Roadtrip from Candijay to Ubay

Rey Rapatalo
I was on my way out of Candijay to Ubay when I received a text from Kins, "I am fascinated by Mabini but few tourists go there". I got curious and randomly asked a local if he knew anything about Mabini. His name is Rey Rapatalo who happened to hail from Mabini. We got into a more engaging conversation about many things while I was having breakfast at the Rapatalo's Restaurant - yes, he owns it. At some point, he said he wanted to be out of his house anyway and offered to take me to Mabini. It was very generous of him. So we headed out in his sporty SUV!

Mabini, Bohol
He did mention that the only attraction in Mabini is the disappearing sandbar, which appears only during low tide. It would however, require a boat ride to experience it. I didn't want to impose on my host and I wasn't that excited to take a boat ride to see a sandbar - I've seen too many already. He took me to his house where I met members of his family. We went to the town port where he pointed out a few areas that were special to him. After a few more turns around town, we headed back.

All the Way to Ubay
I asked to be dropped-off the main street to catch the bus to Ubay. To my surprise, Rey said he'll drive me all the way to Ubay! What??? Ubay is a good 30 kms away! What a guy! This gave us an extended conversation. Rey has many interesting stories.

First stopover was the (municipality) of Alicia for some good 'ol fashioned carinderia yummy eats! Even in Alicia, people recognized him and accorded him a deferential treatment. Who is this guy? Shortly after, we headed straight for Ubay where he dropped me off one of the hotels.

Ending Thoughts
It was short and magical - like a lot of my adventures. This reminds me of Pak Chong, Thailand where a complete stranger drove me all the way to the next town! Rey was a complete stranger one moment, then I was inside his SUV for a tour to the other town, after which he drives me all the way to Ubay. And then he was gone. We've become better than just acquainted in that half-day tour. Such generosity is rare, but yes, it still happens. When I travel, I meet the most fascinating, most interesting, most generous people. This trip validates all that. Thank you Rey!

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

2 Days in Ubay

(Jul 1-3, 2017) Ubay is the biggest center in the east end of Bohol, but not quite as big as Tagbilaran. It has no movie house but at least it has a few affordable lodging places. With only 2 days before I take the boat for Cebu, I simply roamed about town and met common folks and the town's influential few...more »»

Ubay, Bohol, Philippines

tourist attractions

Camp Karis - area site used for camping, weddings, seminars, training, etc. specialize on christian camping ministry
Ubay Green Park - former dump site turned into an eco-friendly park
Henson Beach - public beach close to the port
Sinandigan Boardwalk - do not go here, the boardwalk is neglected and rotting!
Ubay Stock Farm - breeding farm for native pigs, native chickens, carabaos and other livestock
Cambugsay Hills - also known as Malingin Dam, Mother Dam and Ilaya Reservoir. It's an irrigation dam with a park. The nearby hills are said to be healing

Ubay Travel Info / Tips

Jewel's Nook is the only cafe in town - a/c, serving only espresso P50 but NO WIFI
you can buy Bahalina (aged, decanted and alcoholic coconut sap) at the Public Market for P75/half gallon
there are 2 stores serving good P10 sikwate (native chocolate drink) and P10 puto-maya at the Public Market...just ask around
tricycle ride around the city is only P8/pax
trisikad ride around the city is only P5/pax
laundry is only P25/kilo, minimum of 3 kilos, for pick-up after 2 days
Southern Buses at the Public Market leave Ubay for other parts of Bohol
market day is Monday
Ubay-ubay Festival is the town fiesta held every January 28-30

Ubay to Cebu City by boat (as of July 2017)

M/V J&N Carrier - 10am Monday-Saturday, 12am Sunday
M/V J&N Ferry - 10pm Sunday-Friday, no Saturday trip

Ubay to Leyte by boat (4-5 hours) (as of July 2017)

Ubay to Bato
- M/V Lady of Smile (or Lady of Charity or Lady of Guadalupe) - 1pm daily
- MBCA Star Sirius (or Mama Mary or San Isidro 9) - 8:30am daily
- MBCA Neriboy Allen Rey (or Mama Mary Irvin or San Isidro 5 or San Isidro 6) - 10am daily
Ubay to Hilongos - M/V Leopards Sea Runner or Leopards Adventurer 1, 9am daily