Boracay & Beyond...

By Grajnapc - Found in www.traveljournals.net

Traveling to the Philippines offers the opportunity to see nice beaches, friendly people, as well as ample island hopping opportunities. I traveled to Boracay first, yes touristy, but a really unique place with such amiable locals. I recommend lodging at the Isla Bonita near boat station #3.

From Boracay, I went with locals to a small village on Panay to attend a family reunion in Dingle. We stayed with the family in a very rustic home, the beds were made of wood, I mean no mattress! Ouch, my spine. Anyway, after meeting the family of 200 or so we went to Iloilo, nothing special there.

At this point, we traveled by land and boat to Bantayan island, its fame is that the worst thing that could happen to you is a coconut hitting you on the head. This is true. Relaxed, laid-back, nothing really going on, but pretty beaches in a tranquil atmosphere. We stayed on the beach for $10 per night at a really nice location. We lodged at the Budyong Beach Resort, not a resort at all by Western standards, but a good value and amazing location. The water here is very placid.

We made our way to Cebu City and quickly left due to the shock of big city life, a nightmare after pure tranquility. We arrived in Bohol, spent the night in the capital, Tagbilaran, a nice city, although nothing special to point out. The people seemed relaxed and at ease with life there. We went to the Chocolate Hills, a place with mounds of hilly chocolate formed either by giants’ tears or erosion from coral. You make the call. We were dropped off by a moped driver to hike in the hills and the military were having a makeshift battle. We were under military guides during our hike, but "safe" although I was edgy.

From here we had to return to Boracay via Siquijor, in disarray due to a storm but potentially nice when clean, and Dumaguete on Negros.

Ah, so nice to be back in Boracay. Don't expect virgin beach or women, but lots of fun either way!

Have you found a wonderful place that hardly anyone else knows about? Have you have experienced things on your travel that only can happen in the Philippines? In short, if you have your very your own Philippine Travel Story, please share it with us and send your story and pictures to travelstories@phrs.com.ph. We will be happy to post your story too!

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