Bohol Countryside Tour Guides: A Quick Guide to Service and Rates

Bohol Countryside Tour Guides: 

A Quick Guide to Service and Rates

The following tour guides have been recommended by Filipino travelers/tourists to Bohol. The recommendations can be found at the Pinoyexchange forum on Bohol. Personally, I have only experienced the guide services of Tatsky. See my review here.

Since foreign tourists or non-Tagalog speaking tourists cannot understand the discussion at the forum mentioned above, I'm making this post to make such information available to them.


My tip: These local tour guides are the cheaper and better option than those offered by resorts. Resorts usually charge a per person rate while these tour guides usually charge on a per vehicle rate with more places to go for sightseeing.

	Tatsky Cubero	Incon Tours	RJ Tours
Rates	P2,700 for one van  good for 12 people	Sedan                                                     2-4 pax                                                               2000.00  S.U.V.                                                      5-9 pax                                                               2500.00  van                                                           10-14 pax                                                          3000.00	1,050 per person or P4200 for 4 persons
What is included in the rate	included: tour guide no time limit pick up and return to resort not included in the rate: guest will pay additional P130 per person for entrance fees and P400 per person for the floating restaurant buffet at the Loboc  River Cruise	included:  tour guide no time limit pick up and return to resort not included: guest will pay additional for entrance fees and floating restaurant buffet at the Loboc  River Cruise	included: tour guide with time limit (rate is good for tours from 830am-5pm only) buffet lunch aboard a floating restaurant along Loboc River, river cruise, all fees.
What sights are included in the rate	visit to 13 sights: Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Biggest Python in Captivity, Actual Blood Compact Site, Hanging Bridge, Manmade forest, Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis Church, Bohol Bee Farm	visit to 12 sights: Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Biggest Python in Captivity, Tarsier, Floating Restaurant at Loboc River, Hanging Bridge, Manmade forest, Chocolate Hills, Hinagdanan Cave, Bohol Bee Farm, butterfly garden, zip lining in Loboc	visit to 10 sights: Blood Compact Shrine, Baclayon Church, Biggest Python in Captivity, Tarsier, Floating Restaurant at Loboc River, Hanging Bridge, Manmade forest, Chocolate Hills,  butterfly garden, Aproniana Souvenir shop
How to contact	Sun: 0922-367-1051 Globe: 0914-794-5556 Smart: 0912-747-2737 PLDT: 038 415-6040 jessercubero@yahoo.com	09297623614 boholtour.incon45@gmail.com	0927-349-6197 rjtoursbohol@gmail.com
Other notes	Hard to contact via email; answers immediately to cellphone inquiries	Answers through email and cellphone inquiries	Answers through email and cellphone inquiries

Manila International Airport: Metered Taxi v. Coupon Taxi

Manila International Airport: Metered Taxi v. Coupon Taxi

Check out the following post:
Manila International Airport: How to get a Metered Taxi
Manila Internations Airport: How to get a Coupon Taxi


To be able to choose whether to take the metered taxi or the coupon taxi, I will make a comparison. I hope this helps you decide what to take.

METERED TAXI

1. Coverage

The metered taxi can only go to destinations within Metro Manila. 

2. Number of Passengers

The number of passengers that this taxi can comfortably accommodate is 3 passengers, excluding the driver. This taxi option only offer sedans and not vans.

3.  Luggage capacity

The luggage compartment of a regular car can only accommodate 3 medium sized luggage.

4. Rates

Rates are based on the taxi's meter. Flagdown rate is P70.00 and P4.00 after every 300 meters. For example: taxi cost from the airport to Taguig City or Makati City is P160 pesos compared to  the fixed rate of the coupon taxi of P440.

COUPON TAXI

1. Coverage

The coupon taxi can  destinations within Metro Manila and the provinces. To see the destinations covered, see the following: Metro Manila, provinces, hotels.

2. Number of Passengers

The coupon taxi has both a van and a car. Therefore, if you are a large group you can choose to take the van  so you can all ride together.

3.  Luggage capacity

Since a coupon taxi has vans available for hire, it will be the best option for you if you have large luggage or several luggage that would not normally fit in a car's luggage compartment.

4. Rates

Rates are fixed. 

Check out fixed rates  at the following destinations:Airport to hotelAirport to different areas of Metro ManilaAirport to provincial destinations

My tip: When my kids were small, we rode the coupon taxi because we needed to ride together in one van so my husband and I can help each other supervise the kids and take care of the luggage. Only the coupon taxi offers a van that could fit all of us. These days, since 3 of our four kids are teenagers, we can separate and use 2 metered taxis instead, Hiring 2 metered taxi is still cheaper than hiring 1 van coupon taxi. And our kids are fairly independend and can even help with the luggage.

