After visiting the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, we continued on to the Convent of Lazi, one of Siquijor’s most important historical landmarks. The drive was peaceful, passing quiet roads, greenery, and glimpses of the coastline along the way.

The convent sits just across from San Isidro Labrador Church and is considered one of the oldest and largest convents in the Philippines. Built in the late 1800s, it’s made of coral stone and hardwood, with wide wooden floorboards and high ceilings that echo the history inside. There’s a calm stillness to the place—no crowds, just the feeling of time passing slowly.

Beside the convent stands a massive old tree, towering over the area like a quiet guardian. Its wide branches stretch out like arms, offering shade and adding even more character to the site. The whole place feels grounded and timeless—a beautiful stop if you’re interested in the island’s cultural and historical side.

Blue Joys Marine Sports Resort offers a peaceful and refreshing escape by the ocean. The atmosphere is calm and not overly crowded, which made our stay feel private and relaxed. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to unwind without the usual resort noise and crowds.

The food was a pleasant surprise—fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with care. We enjoyed every meal, from breakfast to dinner. The staff were kind and attentive, and service was consistently warm and helpful.

One of the best parts of our stay was the stunning sunset view. Whether you’re by the pool or enjoying a drink near the shore, the colors over the ocean in the evening are truly beautiful. It’s the perfect backdrop to end a quiet day.

The resort also promotes eco-friendly practices, which we appreciated. From energy-conscious amenities to the use of natural materials in some areas, there’s a clear effort to reduce environmental impact.

Rooms were comfortable, with good amenities like air conditioning, a mini fridge, and even an espresso maker. We also liked the outdoor areas—well-maintained gardens, beach towels provided, and a cozy poolside bar.

We went on a boat trip in Siquijor at around 4 in the afternoon, guided by a local fisherman who knew the area by heart. It was a slow, peaceful ride along the coast, with calm waters and a soft breeze. We didn’t swim, just sat back and enjoyed the quiet views from the boat. As we passed by small coves and beaches, we saw people from other resorts swimming, paddleboarding, and lounging by the shore.

The fisherman pointed out familiar landmarks and shared bits of local life, making the ride feel even more personal. As the sun began to set, the sky turned warm shades of orange and pink, casting a golden glow over the water. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause—simple, beautiful, and very Siquijor. A quiet afternoon well spent.

From Blue Joys MSR, we took a short ride inland to visit the Old Enchanted Balete Tree—one of Siquijor’s most iconic and intriguing spots. The tree is said to be over 400 years old, with thick, twisting roots that seem to wrap around themselves like something out of a fairytale. At its base, a natural spring flows into a shallow pool filled with tiny fish that nibble at your feet if you dip them in—part fish spa, part local tradition.

The area around the tree is quiet and shaded, a nice break from the sun. There are benches where you can sit and relax, and small stalls selling local snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. It’s a simple experience, but there’s something calming about the place—whether it’s the age of the tree, the sound of flowing water, or just the peaceful vibe.

Locals say the tree has mystical energy, and while we didn’t see anything supernatural, it definitely has a special presence. It’s a quick and easy stop from the Resort, and a great way to enjoy a bit of nature and local culture on the island.

Right across from the Lazi Convent is the San Isidro Labrador Church, another well-preserved piece of Spanish-era architecture. Built in the late 1800s, it’s made from coral stone and wood, and still stands strong today. The design is simple but impressive, with thick walls, a high ceiling, and an old bell tower beside it.

Inside, the church feels peaceful and quiet, with soft natural light coming through the windows. The air smells slightly of wood and age, like an old library or family home. It’s still an active place of worship, but visitors are welcome to look around respectfully.

Together with the convent next door, the church makes up one of Siquijor’s National Cultural Treasures. It’s a meaningful stop for anyone curious about the island’s past, its quiet faith, and its long-standing connection to history.

After a short break, we headed to Cambugahay Falls, one of Siquijor’s most famous natural attractions. It’s just a short drive from Lazi, but getting there takes some effort. The walk down involves over 100 steps—not very steep, but quite long and a bit tiring, especially in the heat.

At the bottom, the falls were beautiful—clear, cool water cascading into natural pools across several tiers. But it was definitely crowded, with people swimming, lining up for rope swings, and taking photos from every angle.

Even with the crowd and the climb, the falls were worth the visit. The energy of the place, the sound of rushing water, and the lush surroundings all added to the experience. It’s best to go early if you want a quieter moment, but it’s still a must-see in Siquijor.

