South Palms Resort Panglao, Bohol!

I backpack a lot, I do. But sometime I do treat myself to something really good. After being in the Philippines for 2.5 months, volunteering with no water, electric and proper bed, I decided that I needed a break before I move on to another project on another island, Bohol. I was searching for best hotels in Bohol Panglao and South Palm Resort appeared. As I reading the review, I saw all the positive reviews and the photos enticed me to book it. 

On the day that I arrive in Tagbilaran City, Bohol the hotel arranged for a pick up South Palm Resort Panglao is located about 45 minutes from Tagbilaran city. Boyyy...there I was in a coffee shop in the mall, the driver came in with my name on the board. I was surprised. I mean usually you get pick up that way in airport but he really went all out looking for me at the coffee shop. Brownie point! He was so friendly and I learned a lot about best tourist destination in Bohol. It was a fun ride. 

When we arrived at the entrance, I could already feel the relaxing vibes. With all the palm trees, nipak roofs and the beach. Oh the beach is amazing! I was welcomed by the friendly staffs at  South Palms Resort Panglao. I was really happy to finally be at the resort, whatmore the warm welcome of the staffs. 

While I was sipping my welcome drink and absorbing the fact that I already arrived at South Palms Resort Panglao, the frontdesk told me that I was upgraded! They told me that they were upgrading me to their Premium Beach Front Suite. I was ecstatic! Of coz I said yes, who would say no? :P

The Premium Beachfront Suite offers wide living space (yay! coz I have been living in tents before) and obviously all time view of the beach- white sandy beach with crystal blue water of the Mindanao Sea. It's like having painting right to your face every time you look outside your window. 

I love how the room is simple and accommodate to the beach atmosphere. I could just open my frontdoor and let the breeze come in the room while I eat my dried mango and sipe some Pina Colada. The room has a really comfortable pillow (which I almost ask if I could buy them, but I ain't silly. :P), nice comfy king size bed and really big toilet with bathtub. Guess what I did, I had 2 hours soak in the bathtub reading my book. 

South Palms Resort Panglao has a beautiful surrounding area - 2 swimming pools, gym , tennis court and their in house restaurant -Oceanica. Which serves some of the best Bohol and Western food. I walk around everyday around the resort, feeling calm and relax. The beautiful canopy of palm trees with background of beautiful white sandy beach, bird chirping and breeze blowing- South Palms Resort Panglao is the place. :)

I personally would say that South Palms Resort Panglao is the perfect reason for honeymoon, couple wanting to escape their daily life, solo traveler like me who wants to treat themselves, family vacation and many more type of travelers. South Palms Resort Panglao accommodates to all type of tourists and I can assure you that you will have a fantastic time at the resort. I did! :D

I also got the chance to experience the massage services at South Palms Resort Panglao. It was really good and relaxing. The massuer was really good at what she was doing and I kept telling her that my shoulder is stiff after the heavy work and she fix it! It was that good! 

My experience dining in at Oceanica Restaurant was tantalizing. The menu they offer was mouth watering and they also cater to my order for my special drink. I have been here 3 times now and they still remember what I like to drink. The people working here are amazing. Some of the things that I really like is their breakfast buffet, Prawn Mango Salad, Pan Seared Salmon and ohhhhhhhhhhhh their house specialty- Baked King Prawn. Man, my mouth waters as am typing this post. 

So when you plan to come to Bohol or in fact to the Philippines, book your stay at South Palms Resort Panglao! I can assure you that you will have amazing vacation with the white sandy beach waiting at your frontdoor. What are you waiting for , book your stay at South Palms Resort Panglao today! :D

Till Then, travel safe! ;)

Bohol Island Tour :Dude, I saw Dolphins!

It's not everyday someone tap your back and say "Bro, you wanna go see dolphins? I am going out later". That's exactly how I felt when I read my itinerary, I got to go to see this really smart creature. I was sold. My alarm buzzer went off at exactly 5 am, I woke up and finally able to absorb that I am actually in Bohol, in my Premium Beach Front Suite at South Palms Resort Panglao. I am still in the Philippines and was about to go on Bohol Island Hoping! I took my gears, my beach towel and walked to the front desk, ready to embark on my Bohol Island Hopping journey and was told that I got my own boat, yes, all to myself! 

As I walked to the Panglao beautiful white sand beach, I was greated by this beautiful sunrise and starfishes on the floor on the beach. What a start!

The day started with Dolpin Spotting near Balicasang Island. I was so excited because when I was traveling from Ubay to Tangbilaran, all I saw was beautiful sea and it got me thinking, this is perfect place to spot Dolphin! Dream come true and there I was waiting patiently to see one of the most intelligent creature on earth. Then they turned up, swiftly they go as they appeared. It was a beautiful moment to actually spot these Dolphin in their natural habitat instead of the zoo. It happen so fast that I didn't even get to take any photo.

We then docked at Balicasang Island for breakfast and island tour. Balicasang Island is a beautiful island with inhabitant of 80 families. It is the perfect diving spot in Bohol and it's the island where people from all around the world and Philippines come for snorkeling. I also saw several boats of divers. I guess I gotta comeback to dive here.

I am not really good with waters after what happened in Phi Phi Island, Thailand so my tourguide (who really want me to see the underwater world!) decided that I could just hold the stair on the boat and he will push the boat around. Dedication!

It was worth it and I gotta thank this guy, for I have conquered (albeit a little bit) of my fear and got to see some of the most amazing stuffs in my life. The underwater world in Bohol is so much different that what I have seen in anywhere else. I guess it's not too exaggerating too say that Bohol is "One of the places to see before you die".

The day didn't end there, as the boat cruises to the next destination, I sat down and took a nap. The wind brushes my hair and sound of the bottom of the boat collides with the sea water, it gave me some sense  of calmness. This place has a really good relaxing vibes. As the boat approached the next island which is called Virgin Island, I saw the stretch of white sandy beach, floating above the water. No trees, no grass, no building, just the sand on this island. Apparently it's a part of the stretch of Virgin Island (apparently bought by someone so rich in the Philippines, how I wish I own an island!). Whoever owned this paradise is one lucky man!

On Virgin Island, you can eat on the water. Yes, on the water with you feet dangling in the water and school of fishes swim by. It's beautiful, too beautiful too describe.

Thus, you should plan a visit to Bohol, Philippines and experience the Visayas unique geographical and cultures like no other. It's truly more fun in the Philippines!