local dance performance and music by a singer and a band on the boat. The cruise stops at a small pier by the river banks where a group of young and old residents of the village come out to sing and dance. Tourists are invited to join the local dance.

The highlight of the tour is a firefly-watching river cruise along the Abatan River. The breezy night with sights of butterflies lighting the trees completely immerses tourists in the true Philippine nature.

In Bohol, one can spot tourists exploring the island on motorcycles or bicycles. 

“Tourists take their own vehicles here and go around the island more conveniently. That way they can take more time to explore the island,” said Josh Hinay, a local travel guide.

While on the road, one can discover interesting local lives. During the month of May, one can see small flags hung on streets, people lighting up candles at night in front of their gates and a parade crossing the streets. Filipinos celebrate fiestas that celebrate their own patron saints, and most of the celebration falls in May. Each house prepares abundant food and invites guests, welcoming them with warmth and generosity.

“The more visitors they get, the more blessings they get,” said Hinay. “They welcome strangers to come in and offer food and often accommodation,” he added.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)

The Philippine Airlines flies twice daily between Incheon and Manila, six times between Incheon and Cebu, and expects to run a nonstop service between Incheon and Kalibo Airport in July. Kalibo Airport offers access to Boracay. More travel information is available at www.onfill.com, which offers discount coupons for use at restaurants and spas in Manila, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay. Mobile apps for Philippines travel are also available for iPhone and Android phones.