After Cambugahay Falls, we went straight to the Butterfly Sanctuary in Siquijor, located near Mt. Bandilaan. It’s a small, peaceful garden with a simple netted enclosure that houses several local butterfly species. The space is modest but charming, with flowering plants, shaded paths, and a quiet atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the busier stops earlier in the day.

Inside, we got to see butterflies fluttering freely, along with different stages of their life cycle—from caterpillars to cocoons. It’s a calming spot, great for a quick visit if you enjoy nature and slow, quiet moments.

There’s a small entrance fee that helps with maintenance and conservation. While the sanctuary isn’t large, it’s well cared for, and the experience is relaxed and educational. A gentle stop that adds something different to the day’s adventure.

We made a stop at the Chocolate Hills during our trip, and they were just as striking as we’d hoped. Spread across the landscape like giant molehills, these natural formations are both strange and beautiful.

There are more than a thousand hills, all shaped like smooth, rounded cones. They turn brown in the dry season, which is where the name “Chocolate Hills” comes from. Even when green, they still look surreal and impressive.

The main viewing deck is in Carmen. After a short walk and a few steps up, you get a wide, panoramic view of the hills stretching far into the distance. It’s a great place for photos and a quick pause to take it all in.

The area has basic facilities—parking, snacks, drinks, and a few souvenir stalls. It’s easy to get in and out, and everything is organized for visitors.

We spent about half an hour there. It’s not a long stop, but it’s one of those sights that sticks with you. If you’re in Bohol, don’t skip it—it’s simple, iconic, and worth seeing up close.

The Loboc River Floating Restaurant offers a leisurely lunch cruise along the calm, green waters of the Loboc River in Bohol. The experience combines local food, live music, and scenic views of the forested riverbanks.

Before boarding, guests select from several floating restaurants docked at the riverbank. Most serve a buffet featuring Filipino dishes such as grilled meats, vegetables, pancit, rice, fruits, and occasionally seafood. The food is simple and filling, with a variety of choices available.

Once the cruise begins, live music typically accompanies the ride. A small band performs Filipino classics or soft acoustic songs, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere as the boat gently moves along the river.

Midway through the trip, the boat pauses at a small stage where local performers, often a mix of children and elders, sing and dance in traditional attire. The performance adds a cultural touch to the journey. Tips are welcome but not expected.

The entire cruise lasts around 45 minutes to one hour. With its clean waters, lush surroundings, and easygoing pace, the Loboc River lunch cruise provides a peaceful and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

We visited the Tarsier Sanctuary on May 25, 2025, and it was one of the most peaceful, memorable parts of our Bohol trip. Nestled in a quiet forested area, the sanctuary is home to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates with large, soulful eyes and a calm, curious demeanor.

A short walking trail winds through the trees, where attentive guides help you spot the tarsiers resting quietly in their natural habitat. They’re sensitive to light and noise, so everything is kept calm and respectful. Flash photography is not allowed, and talking is kept to a whisper.

The visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes and offers a quiet break from the busier tourist spots. It’s a great way to learn about this endangered species and support conservation efforts. If you’re in Bohol, make sure to include this peaceful sanctuary on your list.

The Sevilla Twin Hanging Bridge is a charming stop in the quiet town of Sevilla, Bohol—approximately an hour’s drive from Tagbilaran and along the route to the Chocolate Hills.

The attraction features two hanging bridges made of woven bamboo slats, supported by steel cables. Originally, there was only one bridge, but a second was later added to ease foot traffic—one bridge is used for crossing over, and the other for returning.

Walking across the bridge is a light adventure. It sways gently with each step, especially when others are walking on it at the same time. While the bridge feels secure, the slight movement adds an element of excitement. From the middle, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Sipatan River and the lush surrounding greenery.

On the far side of the bridge, local vendors offer souvenirs, snacks, and refreshing drinks. A popular feature is the “Buko King,” a local performer known for peeling coconuts with his teeth—an entertaining sight that draws curious crowds.

Most visits last around 30 to 45 minutes, making it a brief but memorable stop for travelers exploring Bohol. It’s a good place to take a break, snap a few photos, and enjoy a bit of local flavor.

This post is for people looking for plants to decorate their garden, terrace or home.

The old airport closed in 2018 and is used for commercial activities and food stands. Sometimes small events are also hosted over there. We had dinner at the old airport a few weeks ago.

Last June (2024) they moved all the activities to the end of the runway. Give your tricycle driver the correct instructions to go to the new venue!

At this venue there are a few dozen merchants selling plants, flowers, fruit trees, pots, soil and more. Plenty of choice. You most likely will find what you need.

They will try to get the best buck possible, so you need to negotiate for your best price!

