Backpacking to Panglao

I got to be a native “tourist” a week ago in Alona, Panglao, Bohol. What made it a totally thrilling experience was that I got to learn some tips on how to backpack to the place for those of us who are a little bit financially constrained. My brother who lives in Tagbilaran doesn’t even know some of them:
1. Book airfare at least two months in advance. I would actually recommend one to avail of Cebu Pacific’s year-round Go-Fares promo. Word of caution though: Stick to your confirmed flight schedules as the term “low fares” will lose its meaning as soon as you rebook your tickets! So plan your trips in advance.

2. There is a Panglao-bound terminal (paradahan is more like it) near Shopper’s Mart at Tagbilaran City where one can find transportation to Panglao at P20.00 only. This transportation suits just fine for the adventurous backpacker as he will find himself carted to his destination through the traditional jam-packed non-airconditioned jeepney. As the journey will progress, it would seem that regular commuters have been purposely dropped off in their respective homes, but fear not! This is its designated route and ultimately one will arrive at the Alona junction after about 45 minutes to an hour of country travel. Just make sure that you have specified or that jeepney’s signboard says “Alona”. The taxi is another alternative though but the fare is double the metered fare, if the foregoing way is too inconvenient to take.

3. The Alona junction has grown into an active community catering to foreign nationals since the last time I had been there. One can already find rentable rooms at very affordable prices (about P500) even from that distance away from the beachfront. But it’s really not that far; one can’t hear the waves though if that is what this trip is all about. Beachfront resorts are not quite as expensive as I would have thought either since I was able to find a room good for four adults at P800 only (this was at Bohol Diver’s Resort). Depending on your preferences and during the off-peak seasons from June to October, there would be a wide array of accommodations to choose from. During peak seasons, I guess it would be better to reserve accommodations beforehand, but maybe you would like to take your chances??? :-)

4. Enjoy dolphin watching in the early morning and spend at least most of the rest of the day snorkeling at Balicasag. It’s a marine sanctuary and protected sea environment and it was just marvelous! Amazing, spectacular, fabulous, breath-taking! Just… *sigh* I cannot express my wonder into words so I guess you’ll just have to see it for yourself. I wish I had an underwater camera. Hmmm… maybe its time for me to save for one.

4. For a little countryside tour at Chocolate Hills and other attractions, one can negotiate for a one-day transportation and tour package. Average package went for about P1800.00 for 3-4 persons, using more-than-mediocre SUV as transport. The package already includes a visit to the infamous Chocolate Hills at Carmen. On the way back we stopped by the Hanging Bridge in Sevilla town, the DENR-approved tarsier place, the Loboc Cruise or Floating Restaurant, and the old Baclayon Church and Museum.

During that 10-day “vacation” I had in my province, I have been to Alona three times, touring three batch of visitors. I thought I would get tired of going back and forth. Our Panglao beaches have never let me down before. Not even today.