In a secluded island – short boat ride from Panglao
Virgin Island – Yes, I took this photo! To be productive (and keep yourself sane), we need to take a break from work from time to time. This will allow you to go back to work refreshed – with new ideas and insights.
I hope you find this post helpful.
PART 1 – PLANNING HOW TO GET THERE
March 28, 2009 – My wife and I was about to celebrate our 10th year anniversary. So to make it memorable, I surprised her with a 3-days 2-nights get-away. She didn't know where we were going.
We've been having our weekly dates, but it's the first time for us as a couple to go on a vacation – a plane ride away from the kids. (after 10 good years)
Planning this trip (by myself) gave my wife a lasting impression. In her eyes, I became an expert.
So to start, here goes...
(1) First, decide how to get to Panglao Bohol. You have two options.
First option – a direct flight to Tagbilaran. It's a town connected to Panglao Island. (20mins drive)
This option is more convenient. If money isn't an issue, book a direct flight.
At the time I checked, the ticket price costs P12,000+ for two persons. (may vary depending on regular offers)
Second option, a flight to Cebu for 1 hour & 15 minutes. Then a fast craft ferry ride from Cebu to Tagbilaran for 1 hour & 45 minutes.
We chose this option. I bought our airplane ticket for only P5,440 (Manila to Cebu) for the two of us – round trip. A big difference compared to a direct flight to Tagbilaran. (Even after adding up the ferry and taxi expense) As a bonus, you get to go around Cebu as well.
(2) Buy your ticket online.
Go to www.cebupacificair.com and hunt for low-rates. Be patient. Keep on clicking until you find a good deal. (Cebu Pacific should simplify their online ticketing website, but nevertheless it's still a good way to buy tickets)
You can also buy from http://www.palexpressair.com/ I just find their website a bit confusing. It's still worth a try though.
Tip: To maximize your vacation, pick a departure flight that's early and a return flight that’s a bit late. In this way, you can still maximize both the first and the last day.
(3) Buy the fast craft ferry tickets in advance.
You don’t want to waste your time waiting for the next available trip. Buy your ferry tickets a few days before your trip.
We were supposed to ride the SuperCat going there, but when we arrived in the terminal, all the seats were taken. We took another cab just to go to Pier 1 and board the OceanJet instead.
Good thing, we didn't miss the OceanJet ferry, or else, we will have to wait for another 3 hours for the next trip. So to avoid this hassle, buy the ticket in advance.
It will take at least 25 minutes to go to the Seaport from the Airport. So give it at least an hour (travel time + boarding time) allowance just to be sure.
For comfort, take SuperCat. A tourist class seat will cost P500 per person, one-way . The business class is P700 per person.
Our ride going back to Cebu from Tagbilaran If you are on a budget, you can also try Oceanjet for only P380 per person.
photo taken from their websiteWhat’s the difference? Riding the OceanJet is like watching a movie in an old SM Cinema. It's crowded. The seats are old. The sound is too loud. The popcorn is stale. While riding the SuperCat is like watching a movie in a Greenbelt 5 Cinema.
Got it? I'm sure you did.
If you are at least 5’9, get a business class ticket. Your wife wouldn't want to hear you complain for the entire trip because you can't move your legs.
SuperCat Business Class... Definetely Better!SuperCat: http://www.supercat.com.ph/
OceanJet: http://www.oceanjet.net/
(4) Google the resorts.
Because it's our first time to travel without the kids, I decided not to reserve a room. Instead, I made a list of the resorts we'll probably like. We checked each room/resort the first day. It was an adventure! (Don't do this if you're traveling with kids or during peak season!)
My Top 4 Choices:
(1) Bohol Beach Club
(2) Dumuluan Beach Resort
(3) A resort along Alona Beach
(4) Linaw Beach Resort
I will describe each resort later and tell you where we stayed.
PART 2 – DAY 1 AIRPORT TO PANGLAO
(5) Early Breakfast Tips.
It's quite expensive to eat breakfast in the airport. Set aside P200 per person for a decent sandwich and coffee. To save, eat a good breakfast at home. But if you have the money to spend, then go ahead.
(6) From Mactan Cebu Airport to Seaport
Upon exiting the airport, cross the street. Turn right and go up when you see the stairs. You will find the (metered) taxi terminal there. Tell the driver to bring you to the seaport – where SuperCat or OceanJet is located. SuperCat is in Pier 4. OceanJet is in Pier 1.
This should cost you around P185 – more or less. (25 minutes drive)
When you get to the port terminal, buy your tickets. (if you didn't purchase yet) Don't choose seats facing the wall or the ones facing other seats. Again, it would be best if you'll buy your tickets days in advance.
Next step, pay for the terminal fee (P10.00/head) and get a boarding pass.
You're on your way there.
(6) From Tagbilaran Seaport to Panglao Island
Upon exiting the terminal, you can easily find taxis going to Panglao Island. (20 to 30 minutes drive) Tricyle drivers will approach you and offer half of the expense. However, Panglao is a bit far for a tricycle ride. If you prefer to arrive there fresh, looking good, not harassed, pay for a cab!
The taxi ride will cost you at least P500.00 to 600.00. They might ask for P700 but you are free to negotiate.
Wait! Before going to Part 3, please LIKE 'I am a Productive Pinoy' on Facebook! [click here]
READ PART 3 --- BOHOL BEACH CLUB, HOTELS, BEACH FRONTS & RESTOS. Click here.
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