After a long first day in Bohol, I started my second day there a little slow waking up at 9am and having a really late breakfast cause my friend was caught up at work. So, I decided to spend a little time exploring the mall nearby my accommodation, BQ Mall.
Busy Roads in Bohol
It’s a really small shopping mall but comes complete with all the amenities that anyone staying in the area needs – food outlets, supermarket and retail outlets. It’s also amazing to know that American expatriates have decided to make Bohol their home as I discovered in an accidental eavesdrop whilst having my breakfast at a cafe.
The Mall
An American couple had been staying in Bohol for 16 years when they bumped into another American who’s been staying there for the past 5 years. The owner of the establishment, has been living there for 2 years. I also discovered that they all had one thing in common – retired militants military personnel.
Once done with my tour of the mall, my friend then came to pick me up and we headed straight for Hinagdanan Caves. It’s a really small and wet cave with a quarry within. Looks a lot like Batman’s cave if you must call it but I was also jogged back to think that a mermaid reside there – aftermath from Pirates of the Carribean.
The View On The Connecting Bridge
Hello!
Along The Road Side
Nonetheless, one does not have to worry when visiting the cave because a volunteer guide is present to bring you around and explain to you about the cave. These guides are locals staying there who believe in preserving the cave and hence, volunteer whatever time they have. Even better, they come fully knowledgeable to use your DSLR camera! Low light or what have you, they’ll adjust the settings for you to ensure you get the best shot in that cave!
Hinagdanan Cave!
Entrance Only Good For One
On Honeymoon!
From the cave, we headed straight to Tarsier Botanika, a new establishment newly opened in December 2010. Situated on a 7-hectare piece of land, this establishment is owned and managed by a Frenchmen and his wife, a Filpino lady.
Entrace to Tarsier Botanika
You’d be surprised at what you’ll see in that place. It’s like a mini zoo, mini bird park, botanics garden, stone garden and even an art museum. And here’s the bomb, everything you see there belongs to the couple’s PERSONAL COLLECTION. That’s when I felt that breaking into a song would be most appropriate and what better than ‘Bruno Mars – Billionaire’!
Nice Plants For Starters
Small Animals - For The Kids
The Turkeys Accompanying Us On Our Tour - SERIOUSLY
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Even Lizards Are Kept
Philippine Lizards Showing Us What To Do There!
Even OWLs Were Part Of The Collection
This Little Cutie Can Greet You!
Who Needs Ear Waxing?
Shhhh.. Sleeping Buddha At The Back
We spent the rest of the day there till sundown before we made our walk through the 7-hectare land back to the reception area. It’s so huge I swear if you walked without a guide, you’d probably find yourself lost in one of the many gardens.
From The Ruins of Mount Pinatubo
Beautiful?
Look Familiar To You?
Here's The Artist - Go Figure
World War II Relic
A Familiar Panting
From there, we went to Dauis Church for dinner. It’s a restaurant run by the locals to ensure sustainability for the church and it’s a very romantic place to be dining at. Who better to be having a romantic dinner with my dear Janice.
Dinner Menu
Just A Few People
Delicious Panini!
My Date For 2 Days In Bohol
To end the night, chocolate soufflé! That also means my next entry will talk about food in Philippines and also the reveal for that video!
