Bohol Countryside: Where to Go and What to Expect

Chocolate Hills

A regular member of "Most Beautiful Places to Visit" in your elementary Araling Panlipunan book (HEKASI), I was always fascinated to visit this island. It took me almost two decades from the first time I saw Bohol on the pages of my book to actually visiting it myself.

Here is a complete guide and itinerary for Bohol Countryside Trip and a little bit of our story.

Background

Bohol is an island province located 640 KM south of Manila, in Central Visayas. The province only has one city which is Tagbilaran.

Bohol offers a glimpse of the entire Philippines, with its white sand beach, rolling landscapes, quaint little towns, churches, river cruises and hospitality of its inhabitants.

How to go to Bohol

From Manila, you have different choices of transportation going to Bohol. But the most convenient would be via plane.

There are daily plane trips going to Bohol from Manila. Travel time is about an hour and five minutes.

Here are the links to the most popular airlines in the country:

1. Cebu Pacific
2. Philippine Airlines
3. Air Asia

If you're the kind who wants to do land travel instead, there are multiple bus lines in Metro Manila that offer a trip directly to Bohol.

Where to Stay in Bohol

There are two primary locations to stay in Bohol - Tagbilaran City or the Island of Panglao. Find a great accommodation with the best prices by using Booking.com.

Click the box at the right sidebar to check to find one.

Bohol Countryside Tour

This blog is focused on the Bohol Countryside Trip. We have a separate entry for our Panglao Trip so be sure to read on and click on this link for more contents. 

The first thing you have to consider is the tour provider. Most of the hotels, BnBs and transient houses offer their own tours. Since we only availed one tour, we cannot give you an objective comparison aside from the price. 

The average price for a car tour is around 1,800 - 2,200 pesos. Even 2,500 pesos is still reasonable given the number of places you'll visit. 

Places to Visit (In No Particular Order)

1. Chocolate Hills
2. Tarsier Conservation
3. Bilar Man-made Forest
4. Bamboo Bridge
5. Exotic Animals and Butterfly Garden
6. Baclayon Church
7. Sandugo Site

1. Chocolate Hills

Bohol is almost synonymous to Chocolate Hills. We've seen this on post cards, on our teacher's visual aid, but nothing beats seeing it personally.

This is the first destination of the Countryside Trip since it is also the farthest. It'll take you about 30 minutes or so to reach if coming from Tagbilaran.

You'll have to pay 40 pesos per head to see the majesty of Chocolate Hills. 

There is just one thing you have to consider if ever you'll visit Chocolate Hills - the volume of people. So pack up some patience since photobombers and view-hogs will be plenty.

2. Tarsier Sanctuary

Tarsier Sanctuary

Aside from the Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also popular due to its endemic fauna, particularly the tarsier. Tarsier is a nocturnal primate, known for its small size and peculiar appearance. With its large eyes and long tail, many are amazed by this creature.

Despite its otherworldly appearance, tarsiers are one of the most vulnerable animals to extinction mainly due to man's action. Deforestation led to many tarsiers losing their homes and source of food.

Sad Fact: Tarsiers do not do well in captivity (Well, I think all animals don't, duh?). There are some documented cases wherein a captive tarsier will try everything to escape. Even going to the point of bashing their heads on the walls of their cage which eventually leads to their death.

One of the most vulnerable animal to extinction

Things to Remember when Visiting the Tarsier Trail

1. Tarsiers are nocturnal, meaning they are awake during night time and asleep during our waking hours. Do not make loud noises.
2. Tarsiers are easily stressed by almost anything foreign. No flash photography, no prodding or trying to catch their attention
3. The Tarsier Trail is quite narrow. Observe walking in single file. No need to hold hands all the time, eh?
4. Since the trail is narrow, do not stop on the trail for an extended time. Do not be the cause of delay.

3. Bilar Man-made Forest

Bilar Man-made Forest

Just a few minutes away from the Tarsier Sanctuary, you'll pass by the Bilar Man-made Forest. There is no entrance fee here since your vehicle will only pass by it.

Enjoy the cool atmosphere within the man-made forest and look at the dizzying patterns of leaves and branches over your head.This road is covered in shade so you'll find the temperature here clean and pleasant. Have a picture in the middle of the deserted road.

