Tuesday, September 9, 2014

AFFORDABLE CEBU-BOHOL VACATION PACKAGES




Do you dream of taking a holiday in some exotic tropical island with the best value for your money? If you've never been to Cebu and Bohol or even heard of these islands, then it's time to check out this amazing getaways!

These two neighboring islands landed the top 10 Best Philippine Destination and are 2-hours away by fast sea crafts and could be reached by plane direct from Manila. Slow boats are also available at various ports and entry points from both islands.

Cebu and Bohol  islands are blessed with marvelous white, powdery and sugary sandy beaches and are endowed with the best marine underwater species to explore and dive in the world!

Enjoy island hopping and get face-to-face encounters with the ocean wildlife like the dolphins and “Butandings”. Find out more of Malapascua, Bantayan, Camotes in Cebu as well as Panglao, Balicasag, Pamilacan and Virgin Islands in Bohol.

Aside from exploring these beautiful islands, there are traditional and budget inland tours to discover the rich culture and fall in love with the bizarre-shaped Chocolate Hills and cuddly tarsiers which are among the world’s wonders.

Plan your vacation getaways to Cebu and Bohol with our guide to this amazing tropical Islands. See the best resorts and hotels including the resorts in Panglao and the latest unspoiled wonders of Anda beaches at affordable tour packages.

CEBU TOUR

A one-day Cebu City Tour Package could cover the following spots:
Magellan’s Cross commemorates the moment Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a wooden cross on Cebu’s soil to mark converting its locals to Christianity.
The Basilica del Santo Niño houses one of the country’s oldest religious relics: a statue of the Child Jesus that dates back to 1521.
Fort San Pedro is the smallest Spanish outpost in the Philippines.
Casa Gorordo give a glimpse into residential life in Cebu during the Spanish era.
Taoist Temple Beverly Hills Lahug - Approximately six km from the city centre in Lahug district lies Beverly Hills, the millionaire quarter of Cebu-City. From Cebu-City you can get fairly close to the temple by an Lahug jeepney.
Atop Beverly Hills is the highly photogenic Taoist Temple of Cebu which was built in the second half of the last century.  There is also a beautiful view of the city from this lovely place.
Mactan Shrine
Malls like Ayala Center and SM City provide a range of shopping, dining and leisure activities for various budgets.
 
The centuries-old Magellan's Cross

The Magellan's Cross established inside the City Hall Plaza

The Basilica del Sto. Nino

The altar of the Basilica

The Cebu Museum

Casa Gorordo

Port San Pedro

The entrance of the Taoist Temple


Other tourist spots to visit:
The Museo Sugbo showcases the province’s history. And if you can brave the cacophony, walk down Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines.
Not much of a history buff? Cebu still has a lot to offer. Head to Tops, a popular observation deck that offers romantic views of the city.
For a more adrenaline-pumping view, ride the Edge Coaster more than 130 meters off the ground, or go for a Sky Walk at the Crown Regency Cebu.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to stuff yourself with lechon (roast pig), which Anthony Bourdain called “the best pig ever” on an episode of his hit television show No Reservations. Zubuchon and CNT Lechon serve some of the best lechon in Cebu.
Other traditional and no less yummy Filipino dishes are best enjoyed at Café Laguna, the Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant and Abuhan.
Sophisticated palates will enjoy the international buffet and vegetarian menu at Shangri-La Mactan’s Tides and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Cafe Marco, or the savory Chinese offerings at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel & Casino’s Tin Gow.
Gustatory exploits can also be had at Nonki (Japanese), Café Orchidia (Italian) and La Marea (try their best-selling warm brownie cups).
No visit to Cebu is complete without a taste of its nightlife. Dive into a little debauchery at hip spots in IT Park or Crossroads. Or just park yourself at your hotel bar. Treff boasts inventive dishes and a beautiful glass-and-white façade, while the scenic Blu Bar & Grill was named one of Asia’s best bars by Travel + Leisure Asia.
The famous Sinulog Festival is the Philippines’ largest crowd drawer of devotees, celebrated for the child Jesus and held every third Sunday of January. The city hosts a wild, colorful street party attracting revellers from around the Philippines and the world.
 
Crown Regency Towers - the highest building in Cebu City

Edge Coaster ride at the top of Crown Regency Towers

The Image of Sto. Nino de Cebu (Child Jesus)

Sinulog Festival in honor of the Feast of Sto. Nino

Tops overlooking Cebu City

BOHOL TOUR

Subject to minimum seating capacity, we offer a Share-A-Ride (Seat-in-Coach) type of tour to visit these places in a day:
Chocolate Hills  - The Chocolate Hills is a geological formation in Bohol Province, Philippines. There are at least 1,260 hills but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi). The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol.
Philippine Tarsier - Another famous tourist destination in Loboc is the Philippine Tarsiers Sanctuary. The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is very peculiar small animal. In fact it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than a adult men's hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes has it that tarsiers eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. It can be found in the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao in the Philippines.
Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park offers zipline and cable car rides with exhilarating heights of 120 and 100 meters respectively. This will let you take a good look at Loboc’s wonderful mountainous slope while enjoying the ride. Have a great time viewing Loboc’s lush green trees together its ravishing clean river.


