My Sunset Photo Collection

I love the sunset..or sundown..whatever we prefer to call it. Whenever that event happens, I just look at that vast horizon and for a short moment, I feel peaceful and so much relaxed. Aaahhh, sweet, sweet life.

With every chance that I have, especially when I am in a place that has an amazing view of that sunset, I take advantage of that.

I still have a small collection but I made a vow to make this grow, eventually. Let me share what I have so far..

I ♥ BOHOL: Virgin Island

The second island that we visited when we did the island hopping series is the Virgin Island. Most certainly 'virgin' because no signs of civilization there. There are the occasional vendors that offers merchandises from fresh sea urchins to cultured pearl accessories and even fresh buko juice for that beat-the-heat feeling. Very diverse choices, I say.

From Balicasag Island, I think, it took the boat around 20-30 minutes to get to this pristine island. Very small only but it gives you the best of all things possible in this natural environment. Clear water, a good snorkeling spot when you go beyond the clear waters invisible 'line' and a magnificent sand bar. Though at that time, it was  a bit high tide already so we did not get to experience the sand bar when dry nor walk to the far edge of it, but, who says that we did not enjoy it! :)

Immediately after setting foot on the glittering, hot and white sandy beach, we took in the environment and right away loitered around to choose a perfect spot. The sun was at its highest so looking for a shade was essential, so we can leave our things but at the same time, be able to see them while we are at the water. After settling in, we jumped in the crystal clear and cool beach like small children. Cannot get enough of it, not minding at all that we are fully exposed to the harsh rays of the sun and that our sunblock was helpless in protecting us. FYI, this is where we got burned to a crisp. Really! :)

Check these out!

There it is..Virgin Island!

Oh-so-clear waters!

I forgot that the sun was scorching hot. I did this position for  more than 20 minutes, I think, not realizing that I was getting baked! Haha!

Inner child in us..feeling free in the waters

Have some of that white sand

There's our special spot and our fresh buko. For only Php10!

And here is our tindero, the name is Raymond. Nice kid. He helped his dad sell their buko.

Loving the moment!

We got a starfish! Yehey! But this one is crawling, haha, I placed it on my shoulder and he was crawling slowly.Creepy feeling but okay :)

Up til now, we would still remember how this exact scenario played out everytime we  reminisce about this particular vacation... We just wanted it to rewind and rewind. :)

There's the tail of their famous sand bar that we did not get to walk on because its high tide, but we did some quality time on the other side of the sand bar just by sitting and talking while my friend's trusty umbrella was trying to provide us some shade

Back at Panglao... 4 sun-baked individuals, who, during this picture-taking session, was badly feeling the effects of a  nasty sunburn

You can really see the difference. Sigh.

For people who loves the sun and sand and some solitude, do not miss this spot. You will regret it if you do. :)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Balicasag Island

Island hopping! Yes! Finally going to see those beeeeautiful islands that Bohol is surrounded in. Your travel itinerary must not forget this activity for it's one of the main highlights.

First stop is Balicasag Island and from what I've gathered prior to our trip, one can do snorkeling, diving, basically, anything that can be done in the water. We were excited..I was giddy even if I don't know how to swim. Yup, that is correct, swimming is not my forte but I can float on my back. I guess that still counts, sort of. But that did not stop me from taking a peek at the wonders of the ocean.

At the start of our day, we woke up at 6am, we had our generous breakfast, compliments of our resort, and we had it at our simple table but our view was beachfront. Haha! What a great way to start the day. Just feeling the soft breeze and the sound of the soft waves lapping at the sand. As if beckoning us to go to the beach and enjoy ourselves right away.

We were supposed to leave at 6am bound to Balicasag Island but since we overslept a little, that very short time difference made an impact on our trip because we nearly  missed the dolphin watching. Well, we sort of missed it because we just saw their fins from afar. 7am was already too late. So my advice to travellers who plans to go here in the very near future, stick to the original time that was advised because they are not lying, it is indeed true. ;p

Moving on, we just enjoyed our bangka ride going to the island. Our size of the bangka was just right, not too small yet not too big. We had a lot of space to stretch and be alone with our thoughts. It was so relaxing! The waves are tempting you to fall asleep as they swing from one side to the other. I love this feeling! As we near the island, we were all excited and the water is so clear that you can see the bottom. And this was a deep part. Scary! :)

We docked at a rocky side of the beach with lots of sea plants floating, it gives an icky feeling when your skin touches it but keep in mind that these are plants so it's alright. Anyway, check out the photos below of what happened to us at the island...

The start of our day..around 6:30am 

This is what we have seen of those magnificent dolphins..just the tails and fins. People, do not be late. Do not be like us! :)

There it is! Balicasag Island! 

Look at that! very clear water even from a deep end

Welcome to Balicasag Island! 

A few snaps here and there..and here and there again..haha!