Fun Fact:

One thing you'll notice is that the leaves and branches create a canopy making the 2-km stretch of road under the shade. However, if you look more closely, you'll also notice that the leaves and branches do not really touch. This phenomenon is known as crown shyness.

Bilar Man-made Forest

Word of Caution: While this stretch may look deserted, always remember that this is still part of the National Road of Bohol. Make sure that no cars are passing by before you have that "middle of the road" shot, okay? The last thing you'll want is to be hit by a vehicle. 

Also, aside from the threat of being run over, some tourist are actually causing a lot of traffic. So learn to be sensitive. Don't be a kupal. 

4. Bamboo Bridge Crossing

Even as a kid, I always have an aversion on standing atop something that's unstable. Well, this activity is the exact opposite of it. Here, you'll have to cross a long, as in looooonng, rickety and swaying bamboo bridge, TWICE!

But do not skip this one. The view of the green river is just fantastic. And besides, walking atop a rickety, swaying, and purely wooden bridge is a good story.

View from the Bamboo Hanging Bridge

5. Exotic Animals and Butterfly Garden feat. Python Recca

One thing I love about this tourist spot is the quaint and provincial feels it has. It is a simple mini-zoo and butterfly sanctuary manned by few locals. Well, it doesn't have an extravagant feels but it can still satisfy your curiosity to see (and even touch some of the animals) some exotic animals like the Palm Civet Cat, a reticulated python and more.

Personally, seeing many exotic animals cramped in their small cages makes me sad, but hey! It's up to you peeps.

The looks oh!

6. Baclayon Church

According to the epitaph, Baclayon Church is the oldest coral built Church in the region. Baclayon Church was once considered to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites but was struck out when it was massively destroyed by the 2013 Bohol Earthquake.

Baclayon Church

Things to Remember

1. Baclayon Church is a church, first and foremost. So act accordingly. No wacky shots, loud voices and such.

2. Wear long pants and shirt with sleeves if ever you'll visit the Church. If by any chance you failed to do so, you can borrow a long scarf at the entrance, free of charge. 

You can help in the restoration and maintenance of the church by patronising some of its products. We bought souvenirs like Rosaries, fridge magnets and other neat stuff. It's our small way of helping. 

7. Blood Compact Site

You'll conclude your Countryside Tour by visiting the last marker which is the Blood Compact Site. Since I love historic places, I decided to have some bonding moments with the important people of Philippine History. 

Blood Compact Site

According to historians, this site witnessed the very first "Treaty of Friendship" not only in our country but also between Western and Eastern Civilization.

This treaty was sealed by a ritual called "Sandugo". The two chiefs, namely Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, shared a drink of wine mixed with both of their blood. 

The first treaty between East and West Civilization

Myth Buster: One of the recurring misconception regarding Blood Compact or Sandugo is that the people collect their blood through a cut in their wrist. However, historians defunct it and said that the blood was actually collected from a cut in the chest!

So here it is! I hope this entry can help you a lot in your next travel. One thing I learned on this trip is that, there are more learning outside the classroom. I learned more about history, culture and life in the Philippines by travelling. So just go out there! 

How will you know or feel the experiences of the great explorers before you? By visiting the places they had been.

-Adrian C. Villaflor, 2019

Ten Things You'll Learn as a Climber

So you've climbed numerous mountains now. Or maybe just your first. But regardless of the number of peaks you had conquered, we all learned a thing or two on our adventures.

This is the list of top ten things you'll learn as you start climbing mountains.

1. How to Save Money

Do you remember the time before your climbing days, that you always end up short in funds by the end of the month? Or if you make a comparison of your salary or wage then and now, you find that there is no substantial increase in your income yet you can now afford to go to different places without actually getting as broke as before. 

The answer to that lies in your climbs. While others may argue that climbing will cost you more money, in reality, it will channel your funds into something more meaningful. You'll learn to scrimp on coffees, fast food, and gadgets now that you have something more important to spend on.

So save up for that cool vacation that you well deserve.

2. SMALL THINGS Make Big Differences

How important are minor details to your climb? It is more important than you think. I learned as a climber that small things can cause you a lot of inconvenience when you are up there. 

