During the two times that my wife and I visited Bohol (the first one in 2005) and the second one just recently, we made sure to set aside one day of our itinerary for a tour of the must-see tourist spots in the province and searched several sites on Bohol travel tips. Of course, we’re referring to lunch at one of the floating restaurants that cruise the majestic Loboc River, visit to the Chocolate Hills passing along the man-made forests along the way, and a visit to the tarsiers.

To do this, you have the option to partake of the deals being offered by the hotel that you are booking in. While this maybe a hassle-free way of touring Bohol, most often than not, the rate given to you might be a bit pricey. There are alternatives and all you have to do is to be resourceful and source out the individual tourist services available.

For our recent trip, we booked the services of Wow Bohol Tours. Wow Bohol Tours offers cheap and affordable Bohol tours that fit anyone’s budget. Whether you are a lone traveller or with your family and friends, you can count on us to make your Bohol vacation a memorable and enjoyable experience.

True enough, on the day of our day tour, we were fortunate enough to have one of the owners, Nathaniel as our tour guide. He brought a Toyota Vios which made the trip even more comfortable. Nathaniel was very friendly and jolly with us. He gave us some historical tidbits as well as crack some jokes along the way. What I appreciated about this service is that everything has been arranged for us. He would usually accompany us to the entrance of the spot we are visiting and we don’t have to settle the fees anymore.

Bohol Travel Tips – WOW Bohol Tours inclusion and rates

Included in our day tour of Bohol travel tips  are as follow:

• Chocolate Hills
• Loboc River cruise and lunch buffet
• Stop-over for photo ops at man-made forest
• Tarsier Converatorium
• Butterfly Garden
• Visit to Pronny, the phython
• Souvenir shop

The rate of WOW Bohol Tours for our Bohol travel tips was very affordable as well. Just contact them for a quotation and I’m pretty sure you will have a hard time not to accept their offer. In other words, it’s way cheaper than availing of the day tour services of the hotels and resorts in Bohol.

So, we highly recommend Wow Bohol Tours for their various services. Here are their contact details:

• website: http://www.wowboholtours.com/
• contact no.:09157750451
• email: tours@wowboholtours.com

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Finally, our family’s summer outing this year was over and its was great weekend getaway at Bellevue Resort Bohol. Last year, we spent it in Crimson Resort in Cebu, and this year we just have to spend it in Bohol, choosing the newly opened Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island as our accomodation of choice. Although this is already my wife and I’s second time in Bohol, we were still pretty excited to go there since this is the first time that my two kids are going there. This made our daughter, a 7-year old, incoming Grade 2 student very excited since she will finally be seeing the famous Chocolate Hills, the Tarsiers and the Loboc River which she studies in school.

Prior to the trip, my wife had to go through the tedious task of booking our accomodations. I did the booking for a Cebu Pacific flight sometime in February, so that spares me the hassle of finding our accomodations. Thankfully, my wife is a very good researcher. Her options were narrowed between Peacock Garden and Bellevue,  until she decided to book us a room in Bellevue.

Having read some reviews in Trip Advisor, my wife specifically requested a room with a sea view. Thankfully, the resort granted our request and we were given the room nearest to the swimming pool and the beach. This of course was awesome for the us and the kids.

Bellevue Resort Bohol

By virtue of having opened fairly recently, Bellevue Resort at this stage is still very fresh, clean and new. The staff are still very accomodating and friendly, similar to the staff of Crimson Resort in Cebu. The place as a whole is very well structured and planned. The architectural design of the building which houses the rooms and other facilities is very chic and modern. And yet, there’s a part of it that’s still feels “homie.”

The resort is basically composed of two wings. The left wing if you’re fronting the beach is where the rooms are located and the right wing has the resorts restaurant and some more rooms. Adjacent to it is the two-storey cavannas where the gym, kids play area and function room are located.

At the center of course is the fairly big infinity swimming pool which for me is the main attraction of the resort. There is the 2-feet deep area for the kids, a big 4-feet area for everyone and 12-feet area.

Food and Beverages in Bellevue Resort Bohol

Being a five-star hotel, food and beverages at the Bellevue Resort are a bit pricey. Drinks usually ranges from Php 111+ and items in the menu ranges from 300+. But you’ll definitely get your money’s worth since almost all the items we’ve ordered tasted so good.

We recommend Bellevue’s pizza, which I’ve observed is the resort’s best-seller. I’ve seen several guests ordering it by the pool or inside the restaurant.

Accomodations in Bellevue Resort Bohol

My wife book a Deluxe Room for us via Agoda.com. We got it I think for Php8500/night. That’s pretty pricey and yet you’ll get all the amenities deserving of your money’s worth.

Our room is equipped with a large LCD TV with cable, a huge king-sized bed, sofas, bath tub which the kids enjoyed, wifi and pretty much what you need.

As I mentioned we got a room with a sea view and this is near the pool. The only problem we have with the room is that there was a foul odor that comes in whenever you enter coming from the veranda. But it was not too strong so we didn’t mind it anymore.

Bellevue Resort Bohol is highly recommended

Over all we were pretty much satisfied with our stay in Bellevue. Kudos to the friendly and very accommodating staff and crew of the resorts restaurant.

