End of BOHOLiday
4/19/20252 min read


Bohol Speed Tour
We had a trip round the island, Bohol, today. Due to being Easter a couple of things were closed but we still had a great time. We didn't realise the high percentage of Catholics in the Philippines, around 80% and certainly lots happening on Good Friday. It reminded us of when we went to Dublin over Easter about 30 years ago and on Good Friday most of the pubs and restaurants were shut we finished up in an alcohol free Pizza Hut.
For the first trip in the Philippines our guide was happy to point things out and chat which makes a big difference. He suggested we go on the all terrain vehicles, we picked a buggy and it was fantastic. We followed a guide around the foothills of the Chocolate Mountains. I think initially our lead guy was surprised when Karen drove the buggy but as he saw the her speed and confidence he was happy going faster and over the bumpier tracks. He doesnt know she thinks shes a formula 1 driver back home. He did look slightly worried at one time when he turned back to see Karen was driving with no hands.
Tazier and Man-Made Forest
As you embark on your tour of Bohol, renting a moped provides the freedom to navigate Bohol’s winding roads swiftly. Riding a moped allows you to feel the refreshing breeze as you speed past vibrant green fields and rice paddies. The scenic routes showcase Bohol's spectacular views, from serene rivers to rolling hills, making every moment a special experience. Moreover, the ability to stop whenever you please means you can capture stunning photographs and fully immerse yourself in the island's serenity.
Exploring the Tazier and Man-made Forest
The other highlight was seeing the world's smallest primate, the tazier. A real cute nocturnal animal which we saw sleeping in various trees and we were lucky to see one with its massive eyes open. These are in a wooded park where they are kept to increase their numbers.
A more unusual sight driving around was a guy with an upright fridge freezer tied to his back and driving along on his moped.
We also drove through a man made forest it is 50 acres of mahogany trees planted 50 years ago to counter deforestation. Unfortunately birds don't appear to like these trees and there are none nesting in the area. Still it was nice driving through and also a bit cooler under the tree shade when we got out.
Back to Manila
That was our last day in Bohol/Panglao and the next morning we headed to the airport for our flight to Manila. The taxi driver was a young lad who had previously driven us to the hotel he was very chatty today emphasising the importantabce of praying before our flight. Maybe he knew something as after check in a security announcement was made for me to back to the check in desk. They advised I had a mobile phone in my luggage. This confused me as both my main and back up phones were in my hand luggage. After lots of searching and back and forth through the xray machine I found Karen's spare phone in the first aid kit. Although annoying I was delighted I wasn't to blame. Very surprised at the find as its gone through the hold luggage on every flight so far.