Slowly you are waking up, this time not to the screech of an alarm, but to the sound of waves crashing on the beach. As your eyes adjust to the morning light you focus is drawn to the shadows of palm leaves dancing on the curtain as they sway in the breeze. You are waking up in paradise, you are waking up in Bohol, Philippines. At a place where you are greeted “Welcome back home” after a day’s outing. May I introduce Momo Beach House, welcome home!
With Alona beach 20km away, it is far separated from the busy tourist area, which makes this location the perfect spot to relax and unplugged from the world. I was transported back to childhood memories of lazy summer days spent on the beach when time stood still. And yes, it might just feel like time stands still here too, you are most likely to finish that book you longed to complete, well that is if you are not lazing your days away in the beach hammock. I am guilty of both.
May I introduce Momo Beach House in Bohol Philippines, welcome home!
Cue the music 🎶 Fading nights - Parra for Cuva; Riptide - Vance Joy; or Waves - Mr. Probz, Robin Schulz
Momo Beach House
Situated on the western seashore of Panglao island, a setting perfect for sunset view ambience. With carefully selected pieces to enhance the atmosphere of beach relaxation, lending to the impression of a family beach house. From beautiful white-washed furniture in the communal areas to the soft colour palette of the rooms. They offer free wifi not only in public spaces but in all rooms too. The property has 24 hours security with CCTV as well as a guide on duty.
Rooms with a view
They have various options to choose from depending on your budget. From the more luxurious deluxe rooms featuring queen size beds, small living areas, large sliding doors, & beautiful coastal decor giving the impression of a beach house rather than a hotel room. The smaller Standard rooms do not have the same decor, only the soft colour palette, but include the basic eco-friendly amenities, desk with lamp, chair, hot/cold showers, air conditioning, hairdryer & tv. Options to choose from either double or two single beds configuration. (water pressure is not that strong, but still adequate)
The facilities & in house activities
So the obvious, the amazing beach with hammocks and deck chairs, but they also have a pool for laps or just to cool down in. If you are looking to hide away from the midday sun, the open-air patio area with comfortable seating is perfect. It is also here where the homestyle-inspired restaurant, The Beach Tree Cafe is situated. Offering a wide selection on the menu, I enjoyed my lunch & dinner here for most of my trip.
From around 3-6 pm in the afternoon they offer complimentary “thirst quenchers” in the communal lounge area. And from about 5 pm one of the friendly staff will take your dinner and breakfast order from you wherever you might find yourself on the premises. This made me deem that they are trying to reduce the amount of food waste and only prepare what is needed.
Situated right on the beach they offer various free water activities, from kayaking or SUP on the beautiful azure waters. For a more relaxing activity try snorkelling off the beach, before you reach the coral you will float over a lawn of seagrass where you will spot massive starfish. And if this is still too much effort and you just want to chill, kick off your shoes and take a nap in the nap-friendly hammocks hanging on the beach. Majority of my time was spent here and the rest floating around snorkelling.
Where is Momo Beach House & how to get there
Momo Beach house is situated on the island of Bohol in the Philippines.
Firstly, how to get to Bohol
With a direct flight from Singapore to Cebu, it is rather easy to hop over for a weekend. The flight is only about 3h50 and I took the one that arrived early in the morning. From the airport, you can make use of the app Grab to get a taxi to Pier 1. (Do note that Grab only works in Cebu and not on Bohol.) Ocean jet ferry departs almost every hour for a 2-hour ride to Tagbilaran pier on Bohol. The ferry offers two types of tickets, TOURIST (+-SG$12) or BUSINESS (+-SG$25). Business is more comfortable and spacious but the tourist seating is just as good, especially if you are on a budget. I took tourist oneway & business the other and slept during both trips rather comfortably.
How to get to Momo Beach House
From Tagbilaran pier, you can book a taxi via the hotel if you prefer aircon or take a tricycle which is about a 30min ride. I follow the GPS which took us on a road less travelled, maybe a little too less travelled, especially with a tricycle (it is a small cab attached to a motorbike). It looked rather easy on GPS, but the small winding and uneven dirt road was rather uncomfortable in a tricycle and the driver, with a slight giggle, asked if I’m sure if this is where I am staying. (flashback to our Gili excursion). Looking at the road, I thought I would lose my phone if I try and take it out now. Note to self, either asked or read the emails from the hotel properly, (second time trying to follow the GPS to a hotel, and slightly failed) but that is how you learn and go on little adventures I guess, my backside begs to differ though.
So how to get there
So how to get there, and not like me, from Panglao Island Circumferential Rd you will turn right and then left, here the GPS will say turn right at the San Vicente Ferrer Parish, but keep going straight till you see Sta. Cruz chapel. Turn right, you will pass Momo village. Carry on till you are about to reach the beach, there is a small gravel road to the right through palm trees that connects to Momo beach house hotel. (If you can find this road, phone the hotel to guide the driver) See below, green winding, don’t take, follow the arrows.
Other activities on Bohol
Want to explore around the island of Bohol, I recommend booking a driver for the day who can act as a guide too. I used BoholLife tours.
- The Chocolate Hills
- Loboc river lunch cruise
- Baclayon Church
- Bilar Man-made Forest
- Waterfalls -Hinagdanan Cave pool, Can-umantad Falls, Camugao Falls, and Mag-Aso Falls
- Alona Beach
A national heritage site, this geological formation of 1,268 dome-like hills spread out as far as the eye can see, an area of +-50 square kilometres. Chocolate Hills derived its name from the light brown colour it turns during the dry months.
Cruise peacefully along the Loboc River, while lunch is served as a buffet. Did feel a bit touristy and crowded, but still a beautiful setting.
Dating back to 1596 it is the oldest Christian settlement in Bohol and considered one of the best-preserved Jesuit-built churches in the area. It has been declared a ‘National Cultural Treasure’. Made of coral stone and beautiful frescos adorning the interior roof. To the side a small museum that you can visit at a small fee.
Driving through this uniform 2-kilometer stretch of mahogany trees are quite beautiful, en route from The Chocolate Hills in Carmen. Be aware of people stopping along the road and standing in the middle to get a photo. Really?
A bustling beach with an array of restaurants situated on the beachfront. If you want to do a bit of shopping or for a different experience head on over. I was there for about 2 hours before I retreated back to Momo beach for some quiet time, that book and hammock was calling.
*Tips
Dress appropriately when entering religious places.
Know how much a ride somewhere should cost, bargain but don’t be ridiculous, they are making a living.
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*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own
You gave me a reason to go back to Momo for the second time 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
It’s such a lovely place. I did recently search Momo Beach House, and seems that they are closed.
It’s such a lovely place. I did recently search Momo Beach House, and seems that they are closed.