By Nathan Allen

I didn’t request it, but the staff even cleaned my room twice in one day! Each time, they left personalized notes and small treats. The restaurant staff showed the same level of dedication and professionalism. Special touches like this do not go unnoticed.

Plus, just take a look at that beachfront! Another award for best beach of any of my hotel stays.

The resort feels quite different that others I’ve visited in the Philippines. It’s situated on a wide open property covered with bermuda grass and perfectly-spaced coconut trees. I kind of felt like I was Magnum P.I. in Hawaii ( I used to watch the show as a kid:) 

I loved the giant, super-comfy hammocks and swings you can relax in (You can see me in one further down the page). 

Everything You Need – All In One Place

Bohol Beach Club is located on Panglao Island, but a few kms away from the hustle and bustle of Alona Beach. However, I felt there really is enough to offer here on the property…unlike some other places I’ve stayed, I never got anxious to explore outside of the resort.

It’s perfect for people with kids, but also large enough to provide space for the people who don’t always appreciate them. Haha.

If you make the effort to wake up for sunrise, you will not be disappointed! It’s directly in front of the beach, and it was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

Diving With Bohol Beach Club

This was truly a memorable experience…if you want to learn, I recommend doing a Discovery Dive with Edgar, the local dive master. He does a great job explaining everything and helping you to feel comfortable. You will practice in the safety of the swimming pool before graduating to the beautiful, blue sea out front.

On my way to dive near Pamilacan Island, we spotted dolphins…and I don’t mean just a few. There must have been hundreds out there! It’s no wonder the dolphin watching tour is so popular. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I forgot to use my zoom lens to capture some nice photos.

There are also snorkeling / diving trips to Balicasag Island, which is known for incredible corals and sea turtle sightings.

Pictures From the Restaurant & Property – Bohol Beach Club Review

If you visit the Philippines, you have to try a mango shake! The country is famous for its mangoes. In general, I’d say the food at Bohol Beach Club was a solid 8.5/10. Pizza was pretty good, but the burger and calamares were excellent!

Philippine Cultural Performance

This was another highlight of my stay, and certainly something that sets Bohol Beach Club apart from other properties. Growing up, whenever somebody would go on vacation in Hawaii, they would bring home photos and videos of the native Luau (dinner and dance presentation).

As I’ve explored the Philippines, I’ve found that there is so much wonderful native culture and heritage as well, but it receives very little attention. Therefor, it was refreshing to see these dancers wowing the audience with their gracious smiles and traditional attire. The Filipinos in the audience seemed to be beaming with pride, and that made me smile.

I commend Bohol Beach Club for putting this together!

Overall, this was probably the best proper vacation I’ve ever had. If I were to nitpick, my only complaint would be too much pressure coming from the shower in my room. Haha, usually people complain about not enough pressure:) The bottom line is, no, Bohol Beach Club did not disappoint.

Allan, the General Manager, is truly a class act. I watched him personally check on his guests each and every day. He was a very attentive and accommodating host, but without being intrusive in the slightest. The mark of a true professional!

I’m thankful for the opportunity to share this experience with my readers. I was impressed, but you don’t have to take my word for it, read the reviews for yourself:)

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Related Blogs: Meet Bohol, the Philippines’ Sun-Kissed Island Paradise

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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By Nathan Allen

Anyway, once I was in town, eventually the road came to a dead end at the sea. I must have looked a bit disoriented, because a local boatman named Jensen approached me and asked if I needed directions. Great timing and I was very thankful, because I was trying to get to Summer Homes Palawan, where I could park my bike and settle in for the night. I was so tired.

Chicken Soup & Reggae Music to the Rescue

I wasn’t able to see much of the resort’s character in the night, but the staff was quite helpful showing me to my room and getting me situated. The first order of business was getting some food, and for some reason I wandered right down to the small tiki bar by the beach. I guess it was the reggae music playing that got my attention, and the music just got better and better. The girl behind the counter at the bar told me I could order my food there. Perfect! I ordered my favorite Filipino chicken soup, called tinola. It was excellent.