Weird name for a boat :)

Peaceful island life..Tranquility at its finest

Time to go snorkeling. Our little boat, the Sea Turtle, if I remember correctly, costs at around P250-P300 for all 4 of us already

Hanging on to dear life. For me, that was the scenario, manong bangkero did not give us any life vests.When I peeked underwater at one side of the ocean, I saw a deep end that promised bottomless depths (exaggerating!) but really, it was so deep already. I got scared. :)

But that did not stop me from enjoying it. Forget your fears! I even saw Nemo, by the way, and this big blue starfish. :)

I got this for remembrance. When I jumped in the ocean, I hit a coral and it hurts so bad but it became numb eventually that's why I was able to enjoy the experience

Tired but very happy. So worth the pain! Haha! :)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Hinagdanan Cave

This is actually the first cave that I have entered. I was excited yet a bit fearful because I am not sure what I am letting myself into. But excitement persisted so off I came down the narrow stairs into the semi-dark void known as the Hinagdanan Cave.

Located at Dauis City, this is Bohol's most accessible and most popular cave. This was not included in our original itinerary because we were asking too much from a very reasonably-priced vacation & tour package. So we added P500, that's already for the 4 of us, and we got to experience this cave in the island of Panglao. A wish that came true because I was not able to come here on a previous trip because I arrived late, compared to my family who arrived 2 days earlier.

What I found out when we were down there, it was hot and humid. We were sweating profusely but that did not stop us from camwhoring. We went to every possible nook and cranny that we can go to and had our pictures taken.

One attraction that the Hinagdanan Cave has is the old writings on the cave walls. It looked like a snake with a human head or something else. You won't see it with your bare eyes but once a camera has taken a shot of it, it will turn up. Magic! Haha! Amazing! It sort of gave me the creeps just thinking what was the inspiration for that artwork but at the same time, enchanted with the discovery.

Our guide was a master at taking good shots from almost every camera. We were happy with our pictures and we gave him a P50 tip and after we left, we heard him say to a friend that he was going to buy a big bottle of beer already. Ah, life's simple pleasures.

And after our tour, the rain poured down for a good 30minutes. =)

So hot in here!

The water scared me because it looked very black and menacing but  lots of people were swimming. Ah, I envy them!

Pose! Pose!

I wonder how old these artworks are..

Going up! Going out!

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Dauis Church

Truly, Bohol is a province filled with wonderful people..terrific landscapes..and most of all, beautiful old churches. Very very old churches, to say the least.

Take this church, Dauis Church, located in the pristine island of Panglao, was started in 1863. The more older and original structures were burned down so this was renovated already. This is of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classic in architecture. Once you go inside, it's a different vibe. A pleasant one that makes you think of its history in its early years during the time of the Spaniards.

I wanted to take lots of photos but unfortunately, my camera's battery died on  me. But I was glad to have taken these shots for souvenir. The sun was setting fast at this time and we were bone tired and a bit dirty but so happy with all the places that we have been to.

Our hard-earned money well spent. =)

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Rio Verde River Cruise - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-rio-verde-river-cruise.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html

I ♥ BOHOL: Rio Verde River Cruise

You should not pass up a vacation in Bohol by not experiencing their famous river cruises. Your vacay won't be complete without it. 

My first time in Bohol..I did not experience anything. I was just in Tagbilaran for official purposes. My second time this year, last May, my family and I passed on the chance because of lack of time. We just took a picture along the riverbanks. And the third one is always the charm, like what most people suspiciously say, and we did have the chance to get on one and float away. Yay! 

I do not know the exact price of this river cruise/lunch buffet but I guess it was between P300-P400. We got it included in our vacation package , that's why. But our package cost was very awesome! 

This river cruise ran for an hour, along the Loboc-Loay river. It was so relaxing, just enjoying the feel of the breeze on your face. The food fare consists mainly of seafoods, chicken, pork and fruits like watermelon and some local desserts like kakanin. I enjoyed all but i liked the pork barbecue best because the meat was so tender and the glaze is sweet. The seaweeds are also great . By the way, drinks are not included on the base price so it's an additional P30..either h20 or softdrinks. While eating, we are being serenaded by a local man who croons old songs in his own special way.  

After eating, we just sat back and enjoyed the view..the mangroves, the water, the wind..just communing with nature. Ahhh...sweet life. 

                                       

Check out my Bohol 2010 Trip:

Sagbayan Peak - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sagbayan-peak.html

Bilar Man-Made Forest - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-bilar-man-made-forest.html

Hanging Bridge - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-steppin-it-up-at-hanging-bridge.html

Loboc Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-loboc-church.html

Tarsier Sanctuary - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-tarsier-sanctuary-cute-little.html

Prony the Big Python - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-prony-gluttonous-python.html

Baclayon Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-baclayon-church.html

Sandugo Site - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-sandugo-blood-compact-site.html

Albuquerque Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-albuquerque-church-in-town.html

Calape Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-calape-church.html

Dauis Church - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-dauis-church.html

Hinagdanan Cave - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/06/i-bohol-hinagdanan-cave.html

Balicasag Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-balicasag-island.html

Virgin Island - http://thisislovelee.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-bohol-virgin-island.html