We love bougainvillea, and you’ll find plenty of them at the old airport. Prices vary from 200P to 250.000P. The expensive bougainvilleas are the special grafted ones. The ones we bought were between 1000P and 1400P.

Pots are cheap! The small ones were only 60P and the largest we bought were 300P each. They are cemented/painted pots.

You can pay cash and with G-Cash. We didn’t have transportation, so they arranged a tricycle for us.

Smoque Bistro, Cafe & Bar in Tagbilaran is a well-loved spot for American-style barbecue. They serve all kinds of smoked meats, like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, with tasty sauces and sides. It’s a relaxed place, perfect if you want some Western food while in Bohol.

Smoque Bistro, Cafe & Bar is locate in Tagbilaran (Bool) on CPG on the way to Baclayon.

The featured image of this article is wall-art at their property. I liked it so much that it had to be the featured image.

The venue was separated in two; at one side the restaurant and at the other side the Cafe & Bar.

Our lunch: Their Smoque Salad is one of the best salads I’ve had so far in Bohol. It was 495P, and for the first time I couldn’t eat it all. It was too much, so we took the rest home. Mary had beef. The coffee was good and the mango shake was also very delicious and beautifully served.

We recommend Smoque and we’ll be back in their cafe to have coffee and cake some time.

Smoque is on Instagram and on Facebook.

Check out accommodation in Tagbilaran.

There are many beautiful places in Bohol and Panglao. Mosa Restaurant in Danao is certainly one of them.

This restaurant is really very beautifully decorated and I haven’t seen many places like this.

The beverages are spectacular, very well presented and very delicious.

Food: There aren’t really vegetarian options, that was a pity. But they served a delicious garden salad which normally comes with chicken. The chicken was served aside and consumed by the girls. I had a hazelnut latte and this was also very delicious.

The girls had chicken, served with rice.

Prices are above average, but not a deal-breaker! We recommend this restaurant.

We’ll be back at a better time, it was raining and I wanted to take more pictures.

This a the link to their Facebook Page.

This weekend we moved to Dauis on Panglao Island. We needed to go to the DIY / Hardware store (WILCON) and very conveniently next to Wilcon we have The Vegan Shack located. I think this is one of the smallest restaurants I’ve ever been. So the name ‘Vegan Shack’ is perfect! What also is perfect is their food and coffee.

I had a Hot Latte (my all time favorite coffee) and Mary a cold Coconut coffee. They have a variety of specialty coffees and the Vegan Shack / Kahu Coffee is really worth your visit. Everything they serve is plant based, so the lattes are of course prepared with oat milk instead of cow-milk.

Mary had a Veef Brocoli (Tofu instead of beef) and I had Phat Thai where the meet was also replaced with tofu. Very delicious. It was not the first time we were there and certainly not the last time. Now we live only 5km from this little gem!

If you’re going there by tricyle/tuktuk ask your driver to go to Wilcon, they all know Wilcon. The shack is about 100m from Wilcon.

Here is their Facebook Page.

To go on the water with a Floating Cottage is not the most usual thing to do for tourists. Filipino’s however love this activity.

We went on the floating cottage the 30th of March 2024. The sea was calm and it was very hot.

You can rent the whole cottage for 3000P per day.

We had a kind of farewell party and decided to rent a cottage for the whole day. The family prepared food and drinks and of we went!

The starting point is at Manga Fish Port in Tagbilaran. A motor boat tows the cottage about 2-300 meters of the shore and throws out the anchor. Then the boat leaves, but they regularly come and check if everything is going well.

There is a special space in the boat where they created a ‘Pool’ for kids.

We had a nice day and we can surely recommend such a trip.

It has been already a few months ago that we visited Rene’s Dive Resort on Pangangan Island.

It is a lovely place, I’m not sure how many rooms they have, but not a lot. It’s quiet, and is situated directly at the sea. There is no beach, but there is access into the water from the property. For divers this is the perfect place!

We are no divers, but we enjoyed our stay.

The breakfast is ok, their pizza is delicious. And of course you can order a great halo-halo.

The rooms are beautifully designed and we enjoyed our 2-nights stay over there.

We took the bus from Tagbilaran DAO bus station and got off at Calape Market. From there we took a tricycle to Pangangan Island.

TIP: Ask the driver to bring you to ‘Rene Pizza’.

We recommend this small resort! Unfortunately we don’t have pictures of the rooms 🙁

You can find Rene’s Divers Resort on Facebook.

There are two Gerarda’s Family Restaurants in Tagbilaran. We went to the one on CPG.

