One of the perks of traveling solo is that you get to choose your itinerary or route for the day, that's exactly what I did in Bohol. Momo Beach House offered their daily rent-a-car service that costs ₱2,500 wherein you get your own car with a driver. That's not too bad since I got to see most of the tourist spots in Bohol in a day! ;)
My solo tour started around 9:00AM and my goal was to check-out the farthest destination first which was the Chocolate Hills located at the northern east from Panglao Island. The trip took approximately 1 hour and 45 mins. My driver dropped me off at a small travel agency that offered all-terrain vehicle (ATV) tours. This wasn't part of the plan, to be honest, because I did not have enough cash on hand during this trip.
ATV tour rates start at ₱450 (30 mins) but I ended up paying ₱900 (1 hour) to see the 3 sisters, 8 sisters, and the mini rice terraces. I paid through credit card 'coz like I said this wasn't part of the plan. Sadly, I wasn't that impressed with the last stop (mini rice terraces) so don't bother getting this tour if you have high expectations.
This is what you see at the end of the tour. It literally was a mini rice terrace.
If you really, badly, want to experience this tour.. may I suggest planning in advance? I find it quite a bit expensive, I'm sure there are cheaper rates somewhere. I wanted to get mad at my driver for bringing me here but then I realized that at least I was able to contribute a little something for the local tourism of Bohol. Think of it as another way to see the Chocolate Hills, not everyone sees them as close as I did. *positive thinker all the way!*
After the ATV tour, we drove straight to the Chocolate Hills National Monument. There's an entrance fee of ₱50.
The Man Made Forest is along the way if you're going to the Chocolate Hills and back to Panglao. I did not bother stopping for photos since there were too many people waiting at the sidelines. Plus it wasn't the safest area since cars are regularly passing by. Buwis buhay ka if gusto mo talaga ng shot diyan! :p
By 1:30PM I was in Loboc waiting in line for the Loboc River Cruise. Lines were long but my driver kindly asked the girls in the registration booth if I can cut the queue since I was traveling solo. Lucky for me there were empty seats left for the next cruise and they let me in. ;)The tour costs ₱450 which includes a lunch buffet.
The experience was exactly how I expected it to be. Food was ok and the band playing got a big tip from me (it's not like we're forced to give but then a crew was going around literally asking for it) just because I didn't have smaller bills! That's another tip, make sure you have smaller bills for tip! Haha.
By 3:00PM I arrived at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc. I can't exactly remember how much was the entrance fee but I'm sure it was less than ₱100. If I'm not mistaken there are two places to see tarsiers but I specifically requested for this one since you get to see them in in their natural habitat, not in a cage.
According to the staff they have 8 tarsiers roaming around the property but I only got to see 5 that day. Luckily I saw one hanging out and about like a boss. I had to ask why he was awake though (they're nocturnal) and the staff said some tourists were just too noisy and can't follow simple rules like be quiet, turn mobile phones to silent mode, turn off camera flash, etc.
Here are some interesting facts to take note about the Philippine tarsier:
1. They are nocturnal animals and should not be disturbed at day time.
2. Their main diet is insects and should not be fed with meat.
3. They commit suicide during captivity due to trauma from touching and loud noise.
4. They’re one of the slowest fetal growth rates of any mammal, taking 6 months to reach a birth weight of 23 grams
I hope my buddy up there survived the throng of tourists that arrive after I left. It was a bus full of Chinese tourists. Eeeeeeeep! @_@
Before going back to the hotel I asked my driver to bring me to the Baclayon Church to offer a prayer. I didn't bother taking photos of churches since most of them are under construction and restoration after the devastating earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol back in October 2013.
Some of the tourist stops that I intentionally missed were The Sandugo (blood compact shrine) and Hinagdanan Cave. You might ask why? I didn't have much time. The car I rented is good for 7 hours only so if I left around 9:00AM, I should be back in the hotel by 4:00PM. Overall the total cost of my solo DIY tour is ₱3,900. It's probably cheaper if I had companions who can chip-in and share for the rent of the car.
P.S. I did not give any tips to my driver.