See other posts: 

Manila International Airport: How to get a metered taxi

Manila International Airport: How to get a coupon taxi

Manila International Airport: How to get a Coupon Taxi

Manila International Airport: How to get a Coupon Taxi

The Manila International Airport (officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA) has 4 terminals:

1. NAIA Terminal 1: the main international airport where foreign carriers land, except Nippon Air.

2. NAIA Terminal 2, or the Centennial Terminal: exclusively used by Philippine Airlines (both domestic and international flights)

3. NAIA Terminal 3: the newest terminal used by Cebu Pacific (both domestic and international flights), Air Philippines and Nippon Air

4. NAIA Terminal 4, or Domestic Terminal: the oldest terminal and the original international airport. It was built in 1948 and currently used by Zest Air and Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair). This is called by the locals as a the Domestic Airport.

Check out the website of the Manila International Airport Authority for detailed information.

The location of the coupon taxi in the different terminals are shown below: 

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 1 arrival airport map, click here 

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 2 arrival airport map, click here

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 3 arrival airport map, click here

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 4 arrival airport map, click here

How to get a coupon taxi:

1. After claiming your baggage, you go out the arrival exit gates, and find the coupon taxi counter.

Entrance to coupon taxi (or fixed rate taxi) counter

Coupon taxi is color white.

2. Inform the man on the coupon taxi counter of your destination. Then he will give you a white dispatch slip which contains information about your destination and the plate number of the taxi you are riding.


3. Ride the taxi indicated on the dispatch slip.

3. After reaching your destination, you pay the taxi the amount indicated on the dispatch slip.

Fixed rates:

Check out fixed rates  at the following destinations:

Airport to hotel

Airport to different areas of Metro Manila

Airport to provincial destinations

My tip:

1. Keep the white dispatch slip given to you for the following purpose:

a. in case you have complaints about the taxi,

b. in case you accidentally leave something behind.

2. Make sure to have small peso bills with you when riding a metered taxi, to avoid the situation when the taxi driver may not have change for you. Bills broken down into 100 peso bills is good enough.

  

See other posts: 

Manila International Airport: How to get a metered taxi

Manila International Airport: Coupon Taxi v. Metered Taxi

Manila International Airport: How to get a Metered Taxi

Manila International Airport: How to get a Metered Taxi

The Manila International Airport (officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA) has 4 terminals:

1. NAIA Terminal 1: the main international airport where foreign carriers land, except Nippon Air.

2. NAIA Terminal 2, or the Centennial Terminal: exclusively used by Philippine Airlines (both domestic and international flights)

3. NAIA Terminal 3: the newest terminal used by Cebu Pacific (both domestic and international flights), Air Philippines and Nippon Air

4. NAIA Terminal 4, or Domestic Terminal: the oldest terminal and the original international airport. It was built in 1948 and currently used by Zest Air and Southeast Asian Airlines (Seair). This is called by the locals as a the Domestic Airport.

Check out the website of the Manila International Airport Authority for detailed information.

The location of the metered taxi in the different terminals are shown below: 

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 1 arrival airport map, click here 

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 2 arrival airport map, click here

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 3 arrival airport map, click here

For an interactive map of NAIA terminal 4 arrival airport map, click here

How to get a metered taxi:

1. After claiming your baggage, you go out the arrival exit gates, and find the metered taxi counter, where you can queue for a taxi.

Entrance to the metered taxi counter

Metered taxi is color yellow

2. Inform the man on the coupon taxi counter  of your destination. Then he will give you a white dispatch slip shown below. The dispatch slip contains information about your destination and the plate number of the taxi you are riding. 

3. Upon riding the taxi, make sure that the taxi driver flags down his meter. Otherwise, if he refuses to do so, get off the taxi and find another one.

Meter rates:

Just to give you an idea of taxi cost: 

As of April 2011, the trip from the airport  to the Fort (Taguig City) or Makati is around P160.00.

My tip:

1. Keep the white dispatch slip given to you for the following purpose:

a. in case you have complaints about the taxi,
b. in case you accidentally leave something behind.

2. The moment you ride the taxi, make sure that he puts on the meter. In case he doesn't or refuses to do so, you can easily find another one in the vicinity of the airport. If you wait till you're outside the airport to check, it will be harder to get off the taxi and find another one.


3. Make sure to have small peso bills with you when riding a metered taxi, to avoid the situation when the taxi driver may not have change for you. Bills broken down into 100 peso bills is good enough.

  

See other posts: 
Manila International Airport: How to get a coupon taxi
Manila International Airport: Coupon Taxi v. Metered Taxi

The Legend Villas offers 50% off on room rates

The Legend Villas offers 50% off on room rates 

Cool down and unwind at The Legend Villas this summer and avail of 50% discount on published room rates. 


Rooms may now be booked for as low as P2,475 nett per night. This includes buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids aged seven years old and below. 


Selling period is until April 6, 2011. The promo is valid until May 31, 2011. 


The Legend Villas is a 124-room sprawling hotel property in the heart of Mandaluyong City . As part of Legend Hotels International Corporation, the hotel carries a tradition of innovation with first class amenities and personalized service. The Legend Villas has catered to the business and family market for years through a unique brand of service. As it improves its facilities and services to better serve the market, the hotel promises an inviting experience for guests out on business and leisure. 


Note: This summer promo is not valid for corporate or group bookings. 


For inquiries and reservations, visit www.legendvillas.com.ph or call (+632) 7022700 to 04.

