THE OTHER SIDE OF BOHOL 2013 (Part 2): 4. Mag-Aso Falls 5. Badiang Spring 6. Maya Hill Garden & Tree House 7. Bohol Bee Farm

In Part 1, we have already tackled the ffg:

1. Cebu-Tubigon, Bohol

2. Sagbayan Peak

3. Loon Macaques

Part II topics shall be:

4. Mag-Aso Falls
5. Badiang Spring
6. Maya Hills Garden & Tree House
7. Bohol Bee Farm

FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCES

  

1. Mag-Aso Falls

    Located in Antequerra, Bohol, the Mag-aso Falls got its name from “Aso” which means “smoke” in the local dialect presumably brought about by its twin falls often obscured by fine mist that appears smoke-like. Entrance fee was only for 20 pesos.

     However, after surviving quite an ordeal of going down to the falls and climbing back up, my groupmates jokingly theorized that the "Aso" in Mag-Aso represents the smoke emitted from the nostrils of out-of-breath visitors. :D

After approximately 200 steps covered, all is compensated by the sight of the mystifying waterfalls. 

     The water was shallower than usual, it being summertime and all, but there were news of drowning in times of heavy rains due to strong currents and sometimes flash floods. Nevertheless, the water was very tempting and cold, inviting us for a dip to relieve ourselves from the humid and hot summer weather.

There is also this floating hut that you can rent for 100 pesos, plus the rowman will navigate it near the raging falls. 5. Badiang Spring

    Badiang Spring is an underground fresh water spring that falls from a cliff only a few meters high forming a mini-waterfall. The water is icy cool and flows directly to the sea which is only a few steps away.

    This is the stop where we stayed the longest (2 hrs+), to eat our lunch and to give time for those who would like to swim.

 There are 2 pools, the customary shallow and deep ones. However, unlike the traditional stagnant pool, the water is constantly flowing from an underground spring and you can even basked in the minifalls for a massage boost. ^_^

   The meal was for 250 pesos/person but our buffet was courtesy of Ms Jannes Suson, our group leader.  We had a delicious time, all thanks to Jannes and the resort's crew, of course. Yum! ;D

      After lunch, while others were busy swimming, the rest of the group were also happily bonding while availing of the hospitality of the hotel's management and facilities.

    Drinks were bought from the hotel's minibar, while some were content in sightseeing.

    Since, we had lunch at the hotel, swimming in the pools were free of charge, otherwise, one would have to pay 20 pesos. Still cheap by standards.

    All in all, Badiang Spring Resort is really great for family time, and many of us are planning on coming back and staying longer. For those interested, their rooms were clean and classy but very affordable.

6. Maya Hills Garden & Tree House

    This 3-storey tree house was featured in Kapuso Mo by Jessica Soho, and serves not only as a tourist spot to visit per se, in that it also offers a not-so-typical bed & breakfast accommodation for budget-conscious travelers.

  The Tree House started out as a backyard project that grew into a three storey structure complete with electricity and indoor plumbing. 

   

   It has two main sleeping areas on the second and the third floors. Each can sleep up to 5 guests and each floor has a lounge area. WC/shower facilities are located on each floor. WiFi is available at the Tree House and some areas. :)

 The two-storey tree-house, which is just 150 meters from the beach, is complete with amenities such as computers with wifi, a receiving room, dining place, bedrooms, refrigerators, television sets and a parking lot.

   The food is no problem. The visitors have their choices. They can cook their own food or order them from the restaurant in-house. Moreover, breakfast is served as part of the package.

    Maya Hills Garden tree-house was conceived and designed by retired Navy Rear Admiral Manny de Leon, former chief of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who opted to settle permanently in Bohol with his pretty Boholana wife, Sonia Clarin.

7. Bohol Bee Farm
      Bohol Bee Farm offers a variety of products and services. The farm has a  bakery, ice cream store, gift & souvenir shop, as well as a resort & restaurant.

     There was also this painting station where you can have yourself portrayed, or you may choose from among the rad paintings available.

    The Farm also has this Buzzz Ice Cream Store where you can choose 2 scoops of different flavors for 80 pesos. I tasted the Avocado and Malunggay flavors and it was really creamy and delicious! :D

    Home baked bread, squash muffins, pure honey, honey spread and bee pollen are some of the products being produced by the Bohol Bee Farm. Its products are organic and are 100% natural. Thus, no preservatives. Really a plus as pasalubongs for our loved ones. ^_^

We didn't have time to check out their resort though as we have a Tagbilaran-Cebu trip to catch. 

   

     If those places already titillated your senses, then you'd be glad to hear that there's much more to Bohol than the aforementioned. My friends and I are planning on visiting the other famous tourist spots when we come back. It's more fun in the Philippines! :D