I stuck around after dinner to keep enjoying the music and good vibes. That’s when I started to realize just how laid back Summer Homes really is. Not many people know how important music is in my life, and as the playlist continued, I really started to wonder who created it. They seemed like my long lost twin! It was as if they put my own iPod on random at the bar. It’s rare to find a place in the Philippines where I instantly feel so at home, music-wise.

After some investigating as the night went on, I learned that the playlist was created by the British owner, who was close to my age and owns the place along with his wife, who is Filipino. Too bad they weren’t around while I was there, because I got the feeling we would have gotten along great.

The next morning I woke up to some great weather, and I realized just how colorful the place is!

Summer Homes is a good value, not really dirt-cheap like a backpacking hostel, but not wildly pricey like most seaside resorts, either.

My room was simple, and very clean + well lit.

Essentials like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper are provided, and importantly, so is a mosquito net. To be honest, I never even saw a mosquito in the 5 days I was there, but it was nice to know I had a net if I needed it.

Many of the more affordable options in the Philippines don’t provide screens on the windows, and that is the biggest problem when it comes to mosquitoes. Summer Homes had it all, and with a friendly staff and great location right on the beach.

Someday I hope to create a checklist / guide for people considering starting businesses like this. If you want to offer relatively affordable options for backpackers and long term travelers, you could use Summer Homes as a stellar example!

 
I loved seeing how diverse the guests were in terms of age and nationality. Most seemed to be European, but there were definitely Australians, North Americans and locals as well. Nice mix, and a great energy.
 

Restaurant With Fresh Ingredients

I must say, I was quite impressed by the food they serve! The restaurant is perfect for those with western tastes. You can enjoy versions of Filipino food that aren’t quite as sweet, salty, or heavy, which many westerners prefer. You can find many familiar western options as well. They even bake their own bread, and that certainly made my eggs and toast breakfast memorable! Instant coffee is provided free of charge, too.

Summer Homes also gives the option of eating dinner directly on the beach if you’d like, and even has the occasional bonfire! Here I’m enjoying a meal of chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables by candlelight.

The resort offers plenty of tour options for adventure seekers, you can inquire at the front desk. The first tour I took was island hopping, which included snorkeling with sea turtles and then lunch on beautiful “Exotic Island” afterward. Before we headed home we stopped to check out more snorkeling, and some of the most spectacular corals I have seen anywhere in the Philippines.

A Note About Snorkeling / Swimming:

Make sure you bring “reef safe” sunblock if you go in the water. I think “oxybenzone” is the ingredient you want to avoid. Many of the brands that are safe for kids are actually better for the coral reefs as well. Anyhow, afterward, we stopped by a sandbar and spotted some starfish to wrap up an absolutely perfect day.

Another tour I took was a quiet paddle boat through the mangrove forest. If you’re observant, you can find many species of colorful birds, including beautiful kingfishers. Also present are highly poisonous mangrove snakes, which pose no threat because they sleep coiled up high in the branches during the day. Your boatman will point them out to you if he sees any. This was a beautiful and fascinating tour for me.

The last one is a short trek to Pamuayan Falls, which can be arranged through the resort, or accomplished on foot 3 or 4 kms from town if you’re feeling a bit adventurous. Just make sure you get proper directions, because there are a few unmarked turns along the way. I loved seeing the “trashcans” along the trail, which were actually just burlap sacks tied to the trees. It is a very rustic and untouched place, so it’s nice that the locals are taking these steps to keep it clean. You can take a shallow swim or bring some food to have a picnic in the large hut by the falls.

(Continued below)

As of now there is a “Full Moon Party” that takes place each month at the end of the beach. The night I went, there was a large diverse crowd with a live DJ and some fire dancers. There were even some people playing the Australian Aboriginal instrument known as a “didgeridoo”. Everybody was having a great time.

