05:49 Everything happens for a reason! I belive in karma – Be nice to others and good things will happen.
Little more than a week ago, we had to move out of our small but cosy apartment in Anda. It had become like a home to us, we enjoyed the stay much – but the ending was unfortunately little bit unpleasant.
Too bad if money becomes more important than good reputation and respect. It is also hard, if grounds keeper speaks very poor English and you couldn’t talk directly to the owner – some kind or error or misunderstanding took a place.
I’m really not here to accuse anybody, and I don’t hold grudge – but I learned great lesson here – You have to speak through your deal multiple times and possibly write it down (although I’ve heard paper doesn’t mean much here)!
Luckily we had started looking for another place to stay few days earlier (because we knew, we had to move out in 5 days anyway). So thank you Jurgen for taking us little bit earlier and on such a short notice.
And what a place it is – right on the cliff edge beside a beautiful beach, with a perfect view. I have never seen so many beautiful sunsets in my life – Every one of them is unique. You could think that this kind of modern housing with heavenly view is expensive?
Well yes, it would usually be, but as our room is half finished, we got good deal. We have floors, ceilings, electricity, finished bathroom and bed – nothing else matters and we dont need much to get by.
You should make time everyday to enjoy the beauty of nature and just relax when the sun goes down.
We will be staying here until about 10-13 March. Our visa lasts until 13 March and extension is very expensive (about 150€ per person for third month). But the plans are not completely layed out yet 🙂
Last week it was my birthday – and what a nice one it was. Thank you Veronica and my new friends for making it another great one 🙂 The small handmade present was also super. I just loved my last years birthday at Austrian alps and the one this year was at least as good.
I wanted to go hiking on my bd, but the weather was pretty rainy. So day after my birthday I took a ~15km long hike to Blue Heaven mountain top, through jungle and small mountain villages. I love the feeling of freedom and becoming one with nature.
It is so liberating for the mind and body. Road took me through thick jungle roads, with no persons nearby and afterwards beautiful small mountain villages, that live a life of their own, far away from civilization.
I made the same mistake again and started hiking before midday – it was hot. I would suggest going early morning and use a lot of sunscreen. View from the top was worth the long trip, you could see the whole anda and most of the Bohol. So after about 4-5 hours hiking (I took it easy, enjoyed views and took in all the nature) I got down to almost bottom and went for a refreshing swim to Anda Falls pool.
Fresh and cleaner, I started the last part of my journey. On the road I’m more than happy to have a few word with locals or other travellers. Again, everything happens for a reason 🙂 I met Tyler and Djo from England, friends that were travelling around Philippines for few weeks and this was their last day here.
We walked back down, had nice chat and of course I offered a ride back to town – So I did little Habal Habal and we went for a eat in the market. As it was their last day I suggested going for a swim to Cabagnow cave – But you need a local ladder guy, because you cannot get out without a ladder 🙂 (5-6m deep hole in the ground).
Sadly the ladder guy didn’t reply. As our new friends had already went to the beach, to ladder guy replied and was already waiting for us (misunderstanding again). Luckily I tracked down the English and took them for yet another great swim. It is always great to jump into the cave (even if you are afraid first).
It was my pleasure to hang with you. And thank you for the great evening (Tanduay :D) and small bd present you gave me 🙂 Hope to see you again someday!
Next day we took a bonkers trip to Chocolate Hills on motorcycle – That is about 150-200km in total with some detours and more crazy adventures on the way. I would suggest you doing it with a tour, if you’re not too comfortable on the bike (You could rent 15 people van for 4000peso a day, that will go anywhere you point) – I was really tired afterwards.
First pitstop was Laoy river rope jumping. All of us were scared at first, but once you did it, you cannot get enough. Really something for adrenaline junkies.
We might have to go back there, because all of our gopro shots went down from to toilet as Anni accidentally made some human error 🙂
Second stop – Chocolate Hills zipline. If you forget about the huge lines and about hour of waiting for your drive, then it was worth it. Price is reasonable 350peso per person for forward and back ride.
This is another one for adrenaline hunters, but hardcore junkies probably find it pretty safe and boring 🙂 Still the view was nice, sadly it lasted short.
In the middle we took a mini stop to look at Tarsiers (tiny little cute monkeys). So sad, they they’re are near extension, as people abuse them.
hey are really shy of people and could even do a suicide if they are exposed to people. Live and let others live – You dont have to touch, own, buy or sell everything and everyone!
Afterwards the so much hiped Chocolate Hills (that are not made of chocolate at all :)). It is the same thing with big tourist attractions – they are beautiful places, that are ruined by tourists themselves. Ofcourse the nature is cool and views breath taking, but it is way too crowded and the trip to Blue Heaven was much more rewarding and enjoyable that way. I wouldn’t spend my time visiting this spot, as there are lot more beautiful places to see in Bohol.
Our route back took us to some epic mountain roads, too sad most of the road we had to venture in the dark. And damn it got awfully cold in the mountains.
I was never to think that you could be that could in the tropical climate – my thumbs were stiff and body shaking. So we made some makeshift clothing from towels and pulled through. Luckily it got a lot warmer near the seaside.
And that not it! Before getting home, we hit police roadblock 🙂 Even though, we had some silly clothing on, they were really friendly and helpful.
Checked my driving license, spoke a little bit and wished us well. I’ve heard awful stories about corrupt policeman here trying to harass tourists – so be friendly, polite and humble. Likely nothing bad will happen, but be prepared for the worst.
What an epic journey it has been for the first month and more – And I’m sure a lot more is coming. We are having fun here for few more weeks and then move on in anticipation of new adventures. Next stop Malaysia for few days or weeks and then to Palawan. If someone of you happens to travel the same route please get in touch, maybe we could share few beers or even some length of our journey together 🙂