I can still remember when we climbed Mt. Pulag the very first time. We were confident on how prepared we were, only to find out that the lightning cord for our powerbank was defective. We were not able to document our climb to the summit since our phones ran out of juice. 

In my campsite experience, there are lots of times that I saw and heard campers with awesome tents, butane stove, hammocks, drones, and so many other cool stuff, only to find out that they forgot to bring spoons and forks, or a garbage bag. 

Remember, small things matter.

3. Being Prepared

It goes without saying that a climber must always BE prepared: physically, financially, and mentally. 

I hate to say this but there are still too many people going to the mountains, so ill-prepared that they may hurt themselves and the people around them. I once saw a girl who went to an extended day climb without any food and too little water with her. According to her, she was told that  the mountain is for beginners and the rest was history. Or this team that we met in Mt. Talamitam that spent the night at the summit without food and tent. Most of them were weaken by hunger and exposure to cold. Fortunately, other climbers and guides came to their aid.

As a climber, the sense of preparedness must be ingrained in your personality, be it outdoors or not. 

4. Being Health Conscious

This one is very important. The mountains require you to be in decent shape if you want to enjoy the climb. You don't have to be a gym rat or a hardcore cross fitter, but you must be able to take care of yourself and your belongings. We once shared a trail with a girl who bragged about how easy this particular hike would be but ended up as another baggage since the guides had to carry her alternately on their backs.

If you always need someone to carry you down the mountain, then probably you are not in the right place yet. Fret not, because you'll get there eventually, if you prepare yourself properly.

RUN. SWIM. RIDE A BIKE.

5. Spend on Quality

On my first climb, I bought this YIXI outdoor sandals at the nearby wet and dry market for only P150. And this gave me countless moments of discomfort and fear. First, it didn't really hold onto the ground. It gave me micro heart attacks every time my foot slipped a bit on the steep slopes of Mt. Batulao. Second, it didn't have a decent strap to keep my feet in place. 

In climbing, like in any other sports, you really have to shell out hundreds or even thousands to buy equipment. And since you're already spending, we suggest that you buy something of good quality. Buying quality equipment will eventually save you lots of money in the long run, instead of buying cheap but easy-to-break items. You can consider each purchase as an investment. I still have my sandals that I bought years before and it continues to serve its purpose. 

Do you have to buy all the most expensive brand to ensure the highest quality? I cannot answer that question since I am yet to own all the products, both cheap and expensive, to test and compare them myself. But one thing is for sure, if you do your research correctly, then you can find durable but economical products in the market. They are out there. You just have to do your assignment. 

P.S. BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

6. Being Decisive and Intuitive

There is a heavy downpour and you are just from the jump-off point. Are you going to continue climbing or stay put until it passes? The sun has already set, should you continue going to the campsite or pitch an emergency camp right now? 

One of the life skills that you will learn as you go on climbing is the ability to think on your feet. As covered in the previous number, being self-sufficient also means being able to decide for yourself or your team. There will be times that you will be faced with a situation where you have to step up and call the big shot. 

Most of the time, you will not have the privilege of having all the information and advice that you may base your decisions. Sometimes, all you have is your intuition or gut feel to assess the situation despite the scarcity of facts at hand.

However, can you really trust your gut feel? Well, intuition is a skill so in order to be useful, you have to practice it. How can you practice it? By exposing yourselves in many experiences in which you can practice fast decision-making. 

7. Resourcefulness

A climber can live off the land. He or she can and will make do of what is available at hand. The outdoors will give you too many unexpected things that you have to draw out from your reserve of creativity to answer them all. 

No poncho or raincoat? How 'bout a garbage bag? A can of plain century tuna can help you if you forgot to bring a cooking oil . Put your shampoo, facial wash and other liquids inside a drinking straw then seal it with fire to make them lighter. No butane stove? All you need is a tin can and an alcohol. 

Always remember that solutions to all our problems are just there in the fringes of our creativity. 

8. It is All about the Journey

If you're given a chance to ride a helicopter to all the summits of the Philippines, are you going to take it? 

One thing I've learned is that the summit is not everything when it comes to climbing. It's all about the process. Why do we feel accomplished whenever we reached the summit? It is because of the hardship attributed to the process of going up there. Without the experience of climbing up, how can we appreciate being on top? 