Contact Info, Reviews & Rates

Anyhow, I highly recommend staying at Summer Homes, especially if you want a pretty affordable place without sacrificing too much quality. I honestly doubt you’ll get more value anywhere else. They even shared some of their music playlist with me before I left, and that inspired me to share some of my own with them! So when you’re there, you might even hear some songs handpicked by me:)

I would like to thank them for the opportunity to share this experience with you, and for taking such good care of me while I was there. You’re welcome to read more reviews and see why people love it so much!

More contact and booking info HERE

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related blog: Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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By Nathan Allen

It’s not too well know outside the Philippines, but I hope my Caramoan Travel Guide will help convince international tourists (or locals who haven’t visited yet) to check this place out! I really did love it.

The Paradise That Just Might Have It All…

Caramoan is located in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Bicol region of the Philippines. It’s one of those places I always had a good feeling about…I just knew I was going to love it.  Well, when the team at Naga Excursions sent me an invitation to explore it, I jumped at the chance!

The Philippines is quite diverse…I love the beautiful beaches of Boracay, the rolling hillsides full of grazing cattle in Masbate, and the majestic limestone cliffs of El Nido. Somehow, Caramoan has all of that, but also the Bicolano food that I love so much! Spicy and coconut-infused…if you love the beaches and food in Thailand, you might want to check out uncrowded Caramoan instead.

Manlawi Island Sandbar – My Caramoan Travel Guide –

Manlawi Island had the most beautiful sandbar I’ve seen anywhere in the Philippines! We arrived just before noon, and within 1 hour, our boat was already on dry land! We had no choice but to wait until the tide came back up. Not a bad place to be stranded, though:) It was also fun to explore the rolling hills, Mangrove trees, and floating cottages nearby.

1st Stop on the Island Hopping Tour – Matukad Island

What a beautiful beach! Here you can snorkel, swim, or climb up a natural rock wall that leads to a hidden lagoon…legend has it that there is a lone bangus (milkfish) that guards the lagoon.

“Survivor Caramoan”

Did you know that Caramoan is where the TV show “Survivor” is filmed? Unfortunately, it makes visiting certain islands impossible much of the time. Some locals aren’t too happy about it, and I don’t blame them.

Trekking Through the Manapot River to Umang Cave

After relaxing and rock climbing on Matukad Island, our guide led us into the cool waters of the Manapot River. Our destination? Umang Cave, but we had to wade through the river to get there. You can touch the ground almost the whole way (unless you’re very short, I suppose). The cave is  pretty impressive, but just getting to it is half the fun!

The Breathtaking View and “Talking Rocks” of Pitogo Island

As the sun began it’s journey toward the sea, we stopped at fascinating Pitogo Island. Here you can hike up a grassy hill to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the islands. What’s truly fascinating about it are the “talking” rocks, though! The beach is made up of giant, smooth rocks (no sand), and as the waves crash onto the shore, it makes a loud sound unlike anything I’ve ever heard! Hopefully I’ll post a video sometime soon.

Sunset at Lahos Island

We stopped at this idyllic little island just in time for mother nature to put on a magical show for us. Yes, indeed there is something enchanting about a dramatic island-sunset in the Philippines – the perfect way to wrap up an island-hopping adventure in the sun.

Tugawe Cove Resort

What a beautiful place to unwind after island hopping! This private cove is a great place to kayak, snorkel, or swim (in the pool or the sea!). Even just getting to the resort was a blast, because we took a speedboat from the mainland. I think that was the first time I’ve ever been on one, and it’s a lot of fun!

Inspired Design

The bungalows get more and more beautiful and quaint as you continue up the hill. I’m a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, and some of these bungalows were reminiscent of “Falling Water”.

