Bohol Philippines

It was Swift Air that brought us from El Nido to Bohol across deep blue seas and islands big and small. So many islands to explore and so little time – the undeniable battlecry of travellers to the Philippines.

On Bohol we split our 10 days between Anda and Panglao.

First stop was Anda White Sands Resort located a 2 hour scenic drive along the coast from the airport. This resort has a fabulous infinity pool overlooking a quite stunning beach. Attentive staff complete a most pleasant picture. Out on its own, save a couple of other resorts, it is certainly tranquil and if the rooms get updated, then this place will tick all the boxes.

Anda Town was a short 2 kms walk from our hotel and it really is an interesting collection of a good beach, markets, cafes and quirky bars.

In this country that’s strongly wedded to its Spanish Catholic past, there is no shortage of churches. This one in Anda, while a little shabby on the outside has a magnifique interior. Interestingly, Philippines is one of  2 countries that outlaw divorce: the other country is Vatican City.

Our second stop in Bohol was Panglao, Bohol’s tourist mecca since it’s blessed with good beaches.

We hired a driver to take us to UNESCO listed Chocolate Hills as well as anything else along the way.

The Chocolate Hills below were not a chocolate colour when we visited thanks to the rainy season. Conical and brown during the dry season, these grass covered limestone hills number over 1000. A viewing platform at the end of 214 steps offers spectacular views.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, with big eyes and a long tail, Tarsiers are on the highly endangered list. Blame human expansion. Sanctuaries like this one on Bohol and others in Indonesia and Borneo offer them protection.

A man made forest of mahogany trees was planted 50 years ago in a deforestation project. We’re all reaping the rewards today.

Called in to see this historic church which was built by the Spaniards in 1595.

Our month long trip sampling a smattering of Philippine islands is coming to an end.

While it’s officially the start of the rainy season, we encountered just two days of rain that forced us to rethink our plans. Temps throughout were comfortable. Having said that, I wouldn’t plan a visit any later since intense rain is definitely on the cards.

We are now in Manila for a short 2 days enroute to Oz. On our first day here the torrential rain from Typhoon Carina/Gaemi meant streets were flooded and people evacuated to schools and shopping malls. We’re safely ensconced at Citadines Salcedo Makati (can highly recommend). The following day, the sun shone brightly and the sky morphed into a deep blue. How quickly things change.

Dengue is prevalent in the Philippines and cases are increasing. Two days ago I made a pitstop at a medical centre and tested positive for dengue. The fatigue is real, so a DEET based mossie repellent (40%) will now be mandatory in my back pack.

Can’t sign out without a brief word on the quite interesting Philippines political scene. The current President is Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr, elected in mid-2022 for a 6 year presidential term. In 2028, the red hot favourite is former president Duterte’s daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio. Yes, the familial link at the polling booth counts for everything here. No matter the winner in this country of 115 million, reining in corruption and directing much needed pesos to development and pulling people out of poverty need to be a priority.

On the other side of the world, out of control tourism in Europe means travellers are copping flak from locals who want their towns back and tourists gone. This is a good read from the BBC

https://83gh3nj.r.us-east-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Ftravel%2Farticle%2F20240702-why-its-time-to-rethink-what-it-means-to-be-a-tourist/1/0100019092e1de97-3c1a50b3-0be5-4b05-ab3d-bc2d21bd2e93-000000/JQecNodP7lXD2E_JmATaxAySbTg=381

Travel for me will take a back seat for the rest of this year as I navigate my way around a jack hammer and embark on some long overdue renos. 2025 promises some good travel moments though.