Philippines is considered to be one of the best travel destinations because of its numerous spots; in more than 7,000 archipelagos some are already exposed and popular, few are yet to be discovered and others are remained unknown. Not all travellers have the opportunity to visit all around the country, not even a native Filipino.
Luckily enough, I got the chance to see the natural beauty of the small island of Cabilao, located somewhere in the Province of Bohol. That experience was like an odyssey. Bohol is just a 15-minute-ferry-boat ride away from Cebu City. This province is known of its mysterious Chocolate Hills and the famous Tarsier. Little did I know that this province has lots to offer.
Going to the town of Loon, take a bus ride from either Tubigon, Bohol or Tagbilaran City in its integrated bus terminal. Along the coastal road, don’t take a nap. Get your camera ready and take photos of those breathtaking views of the unsophisticated place. Take advantage of the moment by visiting its historical churches which were built during the Spanish era and one of these is the Our Lady of Light, the big catholic church in Poblacion Loon. From this town, take a jeepney to Mocpoc. In Mocpoc, you can either call the resort you’ve booked with, and wait for their boat to pick you up, or take some of the bankas to bring you to your resort. You can also tell the jeepney driver you want to go to Cabilao so they can drop you to the terminal of motorcycles if you don’t have much luggage and take a regular boat ride which takes about an hour to go across Talisay on the opposite coast on the island, and from there ride to your resort.
Another route is to reach the resort directly from Cebu City to Argao and give a call to the resort to pick you up from there, and it takes almost 1 hour that can be made at day time only.
Cabilao Island has five barangays, namely: Talisay, Cambaquiz, Looc, Pantudlan, and Cabacongan. It has a very small population and most of them are fisherman and seafarers. Quite a few of the inhabitants are mariners working abroad so you would also see some well-designed houses built anywhere in this place. In contrast to these beautiful residences and wonderful atmosphere that abound in Cabilao, this is not yet a developed area, it lacks of road and the only motorized transport you can find are a few tricycles and a couple of motorcycles. Electricity is provided by a generator. Despite all these, you would learn to fall in love with the island because of the people’s camaraderie and the simplicity of life. You can somehow enjoy the modern time because of its own solar-powered internet café.
Experience a perfect summer vacation in Cabilao in one of these three resorts; Polaris Beach and Dive Resort, La Strella Beach Resort, and Cabilao Beach Resort. These resorts offer the same package of facilities. La Strella Beach Resort is the oldest resort in the island where you can witness the marvellous view during high and low tide since it’s located directly at the sea. It is considered as one of the luxurious beach resorts in Bohol. Both these resorts have bungalows with facilities, restaurant and bar. These resorts are located closed to each other. Cabilao is the best destination for divers because of the wonderful reefs that surround the island. And the three beach resorts have its own dive shop, where can offer rents-out equipments for diving and snorkeling.
However, if you’re just looking for an economical summer getaway or spending too much is not an option to you, you can still enjoy the white-sand beaches and the peaceful atmosphere of Cabilao by taking a walk around and visit the small villages in the island. Cabilaonons are very hospitable and you’ll surely be inspired by the undisturbed beauty that the island brings.
Related Articles
- Asia’s Best Beach Holidays (sasiachinatravel.suite101.com)
- Things to Do in Bohol Island, Philippines (philippines-travel.suite101.com)
- Bohol day tour from cebu (slideshare.net)
- The Chocolate Hills of Bohol (neatorama.com)
- Ecotourism in the Phillipines (ecoadventuretravel.wordpress.com)