The restaurant, game room, and pool are at the top of the hill, and as you can see, the views are spectacular! It is a fancy place, so I was actually surprised how reasonably priced the food and drinks were. Meals were quite good, and the staff was very attentive and friendly (I especially loved how they greeted us “marhay na hapon” – good afternoon in the Bicol dialect – when we arrived.

It’s billed as a 5-star resort, and while I don’t think it’s quite a 5-star resort by international standards, it is unquestionably beautiful. Guests have free use of the kayaks and snorkeling gear, and I took full advantage of that fact! Check the photos from these adventures further down below…

Incredible view from the pool, huh? If you ask the staff, they might let you see their resort mascot – a mischievous tropical bird called a hornbill. I think his name was Kevin, and I thought giving him such a human name was awesome.

Here you see what makes this resort so unique – it’s a beautiful cove that also has its own lagoon. Out in the water you can see how much coral there is to explore as you snorkel. The best views are in deeper water, so bring a life jacket and swim carefully!

Snorkeling in Tugawe Cove

Below are some photos I took while I snorkeled. As always, I used my Olympus TG-4 underwater camera. You can see quite a bit of fish if you are brave enough to venture out into deeper waters. The resort recommends that you stay within the cove, though. I agree….the waves and current quickly gets strong as you get further and further out.

Hotels in Caramoan (Tour Packages Often Included)

Tugawe Cove Resort – You can explore your options and book your unforgettable stay HERE

Casita Mia Bed and Breakfast – Excellent food and service. Not quite as fancy as Tugawe Cove, but a very good value. Explore options or book your stay HERE

Breeze and Waves Cottages – This is an excellent and affordable option. It’s also perfect for those who want to get further out and experience a bit of local life in Caramoan. You can explore and book a room HERE

More options HERE

Getting To Caramoan / Contact Info

If you want to visit Caramoan, contact Naga Excursions or Kaddlagan Tours. They took good care of me, but more importantly, they are committed to protecting and preserving these beautiful places for future generations.

Naga City can be reached by 1 hour flight from Manila, or overnight bus ride. From there you can now take a van or bus directly to the town of Caramoan. Please check the links above for more info.

Thanks so much to Alec and Naga Excursions, but also to team FlipTrip and fellow bloggers Traveling Light, The Lonely Travelogue, and The Pinay Solo Backpacker! We had a lot of fun together, and I can’t wait to return to Caramoan again someday!

– Nathan Allen

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The post Life Goals: Island-Hopping in Caramoan, Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Yes, there are powdery white-sand beaches, but there are also opportunities for dolphin watching, incredible diving, caving, and countryside tours. 

Located in the heart of the Philippines, Bohol is accessible via a direct flight to Tagbilaran from Manila, the country’s capital.  

Pronounced boh-Hole (emphasis on the big H), the island was the site of the very first international peace treaty between the local datu (king), and the Spanish conquistadors.

Boholano people are known to be very warm and friendly, and as you can see, the island they call home is nothing short of spectacular.

Sunrise at Bohol Beach Club, Panglao Island.

Panglao island is where most of the hotels and restaurants are located….it’s about 30 minutes from the airport by taxi or “tricycle” (local transportation). It is connected to the mainland of Bohol by a bridge. FYI: If you’re staying in a resort, they will often provide a shuttle to pick you up. 

Alona Beach

A very popular tourist destination on Panglao island. Here you can find island hopping and dolphin watching tours. While not as crowded as Boracay (its cousin to the west), Panglao can definitely get crowded during the Filipino summer months of March to May…and also during Holy Week each year.

Snorkeling near Momo Beach House, I came across these incredible corals!

Please note: Wearing sunblock with the chemical “oxybenzone” or “Benzophenone-3” kills these beautiful  coral reefs!

Countryside Tour by Motorbike

Of course, there will be countless touts on the beach that will arrange guided tours for a fee, but I always love the adventure of renting my own bike and exploring at my own pace.

