Bohol - Day 3

The sun was a bit selfish the next morning. The waves were a little bit rough and it was a little windy. My mom couldn't help but worry because we have kids with us. But I assured her that those waves were just small compared to the ones we encountered in El Nido.

our boat

my mom is a rockstar wanna-be too :))

rain

Our hope of seeing dolphins went down the drain because of the rough waters and gloomy weather. But a sign appeared:

a rainbow!

And a little later, dolphins started to appear! They were almost everywhere but quite far from us. I don't know why but good luck wasn't on our side that day. The boat of our engine died! Another boat full of passengers needed to pull us with a rope to get to Balicasag Island.

boatman trying to secure the rope to the other boat

this is how we pretty much looked like when we see dolphins

Sorry if I don't have photos of the dolphins, we were too far for my camera reach them. After all the screaming and giggling at the sight of them, we headed on to Balicasag Island where we left our things and had lunch. Too bad the people the boss and I met a year ago weren't there anymore. They used to have their own dampa where they sell and cook food. They were very kind to us and they told us about the history of the island. That time, he was the barangay captain of the island but he already got replaced.

lighthouse - gloomy weather :(

church - yes in the middle of the island

We went to their house w/c is near the lighthouse but unfortunately they just left to go to Panglao Island to celebrate their daughter's birthday. So after mamu instructed the owner of the dampa what to cook for us, we boarded smaller banca's (P150) to bring us to the marine sanctuary. Its a different boat and it can ride 5 persons. We paid 250 each for the snorkels and boat. Johnna brought her underwater camera so we were able to take a few pictures underwater.

Marc

KC

Johnna - too bad a fish bit her finger

Shan

the fish stole my frame haha!

lots and lots of hungry fishes

ze boss

and me again, w/ the cliff behind me

The others all went back to their boat and I couldn't do anything but to do the same (bitin sobra!) Our boatman managed to catch a blue starfish for my little sister. But of course we returned it to the water.

Everyone was hungry upon reaching the dampa. So we all settled in and ate. For 250/person, we had rice, steamed crabs, fried chicken and a fish dish like sinigang but I can't recall what type of fish we had. In that dampa, you can choose from chicken, pork, fish and different kinds of shell fish. The owners will cook it your way and they will be the one to provide everything including the condiments. Remember to bring a lot of drinking water because water there is expensive.

After eating and resting, Mang Ed called to say that he talked to another boatman that will bring us to the next island. So we were all happy because we know its gonna be a safe trip back to our resort. But we passed by Virgin Island first. It is a sandbar a few minutes away from Balicasag and you will only see it when the tide is low (around lunch). You can walk around the island and take pictures and picnic too but that is, if you have your own things. So we did nothing but take lots and lot of pictures while strolling around the island.

 

There were sea urchin farmers selling sea urchin meat for P150 a bottle. They said that it tasted better than oysters when cooked properly and you can even eat it on its own. Johnna dared to try one but she didn't like it.

When we got tired of walking and taking pictures, we all went back to our boat and went home. Ironically, the ride was smoother as silk. This was the kind of waters we were expecting in the morning. Calm, smooth and quiet. As if we weren't stuffed with lunch, we munched down our snacks just to kill the boredom.

Upon arriving at the resort, we ate some more and finished the drinks we drank the night before while exchanging stories. We all spent the rest of the afternoon, drinking, eating, laughing and just hanging out. We took a dip after and rested while waiting for dinner.

Dinner was extra special courtesy of Mang Ed. He gave us Lechon Cebu! With steamed shrimps and some kind of vegetable dish. Our dinner was superb!

Overall, the trip was fun! KC never failed to make us laugh from morning till dawn. The company of your favorite people in a trip makes it more worthwhile. All the stress while planning the trip paid off. I would love to go back again and again.

Hasta luego!