Chad Is Everywhere

In December 2023 I had the opportunity to add to my exploration of the Philippines. A week away tacked onto a work trip. Within this week I planned out a one side destination trip. Just one island, one day trip. So that I wasn't overwhelmed. And well acknowledging there may be other opportunities for more trips later. Yes the prior trip had physically broken me. I'm no longer 25.  I chose Coron Island over El Nido. Not because I knew it'd be better. I had seen enough videos comparing the 2 destinations to figure out you'd be okay whichever you choose. Both are a part of the Palawan region. I chose Coron Island because I could fly out of there easier on the time frames I had. A week away meant I needed to be more direct, in, out, no dilly-dally. There was no time for rain delays, nor contingencies if I had to ferry elsewhere. Accommodation I had read up about had indicated that you need to be in the Town Centre if you want to walk about. And it often was overpriced and u...

Bohol was the winner of the competition between the islands of the Philippines on which island was to get my tourist dollar's attention on a first trip to the Philippines. It had been a close battle in the planning stages between the excitement of Palawan versus the traditional highlight reel, Boracay. But from the YouTube videos came a dark horse, or should I say a tiny monkey. And all of a sudden the eyes had it. And my what big eyes they were. This island had come from nowhere to snatch the victory. Bohol, for the win! Here I could still get the reefs and beaches as the other destinations promoted. But more importantly I could also get the nature in the form of animals and inland rivers. This was just another dimension the others couldn't match.  My transit to Bohol was just a two hour ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran and then 20 minute taxi from the terminal to the main tourist accommodation area of Alona Beach on Panglao Island. This was a small island off the bigger i...