In Search of the Next Destination

Location : Bohol (province), Philippines

Searching
After my 30 days in Loboc, I scouted several places to spend my next 30 days - Baclayon, Dauis, Maribojoc, Carmen and Talibon. It took 6 days of constantly traveling. There were a few half-decent rooms I could get for my meager P2,500 monthly budget, but nothing really called out. While in Talibon, I decided to stop by Ubay for a sikwate treat. It was here I saw a decent room that called out - and fit my budget. Ubay it is - surprising that Ubay wasn't even in the list.

Carmen
My first choice was Carmen. Carmen was at the center of Bohol. It also seemed to be rich in tourism offerings in addition to the Chocolate Hills. It offers good sikwate/puto maya at the market. But I couldn't work-out a hotel deal (Banlasan Lodge, La Ne Resort, Villa Luisa) or find a decent P2500 room. I found cheaper rooms but they looked more like a dog cage. I even went there a few times but it was a stonewall.

pounding the streets of Carmen

Baclayon
Baclayon was also appealing. It was only a few minutes away from Tagbilaran. I could have the best of both worlds - (city) life in Tagbilaran and provincial life in Baclayon. I made good friends with Ms. Beth of Astoria Bohol who liked my proposal but couldn't spare any of the 8 units they have. She referred me to Ms. Telly of Blue Apartelle but it was the same situation. I even attended a heritage house launching and hung a few times at Crescencia Cafe. At the end of it all, there was nothing for me.

Dauis
Dauis wasn't really calling out, but I thought I'd give it a shot with Mithi Resort - it stood out during my visit to Hinagdanan Cave. I met with one of the owners, Gretel Ong, who explained that they were almost always fully booked. I was curious how they could do it. Most resorts in Panglao are hurting and had to cut down on staff or even close shop. Obviously, they didn't need my service.

Maribojoc
I didn't know there is a place called Maribojoc, but the name was bounced around a few times because of the Abatan River, so I decided to make the trip and check it out. It's a very small town. It's so small there is no lodging. A newly opened building offers room rental but the rooms weren't ready yet. Additionally, the attractions in Abatan River are closer to the town of Cortez.

Talibon
I didn't know anything about Talibon, but because it's a port town, there must be something interesting there. Because it's 3 hours away from Loboc, I decided to spend a night at Way Side Inn. It's a busy port town with 2 Alturas Malls side by side but finding a place was difficult. I met Ms. Rachel, the tourism head who saw merit in what I could write about its tourism. She tried to help, sending her people to scout Talibon for a place for me. There was something affordable but too far off the main drag. I would have stayed in Talibon given the good vibe I had with Ms. Rachel.

Ubay
Ubay wasn't in the plan since I've already spent 2 days here in July of this year. Except for a busy port town, there isn't much of any tourist attraction here. But I can't say I really tried to explore. I wanted to just visit and have a sikwate treat. Lo and behold, I found a room for P2000 at Goddy Goddy Lodging. It's clean, within town, includes water, electricity, bed and mattress. There is a common tv area. For wifi, I can go to their other location where I can do my online thing. It was effortless! No struggle! It's also my universe's way of telling me to stay.

Ending Thoughts
Right now, I have no clue what I'll be doing here or what is in store for me. But like my experience in Loboc, I am confident that the town will unravel with the coming days.

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

enjoying my P10 sikwate at the public market

upscale sikwate at Tablea Cafe in Tagbilaran

Ubay Life

(Nov 17, 2017) Life in Ubay came off to a slow start. I had to cover my bases first - sourcing a water supplier, identifying wifi areas, frequent walks about town getting familiar where to get what, and getting a bearing on Ubay's culturescape through the locals....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