Bohol's BEST Kept Secret: Kylitas Transient House! ✨
Bohol's BEST Kept Secret: Kylitas Transient House! ✨
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the delightfully chaotic world of Kylitas Transient House, Bohol's "BEST Kept Secret!" Forget the polished travel blogs, I'm here to tell you exactly what it's like, the good, the bad, the "OMG, I wish I'd known about that before!"
Let's Get Real About Kylitas: The Unvarnished Truth
First off, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Finding Kylitas, even with Google Maps, felt like a treasure hunt. It’s off the beaten path, which is part of its charm, but accessibility? We'll get to that. This isn’t a mega-resort; it’s more like stumbling upon a genuinely cozy, family-run secret. And that… that's what makes it special.
Accessibility (and the Treasure Hunt):
Accessibility: Listen, if you're relying heavily on a wheelchair…well, call ahead and really confirm details. The website says "Facilities for disabled guests," but the reality might be a bit… nuanced. It's not the most modern setup. However, the staff are incredibly helpful, and truly eager to make it work. They’re eager to help with anything.
Getting There: Airport transfer is offered, a must. But if you're arriving solo, make sure you have your transportation sorted because the area around it is a bit of an adventure.
The Tech Stuff (and the Internet Gods):
Internet Access: Okay, vital. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! (I yelled that because it's a big deal). Internet access [LAN] is also an option. The Wi-Fi is generally pretty good, especially for scrolling, and I even managed a couple of video calls, which is a miracle in some Bohol locations.
Internet Services: This is where it’s good. They have all the basics:
- Internet: Check.
- Internet [LAN]: Check.
- Internet services: Check.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Check.
Safety and Cleanliness: The Post-COVID Reality
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, deep breaths. This is where Kylitas really shines. They GET IT. I mean, seriously, they're like, "We read the news, too!"
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They are using them.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They're on it.
- Sterilizing equipment: I didn't get the chance to see that, but I felt safe.
Physical Distancing: They are on it. At least one meter if not more.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, the set up is quite safe and well planned.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They are sure about it.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Good deal.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (or Just Enjoy the Food!)
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where Kylitas started to really win me over. They had a small, but well-curated menu. They know how to cook! (And I'm a picky eater.).
- Restaurants: There's an on-site restaurant.
- A la carte in restaurant Yes, you order from a menu.
- Asian breakfast Yes.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant Yes.
- Bar: There is a bar.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes.
- Breakfast service: Yes.
- Buffet in restaurant: In the morning.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Of course.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Poolside bar: A yes.
- Snack bar: Another yes!
- Room service [24-hour]: I was so happy.
- Western breakfast: There is no problem with that.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Absolutely.
Relaxation Station (and, Yes, There's a Pool!):
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Absolutely. And seriously? The view! It's not a gigantic pool, but it's perfect for a refreshing dip, especially after a day of exploring. And let me tell you, the pool view from the pool is great.
Ways to relax: This is where Kylitas really excels. It's not a full-blown spa resort, but they understood what I needed after the day.
- Massage: Yes, and it was the best I’ve gotten in a while!
- Pool with view Perfect.
- Spa/sauna: They had a small spa/sauna.
For the Kids
- Family/child friendly: A definitely yes!
- Kids facilities: Yes.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable, and (Mostly) What You Need
- Available in all rooms: The basics are there.
- Air conditioning: Yes, praise the air-conditioning gods!
- Air conditioning Big Yes!
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Bathrobes: Yes.
- Bathtub: Yes.
- Blackout curtains: Yes.
- Closet: Yes.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Desk: Yep.
- Extra long bed: You bet.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: It's there.
- In-room safe box: Smart.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: They do.
- Laptop workspace: I loved this.
- Linens: Yes.
- Mini bar: They do.
- Mirror: Yes.
- Non-smoking: A big plus.
- Private bathroom: Essential.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Seating area: Yes.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes.
- Slippers: Yes.
- Smoke detector: Yes.
- Sofa: Yes.
- Soundproofing: Yes.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Yes.
- Towels: Yes.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes.
- Window that opens: You can.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything
Services and conveniences:
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Yep.
- Business facilities: They think about this.
- Cash withdrawal: There is a service.
- Concierge: Yes.
- Currency exchange: You can.
- Daily housekeeping: Perfect.
- Doorman: A plus.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Elevator: The building has one.
- Essential condiments: They do.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Some yes.
- Food delivery: You can.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always nice.
- Indoor venue for special events: Right choice.
- Invoice provided: A plus.
- Ironing service: They have it.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Meetings: Yes.
- Meeting stationery: Yes.
- On-site event hosting: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Yep.
- Projector/LED display: They have this too.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Seminars: Yes.
- Shrine: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events: They offer. Yes.
- Xerox/fax in business center: They got you.
Services and Conveniences (and the Extras): The staff really went above and beyond. If you needed something, they'd make it
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is my Kylitas Transient House Bohol adventure, warts and all. And trust me, there will be warts.
