Getting Around
See My Link J Getting Around for pic
At some point just sitting in a bar, looking at the beach and drinking your favorite drinks (mine was the pineapple and papaya shakes) and oh SMB, would just get boring. So one has to travel to other sites to take in the culture around you.
The best way to do this around the island is to rent a motorcycle. There’s alot of places to rent motorcycles. One of them was the Bohol Riders Club. I went there and the prices they offered was outrageous. But If you dived with Bohol Divers, you get a discount. I passed on them and talked to the locals instead. Met a guy named loloy who spoke english relatively well and we connected because he’s also a basketball player on the local club. Plus his stable of cycles looks in pretty good shape.
I rented a honda X125cc. Small bike power wise but very manueverable for driving around the city. It’s max speed is 140KM/hr. I actually did 100 on the open road.
Driving around here is very dangerous as people actually drive slow and very rare would you see someone driving in high speed. I mean they’re used to driving around 20 to 30 KPH. Also, almost anything goes. Passing slower vehicles are easy as beeping the horn and they all move to the right so you can pass. There’s always all sorts of things to watch out when driving the cycle. Theres constant people walking on the road, animals crossing and other parked vehicles right on the road because of less than desired width of shoulder. But you adjust. Slow down, honk, signal and go.
Driving in the city of Tagbilaran was fun as heck!!! I know mom and dad probably worried about this but it was actually easier than I thought. Just follow what the locals do and it’s easy. Intersections are fun because you actually don’t stop you just roll thru and time the gaps and go. Best place to ride was in roundabout in front of the Cathedral.
I also rented a dual bike 200cc and took a tirp to Anda beach. Once I passed Barangay Loay, there’s hardly any traffic and I openned the throttle to go around 110 kph! Stopped to take some scenic photos. The ride along the seashore was spectacular.
After swimming at Dap-Dap beach and a little lunch. I headed for Carmen to see the Chocolate hills. Took the rough shortcut to Carmen thru Sierra Bullones. Rough road is an understatement. I was glad I had a dual bike to handle the rough road.
Went up to the mountains and back down on the other side to reach Carmen. Decided to skip the Hills as it was getting late and I wanted to get back to Alona Beach before dark.
Riding thru Bilar in the man-made forest was fun because of the curvy roads and going downhill.
I followed a guy that really knew how to ride a cycle From Carmen to Tagbilaran. I passed him a few times and he passed me a few times and finaly lost me past Lola’s house because of traffic.
From barangay Dauis to Alona was a piece of cake. Opened the throttle again on some of the open roads.
I’m glad I took that motorcycle class. It made me more confident riding a cycle and the experiences I’ve gotten here are imeasureable. It’s probably made me a better motorcyclist.
until next time, bahala na………….
Tags: F 2007 Philippines Trip
Administrator
Jaime,
Based on the recount of your MC experiences around Bohol, I guess I’ll have to get myself a smaller bike.
It sounds like you could cover more ground driving around in a 125 cc than my 650cc Yamaha. But I’m still trying to get me a 1200 cc Harley, for fun.
Just glad you had fun on the two-wheeler.
Will call you prior to your trip back (fly-out on the 16th?).
Dad . . .
hi jaime,
wow, sounds like you are having a blast. wish we could be there. find out what its like there weather wise during february.
did you see the family?
have fun and be careful always.
love,
maria f.
we live in Bacungan , Palawan ,, and moved from carson city , Nv… check this place for Honda Bay , and underground river , which is about 3 hours drive from Puerto Princesa ,, and is a beautiful place , beach , food , and or course underground river which is a must tour… have fun ,,, and we have a beautiful beach in front of our property ,,, on south china sea side of island…. nrjt & viviana
Dad: the smaller cycle is alot of fun and more manueverable in traffic and quick on the get go. You can use the larger size cycle for the touring around the island. Is that a hint for your retirement gift? hahahahahaha
Ate Maria: I guess February weather in Bohol is ok, but not the greatest. December and January is better. But, then a day in paradise is always a good day.
JT & Viviana: Most definitely Palawan is on the next agenda. I’ve heard so many good things about Palawan. I’m hoping to get there before the tourist invasion. After Panglao Island, I believe Palawan is next for expansion. Thanks for the comment.