Bohol - Between Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

The transfer from Malapascua Island to the main island city went smoothly. From Cebu City, we took a ferry directly to Tagbilaran in Bohol. From there, it was just a short bus ride towards Carmen (here you can clearly feel the Spanish influence, as our route passed through villages like Valencia and Sevilla), and we got off at the right sign along the way, and there we were.

Our new place of stay was called Nuts Huts, a collection of bungalows built in the middle of the jungle. All our desires were fulfilled at the attached restaurant, and the Belgian owner gave us useful tips. The only thing he had forgotten was to set up internet, so we were a bit dry in that regard.

So the next day, we set off to explore the jungle and rice fields to reach the next village. From there, we took a tricycle to the Tarsier Sanctuary. These small primates with big eyes are nocturnal but stay loyal to their territory, so every morning a guide searches for their sleeping spots (Tarsiers are solitary animals), and we were able to admire them. They are an endangered species, probably because the small ones commit suicide in cages. In the entire sanctuary of 4 sq km, there are only 6 Tarsiers. On the way back, we were lucky that a friendly local paddled us across the river on his boat, so we could enjoy the view from the restaurant later.

The next day, we planned our first scooter tour, and the intended destination was the Chocolate Hills. With a short stop at a butterfly farm (finally had internet and we were able to upload Malapascua), we continued towards this wonder of nature. Until today, their exact origin remains unknown. One theory suggests they are former coral formations, another suggests they are tears of giants. We don't know what to believe 😁 The view of these hills is definitely magnificent. The rest of the tour took us off-road to a hidden waterfall where we could swim with the locals.

When we returned to our place of stay, we packed our things because the next day we were heading to Pamilacan, a very small island off Bohol. There, we are looking forward to more beaches and beautiful snorkeling and diving areas.

Conclusion:

• A truly delightful change to be back in the jungle

• Germany is not an internet desert - Bohol holds that title

• The insects here are bigger than back home