My exploration in South Farm Panglao, Bohol, filled my inner soul with happiness as I got to connect with another amazing living organism here on earth. Birds eating on my palm was like going on a massage healing your worries and fears. Letting the rabbit and hamster eat their favorite food was like making your stomach full. Seeing a real tortoise was like discovering a new perspective in life.
Rain drizzled in our journey; however, it did not stop us from savoring the moment, all because the owner of the tourist attraction served readiness for the visitors, providing us umbrellas. There were lots of tourists falling in line in the reception, and so we waited for about half an hour before our turn. While waiting, we shared the potato chips and banana chips given.
After the short wait, we then headed to the trail of venturing the entire farm. First, we stopped by at the bird's flying pen.
The farmers allowed us to enter inside the pen, and that gave us the biggest smile with lots of excitement as we had carefully opened the double door for the birds not to escape. I thought we could catch them easily with our bare hands. However, it was difficult. Luckily, the farmer arrived and gave us their food. Putting a pinch of feed in our hand, they automatically flew and landed in our hands.
It was my first time letting the birds land on my palm, and I was over the moon during that time. How I wish I could bring them home and raise them. However, they badly needed ample space with a flock of them so that they could live longer, so it could be difficult for me to raise them as I lack resources. All of us in the pen were having a good time with the colorful parakeets because it was our premiere experience interacting with these lovely flying creatures.
More foreigners were coming, so we did not hold too long in the bird's area and went to the next shed of hamsters. Hamsters looked like rabbits too; however, they differ in many ways.
In a little walk, there could we find the hutch—the home of rabbits. Rabbits in the place were so cute. There were big and small. There were white, black, and even gray. I wanted to try holding them, but there were lots of farm guards only allowing us to feed them with leaves.
Other rabbits wanted to be with people. Maybe they just felt hungry on the rainy day? While others just preferred staying inside their holes/cages. But I was lucky with this one with pure white fur. I had the chance to tame him with my food on hand. However, looking closely into its red eyes quitely scared me. As I googled the reason why, it has varied answers. Maybe, if time permits again, I could ask the farmers in Bohol the real reason why.
I was also like the kids having so much fun with their hops and the way they chew their food. I could also reflect how I carefully chew food like them. HAHA.
After playing with the rabbits, we walked by a little slope of a vegetable garden, and after which we reached the two ponds of Koi Fish. They were divided into two areas, and we were amazed by their gasps as we sprinkled them with fish food.
A few walks from the Koi's, a great view lay before our eyes—the green scenery walkways. Even though the drizzle continues, my niece and I had the quickest snap in the area, taking our umbrellas off to make it more surreal.
Then, I asked my older sister's family to have a selfie before the kids ran out of good mood.
From Koi, another reptile creature waited for us—an African-spurred tortoise. My nephew wanted a picture with it, and so I did.
Nevertheless, I also wanted to take a selfie with it because it was really my first time seeing it—an endangered species that was fostered and raised by people.
So, we just proceeded to the duck's hut and turkey's coop. Their triangular wooden cages were eye-catching for the tourists but definitely a good place for these flocks to rest and to lay their eggs.
Across pens, there were planted fodders. Not just that, there were also beautiful flowering trees like this with the red color.
We also got the chance to witness this guinea pig family with their organic sleeping floor of rice hull...
...with its rocky exterior appearance, which made it look native but classy.
Large goats of various breeds were separated in their small village. We also had the chance to feed and touch them. The kids were having fun again.
Next, another four-legged animal awaited us—the herd of sheep in their respective pen. A horse was also near in the area; however, we failed to ride because it was rainy and the cowboy was afraid of unexpected accident due to the bad weather.
From the land animals, we walked two more minutes in a little bit downhill area, and this view can be seen—a lake with ducks. It was so refreshing to witness the area.
Yet, we still had the opportunity to have a picture here even though my nephew already ran out of energy. We were very lucky to have stepped on the designed raft for seconds, capturing the serene gift of nature as our background.
From the raft, side by side, you can also see the huts where we can eat and unwind with our family and friends. Restaurants are across the lake where you can pick fresh fish, shrimp, and crabs and let them cook if you like.
At the end of the aMAZEng adventure, a recycled view of the place's name is painted-SOUTHFARM.
All in all, visiting the place was never a waste of time. It is full of new things different from the other tourist destinations. It is full of life and interesting stories. It is worry-healing and memory-maker. South Farm, Bohol is definitely heartwarming.
