Escape to Paradise: B&J Guesthouse, Tagbilaran's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: B&J Guesthouse - Tagbilaran's Hidden Gem (Seriously, It Is!) A Rambling Review with SEO Drizzle
Okay, so you're looking to escape, right? You're dreaming of Bohol, those Chocolate Hills, maybe a glimpse of a tarsier… and you need a place to crash. Well, buckle up buttercup, because I just escaped to Paradise (B&J Guesthouse, that is) in Tagbilaran, and I'm here to spill the tea. Or, more accurately, to gush about the freshly brewed coffee I was sipping by the pool. Let's dive into this thing, shall we? Be warned, this is gonna be a bit… unfiltered.
Accessibility - A mixed bag, but promising!
I've got a soft spot for places that try to be inclusive. Now, B&J isn't a fully accessible palace. Wheelchair accessibility? Not a slam dunk. I noticed an elevator, which is a HUGE plus for those with mobility issues, but then you see the terrain out front… It's definitely a conversation you need to have with them before you book if you have any serious mobility limitations. Facilities for disabled guests, they say they have them, but the devil's always in the details. I'd advise calling ahead and getting the specifics.
(Sidebar: I was actually struggling with a slightly wonky ankle after a questionable attempt at beach volleyball. B&J staff, bless their hearts, were super helpful, even though it wasn't their fault I thought I was still 25.)
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe and Sound… Mostly.
Alright, let's get serious. In these post-pandemic times, you wanna feel safe. B&J seemed to be on top of it. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere (good!), and I noticed staff trained in safety protocol. I saw a bunch of anti-viral cleaning products being used and the daily disinfection in common areas. The rooms were sanitized between stays, so at least they make you feel safe. Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
I appreciated the doctor/nurse on call, just in case. The first aid kit gave me a little peace of mind, especially after my volleyball debacle. They had smoke detectors and fire extinguishers too. It’s a solid effort, but the truth is they are not perfect.
The one thing I was a bit iffy on? The outdoor security. I mean, they had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, which is good. But I'd still maybe recommend keeping valuables locked up in the in-room safe box, just in case.
(Anecdote: I found myself needing a band-aid after a run-in with a rogue cocktail umbrella. The staff, again, were angels. I swear, the Philippines is the land of kind people.)
The Stuff You REALLY Want to Know: Food, Fun, and Relaxation (Oh My!)
This is where B&J shines.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - A Feast for the Senses (and My Stomach!)
Restaurants: They have a decent restaurant. A la carte in restaurant is perfect for those who crave a specific dish. Buffet in restaurant is a plus for many. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Poolside Bar: The pool is gorgeous, with Pool with view. The drinks? Spot on. The Poolside Bar is the heart of the fun. Happy hour is a MUST.
Asian Breakfast: If you're adventurous and want to try something new, then consider Asian breakfast. Food, Glorious Food!
The food was AMAZING! Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. There's something about starting your day with a view of the pool, a plate piled high with fresh fruit, and a perfectly cooked omelet. Oh, and the Coffee/tea in restaurant. I had the Asian cuisine in restaurant, which was excellent; seriously, the flavors were incredible. The Desserts in restaurant were great. Dinner at the restaurant was a delight.
Ways to Relax - Bliss is an Understatement.
Okay, buckle up, because this is where I really lost myself. I'm talking about the Spa/sauna. This. Is. Heaven!
Massage: The massages were out of this world. I had a Body scrub and a Body wrap as well. My stress melted away faster than a scoop of ice cream in the Bohol sun.
Sauna/Steamroom: The Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I think I spent a good two hours in the sauna just contemplating the meaning of life (or, you know, what to eat for dinner).
Swimming pool: Ah, the pool. The Swimming pool [outdoor]. Seriously, just imagine yourself floating in that water, looking up at the sky, and feeling all your worries wash away. It's pure magic.
(Emotional Reaction: I almost cried during my massage. Not because it hurt, but because it was just… so good. My therapist was an angel.)
Things to Do (Beyond Slobbing by the Pool):
- Things to do: This isn't a resort with a million activities. Car park [on-site].
The Rest of the Bits and Pieces
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. Connection was solid. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: These are also available..
Rooms: Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Slippers, Toiletries, Towels: the rooms are pretty standard, clean, and comfortable. The toiletries were decent, and the bed was comfy.
Services and Conveniences: A lot of the basic amenities are available. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Contactless check-in/out, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: This is family-friendly place.
Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer. Also, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Parking is free and available on-site.
Staff: The staff at B&J are gems. They're genuinely friendly, helpful, and go the extra mile.
The Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- The room decorations could use a little…pizzazz? It's functional, not exactly Instagram-worthy.
- No Pets allowed.
Overall: The Verdict? Escape to Paradise is a Winner!