Your experience as a climber will never be completed without the hardship of the ascent and the pain of descent. Climbing is like a movie and the summit is the climax. You will never understand and appreciate the movie by just jumping to the climax.

9. Experience is Everything

As a climber, you will learn that the most precious things in life are not the things that we own but what we experience. This is not really a news but it has to be reiterated all the time. We tend to be distracted while we are in the rat race. That's why it is important for us to disconnect from our unappreciative world from time to time. 

Sometimes we can only appreciate the majesty of the sunrise, the elegance of the stars, the awesomeness of the sea of clouds, the warmth of companionship by going out there in the mountains. To sum it up, it is the experience of being alive. 

If you want to be really alive, then you have to go out there. 

10. You Lose Some, You Win Some

As you go on this lifestyle, there will be things that you will be leaving behind and also things you will bring with you on your journey. You could lose old habits, hobbies that you used to like, priorities that are no longer aligned with your goals, or even friends that can no longer catch up with your lifestyle. We all have the problem of scarcity. The scarcity of time, of resources, of attention,- and even love. We just cannot spread our selves in all direction. 

I used to spend a considerable amount of cash for in-game purchases. But since I've started climbing, I have to scrimp on that to save for my expeditions despite the fact that I really love playing video games. Like me, you could also be put into that kind of situation that you have to give up something to pursue the other. 

Now the biggest question here is, are you willing to give up something for the joy of climbing? 

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comment. We would really appreciate it. 

Mt. Talamitam: A Complete DIY Guide for Beginners

If you're lookin for a extraordinary date that is near Manila, then Mt. Talamitam is for you. Just a 2-hr drive from Manila, you can see in real life the Teletubby Land or Heidi Land (for batang 90s)  and enjoy a scenic 360 degree view of Nasugbu, Batangas and other nearby municipalities. 

Fast Facts

Height of Mt. Talamitam? 630+ MASL according to Pinoymountaineer.com. 

Trail description? First Part - forest Second Part - Plateau, Grazing land / Pasture Third Part -  Steep Ascent (some parts is almost 60 degree-angle assault)

Jump off ? Brgy. Bayabasan

Landmark? Bayabasan Elementary School

River Crossing? YES

Guide? Available at the jump-off

Beginner Friendly? Definitely

Getting There

Ride a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas

Alight to the Brgy. Bayabasan. Registration is very easy to spot as it is just on the side of the road

The Climb

Mt. Talamitam is situated in the municipality of Nasugbu, Batangas. Its jump off is in Brgy. Bayabasan. You can easily find the jump off as it is near Bayabasan Elementary School. It will be on the right side of the road if you're coming from Tagaytay. 

From the registration, you will have to walk about a half kilometer or so of cemented road to reach the actual trail leading to the mountain.

Before reaching the initial trail, you will have to cross the Layong Bilog river.

There are two ways to cross the river. One, using the bamboo bridge, and the other is to go down the riverside and cross the shallow water.

Rickety bamboo bridge (testament of government efficiency)

The bamboo bridge is somewhat rickety so watch your step.  According to our guide, there used to be a metal bridge in that spot before but it was destroyed during a storm.

Crossing the river bridge will take you to the forested trail of the climb.

The forested trail offers both advantages and challenges.

First, you will be shaded at all times so no worries on having sunburn. However, being in the forest means humidity. It will be a hot and sweaty stretch until you reach the grassland. Second, you have to look out for protruding roots that may trip you. More of a nuisance than actual danger, you can use this to your advantage by grappling on these roots as there are some steep parts in this trail.

The forested trail may take an hour to complete. This will be followed by the grassland which is definitely more scenic and refreshing than the previous trail. At the end of the forested trail, there will be vendors who sell buko juice. Please do not leave your trash if you buy anything, especially plastic. The locals may allow you to leave your trash around the store but  it'll be difficult for them to carry all the trash with them on the way down.

Grassland. Arrow shows the end of the forested trail. Batulao in the
background

The grassland is one of our favorite parts of the climb. It offers very scenic view of Mt. Batulao and Nasugbu, Batangas.


The view and wind will be enough to cool you off and erase your exhaustion. You can raise your hand  and pretend to be Maria of The Sound of Music (Doe! A deer! A Female Deer!).

