Bohol (Day2)

As early as 5:30am, we were already preparing for our dolphin watching and snorkelling. Our boatman, Kuya Lazar, picked us up from the resort at exactly 6am. Our boat can accommodate 6-7 person, but we were only three at that time. Kuya Lazar was also my contact person during my second visit in Bohol.

So off we sail to where the dolphins are seen. It was far from the shores of Panglao and we knew that we are nearing the stop when we saw other boats clustered like they are in a parking lot, waiting for the dolphins. Our engine drastically went silent as we wait patiently for the dolphins to come out. All eyes are on the waters looking for any sign of movement. We even transfer from one place to anothet, hoping to get a better chance of seeing them. It was like a never ending hunt, but fortunately we saw the dolphins swimming playfully. I think it was thrre or four times that we had to see them. During my second time, dolphins are more visible, I think during the month of december more dolphins come to this place. The experience of seeing dolphins swimming freely in an open see is far different from what ocean parks has to offer.
After the dolphin watching, we headed to Balicasag Island for snorkelling. I learned that Balicasag island is considered a mushroom type island. Meaning the island looks like a mushroom dipped in the ocean. So the island has its support only at the center, and underneath the land is water. Great isn't it?
We hired a smaller boat to bring us to the snorkelling area which is not far from the island. We paid P100 per person for our guide. One guide can assist a maximum of 2 persons. It is mandatory for all tourists to hire guides for snorkelling as part of the livelihood project of the government for the people of panglao, and also to preserve the coral reefs. It was actually my first time to snorkel and I feel so lucky that I get to experience it in Balicasag. During my first time, we were not bringing any waterproof camera, so we only had our memory to capture the site. So i made sure that the next time I visit, I get to capture the view underwater. Just an advice, bring some crackers along with you so you can feed the fish. I could just stay all day and watch the view, but I felt dizzy and decided to return to the island.

We ate our lunch in Balicasag. There are stire that sell freshly catched seafoods and offers to cook them for you. We bought 1/4 kilo of shrimp and half tune and asked to grill them for us, and 1/4 kilo of oyster cooked in soy sauce. I think for our meal, we spent approximately P500 with 1 liter of softdrinks and 8 cups of rice shared by the three of us. We stayed here for another hour just before we left.
Finally our last stop, Puntod Island or Virgin Island. Just look at the picture and get awed by its beauty. It is really a wonder how nature works to create such a site.

At approximately 3pm, we were heading back back to Panglao. We went straight to our rooms and slept! I think it was almost 6pm when we woke up and spent the rest of the night at the shores of Panglao beach.

Bohol is such a small island with so much to offer. Hope to get back again here some time...

Expenses:
City Tour - P2,000
Island hopping - P 1,600
( dolphin watching, snorkelling gears)
Paragayo resort accom. - P2,800
( P700/nyt fan room)
Oops Bar Accom. -P 3,600
(P900/nyt fan room, 2nd time in Bohol)
Service from panglao to pier - P300

Contacts:
Paragayo Resort - (038)502-9172
09187183316
Oops Bar - 09204617895
Kuya Lazar - 09157411532
Mang Rod - 09185914969