Look, B&J Guesthouse isn't perfect, but it's got something truly special. It's got the vibe of a family-run place. The staff makes you feel like you're part of the family, and the spa is just… chef's kiss. The food is amazing. The pool is divine. You'll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on the world (or at least, to book your next trip back).
The "Hard Sell" (Because, SEO, Right?):
Escape to Paradise: B&J Guesthouse - Your Bohol Oasis Awaits!
Tired of the same old hotel experience? Crave a taste of authentic Bohol hospitality, unparalleled relaxation, and a getaway that truly detoxes you from the daily grind?
Then B&J Guesthouse is calling your name!
Nestled in the heart of Tagbilaran, B&J offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and pure bliss. Imagine:
- Waking up to a delicious breakfast buffet (seriously, try the omelets!).**
- Cooling off in the stunning outdoor pool, a perfect spot to relax.
- Indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment (trust me, you need it).
- Exploring the nearby wonders of Bohol (Chocolate Hills, anyone?).
- **Staying connected with
Alright, strap in, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously-planned, Instagram-filtered Bohol itinerary. This is the real, messy, sun-kissed version, courtesy of yours truly, and a whole lot of questionable decision-making. Buckle up. We're going to B&J Guesthouse in Tagbilaran, and trust me, it's going to be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and… Immediate Regret (Mostly Kidding…Maybe)
- 8:00 AM – Arrival in Tagbilaran Airport: Okay, so the flight was delayed. Surprise, surprise. It's the Philippines, people. Embrace the chaos. Landed, grabbed my bag (miraculously made it), and immediately got accosted by a fleet of tricycle drivers. Negotiating felt like a blood sport. I finally settled on one who looked less likely to drive off a cliff. Praying he knows the way to B&J.
- 9:00 AM – Trike Ride of Terror (Kidding, Mostly): The tricycle was, shall we say, intimate. Wind in my hair, questionable exhaust fumes, and a driver who clearly thought he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie. Weaving through traffic, dodging stray dogs…it was an adventure in itself. Did I mention the heat? Dear lord, the heat.
- 9:30 AM – B&J Guesthouse – Check-in and Initial Judgments: Found the place! B&J… well, it's… cozy. Let's call it that. The lobby smelled faintly of bleach and something else I couldn't quite identify (probably the remnants of someone's last adventure). The receptionist was, I think, recovering from a particularly strenuous karaoke session. She was friendly enough though, after a prolonged yawn. My room? Basic. The aircon had a soul of its own, humming like a disgruntled fridge.
- 10:00 AM – Room Inspection and Existential Dread: Okay, let's be honest, the bed doesn't exactly scream “luxury.” It’s like a slightly upgraded, slightly less lumpy version of my college mattress. But hey, it’s a bed! And the bathroom? Let's just say the showerhead is best described as “optimistic.” My own travel companions and I are still searching for a solution for this and have yet to find a reasonable one. The view? A blank wall. Welcome to paradise! (Insert sarcastic laughter here). The existential dread stemmed from realizing that I am now officially "settled in" and that the next few days are going to be lived.
- 11:00 AM – Lunch at Gerry's Grill (or, The Descent into Adobo-dom): Needed fuel, pronto. Stumbled upon Gerry's Grill, which seemed to be the local hot spot. Ordered adobo. And another adobo. And, you guessed it, even more adobo. Okay, I love adobo. I’m a sucker for it. It’s like Filipino comfort food on steroids, but I suddenly realized I was sinking into a food coma before lunch was over. I’m afraid that in my haste and hunger, I ordered too much… but… when in Rome, right? Or, you know, Bohol.
- 2:00 PM – Siesta Attempt (Epic Fail): Back to the room. Closed the curtains. Cranked the aircon (which now sounded like a dying elephant). And attempted a nap. But the humidity and the aforementioned aircon's questionable noises defeated me. Wide awake. Wide awake and slightly grumpy. Decided to abandon the nap and embrace the reality.
- 3:00 PM – Wandering Tagbilaran (and Getting Slightly Lost): Figured I’d explore. Tagbilaran is a city. A real, working city. Not a perfect tourist trap. The streets were bustling, packed with jeeps, motorbikes, and vendors hawking everything under the sun. Found a tiny, non-descript eatery and had a halo-halo. Thank god for that. It was necessary. Got a bit lost (surprise, surprise). Asked for directions and ended up talking to a sweet old lady who probably knew everyone in the city. Turns out, I wasn't that far off.
