I left the hotel at 8.30am in a car driven by a very amicable chap called Antonio, who spoke good English (as most of the locals do). We crossed the causeway onto Bohol and proceeded to visit some of the many sights and 'experiences' on the island. Many things like caves, waterfalls, bee farms, beaches etc. we didn't have time for. You could amuse your self here for a few days.
Left: Bohol Island with the places I visited marked. As with all these photos; click on to enlarge and read.
The first port of call was the famed Chocolate Hills. They attract many tourists. People were queueing up to have 'group' photos taken behind this sign (right). I did a bit of 'tactical barging'.
Left: A steep climb up 584 steps to the higher viewpoint. Good exercise if nothing else.
Right: A description of how these hills were formed. They turn a chocolate brown colour in the 'dry' season, hence the name. Click on to enlarge and read.
Next onwards to the 'Eco-Adventure' park near the town of Loboc. This consisted of several 'zoo-like' enclosures. Below: At the entrance was a rather nice café with this couple playing 'jolly' Christmas tunes on bamboo instruments. Very talented I thought.
Left: There was a display of various snakes. This is, I think, an Albino Burmese Python. It seemed very docile (but it was alive!). I gave it a delicate pat on the back. It just stuck its tongue out at me. I'm told they are fed a chicken a week.
Right: More snakes but mostly in these cages so not easy to see. They didn't 'do' much. Sleeping mostly.
Left: Exotic small parrot-like birds.
Right: A dozy couple of buffalo were wallowing in a small pond.
Left: A statue of a ........??
Right: ...and a large 'shoe' on display. Not sure of its significance.
Left: It was, in parts, a somewhat 'untidy' and litter-strewn area. Can't think how this 'toilet' ended up here.
Right: A rather scrawny small horse. There was sign next to it saying 'For Sale. 23,000 Pesos'. That is approx £285. I know a racehorse trainer in UK who is always on the lookout for a good deal. I'm not sure if he would be interested.
Left: Another nag saddled up and ready to go. I resisted the temptation.
Right: An enclosure contained butterflies like this. There were several flitting around. I haven't a clue what they all were (I am not a 'lepidopterist'). Rather dull to be honest.
Below: Another compound contained these delightful little creatures. They are 'Sugar Gliders'; a sort of 'nocturnal gliding possum' I read somewhere. They have a predilection for sugary foods, hence their name, and the ability to glide through the air, like a flying squirrel. I didn't have any sweeties to offer them.
Wandering on further I came across this ominous sign (left). What on earth could they have here to warrant a risk to 'minors below 18 years old'?!
I went over the bridge to be confronted by this! Right: For the life of me I couldn't understand why it was in a nature park! They obviously have a robust sense of humour around here.
Left: The explanation of its significance. How interesting.
I was by no means finished with places to go and things to do on the island. I will, however, be wary of meeting any lady called Mana. So leave you now on this happy note and will continue my Bohol tour on the next......
No comments:
Post a Comment