Panglao: Tarsier Botanika

The following day we decided to move to Bohol bee farm. Because the Bohol Beach Club was closed, we have no itinerary for the day so we decided to see the newly opened Tarsier Botanika and end the day at Dumaluan Beach. 

Going to the Botanika was not a bad decision after all. You see, I'm not really into zoos. I believe animals should not be caged, they should be in the wild, where they rightfully are. But I was amazed how the whole zoo was kept. Most animals roam the place freely. Of course, under supervisions. But you get to see them, touch and feed them. It was just unfortunate we came in at their siesta time, so most were lounging, sleeping. Nonetheless, the whole experience was great.

The whole Botanika is located on a ten-hectare private property owned by a Filipina ballerina, who loves horses and a French businessman whose into collecting art. Which, explains the horses and the massive art collection. On which, I may say was awesome. 

At the receiving area of the Botanika, you can immediately see that the place is something. We paid Php200 for the whole tour. A tour guide is provided upon arrival. You can opt not to have the services of the tour guide but I think you need one. The place is huge, one can easily get lost.

We started the tour of the animals.
70 percent of the animals in the botanika are rescued from illegal vendors of wildlife animals and the remaining 30 are owned by the couple. I was wondering why it was called Tarsier Botanika and I can't see any tarsiers. The local government doesn't allow private citizens to own one, all tarsiers in captivity are surrendered at the tarsier conservation center. This was implemented a short time after the Botanika was built. I wonder if they'll change their name.

Then we proceeded to see the art collections.

It was unfortunate I can't take picture inside the galleries. But men, the pieces were exquisite. According to the tour guide, the husband loves attending auctions, where he purchases his art collections. The gallery is divided into Asia and Europe. On the Asian collections, there were period pieces from China and some pieces were purchased from their travels. I liked most the Europe collections. There were paintings from Picazzo's student. 
Every single thing in the area where personal collections of the couple. From the ceramics found at the garden to the most exquisite painting. It was a private property which, in turn, was opened to the public.

We ended the tour at their restaurant, Tarsier Paprika, a fine dining restaurant. From the restaurant, you get a panoramic view of the ocean. I was wondering how the place looks like at night.

Tarsier Botanika is not finished yet. Our tour guide said they'll soon be opening accommodations at the place. The whole place was magnificent. I didn't heard of the place until I was in Panglao. When the word's out, people will surely be flocking to see this place. 

view from Tarsier Paprika

Bohol: Panglao Island

The second day, we moved to Panglao Island. For four days, we will be staying at Panglao Regents Park, a modern hotel situated near Alona beach, not a beachfront hotel but less kilometer walk from the beach.

We had lunch at Bohol Bee farm. I was impressed by how the farm was built and designed. There is no beach, instead, the whole property is situated on top of a cliff. I love how the furniture pieces are so out of place when seen individually but look good together as a whole. Most are recycled. And the food? The food served at Bohol Bee farm are grown right from their farm. Now, how organic is that? Best food in Bohol, I may say.

We drove a few kilometers to see the Hinagdanan Cave. Of course, since I already saw Sagada, this was incomparable but still, the history that comes with the cave. It used to be a shelter for wounded soldiers during the Japanese occupation. It is so well hidden and with the fresh water it provides, it was the perfect sanctuary for our fellow guerillas. Stairs and handrails were built and a few lights were installed for safety purposes.

Then we went to see Dauis Church.

And ended the day at Alona beach.

For this tour, just ask any locals you want a tour of the Panglao Island and they knew exactly where they'll take you. Since we were only three, we took the tricycle for Php600. That's a half day tour since we already started late.

Kuya Junie - 09269224233