If you are backpacking on a budget, consider staying at Hope Homes. a few kilometers from Alona Beach. It is one the cheapest places I found – and it comes with a free motorbike! They are not terribly friendly, but I suppose you get what you pay for. Don’t worry, if a luxury resort is what you’re after, keep reading…it’s coming!

Renting tips: Make sure you have a drivers license, and always wear a helmet. It’s a good idea to inspect your bike and go over any previous damage with the owner (take photos even), so you can prove that you weren’t the one who damaged it. I’ve never had a problem with dishonest renters so far, though.

Once I made it through the mild traffic of Tagbilaran City, my first stop was Alburquerque Church. There are many beautiful and historic churches in Bohol, so if that interests you, I recommend searching for some local blogs on the subject. They are very helpful.

Loboc River

Next, I ventured north to the tranquil Loboc River. Here, you can take cruise in a floating restaurant, but I just went straight to Nipa Hut Village (pictured below), where I had a cottage waiting for me. I loved this place. It’s nothing too fancy…just a quiet, rustic property along the river. It was just what I was looking for.

Chocolate Hills

The next morning, I woke up and continued to the Chocolate Hills, pictured above. These grass-covered limestone mounds turn brown during the dry summer months, hence the “chocolate” appearance. Quite unique! I recommend going on a sunny day if at all possible. 

Tarsier Sanctuary

On the way back to Panglao, I stopped at the fascinating Tarsier Sanctuary. This species can only be found in the Philippines, and has the largest eye-to-body ratio of any mammal. They can also turn their heads a full 180 degrees, which is just as creepy as it is awesome!

Panglao Hotels

Newly opened BE Hotel in Panglao.

Bohol Beach Club

Staying here was so epic! I haven’t been to Hawaii, but I imagine it’s a bit like this….

I love the open feel of the place, and all the coconut trees. Plus, this is hands down the best beach I saw anywhere in Panglao. However, the most memorable part of Bohol Beach Club wasthe service. I am a full-time traveler, and I pay a lot of attention to this stuff.

In the Philippines, I try to help properties raise the bar, so that tourism in the country will become more globally competitive. That way, along with the economy, local communities should also begin to benefit. Well, Bohol Beach Club is already doing a fantastic job. The property is well maintained, food was quite good, and for me, most importantly, the bedding was heavenly. Haha.

I have to admit, the other reason I loved this place so much was because of the dolphin watching tour and diving trips I signed up for. Check out Pamalican and Balicasag Islands! Ask for kuya Edgar as your divemaster – he was such a great guy. My full post can be found here.

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

Momo Beach House

Tucked away on the other side of Panglao, Momo Beach House seems to be in a league of its own. It has an elegant, rustic charm – unlike any hotel I’ve ever experienced. “Beach-y” really is the best way to describe it…and it is indeed “homey” as well.

Momo is not the nicest beach I’ve ever walked along, but again…it’s charming. It reminds me of the local communities along the beach in Corong Corong, El Nido…and I think it’s a great location for sunrise photos.

If you’re adventurous enough (and have your own gear), snorkel out directly in front of the property and turn left when you’re about 4 meters deep. Then snorkel toward the stone structure sticking out into the water. Along the reef wall there, I saw some of the most colorful and fish and corals I’ve seen anywhere! Not many people know about it:)

The service at Momo Beach house is also great, and in general, the food in the restaurant was the best I had anywhere in Bohol. My compliments to the chef! The lightly-fried chicken and veggies, pictured above, was scrumptious. Momo is the kind of place I could see myself staying a longggg time. Haha. Highly, highly recommended.

Check Momo Beach House rates

Amorita Resort – Alona Beach

If you’re looking for a sleek, luxurious island getaway, Amorita is the place for you. Many resorts in the Philippines are owned by foreigners, but I’m happy to say that Amorita is Filipino owned.