Day 1: Sweet Relief & Sea Salt Shenanigans
Morning (8:00 AM): Finally landed in Tagbilaran. The airport? Let's just say it makes you appreciate a bathroom that isn't a literal hole in the ground. Got a tricycle to Kylitas. The sun was blazing, which I’m already regretting. This humidity is a monster.
(9:00 AM): Checked in! Kylitas is… charming. In a slightly ramshackle, "your auntie's beach house" kind of way. The AC is a godsend though. Honestly, just the cool air hitting my face after the airport sauna was worth the entire trip.
(9:30 AM): Dropped my bag. The room is small but clean. There's a gecko clinging to the wall. He's probably judging my questionable life choices, like booking this trip solo. Whatever, gecko. I'm here for the adventure. And to hopefully not get eaten by you.
(10:00 AM): First mission: FOOD. Found a little "carinderia" (local eatery) down the road. Ate a plate of Adobo that nearly bowled me over. So good. So cheap. So… greasy. My stomach is already starting to make protest noises, but it was worth it.
(11:00 AM): Island hopping tour booked! I know. Touristy. But I'm here for it.
Afternoon: Boat ride. The ocean is a ridiculous shade of turquoise. Chocolate Hills are a bit too far, the seas are too choppy, and the tour guide is giving me a death stare. We went for what was promised, one of the best sandbars in the world. Turns out, it’s a beautiful sandbar, however… the place is a little bit too infested with all the tourists as promised. It was hard to enjoy it. A little bit too crowded, but still beautiful, regardless. I did manage to get a selfie with a star that was somehow still alive. Got sunburnt though. Rookie mistake.
Evening: Dinner in Alona Beach. Oh my god, the prices! My wallet whimpered. Seafood platter: delicious. My bank account: sobbing quietly. Walked along the beach, watching the sunset. It was actually beautiful, even with the price tags. Ate some ice cream, and that was a mistake, I feel a little bit ill.
Night: The karaoke machine is blasting from somewhere down the beach. I'm too tired to judge. The air is so thick. I'm pretty sure I'm breathing in humidity.
Day 2: Chocolate Dreams & a Little Bit of Disaster
Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. Not feeling great. Must be the ice cream. Or the sea air. Decided to push through as I have things to see and do.
(8:00 AM): Rented a scooter (gulp). I’ve never driven one of these things before. This could be a disaster.
(9:00 AM): Chocolate Hills. Okay, they ARE as impressive as the pictures. Breathtaking. The view makes the slight nausea disappear. Took a bazillion photos. Felt the sun’s searing heat, and the sweat already starting to form.
(10:00 AM): Tarsier sanctuary. Tiny, adorable… and a bit terrifying to watch. They're so fragile. They’re also making the most pathetic weeping noises. This is weirdly emotional. I feel a pang of sadness, for a tiny, giant-eyed creature.
(11:00 AM): Disaster strikes. I hit a… something. A pebble? A pothole? Who knows. The scooter wobbled. I wobbled. I may or may not have cried a little bit when I fell. Luckily no serious injuries. Just a scraped knee, bruised ego, and a scooter that now looks like it lost a fight with a cement truck. Spent an hour talking to the owner, whom I can't understand.
(1:00 PM): Made it back to Kylitas. The owners were pretty nice, and not trying to take my arm and a leg for the scooter fix up. Slept it off.
(Afternoon): Ate lunch and rested.
(Evening): Sunburnt, bruised, and slightly traumatized by scooters, I’m sticking to the beach. Dinner at a little restaurant closer to the house. Hopefully, I won't get lost.
Day 3: The Deep Dive & Farewell Feels
Morning (8:00 AM): Okay, let's recover the last two days of almost trauma. Going scuba diving. I've always wanted to. Nervous. Excited. Terrified of what's lurking in the deep blue.
(9:00 AM): Dive briefing. Pretending to understand the instructor. Pretty sure I missed half of what he said. Focusing on what an awful headache I have.
(10:00 AM): First dive. OMG. The underwater world. It's like another planet. The fish are so colorful. The coral is insane. I saw a sea turtle. It was the best thing. The clarity of the water is a blessing. And then, the ascent… I actually had a full blown panic attack. Nevermind. I need to calm down.
(12:00 PM): Success! Second dive. Better. Not perfect. The fish were more colorful. Sea turtles. Mind totally blown.
Afternoon: Beach relaxation. Trying to soak up every last bit of this experience.
Evening: Packing. Ugh. Sad to leave. Bohol, you've been a wild ride! Dinner at one of the local places again. Ate more Adobo. Goodbye, delicious, greasy, wonderful Adobo. Goodbye, humidity. Goodbye, sun. Goodbye, crazy adventures. Come to think of it, going up the mountain, and driving around was bad. The scooter was bad. The ocean was good.
Night: Flight home tomorrow. Long trip ahead. Maybe I'll come back. Maybe I'll visit another island in the Philippines. I'll be back!