Grassland with Talamitam & Apayang at the background

Another advantage is that getting lost on the way up is almost nil. From the grassland, you can see all the trails leading to the summit.

As always, grassland trail has its advantages and challenges (opportunity cost!).

Sure its windy, but the sun will mercilessly bear down on you so be prepared with your sunscreen. It is advisable to hike this part early in the morning or late in the afternoon.



Some people are just terrified of cows. It may seem silly to be afraid of those future burgers or caldereta (JK!). But such fear has its merits. According to our guide, DO NOT approach the cows, especially the bulls (male cow) because they tend to charge if disturbed. Since the grassland trail cuts through pasture lands, expect that there will be cows (or bulls) around every bend. Moooooo! (Ghostly mooing).

It usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour to reach the final summit assault, depending on your pace. The last assault is quite steep with some parts of the trail having a 60-degree angle.

There are three trails, all leading to the summit with varying degrees of difficulty, length and characteristics.

The orange trail is what the locals coined as the "Tuwid na Daan" trail because it offers the most straightforward path to the summit. In taking this trail, you can cut back about 20 minutes worth of hiking to the summit. However, it is steeper, some parts with almost 70-degree angle.

The red trail of course is the "Baluktot na Daan" as opposed with the orange one. It is relatively easier than the Tuwid na Daan, but it is more circuitous. Thus it will take you longer to reach the summit. There are also some large rocks along the trail which you can climb for an "instagrammable" shot.

The blue trail shares some of its part with the trail going to Mt. Apayang. Of the three trails, this is the easiest, but also with the less exciting view because it is covered by trees. the two other trails are open and grassy.

Personally, I  prefer climbing up using either red or orange trail, and take the blue trail on the way down to make it a mini-traverse.

View from the summit

Yey! Sa Wakas!

The summit has breath taking views that photos cannot give proper justice.


Visible from the summit are the following peaks; Mt. Marami, Pico de Loro, Mt. Maculot and of course Mt. Batulao.

There is almost no shade at the summit. Fortunately, the locals constructed a small hut where climbers can sit and rest for a while before negotiating the descent.

You can spend an hour or until you have your fill of the view and photo. Just make sure to keep track of time because believe me, you don't want to spend 12 noon at the summit of Mt. Talamitam.

Going down is easier and requires less energy. But according to my experience, most of the trips, falls and untoward events usually occur on the way down. Maybe because of more strain on the knees, or just wrong mindset, I can't really tell.

On the way down, you can choose any of the three trails. You just have to backtrack to where you come from.

However, there is a fork in the grassland trail which confuses many climbers.

The trail leading to the right is more established because vehicles and horses use it for delivery but do not take it. YOU MUST TURN LEFT. or you will end up in Brgy. Aga. It is advisable to exit from where you enter because people from registration area will start looking for you after few hours, thinking something happened to you. Wag na Makulet okay?

Going down usually takes only 1.5 hours to 2 hours, all depending to your pace. If you still have the energy and time, try swimming in Layong Bilog which is also in the same barangay. Check out my other page about Layong Bilog.

There are facilities at the registration area where you can wash up and eat lunch. As a taghirap climber, we always have our packed lunch. Another advantage of Mt. Talamitam to other mountain is that its registration is just along the main highway. After eating and resting, just cross the road and wait for a bus. And that's it! You're on your way home na!

See you again next time! Check out our other pages for more moundates.

Top Five Things to do in Sagada

Watching the sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint

It's time to unplug and do some adventures! Here are the top five things to do in Sagada. 

Background: Sagada

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in Mt. Province situated about 400 kilometers north of Manila. This idyllic municipality can only be reached by land travel. It has a cool climate all year round, with a stunning view of the Cordillera mountain range. Activities in Sagada include hiking, spelunking, foodtripping, swimming, and many more. 

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Sagada but if you are coming from Manila, the most convenient way will be to ride a bus from Coda Lines. Their buses are brand new with comfy seats, and for safety, has two drivers driving alternately. 

The beautiful purple bus of Coda Lines

One thing I also love about this bus line is that they have a sidetrip to Banaue Viewing Point. I was able to witness the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces which made our Sagada Trip more awesome. 

Banaue Rice Terraces

Coda Bus Line Terminal had already moved from near Trinity College since 2015. Their buses now shares terminal with HM Transport in Cubao. 

