The bee farm experience starts with finding your way to one of the important representations of provincial life in Bohol. It’s like a sanctuary hidden in all those greeneries, hence, it’s better to ask a local to drive for you. It was good that our arrival coincided with the first batch of the farm tour. The P20 fee/person for the 20 to 30 minutes glimpse of farm life is very reasonable. They let us use the woven (buri) hats for free in the entire duration of the tour for a more “in the farm feel”.
[“Babae or lalaki ba si Jollibee?” (Is Jollibee (the mascot) female or male?), asked by the guide. Not only the kids, but all of us were glued to our guide’s bits of information. Understandably, there was the is-that-true-i-will-google-that-later trivial stuff moment. The interesting parts were when he was telling us how to differentiate a female (has distinct stripes (so is Jollibee!) and stingers) from a male bee (with larger eyes), the reproduction cycle, and more. We even had the chance to hold that tray of bees without stinging us.]
The December breeze provided a no sweat tour that morning. We really enjoyed peeking in to the organic farming life, basket weaving, decorating and crafting, and of course the bee culture! Our guide, with his Boholano accent, was conversant, entertaining and really knows his job. The tour was very informative as he held a sort of quiz amongst my family and relatives. And the winner shall get a bite from a bee, i.e. believed to cure rheumatism. Maybe the assumption was that an adult participant is going to win, but the kids are smarter! Well, they are fresh from school (excuses hahaha). So, they got an ice cream treat.
(We’ve tried chocolate, malunggay (the best), and spicy ginger (as one of the desserts during lunch) ice cream.
(I think I snapped this interesting piece of carving near the Christmas tree.)
(I can imagine that the place is enigmatic at night with all the little lights on.)
(I really appreciate the fact that the bee farm is providing livelihood to many people, including the hilots.)
After the tour and peeking in to the barn (function room) and three restaurants (one nestled in the cave overlooking the pool, honeycomb which is more for functions, and the bamboo style), we opted to take lunch in the latter which is overlooking the sea. Not too long, the place was full of diners. It reminded me of the pretty tourist who seemed like fresh from the marine tour on a skimpy two-piece swimwear, taking her flower salad while reading Eat, Pray, Love. Probably, her own version of the Eat part is in the Philippines instead of being in Italy as transpired in the book.
As mentioned in one of my posts, amongst my most unforgettable eats in 2010 were the flower salad (anything that the bee sips is said to be not poisonous, I ate all those flowers, even if I didn’t know exactly what is the species and had zero insurance for being a flower glutton, hahaha; so far, I am still alive and blogging!), kinilaw na talong, spicy ginger and malunggay ice cream. For the bee farm dishes alone, it is worth the trip. (Menu here.)
The stairs leading to the cliff were just steps away from the bamboo restaurant. We went down to the sunbathing and lounging area. If you’re in at the right hour, it would be tempting to ask for massage from one of the hilots. Being there would be perfect in time for the sunrise and sunset. But since that was right after stuffing ourselves with healthy and delicious lunch, the sea breeze was too inviting for a nap.
Another much awaited part was the sorting of their products which all seemed to be shouting, “you should get me”. I’ve been piqued most by the camote and herb bread, different variants of cookies, chips and spreads. In the same shop, they also have native products like sungka (remember this classic game?) paraphernalia, ukelele, and lots of buri products.
Since we visited pre-Christmas, the air was more festive and the bee farm had bountiful decors. Of course, Santa Claus and the Belen (Nativity) were positioned rightfully.
Had the bee farm had its own shoreline, we probably had booked it for our accommodation. I noticed that most of the hotel-resort guests were expats, which is not surprising because the nipa-structured rooms (interestingly named as banana room, beehive and honeycomb suites, and colony) are appealing. But all in all, it is a must visit in case you decide to set foot in Bohol. Great food and customer service. And of course, you can have that date with the bees and hold them minus the harm.
witsandnuts 
0 thoughts on “Bohol Bee Farm”
Kate
This is one of my fave spots in Bohol. The food is amazing too 🙂 Glad you had a wonderful trip!
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witsandnuts
We did. Gusto ko uling bumalik. 🙂
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bursky
scary naman si Santa diyan. *shivers*
i was intrigued with the flower salad. two flowers seem familiar to me… baka maisipan kong pitasin na lang sabay nguya! LOL! and the spicy ginger ice cream! di ba weird yung lasa?
so the beds were meant for hilots and not for napping? tsk… i wonder if they could have an area with hammocks instead. perfect for napping din! 🙂
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witsandnuts
The ginger ice cream was spicy but manageable. But not something that I’d like to taste again. Curiosity satisfied. 🙂 And yes, the hammocks would be perfect.