7 Ways to Avoid Germs on an Airplane

7 Ways to Avoid Germs on an Airplane

(from frommers.com)

How to Stay Healthy on a Plane

By Beth Collins

There's something about airplanes that just screams germs. The enclosed space, the recycled air, the guy sitting next to you who refuses to cover his mouth when he coughs -- it's enough to make you want to de-plane and drive to your destination instead.

Thankfully, planes aren't as teeming with germs as you might think, thanks to air filters that help reduce the number of microscopic viruses and bacteria. In fact, you're more likely to catch something in the airport than on the flight, says Dr. Abinash Virk, an infectious disease expert with the Mayo Clinic(www.mayoclinic.com). Still, airplanes are by no means germ-free. Follow Dr. Virk's tips for staying healthy en route to your vacation.

Before You Board: Get Enough Sleep & Stay Hydrated

Your best bet for staying healthy on the plane? Board healthy. According to Dr. Virk, a strong immune system is the number-one defense for fighting off germs. "Get plenty of sleep before you travel -- people who are sleep-deprived get more infections than those who get adequate sleep," she says. "And stay hydrated." This will keep your respiratory tract moist, which gives you more protection against germs. Hydrating also prevents your skin from getting dry and cracked, which makes you susceptible to infections.

Wash Your Hands After Touching the Seat Cushion

While your seat might seem like a hotbed for germs -- who knows how many people have sat there before you? -- Dr. Virk says the risk of catching something from it is quite low since your clothes provide a barrier between you and the cushion. If your hands touch the fabric, simple hand hygiene (washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) will take care of most germs you come in contact with.

Wipe Down the Tray Table

Passengers tend to use their tray tables throughout the flight for eating, drinking, reading, and even resting their heads -- meaning these little plastic rectangles are one of the most likely spots for germs on the plane. The crew may not always have time to thoroughly wipe down each tray between flights, so it's up to you to take precautions. Dr. Virk recommends cleaning the tray with an alcohol-based hand wipe before you use it to kill any lingering germs.

Clean Your Hands After Handling the In-flight Entertainment Clicker

If you want to be vigilant, you could always scrub the clicker with an alcohol wipe. "But do I do that?" asks Dr. Virk. "No." Instead, simply make sure you practice basic hand hygiene afterward by either washing your hands with soap and hot water or rubbing them with alcohol-based gel. 

Avoid Touching Surfaces in the Airplane Bathroom

"Treat the airplane bathroom as you would any public restroom," says Dr. Virk. In other words, limit your contact with surfaces as much as possible. Use the paper toilet-seat cover (or place toilet paper over the seat), and try a non-touch technique when washing your hands: Use a paper towel to turn on the faucet, wash with soap and hot water, and use a fresh paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the restroom door. Be extra careful on international flights, Virk says, since there's more of a chance of people coming back with viruses that our immune systems aren't used to.

Don't Worry Too Much About the Armrests

Like seat cushions, armrests pose very little threat when it comes to germs. "Unless you have a skin break, you're not going to pick up anything from here," says Dr. Virk.

Stash Items Near the Top of the Seatback Pocket

If you're like most people, one of the first things you do when you settle into your seat is toss all your essentials -- including things you come into close contact with, like your phone and headphones -- into the seat pocket. Dr. Virk's advice? "This isn't based on a study, but I tend not to put my hand all the way into the pocket because I don't know what's down there," she says. If possible, keep your items toward the top of the pocket rather than letting them slip all the way down, where they're sure to mingle with food crumbs, dirty tissues, and who knows what else.

Isis Bungalows Resort, Bohol: Traveler's Photos

Isis Bungalows Resort, Bohol: Traveler's Photos

Check out my review: Isis Bungalows: Budget-friendly Bohol Accomodations for a Family of Six

Standard rooms located on the ground floor.
Further to the right  of this structure is a view of the sea.
Going further to the left side of this structure is the reception.

The reception located at the ground floor.

You can request luggage to be stored here in case you're leaving the place several hours after checkout time

This is our deluxe room located beside the reception.
The reception is at the right side of the photo.
One advantage of getting the room beside the reception is that you have strong wifi. The wifi router is apparently located in the reception.

The view a few steps from our room

The beachfront

The small beachfront in front of Isis Bungalows.
The structure behind is the Isis Thai Restaurant.

Isis Thai restaurant.

The room above the Isis Thai Restaurant is Bungalow 8.

It's the best room for a big family.

Next time we go to Bohol, we will reserve Bungalow 8 far in advance.

As you can can see, Bungalow 8 also has the view of the sea from it's window.

The view from Isis Thai Restaurant.
This view can also be seen from the window of Bungalow 8

This path, to the left of the Isis Bungalows Resort, leads to the center of Alona Beach.
It took us around 5 minutes to leisurely walk to the center 

From the path shown above, compare the location of Isis Bungalows with the other accomodation from the map below:

Isis Bungalows Resort  is at no. 49. Check out http://jimspears.net/alona/map.htm for more details. 

Thanks to jimspears.net for the map