There’s irresistible charm to simplicity don’t you think?

@the_boholana

This is probably why Boholanos are crowding to this new place in Carmen every weekend.

I am from Carmen, so I take it as a personal responsibility to check this place out! 😆

Bukid after all is my happy place. AND unsurprisingly, I loved my experience that weekend!

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Here are the things you need to know before going to Taytay Plateau also dubbed as “Heaven’s Gate”!

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💛 Accessibility

We rode a tricycle for 25 pesos each person from Carmen‘s public market going to Brgy. Villarcayo to a Stop just near Philstarch factory where we started a less than 5 km walk.

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The road is accessible only to 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles and mountain bikes (and carabaos 😍) but it’s VERY muddy when it rains. This is a lovely place for a trail run though!

We started our hike about 4 pm and caught a beautiful sunset view. By the time we arrived at our cottage, it was already at dusk. 💛

💛 bahay kubo accommodation:

One of the feature that caught people’s attention to this place are the triangular-style bahay kubos!

There are already more than 5 cottages there for rental and others are still being added. Each is for 500 pesos per night and are owned by different locals so designs and available amenities varies.

More or less, each rooms are of the same size, very spacious and can accommodate even up-to 8 people (although they don’t have limits of people that can stay in one cottage).

They mostly don’t provide sleeping materials so bring sleeping bags or anything that could combat the cold temperature! 🥶

Comfort rooms are available with stored water – so be sure to conserve water! Electricity is not available to all cottages but portable lights are mostly provided by owners.

You can also pitch a tent too for 50 pesos! For now, they don’t have available tents for rent so make sure to bring yours.

I slept on the cottage but I transferred to the tent early in the morning to find warmth! 😂

The cottages are close to each other, so don’t expect a silent peaceful night. Music, celebrations, conversations are shared in the place. Your time for sleeping will depend on your neighbors’ noise. You can probably hear them snore too. 😂

So, just don’t sleep early and enjoy the amazing view of the stars!!! 🤩 The city lights of the neighboring island Cebu is even visible from there.

💛 the View:

I’ve seen the Chocolate Hills sooo many times. But this place is still my favorite place to view it. From here, you will really feel the 1,200+ hills.

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Seeing fog during the morning is quite common there too especially when it rained the day before.

And if you’re lucky, and willing to wake up early, 😉 you get to see a beautiful sunrise too!

💛 Food Nomnom:

If you can cook, then definitely cook there! If you don’t know how to cook – bring someone who can. 😆 It’s good bonding during the night and in the morning. They don’t have kitchens though so bring your cookset and mess kit!

If you’re not keen on cooking, you can always bring food with you or buy from the locals. A sari-sari store is available in the area where you can get food, hot water etc. even local style barbeque!

💛 BONUSES

Passing through a pine tree plantation is a good opportunity for photoshoot! 😆😍

And if you’re like me who takes time to look at the small things (char), you can see small delights!

💛 Going to Carmen

The town of Carmen is just about one and a half hour trip from Tagbilaran City.

If on commute, vans are available for 120 pesos fare and buses are about a 100 pesos from Dao Bus Terminal. Social distancing are also observed especially on buses.

💛 additional tips!

• Book in advance if you want to camp through this number +63 907 4938 200, because they usually booked out easily;
• NO ENTRANCE fee when you go there for sightseeing but buy something from the locals to contribute a little;
• Leave the place cleaner. Bring your trash with you, and pick up whatever you can if there’s any.

When we woke up in the morning, some visitors from the night before just thrown their trash casually on the sides 😤😤😤 despite reminders from the caretakers. Some people are just 😩 . So me and the gals went and picked up some of their trash.

That’s it! What else do you want to know? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading!

REMEMBER: Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time. Bring nothing but memories.

#responsibletravel #responsibleLAAG

#beholdbohol #travelEnjoyRespect #supportlocal #ecotourism