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angeli
this article is fit for a travel magazine. 🙂
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witsandnuts
That’s sweet. Thanks, Angeli.
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krys
Love the food photos! Craving for Bohol getaway this summer! 🙂
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witsandnuts
Thanks for the comments and being a new follower of this blog. Among those food photos, I want to try the flower salad again.
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upto6only
like your shot on the bees very close up. and the food hayyyy kakagutom.
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witsandnuts
Thanks. I’m glad a P & S did justice. 🙂
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kayni
it’s the malunggay ice cream and the spread that’s really making me curious. i’m trying to imagine the taste.
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witsandnuts
The malunggay ice cream was really unforgettably delicious. On the other hand, I regret that I didn’t buy any spread. I liked the pesto spread.
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chyng
For the bee farm dishes alone, it is worth the trip. — check!!!
Same sentiments, I also appreciate that Ms.Vicky is continuing to provide livelihood to her co-Boholanos. SUper thumbs up for her!
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witsandnuts
Did you get to meet Vicky? 😉
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Photo Cache
what a lovely tour, kahit di ko natikman fud.
i am wondering if the pinoys have taken to using honey in their cooking?
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witsandnuts
I think yes.
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mariqia
They’ve got interesting menus there huh.
Never tried malunggay ice cream and the flower salad. 🙂
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witsandnuts
I can’t find any flaw in the food being offered in this farm. 🙂
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docgelo
believe it or not, jo, i think bohol is hunting me.
why? i came from nomadic pinoy’s blog that also features bohol bee farm and amorita resort just before reading your post. haha! i think it’s a sign that i need to find time even next year, to bring my family to this piece of paradise down south of pinas.
natawa ako sa curiosity sa gender ni jollibee!
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witsandnuts
I’ve been to Nomadic Pinoy’s blog, too. Incidentally, we blogged about the bee farm almost the same time. You and your family will enjoy Bohol. 🙂
LOL on Jollibee’s questionable gender. But whatever happens, love ko ang Jollibee meals. Heehee.
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sheng
I love everything there is on this post, ang ganda ng Bohol, I wish I could go there someday too! Thanks for sharing this. I will sure have to save A LOT so I can bring my family to this beautiful island.
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witsandnuts
Take your time, Sheng. Just in time when your children have grown more, they’ll enjoy Bohol. Congratulations again to them and your hubby about their recognition/awards!
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fortuitous faery
honeyed halo-halo? i’ll BEE damned! 😛
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witsandnuts
I should have tried that!
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The Nomadic Pinoy
Bohol Bee Farm is in itself worth the trip to Bohol. I couldn’t find any fault with the great organic dishes I’ve eaten there. So very highly recommended!!!
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witsandnuts
I’m really glad that I emphasized to my companions that the bee farm is a must-visit.
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rob
.. malunggay ice cream?! i wonder how it will taste like?
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witsandnuts
It tasted like cheese/milk with malunggay’s distinct flavor.
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bw
looks like a real great place to relax 🙂
I love honey. I use it to flavor coffee, fruits instead of sugar. It’s pure and great for health. however, I anm scared of bees. Got stung in the head when I was a little guy and I sported a bukol for days. It wasn’t pleasant at all.
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witsandnuts
That’s an unfortunate remembrance from the bees. Let’s just take a look at their sweet side. 🙂
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kg
i must have my father bitten by a bee for his rheumatism! he he!
sad to say, we weren’t able to visit bohol bee farm when we were in bohol…
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witsandnuts
One of my aunts who were present in the trip had rheumatism. But even if she had won, she didn’t want a single bite. The tour guide stressed out that it’d be safe though.
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Josiet
That’s a nice place to visit! I would definitely include this itinerary if we are visiting Bohol. And of course, you have lovely pictures =)
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witsandnuts
Thanks, Josiet.
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eds
lovely tour! thanks for sharing jo. sana soon makapunta ako ng bohol.
ganda ng pictures mo ng bees.
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witsandnuts
Thanks, Eds.
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maan
Have you been to the Ilog Maria Bee farm in Tagaytay? I didn’t get up and close with the bees though. Just the soaps and stuff made out of honey, haha!
Can’t wait to go to Bohol and eat that beautiful flower salad, haha. Soon!
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witsandnuts
No, I haven’t been there. Aside from trying the flower salad, don’t forget the yummy malunggay ice cream!
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u8mypinkcookies
love their ice cream & halo-halo!! 😀 we bought pesto spread too.. mmmm!! :)) i liked the veggie chips too, i tried dipping it in the pesto spread served with the squash bread, hehe!
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