- 6:00 PM – Sunset at the Boulevard (and a Moment of Bliss): Found the boulevard! The sun setting over the water was actually gorgeous. Breathed in the sea air. Forgot, for a fleeting moment, about the grumpy aircon and the bed that felt like it had seen a few wars. Had a San Miguel Light and watched the world go by. Maybe, just maybe, this Bohol adventure was going to be okay.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner & Regrets (Mostly Funny Ones): Back to Gerry's. Adobo again, naturally. And this time, I also ordered a grilled squid. A mistake. It looked like something from the deep, dark depths of the ocean. I tried it. I failed. It sat there, looking at me accusingly. My stomach began to churn with regret. This would be the start of my food adventure.
- 9:00 PM – Bedtime (And Praying for a Good Night's Sleep): Back to B&J. Crawled into the not-so-luxurious bed. Hoping the aircon wouldn't sabotage my sleep. And, slightly more importantly, praying that the grilled squid wouldn't haunt my dreams.
Day 2: Chasing Chocolate Hills and Unearthing Tourist Traps
- 7:00 AM – Wakey Wakey (Sort Of): Okay, the aircon managed to mostly cooperate! Woke up feeling the least bit rested. Attempted to eat the breakfast offered by B&J. Let's just say, it was… a breakfast.
- 8:00 AM – The Chocolate Hills Adventure Begins (And the Jeepney Ride of Doom): Signed up for a tour. Found myself crammed into a jeepney with a bunch of other tourists. The jeepney's suspension? Non-existent. Every pothole felt like a personal attack on my spine. The driver's driving style? Let's just say he really enjoyed using that horn.
- 9:30 AM – Chocolate Hills – OMG, It’s Real!: Finally, arrived! And holy moly, the Chocolate Hills are actually breathtaking. The view? Unreal. Spent a solid hour just staring, taking photos, and generally feeling overwhelmed by the sheer magnificence of nature. Tried to spot the Chocolate Hills from the viewing point – all of it!
- 11:00 AM – Tarsier Sanctuary (Trying to Feel the Feels): Found myself at the Tarsier Sanctuary. These tiny little creatures are undeniably cute. Heart melting kinda cute. But the whole experience felt a bit… staged. They were kind of frozen and awkward. Like little statues. Probably not their fault, though.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at a Tourist Trap (Grumbling Necessary): Lunch at the restaurant that everyone says to go to. Tourist-y. Overpriced. Food was fine. But the prices and the crowds? Not so fine. Spent the time grumbling quietly to myself and feeling a tad cynical.
- 2:00 PM – River Cruise on the Loboc River (Surprisingly Amazing): Stepping on the boat, I wasn't really that excited. I was so wrong. The Loboc River cruise was unexpectedly wonderful! Lush greenery, calm water, and a buffet lunch (that was actually decent!). The onboard musicians were lively and engaging, and the whole vibe was just… pleasant. I could get used to this!
- 4:00 PM – Back to B&J (And the Never-Ending Heat): The jeepney ride back? Thankfully, not as brutal as this morning. The heat, though, still relentless. The aircon in the room fought valiantly.
- 6:00 PM – Sunset at Alona Beach (and a Revelation): Okay, Alona Beach is a bit… touristy. But the sunset was stunning. Sat on the beach, watching the waves crash and reflecting on the day. A sudden realization hit me… I was having a good time. It wasn't perfect. Far from it. But there was something undeniably special about this messy, imperfect adventure.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner on Alona Beach (And the Deep Fried Chicken Situation): Found a restaurant on the beach that looked promising. Ordered some grilled fish and… deep-fried chicken. This was a mistake, and I knew it as soon as they brought it out. It was crispy, oily, and tasted vaguely of… regret.
- 9:00 PM – Drinks and Conversation on the Beach (And a Promise to Try Different Food): Spoke with a few other travelers. Shared stories, and lots of laughter. Made a promise to try a different type of food tomorrow.
Day 3: Secret Beaches, Waterfalls, and Goodbyes (With a Side of Indecision)
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast and the Great Packing Dilemma: The same breakfast, but with slightly less enthusiasm. Packing up. My room at B&J. It’s a love-hate relationship, but I think I've decided I love it.
- **8:30 AM – Exploring Beaches (Finding Paradise?):
Escape to Paradise: B&J Guesthouse - The Good, The Messy, and Everything In Between - FAQ
So, is "Escape to Paradise" actually paradise? Or is it just aggressively marketed that way?
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually *clean*? (Because, let’s be honest, that’s a HUGE concern when you're somewhere tropical).
The food! Tell me about it! Is it actually good or like, "resort-adjacent" bland?
What's the vibe like? Is it for party animals? Or more of a quiet-getaway situation?
Are the owners nice? Because rude owners can make or break a place.
Okay, so, the beach? It's *right there*? Or is it a hike?
What's the best thing about B&J? And what are the downsides if any?
If you had to sum up B&J Guesthouse in a few words, what wouldLow Price Hotel Blog