I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a quite ordinary restaurant. The drinks were good, we had a delicious cappuccino, cucumber shake and buko shake (coconut).

The food was average, the seats not really comfortable. So we most likely won’t go back there. The prices were ok.

It seems that the other one is better, we’ll see if we ever end up there. There are still plenty other restaurants to discover.

Gerarda’s Address: CPG North Avenue, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol.

This is the link to their website, check out their menu online: gerardasbohol.com.

Moadto Strip Mall is one of our favorite places on Panglao Island. It is at the most western point of the island in Barangay Doljo. You also will find Doljo Beach at this location.

Don’t go too early! It opens at 10AM. Once we were there after picking up my visa at Immigration in Poblacion, we were there at 09:50.

I would say the best place is the restaurant/bar at the end of the mall at the right side. But they wouldn’t let us in before 11AM!

There are several restaurants, souvenir shops, a bakery, a Buzzz Cafe by Bohol Bee Farm and more.

We visited this place already several times and it is never crowded. There is a really beautiful beach, no crowds there either.

Here is the link to the MoadTo Strip Mall Facebook Page.

We visited The Lounge Café & Co-working Space already 2 times. It’s only a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride away from our house. They offer free WIFI for 1.5 hours. They have delicious coffee and other drinks like smoothies. If you’re a vegetarian, the food options are limited. Of course they have a big variety of Filipino food. Prices are ok. Atmosphere is good and it is a very quiet place. People are working online, as a co-working space this is a great place.

The temperature in the space is good, not too cold, not too hot.

Tell your tricycle / tuk-tuk driver to go to Bohol High (School). They all know the high school and they might not know the co-working space. The Lounge Café & Co-working Space is exactly opposite of this school.

Click here to see their Facebook page, their website is not reachable at the moment of writing this story.

Last July we went to a very beautiful remote beach: Punta Baluarte – Cabilao Island. This is a true hidden gem and you won’t be bothered by a lot of tourists!

Mary had been here before and I saw pictures of this amazing place. On a Sunday morning I was bored and said: Let’s go to Punta Baluarte and enjoy an afternoon at the beach.

We took the bus from DAO Busstation in Tagbilaran direction Tubigon. About 30-40 minutes later you need to get out at Loon Central Market. From there you take a tricycle to the pier on Sandingan Island, where you need to take the boat to Cabilao Island. It takes 5-10 minutes to get there. You might need to wait a bit until the boat fills up.

When you arrive on Cabilao Island, you take a 5 minute motorbike ride and go to the other end of the island.

There are almost no cars on this small island and it’s a very quiet place.

I was surprised by the beauty of this small beach and I wanted some coffee after this 2h trip. Then we discovered Cabilao Sanctuary Beach & Dive Resort! What a beautiful resort. We ordered lunch and stayed on the beach afterwards. It was such a nice place that we decided to spend the night at the resort.

We had a cabin for ourselves, it was very spacious and we slept well, despite of the power-cut that night!

We recommend Cabilao Sanctuary Beach & Dive Resort, it’s worth your money!

Finding shells on Cabilao Island

On the beach you will find beautiful coral and shells.

This trip is perfectly doable as a day trip, going to the beach and relax. Better is to spend one or two nights. Swimming in this spot is best at high tide. We don’t dive, but there were a few guests in the resort who were diving. In case you got curious about this beautiful spot, Google it: Punta Baluarte Cabilao Island

In June we visited the Bohol Cat Cafe. It is located on Panglao island, just over the ‘Dauis Bridge’ coming from Tagbilaran. If you come by car, there is a bit of parking space, and else you can park along the road.

We were there on a Sunday morning around 11AM to have our lunch. The cat cafe has an entree fee, a part of this is to support the cats and a part you’ll get back when you order a meal or drinks.

They have some vegetarian options, we had a sandwich, coffee, a shake, rice and meet.

The food was good and not too expensive.

Here’s a link to their Facebook Page.

They have a 4.8 star rating in Google and we’d say that Bohol Cat Cafe is a nice place to visit!

Zara’s Café is one of those places you’ll be glad you didn’t miss. Tucked away off the main road in Dauis, Panglao Island, it’s a true hidden gem where the short detour is well worth it. Ask any local tricycle or tuk-tuk driver and they’ll know exactly where to take you.

Perched on a hill, the café offers a beautiful view over the coastline and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon break. Their homemade cakes, pastries, and gelato are all excellent, and the coffee is just as good. Whether you come for a quiet cup, a sweet treat, or to watch the sunset, you’ll enjoy every moment at Zara’s Café.