One of the great things is that you will enjoy your peace and quiet, but can easily walk down the stairs to soak up some of the action on busy Alona Beach below.

The property is quite large, and the architecture and landscaping is truly beautiful. There are sweeping views of the beach and sea from up here, and the infinity pool (pictured further below) is the perfect place to experience them.

I found that my room was so sleek and comfortable that it was hard to leave! However, Amorita’s breakfast buffet was just what I needed to get me on my feet. You’ll have an incredible sunset view near the infinite pool, so keep in mind that is an ideal place to enjoy dinner or drinks.

Everywhere you go, the staff will greet you warmly. Next time I’d like to try a massage at the spa! It looked inviting. My full post can be found here.

Check Amorita Resort rates.

Agoda is my first choice for hotel deals…

Bluewater Resort

Bluewater is a sprawling property with a few impressive swimming pools, a well manicured garden, and bright and cheery rooms…that somehow still feel sophisticated. Along with the wonderful service (high-end hotels in Bohol seem to have cornered this market!), the highlight for me was definitely the design of the room.

The bright red accents and native inspired designs are surprisingly classy, and the skylight over the bathtub is an elegant and dramatic touch. Add to that the “floating” cantilever beds, and you’ll see why I loved my room so much! Very well done.

I’m not sure Bluewater is particularly known for their food, but I did try Halang Halang, which I heard was a local Boholano specialty. It a spicy blend of chicken, coconut milk, hot pepper, and lemongrass. So delicious! I highly recommend it.

Another unexpected find was the marine sanctuary directly in front of the resort beach. I spent an  hour or two snorkeling in the water there, it’s pretty nice! One last thing to note: Bluewater is great for those with kids. They will have a blast here.

Check Bluewater Resort rates.

Anda Beach

If you’re really feeling adventurous, you can ride or bus 4 hours from Panglao to Anda Beach, It’s just as nice as Alona, but without the crowds. If you need, you can stay at Richem Pension Hauz (in Valencia) on the way. They offer quality fan and aircon rooms at very affordable prices. +63 926 864 4008 . Once at Anda Beach, check out Anda Lodge for similar pricing…it’s across from the public market.

Tip 1: The cheap carinderia (eatery) next to the market is among the very best I experienced anywhere in the country!

Tip 2: For a unique dining experience, check out Coco Loco restaurant nearby…you can try a veggie hamburger with a patty made from coconut! It’s pretty good, too. Wash it down with a Filipino craft beer…it’s amazing that you can find a place like this all the way out here!

Tip 3: Stop at Blue Star Dive Resort on the way to Anda Beach (it’s about 5kms away), and consider diving or snorkeling there. “Paradise Gardens” is considered one of the best snorkeling sites in Bohol, and you can swim out to it directly from the resort beach!

Check out a live map of the cheapest flights all around you right now…pretty cool! – NathanReturn One wayFrom:To:Departure:Return:1 passengersSearch

Budget Restaurant & Lodging Tips

There is a new native-style place called Alona Hammocks where backpackers can sleep in a provided hammock…it even includes a simple breakfast, and all for 200 pesos ($5USD). Near Amorita Resort Entrance.

Isis Bungalows and Thai Restaurant – At the other end of Alona Beach, they have a very friendly staff, affordable and delicious Thai food + BBQ, inexpensive mid-range lodging, and a rather unfortunate name. They’re not super budget rooms, but still a great value.

Other Alona restaurants to try: Sunset Grill – Mexican Food, owned by a Mexican-American (it’s legit), Giuseppe Pizzeria (pizza is also legit), and Lola Spanish Restaurant (!!). Chefs come from all over the world and get stuck on Panglao Island…lucky us:)

Thanks for the memories, Bohol.

Now you can see why I can’t get this island off my mind…it’s the kind of adventure that sticks with you for a lifetime! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Many thanks to Melo Villareal for the help putting my trip together!

– Nathan Allen

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share the island love!

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

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