Uncover Bohol's Hidden Gem: Toter Rose Haven & Gift Shop!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep into the heart of Bohol's supposed "hidden gem," Toter Rose Haven & Gift Shop! Forget your polished travel brochures; this is the unvarnished truth, straight from the trenches (or, you know, the poolside bar).
SEO-Worthy Breakdown (Because the Algorithm Demands It!)
Let's get the boring bits out of the way first. We need to appease the Google Gods, right? So here's a rundown, keyword-loaded for your viewing pleasure:
Accessibility:
- Accessibility: Alright, let's get real. If you need a wheelchair-accessible wonderland, this might not be it. I'd suggest calling ahead and grilling them about specifics. They do have an elevator, which is a plus, but I didn't exactly see ramps everywhere. (Important Note: Always confirm accessibility details directly with the hotel before booking, especially if you have specific needs.)
- Facilities for disabled guests: Again, check directly. They mention it, but the devil's in the details.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: No specifics mentioned in the details provided.
Internet & Tech Stuff:
- Internet: Okay, good news! They've got Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi in all the rooms! Praise the internet gods!
- Internet [LAN]: LAN access is also in some rooms, if you're a die-hard wired kinda person.
- Internet services: The usual suspects, I presume.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep, you can Instagram your sunset cocktails by the pool without burning through your data.
- Internet access – wireless: (See Wi-Fi)
- Internet access – LAN: (See LAN)
- Laptop workspace: Nice to have.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
- Pool with view: Yes, and it's gorgeous. Seriously, the view from the pool? Chef's kiss. I spent, like, a solid hour just staring at the horizon.
- Swimming pool: Check! Pretty standard, but clean and inviting.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep.
- Spa: Yes, but I didn't personally experience it.
- Spa/sauna: See Spa.
- Massage: Available.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Offered.
- Sauna, Steamroom: Not mentioned in the list, which is a shame.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Supposedly they have a fitness center. I'm picturing a treadmill in a closet, honestly. I didn't investigate.
- Foot bath: Whoa. That's a new one. I'm intrigued!
- Things to do: Well, you're in Bohol! Chocolate Hills, tarsiers… the usual.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff!)
- Cleanliness and safety: They seem to be taking things seriously, which is a relief.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Sterilizing equipment: These are all good signs.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to know.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Fingers crossed they actually are.
- Hand sanitizer: Hopefully, they're plentiful.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup: They mention these.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Okay, that's good.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Essential.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Safety/security feature: All the usual suspects.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Good to know.
- Shared stationery removed: Yay for less germ-sharing!
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Good Stuff!)
- Restaurants: There are restaurants!
- Bar, Poolside bar: Drinks by the pool? Yes, please!
- Coffee shop, Coffee/tea in restaurant: Caffeine is essential.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast takeaway service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: They cater to breakfast needs.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant: A decent variety.
- Room service [24-hour]: Score! Late-night snacks in your PJs? Yes, please!
- Essential condiments: Hopefully, they have ketchup.
Services and Conveniences:
- Services and conveniences: The usual suspects.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: Essential in the tropics.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: For the business traveler or event planner.
- 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, Safety deposit boxes, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: A whole lot of stuff.
- Contactless check-in/out: Smart.
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you've got little ones.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They've got you covered.
Available in All Rooms: (Deep Breath…)
- Available in all rooms: A lot of stuff, let's go!
- Additional toilet: Okay, that's a luxury.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Standard amenities.
Now, the Real Review – With Feelings!
Okay, enough with the dry facts. Let's talk experience.
First impressions? The lobby was… fine. Clean, but not exactly "wow." It's not the kind of place where you gasp and think, "Oh, this is a hidden paradise!" It's more like, "Okay, this is…a lobby." The staff were friendly enough, though. That always helps.
The Pool: Where Dreams (and Cocktails) Are Made
Let's be honest, I spent most of my time by the pool. And honestly? It's worth the trip just for that. The view is spectacular. You're looking out over lush greenery and, eventually, the ocean. It's the kind of view that makes you forget about your to-do list and just…breathe.
And the pool itself? Clean, well-maintained, and with a swim-up bar! Now, that's living. The cocktails weren't amazing, mind you. But hey, it's Bohol, not the Ritz. They were cold, they had alcohol in them, and they were enjoyed poolside. That's all that matters. I'm still dreaming of the mango daiquiris.
The Food: A Mixed Bag (Like My Emotions)
The breakfast buffet… well, it was a buffet. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon, toast, some sad-looking fruit. Nothing to write home about, but it filled the hole. I did, however, have a truly delicious dinner at the restaurant one night. I ordered a grilled fish dish, and it was perfectly cooked, flaky, and flavorful. Seriously, one of
Crete's Hidden Gem: Thymes Traditional House - Unforgettable Island Escape
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unpredictable world of Toter Rose Haven and Gift Shop in Bohol, Philippines. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real deal. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough souvenir shopping to make your credit card weep.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir (and Maybe a Nap)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): ARRIVAL! Or, more accurately, a slightly panicked scramble out of the airport. Seriously, navigating Philippine airports is like a real-life version of Frogger. Found myself sweating buckets, convinced I'd lost my luggage (I hadn't, but the anxiety was REAL). Finally, made it to Toter Rose Haven, which is less "haven" and more "charming, slightly cluttered explosion of local crafts." First impression: "Okay, this place is… a lot." But in a good way, I think?
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Great Souvenir Hunt Begins! My mission: find the perfect trinket to represent my trip. I'm talking the kind of souvenir that makes your friends say, "Wow, that's…interesting." The shop is a delightful maze of woven baskets, wooden carvings, and enough shell necklaces to choke a mermaid. Spent a solid hour pawing through the shelves, feeling increasingly overwhelmed. Found a tiny, intricately carved wooden monkey that I almost bought, but then thought, "Do I really need another monkey?" (Spoiler alert: I probably do).
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grabbed some local fare from a nearby eatery. The food was… spicy! Like, "tears streaming down your face" spicy. But delicious! I learned the hard way that "mild" is a subjective term in the Philippines.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Nap time (essential travel lifehack). The heat and the spicy food knocked me out. Woke up feeling slightly less like a crumpled paper bag.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the shop! Refocused, determined. This time, I found it! A hand-painted ceramic rooster. It's gaudy, it's slightly cracked, and it's PERFECT. I haggled (badly), but I got it! Victory!
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and a sunset stroll. The sunset was breathtaking. The food was not quite as spicy. Overall: a win.
Day 2: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, and Existential Questions About Souvenir Overload
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Chocolate Hills! They're as amazing as the pictures suggest. Spent an hour just staring, marveling at nature's weirdness. Took a million photos, of course. (Guilty!)
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Tarsier Sanctuary. These tiny little primates are ridiculously cute. Like, "want to take them home and cuddle them" cute. But, of course, you can't. Learned a lot about conservation and felt a pang of guilt for all the plastic I've ever used.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): More local food. This time, I went for something "safe." (Still spicy, though, what is WRONG with me?)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to Toter Rose Haven. I know, I know, I said I was done shopping. But the siren song of the souvenirs called to me. I was weak. I bought a seashell wind chime. Now my apartment sounds like a beach.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Reflection and Regret. Sitting on the beach, sipping a cold drink, staring at my growing collection of souvenirs, I started to question my life choices. Did I really need a ceramic rooster and a seashell wind chime? Was I becoming the dreaded "souvenir hoarder"? The answer, sadly, was probably yes.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and a bonfire. The bonfire was lovely. The conversation was deep (or maybe it was just the rum talking). Felt a sense of peace, despite my souvenir-induced existential crisis.
Day 3: The River Cruise, the Boat, and the Emotional Fallout of Leaving
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): A scenic river cruise. This was exactly what I needed: a slow, lazy morning. The river was beautiful, the food was good, and I almost didn't think about souvenirs at all. Almost.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Back to Toter Rose Haven (AGAIN). This time, I was just browsing, I swear. But then I saw it. A hand-woven bag. It was the perfect size. It was the perfect color. I had to have it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): A quick bite before heading to the airport. The food was irrelevant. My mind was on the impending departure.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The airport. The goodbye. The realization that I was leaving this beautiful, chaotic place. The emotional rollercoaster hit me hard. I felt a mix of sadness, gratitude, and a strange sense of… accomplishment? I had survived. I had shopped. I had eaten spicy food. I had seen the Chocolate Hills. I had found my ceramic rooster.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The flight home. Staring out the window, reflecting on the trip. The souvenirs, the food, the people… it all felt like a dream. A slightly messy, slightly overwhelming, but ultimately wonderful dream.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Arrived home. Unpacked. Felt a pang of regret for not buying that wooden monkey, but then remembered the rooster. And the seashell wind chime. And the hand-woven bag. And smiled. This trip, in all its messy glory, was perfect.
Uncover Bohol's Hidden Gem: Toter Rose Haven & Gift Shop! - FAQ (and my unfiltered thoughts!)
Okay, so what *IS* Toter Rose Haven, exactly? Like, a gift shop…and…what else?
Alright, picture this: a cute, slightly ramshackle (in the best way!) little place tucked away in Bohol. It's *mostly* a gift shop. Think locally made crafts, souvenirs that aren't the usual plastic junk, and some seriously Instagrammable trinkets. But! Here's the kicker: it's more than just that. It's got this vibe, this… *soul*. Like, you feel welcomed the second you step inside. Maybe it's the smell of the ocean mingling with the scent of something baking (I swear, sometimes!). Maybe it's the owner, Ate Rose, who's like a walking ray of sunshine. I went once, and honestly, I didn't even *intend* to buy anything, just killing time. Ended up with a hand-painted coconut shell and a newfound appreciation for… well, everything. It's not polished, it's not perfect, but it's *real*.
