Island Hopping in Virgin and Balicasag Islands
We were on a Safety Meeting and were booked at Bellevue Resort. Most of my groupmates wanted a city tour of Bohol. A small group led by me composed of only 9 persons chose the island hopping. I just made sure that they will not regret choosing to be with me.
It is already my third time in Bohol and I've already done the City tour twice and been to Alona Beach, Panglao once.
I am a beach lover so if there are options between the city tour and island hopping, it will always be the beach and water activities that I will pick.
We were approached by a boatman in Doljo and bargained island hopping for two islands for Php2,000 good already for six persons. But the small group grew into 9 so we initiated to pay Php2,500.
Our first island is the Virgin Islands.
The island is known to locals as Virgin Island because nobody lives here though it was opened to the public a few years ago. It is also known as the Pungtod Island but was now renamed Isola de Francesco. Going to Virgin Island only is free if you will be coming from Poblacion or San Agustin Church. There's a pier at the back of the church. Look for yellow boats that is offering free transfer and food. There are just donations and it's up to you how much you will donate.
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| Welcome to Virgin Island <3 |
We arrived here by 1:30pm and was so lucky to experience the island on a low tide. The sandbar is so like that of White Island in Camiguin. The island has a long stretch of white sand during low tide and has a span area of about a hectare.
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| loading area |
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| Jesus and his disciples at the background |
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| Saint Pio's shrine and chapel |
By exploring more of the island, you can walk through the garden with religious figures and statues. The place is so peaceful and quiet. My boss is waking with his speakers and loud music on but was warned by the employees of the island that it is not allowed.
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| doves everywhere |
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| so nice to see the doves all around the place |
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| the dove and her egg |
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| the small prayer room where you can drop your donation for the maintenance of the place |
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| with beautiful views around |
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| jump shot by the group |
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| jumpshot ng photographer |
Balicasag is part of the municipality of Panglao and is situated four kilometers southwest of Doljo Point off Panglao reef. It is about an hour boat travel from Alona or Doljo beach. The sand is white though not powdery. But it is also where, aside from Honda Bay in Palawan, I swam with a lot of variety of fish. It's just that I didn't bring my gopro camera because I thought that with our 2-day seminar, we cannot escape for an island hopping...
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| thank you so much for coming with me guys =) |
Balicasag's main activities are snorkeling, swimming and diving...
It is in Balicasag Island where we experienced the vast and most colorful marine life. Experience it for yourself to swim with tropical fishes and corals. You will love going back here over and over again but next time with my gopro camera talaga!
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| I thought kuya, the underwater photographer, is capturing me with plenty of fish... waley!!! |
Bring #gopro all the time Roche!!!
Surrounded by a sandy shell coraline beach, the island is fringed by a narrow reef shelf 9 to 49.5 meters wide. The tops of the submarine cliffs are covered with hard coral while lower levels are covered with sponges and gorgonians. A thriving fish community is found around the cliff face area. Jacks, barracudas and mackerels also abound.
Balicasag island has a total area of 25 hectares, 1.5 hectares of which has been developed into a resort. This "Special Interest Resort" has been operational since October 1989. Philippine Tourism Authority together with the Philippine Navy promote underwater sports and protects a marine life sanctuary showcasing a model for marine environmental conservation, ecological preservation and tourism.
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| I can also call this island as Starfish Island, variety of starfishes everywhere ... |
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| Ms. Grace and Ms. Vilma amazed by the starfishes |
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| we returned them back to the water immediately after capturing their photos |
We waved goodbye to Balicasag and our boat is heading back to Doljo where our resort is located. A little tired and sleepy, the boatman turned off the engine and pointed the endangered whales of Bohol. We thought first that these are dolphins but by examining their faces, OMG! we encountered whales during our island hopping. We are so blessed to travel with them. While I was taking pictures of them, I was at the edge of the boat and can see them from under and was so amazed as they swim up to the water and play with us. Our claps and cheers will make them showcase more of their talents and will leave you smiling while returning back to theshores. It was such an overwhelming experience that I will never forget...
"May tatlong whale akong nakita, mataba, mapayat mga pating..."
Contact our boatman, Edson at his mobile 09352422264.
Talkative and friendly, U.S. Virgin Islanders believe manners and a hearty 'Good morning' still matter. Count on your journey to the local shops taking longer than it does back home.
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