Just a minor comment on the people who were in charge of the transportation of guest. When we were checking out we were told that we need to be ready by 11am and the service car was ready to bring us to the airport. But then we were told later on that we won’t be picked up until 12 noon. So we decided to take our lunch at the restaurant. By 12, we went back to the lobby and there was no service car available and we waited for a couple of minutes before we could finally leave for the airport. A little better coordination on this next time please.

So, we highly recommend Bellevue Resort if you’re looking for a very nice place to stay in Bohol. Details on good to contact them are included below.

• Website: Bellevue Resort, Bohol
• THE BELLEVUE RESORT
• Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines 6343
• TEL: +6338 422 2222
• E-MAIL: info@thebellevuebohol.com

Take a look at some more photos of Bellevue Resort in our photo gallery as well.

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I chanced upon the Facebook page of The Bellevue Resort in Bohol via some links posted by a friend. Curious about it, I checked out the page and found out that The Bellevue Resort is a newly opened 5-star resort located in Barangay Doljo, Panglao Island, Bohol.

I saw some of the photos of the Resort and couldn’t help but be amazed at how beautiful the hotel is. The rooms were fabulous and looks classy. The swimming pool looks superb and will really entice you to take a splash at it.

I’ve also read some great reviews from those who’ve been to The Bellevue Resort in Bohol and everyone seems to be raving about this hotel.

Anyway, for more details, check out The Bellevue Resort Facebook page. If you’re planning to visit Bohol, you might want to consider checking in at the hotel. But since it’s a five-star hotel, expect the rates to be a bit on the expensive side. Starting rates is said to be at Php 8500 nett.

If you’re planning to check in sometime in May or June, check back on this site for a full review of The Bellevue Resort, Bohol. We are scheduled for a stay there last week of April.

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During the several times that we’ve been to Tagaytay, we can’t help but notice several billboards along the highway promoting this so called – Puzzle Mansion. According to those signages, the Puzzle Mansion earns the Guiness Book of World Records for the largest collection of puzzles made by a single person. So, finally last Sunday we managed to visit the place.

Puzzle Mansion is located in Purok 4 Cuadra, St. Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City. If you’ve been to Paradizoo, you have to turn to the same street where it is located. Puzzle Mansion comes before Paradizoo in Tagaytay. Take note that the road going to the mansion is a bit narrow. So be very careful when driving there.

Actually, Puzzle Mansion is a bread and breakfast place. They have accomodations and a swimming pool plus of course the Puzzle Museum where you’ll find the puzzle collection of the owner. Entrance fee to the Mansion is Php 100/head. And the area where the puzzles were hold are not that big. So, if you’re going there just to see the puzzles, it won’t really take you long. Before you knew it, you’ve already seen the whole place and have seen all the puzzles there.

But of course, the fee is all worth it especially if you are into puzzles. I’ve never seen such a diverse collection of puzzles of all sorts. From cartoon characters, places, animals, and more. Name it, and I’m pretty sure the Puzzle Mansion has it there.

One nice thing about the puzzles is that there’s a note on each one of them indicating the number of pieces and the hours spent to complete the puzzles.

There’s also a souvenir store where you can buy some nice shirts and of course puzzles which you can bring home and solve yourself. That is if you got inspired by the collection of puzzles in the Mansion.

Here are some more pictures of the Puzzle Mansion.

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Cebu is not in an earthquake zone nor in a typhoon belt. Neither does it have any volcanoes. It has a natural deep water harbour that has made it a centre for trade long before the arrival of Spanish colonists. Sea and air shipments arrive daily from across the globe. This means a near ideal lifestyle with the availability of services and goods. You can choose small town living in the suburbs, private and quiet days by the beach, or an urban lifestyle in the city.

There many activities and attractions that you can enjoy when you are on the island, no matter what kind of traveller you may be. Even if you are in town for corporate matters, you can still sightsee and eat local delicacies. To do this, you can book restaurants in the major business districts for your meetings. This is easy with the help of your virtual office representative. With this, you can see the most developed parts of the city and indulge your taste buds while you are getting some work done.

If you are a tourist who is out for some fun, you have more choices for activities. You could perhaps visit historical spots such as the Fort San Pedro, the Plaza Independencia, Magellan’s Cross, and the Santo Niño Church. You may also enjoy a day of swimming or sunbathing at the numerous beaches found on the mainland or on Mactan, Bantayan, and Camotes. You could even check out the handicrafts made by the locals. These items can include home décor, handbags, fashion accessories, and furniture.

It does not matter what your main objective may be for travelling to or even retiring in Cebu. You are sure to have your share of fun and excitement here even when you cannot speak their language. Anyway, a lot of citizens are fluent in English so you should not have much trouble in getting around or shopping for souvenirs. For more information on the province or city, you can check out official tourism sites or simply see things for yourself when you get there.

About the Author
Regus is a British company that helps entrepreneurs across the globe in finding good quality outsourcing services and flexible workspaces for their needs. To know more about their branch in the Philippines, check out regus.com.ph.