Kylitas Transient House: You've Gotta Know Before You Go (Trust Me!)
Okay, spill. What *is* Kylitas Transient House? Seriously, is it a hotel, a hostel, a… what?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't a polished resort with perfectly manicured lawns. Kylitas is more like… well, it's like stumbling upon your cool aunt's quirky beachside bungalow. Think of it as a transient house, a place to crash, recharge, and experience Bohol on a budget without sacrificing charm (and maybe a little bit of sanity). It's got a mix of rooms, from private havens to dorm-style digs. The vibe? Super chill and friendly. Don't expect room service, but do expect a whole lot of heart.
Location, Location, Location! Where in Bohol is this hidden gem?
Kylitas is nestled in the heart of Panglao Island, close enough to the buzzing Alona Beach for easy access to the action, but far enough away to escape the crowds... and the incessant music that gives you a headache. It's a short tricycle ride away, making it a perfect base for exploring. I'm telling you, the location alone is worth the price of admission. One time, I was walking back from a late-night swim, and the stars… the *stars*! They were just spilling across the sky. Unbelievable.
Let's talk rooms. Are they… clean? Comfortable? Not haunted?
Okay, real talk. The rooms are clean, but they're not sterile. Think "clean and lived-in" rather than "hotel commercial clean." They're comfortable enough, especially if you're not overly fussy. The beds are decent, the aircon works (most of the time – sometimes there's a power outage, but hey, that's part of the charm, right?). Haunted? I didn't sense any ghosts, but I'm not exactly an expert. Let's just say I slept through the night. I did, however, hear a gecko the size of my hand the first night, which gave me a slight jump scare, but I recovered after a couple of deep breaths. Prepare to embrace the imperfections, folks. You're not paying for perfection; you're paying for an experience.
What kind of amenities can I expect at Kylitas? Wifi? Hot water? A butler serving me coffee?
Wifi is available, but let's just say it's… variable. Sometimes it's lightning fast, sometimes it's slower than a sloth on sedatives. Embrace it. Unplug! Hot water? Yep, more or less. Don't expect a spa-like rain shower, but it'll get the job done. A butler? Dream on, darling! You're more likely to find yourself sharing a beer with the other guests while you're putting your own coffee, which is pretty awesome. It's all about camaraderie, people.
Food! Is there food? And if so, is it any good?
Kylitas doesn't have a full-blown restaurant, but there's usually a kitchen available, great for heating up left overs of that delicious seafood. There are also restaurants just a short walk away. The best part is the option to cook your own food to save money, which is awesome! I remember one afternoon. My roommate made me a simple, yet memorable meal. It was simple, yet still memorable. It was so simple and delicious! I still dream of that meal.
Is it easy to get around from Kylitas? Taxis? Public transport? Do I need to rent a scooter?
Getting around is a breeze. Tricycles are readily available and cheap. Taxis are an option, but they're a bit pricier. Renting a scooter is a great idea if you're feeling adventurous, I did, and I *loved* it. Just be careful. The roads get busy, and it’s a good idea to know what you’re really doing. Having a scooter opened up the whole island. I remember one time… oh, it's a long story (and involves a near-miss with a chicken), but basically, yes, having a scooter is amazing, just be careful. I can't stress that enough!
Who is Kylitas best for? Backpackers? Families? Honeymooners?
Kylitas is perfect for budget travelers, backpackers, solo adventurers, and anyone who appreciates a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere. Families could work, but it might not be ideal if you're used to a resort experience. Honeymooners? Probably not your first choice, unless you’re a couple who thrives on spontaneity and an authentic feel. Let's just say, you're not going to find heart-shaped rose petals on the bed. But, if you love meeting new people, swapping travel stories, and embracing the real Bohol, this is your spot. It's all about the experience! It is not for the faint of heart.
What were the PEOPLE like? Tell me about the other guests!
Alright, this is one of my favorite parts! The people! Seriously. It's like a global melting pot of interesting folks. I met people from all over the world. One dude was cycling the entire Philippines! I met a woman who had quit her corporate job to travel. Amazing! You’ll find friendly, open-minded people who are up for a chat, a drink, or even a spontaneous island hopping trip. This is part of the Kilita’s magic, and I’d argue it is the best reason to visit. I've made lifelong friends there. The staff, too are super friendly and helpful. They’re like family. I would say that I enjoyed my time at Kylitas and I believe you will too.
Okay, hit me with any downsides! Be honest!
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth: It's not perfect. The sound of the karaoke from a nearby place can be loud at night (bring earplugs!). Power outages happen. The Wifi can be spotty. And well, it's not for the people who like luxury. If you’re expecting a five-star experience, turn around now. It's a little rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm. If you're high-maintenance, Kylita's might make you cry. But if you're open to adventure, you'll probably love it. I did. And I can't wait to go back.
So, final verdict: Should I stay atBudget Travel Destination
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