PHILIPPINES
Hi guys,
If I were to share the whole adventure from the Philippines, I would take over the whole website. And it’s pretty difficult to do it in resumé, so maybe I’ll edit some video footage that I have and do a lovely YouTube post so you can better see how amazing this country is.
So, what to do? Where to stay?
I arrived firstly in Cebu, a place I didn’t like to stay too much in. It’s very touristy and quite pushy if you ask me. People trying to make some money from tourists are everywhere, so I just “used” Cebu as the city to arrive in, get my visa and get going to more beautiful sights. My mistake was choosing to take the ferry from Cebu to Dumaguete. It’s more expensive than the bus ride and it felt like it took forever; plus the AC in the cabin is to die.. it was freezing! Outside you would have like 26C and inside 6C – best way to catch a cold lol. The transport in the Philippines varies from up to date vehicles to very old ones where you feel like a refugee.
Philippines
Arriving at Dumaguete, we stood at Coco Grande Hotel. Dumaguete was just also another “pit stop” before taking a ferry to Silquijor. However, I did take advantage of my stay there and visit Apo Island that is definitely a must-see if you’re in the area, quite famous for its turtles. Just don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun may fool you and you would think that it’s ok not to put any on… I didn’t put any on because of the turtles. So I woke up next day looking like an Avatar… my forehead was sooo swollen and I was so scared not to have something else. It was really a close call!
From Dumaguete, I went to Silquijor by ferry. I suggest getting the ferry from Coco Grove Beach Resort. A driver will pick you up from the hotel to the ferry and from the pier to the resort. About the resort, well, it’s one of the most beautiful resorts I have ever seen! You have everything in my article for the resort.
What to do in Silquijor? Rent a scooter and go sightseeing. You have the waterfalls, butterfly sanctuary and many more lovely places to visit. Otherwise, the resort has its own beach and lagoon so snorkelling is def a must! 🙂
From Silquijor we went to Alcoy region so we would be close to Cebu ( for our flight back) but also to Oslo as we were planning to visit the whale sharks site. There we stood in Mangrove ECO Resort which was ok, but a tad pricy for what it’s worth. The rooms were clean and you also have the possibility to admire the small pier there. Watch out for mosquitos though cause during the evening (outside) you have plenty!
As said, we went the next day to visit the whale sharks. An incredible adventure everyone should be able to see. The only problem is that feeding the sharks had changed their natural course and now they only stay every day in that area cause they know they are being fed. They are so big!
I had one passed by right below me and I got scared a bit… it’s crazy how big they are! But they are harmless. I like watching them from a distance though as I don’t agree to touch, pushing them is nice.
You can also go to Sumilon Island. The island is super nice and it’s so funny that the tide comes in at the end of the day, making the beach super small. Actually, there is a hotel/resort there and the only “public” place you can stay is a small beach in front so during the end of the afternoon, the beach becomes super small and ofc, you have to leave. It’s just an afternoon trip you know… oh, and don’t forget to bring water, UV cream, food… there are no shops there.
Another day, another island – we also had the chance to visit a bit Bohol island, which is quite a big island considering… We rented a scooter and went around to check the beaches on that island. As we were at the end of our trip, we didn’t have the patience to do a long car ride to see the Chocolate Mountains, apparently, a must-see when in Bohol… we just wanted to take advantage of our last day to enjoy the sun& vitamin sea :).