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If you’re planning a quick getaway before the year ends or early next year, you might want to check out the 23rd Philippine Travelmart event happening at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on August 10-12, 2012. According to the event’s organizer, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), this year’s Travelmar promises to be bigger than ever. As such, expect to find bargain deals on heritage and eco-adventure tours from all over the Philippines.

There will be around 250 exhibitors during the even which will all present their tour products. The event will also launch the “Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways,” which are joint group tours covering various locations in the Philippines.

These 4-day to 8-day tours pool local, balikbayan, and foreign tourists together to avail of special packages that would have otherwise cost a lot of money if done individually. Featured tours include the Batanes-Cagayan Northern-scape, Cordilleras Cultural Weekend Warrior Caravan, Central Visayas Backdoor tour, and the Tuna-T’Boli trail, among others.

That all said, if you have nothing to do on the said dates, be sure to drop by MOA and check out the great deals you’ll find at the 23rd Philippine Travelmart.

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Deal Grocer is offering a nice deal for an overnight stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a museum-like resort located in Bagac, Bataan in the North. For Php 3,200, you’ll get to stay at one of the nice rooms at Las Casas overnight. Deal includes set breakfast for two, free use of the resort’s swimming pool and beach area and a heritage tour. Regular rates at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is usually, Php 4,050. The discount may not be that much but 850 is still 850, right?

So, for those who are interested, here’s the fine print of the Deal Grocer offer:

About this Deal

• Forget your urban worries and escape to the genteel era at the newest must-see destination in the North!
• A stunning heritage property located in Bataan just a few hours drive from Manila, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an incredible experience filled with old world charm.
• You won’t believe how breathtaking it is here until you see all the little details for yourself! Romantic cobblestone streets, stunning colonial houses reconstructed plank by plank, beautiful metal sculptures and bridges will take you back in time.
• Experience firsthand the nostalgic retreat many have raved about with this Overnight Package for 2 in a Studio Deluxe Room, now only P3,200 (P4,050 Originally), inclusive of:
  • Set Breakfast for 2 persons
  • Use of Swimming Pool and Beach Area
  • Heritage Walking Tour
• A place of history, culture, and relaxation, Las Casas has plenty of activities for you to enjoy here:
  • Ride around an old-fashioned caruaje (horse-drawn carriage) around the cobblestone plaza
  • Take a dip in the resort’s Batis-inspired swimming pool
  • Play by the beach, go kite-flying, fishing, horseback riding, even island hopping!
  • Guests are also treated to live kundiman band serenades and Filipino folk dances like tinikling and singkil, as well as a cultural show on weekends.

To grab this deal, visit Deal Grocer. Or have a quick look at what the resort has to offer via these photos of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar which I took when we went there a few years ago.

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Have you been wanting to book a grand vacation at El Nido Resorts in Apulit Island but the cost is preventing you from going on the dream vacation of your life? Well, here’s your chance to fulfill that dream. That is if you’re lucky enough to win this 3N/4D Stay at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island. Yes, it’s a contest, but an easy one to win. All you have to is follow these instructions:

1. Like El Nido Resorts on Facebook
2. On your Facebook page or blog, write the reason why you want that vacation at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island. Be creative, fun and unique with your piece.
3. Post a link of your post or article on Facebook with the tag @ElNidoResorts
4. And that’s it. Wait for the draw date and you could be the lucky person to get that 4D, 3N stay at El Nido Resorts Apulit Island. Best of all, it’s good for two person so you can bring your wife or girlfriend along.

Deadline for submission of entries is on July 15, 2012. That’s a full month of preparation to write the best article on why you want that El Nido Resorts Holiday. Good luck to us all!

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Our last “out-of-town” trip before summer officially ends was at the Thunderbird Resort in Binangonan Rizal. Thunderbird Resort is a luxury hotel and resort perched on a valley along Sierra Madre. The resort is surrounded with lush greenery and offers stylish rooms with views of a nearby lake and the Manila skyline. Thunderbird Resort also has an international casino and restaurants and is situated right next to an 18-hole golf course.

Alright, those were the words from the Thunderbird Resort official website. My personal take on the resort is that it’s a pretty good place for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort is  a quick 35 minute drive from Ortigas Center. For us, since we live just below Antipolo, it was a quick 25 minute drive from our house.

Anyway, we booked a Deluxe Room which has a king size bed. The room is complete with amenities including a bath tub, all the toiletries you need, shower area, mini bar, LCD TV, a sofa, study table and a small veranda over-looking the golf course and the resort’s swimming pool.

For our dining needs, we had late lunch at the Koi Restaurant and dinner at the resort’s Cabana restaurant just beside the swimming pool. Nothing fancy about the food they served. Just about enough to fill your hungry stomach after a few hours of dipping into the pool or at the small Jacuzzi pool.

Overall, Thunderbird Resort offers a nice and quiet place to unwind for an overnight stay. The resort staff were all courteous and accomodating. If you’re looking for a quaint place to spend the weekend, Thunderbird Resort in Binangonan Rizal is a pretty good option. An overnight stay at the resort will cost around Php 5,500+ for a Deluxe Room.

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