There are a number of fun things you can do when at Alona Beach such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to do something new and different from the rest of the crowd, I recommend eating fresh, raw sea urchins. Maybe that doesn’t sound fun and appealing to most of you. But if it’s something you haven’t done before… Never say never.
You can get them from an itinerant seafood vendor who usually goes around the beachfront late in the afternoons. If he’s nowhere in sight, you can ask other vendors where to locate him.
Sea urchins are round and spiny ocean creatures that feast on seaweed and other marine plants.
To eat them, they must be carefully cracked open, have the insides cleaned and its roe scooped out.
The sea urchin roe, also known as “uni”, is edible gold from the ocean. It has a rich, creamy, buttery texture with a unique sweet and briny flavor. Packed with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and zinc, it’s a very healthy treat to have. The best way to eat them is to eat them raw. However, if you’re a little squeamish when it comes to raw food, just have them grilled. There are seafood vendors at night who can grill sea urchins for you at a minimal cost.
EXPENSES
Sea urchins – 20 PHP for 1 piece*
Grill – 100 PHP for 1 pail of sea urchins
*The vendor gave an irresistible deal after sunset. He offered the whole bucket of sea urchins for only 200 PHP.
Read about my solo trip to Alona Beach here
Budget hostel of choice in Panglao here
Bohol Travel Guide here