Blood Compact Site - Located at Bool District, the Blood Compact Sight is a remarkable landmark of the first international treaty of friendship between Spain and Philippines. This is why Tagbilaran is known as “The City of Friendship”.
Baclayon Church - One of Bohol’s oldest stone churches, Baclayon Church is considered as one of the best-preserved churches existing in the Philippines.  It is undergoing massive restoration works having been damaged by the strong earthquake in October, 2013.
Butterfly Sanctuary -  In the town Bilar, some 40 kms. away from Tagbialran City, there is a uniquely created environment called “Simply Butterfly” with a waterfall and shade plants which has now become a butterfly sanctuary. Nature lovers and environmentalist would appreciate the several species of local butterflies fluttering inside the sanctuary and resting in colorful flowers. Many butterflies feed, breed and play here.
Sipatan Hanging Bridge - The Bamboo Hanging Bridge crossing the Sipatan River in the Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol, is a fun tourist attraction. Originally constructed using just bamboo and rope, today the rope has made way to steel cables, giving added safety and stability. The deck of the bridge is formed out of woven bamboo slats. The bridge spans around 40 meters and offers a great view of the emerald Sipatan River below. On the far side of the bridge you will find a small shop, selling souvenirs and a welcome cold drink and snacks.
Loboc River Cruise  - One of the main things you have to visit when you’re in Loboc, Bohol is the clean and green Loboc River. Some of the activities involve while cruising the river are eating delicious buffet lunch or dinner and enjoy the fiesta atmosphere! Local Boholanos gathered and serenade tourists with their lively cultural songs.
Bilar Man-Made Forest  - Before visiting the Chocolate Hills, you can’t skip out the Man Made Forest! This is one of the most favorite stops for tourists. As you pass by this forest, you could feel instantly the change in temperature, even on the hottest day of the year.  This forest is located along the highway in Bilar, Bohol.
 
A world wonder -- The famous Chocolate Hills

The world's smallest primates - Philippine Tarsiers


Centuries old stone church of Baclayon

The Loboc River Cruise

The Blood Compact marker

Sipatang Hanging Bridge

Bilar man-made forest

Loboc zipline

A fun way to enjoy the colorful butterflies



If you are up for thrills and adventures, why not try adrenalin-packed actions at Extreme Adventure Tour (E.A.T Danao).  Release your stress and shout it out with thrilling outdoor adventures like the zipline, “plunge”, rapelling, caving and other extreme action!  See for yourself if you’re brave enough to face your fears!
Chocolate Hills Adventure Park - Chocolate Hills Adventure Park is the latest eco-tourism adventure park situated in Carmen, Bohol. It can be reached by an hour and 15 mins. taking a bus or van from DAO Terminal in Tagbilaran. The park offers over twenty (20) thrilling adventure challenges like hiking trails, tree top adventures and the famous Bike Zip called "The Rush". Bike Zip is a 275-meter zip line using a mountain bike to cross from one hill to another. Pedal your way and commune with nature with the Chocolate Hills as your backdrop!
Sandugo Festival – Celebrated in the month of July, this festival commemorates the historic first international treaty of friendship between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the chieftain of Bohol on March 16, 1565. As part of the tribal tradition, both leaders sealed the agreement with their own blood! "Sandugo" is a Visayan word which means "one blood".


AFFORDABLE PLACE TO STAY?

Most tourists prefer to stay in Panglao, to optimize the beach and get close with the world’s top diving locations.  It may not be the cheapest option to stay there.  However, a budget traveler could find a decent accommodation starting Php600 at Marcelina’s Guesthouse (check the rates at www.marcelinasguesthouse.com).  Located at Tagbilaran Citiy, the place is a walking distance from the airport (just 2-3 mins. walk) and 5-min. ride from the pier.  Panglao island could be reached thru 20-min. drive by taxi, car or van hire which could be easily arranged.
To save on food, the place is provided with a mini-kitchen, equipped with ref, cooking and dining facilities where guests could prepare their own meals free of charge.
Getting around Bohol is made easy with motor-bikes, car or van for hire at very affordable prices. Most budget travelers arrange motor bikes on daily or weekly basis.

The facade of Marcelina's Guesthouse




Deluxe Barkadahan good for 6 pax at P2,000/night

Shared Barkadahan good for 7 pax at P2,100/night

Deluxe double at P800/night

Standard Twin - Shared bath at P600/night

Deluxe Quad at P1,600/night












The living/common area of the guest house
The lobby leading to the rooms













BERNADETTE G. CABERTE
Manager, ROYAL FANTASY TOURS
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines