Pyramid Beach Resort Bohol

I took Philippine Airlines from Manila to Tagbilaran because I did not know better. Now I do: Cebu Pacific is just as good an airline, same Airbus equipment, very similar schedule and half the price! The only difference I have been able to discern is that Cebu Pacific charges for in-flight food and drinks and PAL does not. For a one-hour flight, I can do without.

Landed on ...

... the local bus and headed north to the Chocolate Hills which are difficult to explain – they are a geological phenomenon and the result is just over a thousand treeless hillocks ranging from 40 to 100 meters tall heading of in to the horizon. In the dry months the grass on the hills turns brown hence the name – Chocolate Hills. It is quite an odd sight to see but enjoyable none the less – I’m not sure they quite deserve ...

... was a bit wrong. It was quite steep and as it rained slightly in the night was slippy! anyway we climbed up over a few hours and took in some amazing views. When we arrived we went into the mouth of the cave and immedietally saw hundreds of bats hanging from the roof of the huge cave. The guide made a sound and loads dropped and flew in our direction, it was amazing. As we tried to avoid the bat poo we climed ...

... on the bridge also did not help our confidence!!! The other side there are souvenier stands and kids selling candies. Allan bought some, and they were good!!

Next stop was lunch on the Loboc River Lunch Cruise. They have several barges set with tables and a buffet lunch as well as entertainment. Lunch was good, and the view along the river very pleasant. There was a young guy playing guitar ...

... I am going to contemplate my next adventure while sipping this Margarita. CHAMPION!!!! He might go crazy next time and have one without SALT, all for the sake of ADVENTURE!!!!! Except for one bar with a fairly good local band, great cover of Bohemia Rhapsody, the place is very mellow , mainly elevator music, till Friday when you have a couple of other places that will thrill you with the latest tunes of Britney and alike. As far as diving goes , I was recommended ...

... small rondalla (local musical group) playing on the side of the river. Now, off we go for our hunt of the Tarsier habitat. We already found a few on some bush plants set up by cruise operators on the Loboc River but we still want to see them on their natural habitat. We hopped on a mini bus going to Corella and there we found them. The Philippine Tarsier is one of the smallest known primates, no larger ...

... are endangered but not yet extinct. Intently listening to Gary's tarsier expertise. Whoa I learned a lot! From its mating calls, to the ultra short mating period, the scent that the female tarsier leaves, to its suicidal tendencies. Cute, funny little creatures. Green with envy. After takings pictures with the tarsiers, we waited to board those noisy rafts along the banks of Loboc River. Floating restaurants as they call them ...

... particularly for Mary-Ann as Stuarts snoring was trying to compete with the wildlife throughout the night, must have been the rum shots drunk out of a coconut last night!!) we were up at 7am to get ready for our jungle trek into the largest of the island caves. We set off with a local guide and 2 dutch students across the river (by a leaky canoe) and up a steep assent of 200m, doesn't sound like much but in temparatures of over 30C it certainly took its ...

Following a recommendation from some friends of ours we headed out to Malapascua Island, which is off the north coast of Cebu Island. The island has lovely white sand beaches and clear waters and is famous for the regular sightings of Thresher Sharks. We found a great place to stay called Wobbly Boot which had a swimming pool and also included a full cooked breakfast every morning which was a real treat. We decided to ...

... Gregoire, who had taken the seat in the middle of the boat, got soaked...as we hoped a chartered jeepney drove us to the dock in Dumaguete. We left Kathy in charge of our bags and sped off to "Why Not?" for some interneting. Took the Sea Cat ferry heading to Cebu. It wasn't very full and actually rather modern and safe. Needless to say they had the AC on max... Had some snacks and pop corn. They showed a couple of movies on a big TV as well.