Top Five Things to do in Sagada

1. Mt. Ampacao traverse to Lake Danum

Sagada seen from above 

Looking for a dayhike while in Sagada? Worry no more. You can definitely squeeze a minor climb to your Sagada experience by climbing Mt. Ampacao. Its trail difficulty is  2/9 which can be managed in 1.5 - 2 hours of relaxed pace. Feast your eyes on the scenery of the Cordillera mountain range and the town of Sagada below. Then, to make it more worthwhile, do a traverse to Lake Danum for sunset viewing and picnic.

Lake Danum

2. Hike to the Marlboro Hills, traverse to Blue Soils, then explore Sumaguing Cave Connection

Sunrise at Kamanbaneng Peak, Marlboro Hills

The best time to hike to Marlboro Hills is early in the morning. Start as early as 4:30 to make sure you witness the majestic sunrise and the awesome sea of clouds. This requires about a 30-minute hike to a gentle trail but it is less crowded than Kiltepan Viewpoint. After watching the sunrise, you can hike towards Blue Soil for about an hour. 

Walking up and down the Bluesoils

You will pass by pine forest, rock outcrops and many beautiful sceneries before reaching Blue Soils. Blue Soils is like snow-covered hills sprinkled with blue dye. It is an incredible view that it seems you are in other country. If you inspect the soil, you will notice that the soil if somewhat powdery with evident shade of blue. Climb and play in a place that you fancy as a child. 

Now if you still have energy, you can complete this traverse by going to Sumaguing Cave Connection on foot, but if you have extra budget, you can charter a van for P250.  

Sumaguing Cave: What animal are we sitting on?

From Blue Soil Hills, you must hike for about 45 minutes before you reach the Sumaguing Cave Connection. Take note that the trail will be a cemented uphill road which can be brutal if you are not accustomed to hiking. Upon reaching the cave, be prepared to be mesmerized by the awesome limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites within the cave. Aside from that, guides have these particular way of entertaining the guest by letting you identify what animal or object resembles the natural rock formation inside the cave. Take a look at the photo. What animal resembles the rock where the bloggers are sitting on? The answer at the end of the story.

4. Watch Sunrise at Kiltepan View Point

Sit atop the same rock where Angelica and JM sat in the film "That Thing called Tadhana"

Sagada's sunrise is just too dang awesome that there are multiple viewpoints to see it. The most popular is the Kiltepan Viewpoint (because this is one of the sets of the film "That Thing called Tadhana). You can hike or charter a vehicle to take you here for P250. Sacrifice a bit of your sleep to watch as the sun slowly creep above the clouds. 

5. Central Sagada Tour

Hanging coffins of Sagada

The Echo Valley Tour encompasses multiple locations and activities within the town of Sagada. It means hiking and sightseeing and most importantly, learning the culture of Sagada. This tour is physically extraneous and at the same time educational as the guides explain the significance of things that you will find along the way. 

Locations included in the Echo Valley Tour:

• The Church of St. Mary the Virign
• Sagada Cemetery
• Echo Valley
• Hanging Coffins
• Sagada Underground River
• Bokong Natural Spring

Shout at the top of your lungs at the Echo Valley

Scene along the trail of Central Sagada Tour

St. Mary the Virigin Church

Inside the Sagada Underground River

A Note for Everyone

1. Coda Lines only has two trips at night. One at 9PM and the other at 10PM. One way will cost you P720.00. Reserve early as the bus gets immediately fully-booked.

1. As you can see, most of our destinations are interconnected and mostly done on foot to save money. A budgetarian Sagada Trip can be done but you have to sacrifice some hours of sleep and degree of comfort. (opportunity cost). 
2. Meals are very expensive. Instead of going to restaurants, I recommend to buy your food from stores catering for the locals. We always have our lunch at the market eatery while dinner is in the local ihaw-ihaw (grilled barbeque) in front of Igorot Inn. This saved us considerable amount of money.
3. Respect the locals. It was given emphasis by Kuya Baste, our guide, that some tourists treat the people and their houses like they are some kind of display in a museum. Respect boundaries!

BONUS: The answer to the question is a TURTLE.

 So, are you ready to go? Grab your backpacks and just go. Check out our other entries for other destinations. Peace out!