Is it hard to find? I'm terrible with directions.
Okay, let's be honest. Finding Toter Rose Haven is a *little* bit of an adventure. I mean, if you're expecting a neon sign screaming "HERE I AM!", you're out of luck. It's part of the charm, though, right? You feel like you've stumbled upon a secret. My first time? Ugh. I ended up driving in circles for, like, an hour. Google Maps was… less than helpful. Finally, I just asked a local, a kid selling balut on the side of the road. He pointed me in the right direction, and I swear, he was grinning the whole time. He probably thought I was an idiot. So, download the map, ask a local, and *be prepared to get a little lost*. It's worth it, I promise! And, if you get completely and utterly lost, just find a *carinderia* and ask for directions. They're always friendly in Bohol.
What kind of gifts can I find there? Anything unique?
Unique? Oh, honey, you've come to the right place. Forget the generic keychains and the "I <3 Bohol" t-shirts (though, they might *also* have those, no judgement!). Think… hand-woven bags, beautiful seashell jewelry, locally made jams and honey (the honey is DIVINE!), and art from local artists. I saw this one painting, a sunset over the Chocolate Hills, and I almost cried because it was so gorgeous. Seriously, I almost bought it, but… well, let's just say my budget wasn't cooperating. And they often have little seasonal things, too. The last time I went, it was around Christmas and they had these handmade star ornaments. I bought, like, a dozen. I was so obsessed. So yeah, unique is an understatement. You'll find things you've *never* seen before, and that's the best part.
Is it expensive? I'm on a budget.
Okay, let's be real. "Expensive" is a relative term. It's not like you're going to find Gucci handbags or anything. The prices are reasonable, especially considering you're supporting local artisans. Some things are definitely pricier than others, like the larger art pieces. But you can find plenty of affordable goodies, too. I've gotten some amazing gifts there for under 500 pesos. And honestly, the quality is so much better than the mass-produced stuff you'd find elsewhere. Think of it this way: you're not just buying a souvenir, you're investing in something special, something with a story. Plus, remember, you can always haggle a little (politely, of course!). Ate Rose is usually pretty flexible. Just don't be a jerk about it.
Do they accept credit cards?
This is where things get… interesting. I'm pretty sure they *mostly* take cash. Maybe, *maybe* they have a card reader. But honestly? Don't rely on it. Bring cash. Lots of it. Trust me. You don't want to get there, find the perfect something-or-other, and then realize you're stuck because you only have a credit card. Been there, done that. It's a crushing feeling. So, cash is king (or queen, in this case!). Hit up an ATM before you go. You'll thank me later. And if you *do* manage to pay with a card, let me know! I'd be fascinated.
Is there anything else I should know before I go?
Okay, a few things. First, go with an open mind and a sense of adventure. This isn't a sterile, corporate experience. It's raw, real, and full of heart. Second, be prepared to chat with Ate Rose. She's a character, and she loves to talk. Ask her about the artists, the crafts, the stories behind the items. She's a wealth of knowledge and she's genuinely passionate about what she does. Third, and this is IMPORTANT: bring a tote bag! You're going to buy stuff. A lot of stuff. Finally, be patient. Sometimes, things aren't always readily available. Sometimes, you might have to wait. But trust me, it's worth it. Oh, and one more thing: go hungry. Because, you never know, she might offer you something delicious to eat!
What was your *best* experience there? Tell me EVERYTHING!
Okay, buckle up, because this is a story. It was a rainy afternoon, the kind where the sky just weeps, and I was wandering around, lost and feeling a bit sorry for myself. I finally stumbled upon Toter Rose Haven, soaked to the bone and grumpy. I went inside, and it was like walking into a warm hug. Ate Rose was there, of course, beaming at me. She offered me a cup of hot *tsokolate* – the real, thick, frothy kind. And then, she started telling me stories. Stories about the local artists, their struggles, their triumphs. She showed me this one particular painting, a vibrant depiction of the sea, and it had this story behind it. The artist had lost his entire family in a typhoon, and painting was his way of healing. I actually started crying! I'm not usually the emotional type, but the atmosphere, the rain outside, the *tsokolate*, everything just hit me. I ended up buying the painting (yes, the expensive one!) because I felt this connection to the artist, to the place, to the whole damn island. Ate Rose then told me I reminded her of her favourite granddaughter, and she gave me a small, hand-carved wooden bird as a gift. It's still on my desk. It reminds me of that day, of the kindnessBest Hotels Blog
